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Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.

City Manager’s Report 

Mr. Young welcomed Mayor and Council back to City Hall. He reminded those in attendance that September is Suicide Prevention Month and shared 988 as the national hotline for crisis and encouraged residents in need to utilize the hotline. There will be a proclamation for Suicide Prevention Month during the upcoming Council Meeting on September 13. 

Mr. Young informed Council that a new restaurant named GrillMarx will be opening at The Hotel in the  space formerly occupied by The Maryland Grill. The grand opening will be this fall, and they are looking for staff.  According to Mr. Young, the City has been working on the ShopCollegePark.org website which will be called College Park Life. The website focuses on business and activities within the city. He recognized the group Students United Against Sweatshops who advocate for a $15 minimum wage. Mr. Young indicated Façade grants are still available for City businesses. He announced that the City, University of Maryland, and the city of Riverdale Park received official notice that we have been approved for the RISE Zone. Mr. Young concluded with congratulations to Janeen Miller for completing her certification as a Certified elections/Registration Administrator. 

Amendments to the Agenda

Councilmember Whitney asked for minutes to be pulled for the consent agenda to correct a dollar amount error. 

Enter into Closed Session: Pursuant to the statutory authority of the General Provisions Art. § 3-305(b) 4): To consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. 

Return to Open Session:  Special Session – Proposed Consent     

• 22-R-10 Resolution Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Adopting The Recommendation Of The Advisory Planning Commission Regarding Variance Application Number CPV-2022-03, 5004 Navahoe Street, College Park, Maryland, And Granting A 2-Foot Front Yard Setback Variance For A Porch, A 9.3-Foot Street Side Yard Setback Variance For A Carport, And A 12-Foot Street Side Yard Setback For An Accessory Structure  – Terry Schum, Director of Planning  Appeal Period Ended September 3, 2022  
• 22-G-116 Consideration of a letter to the U.S. General Services Administration in support of the FBI headquarters relocation to Greenbelt – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager   
• 22-G-117 Consideration of contract subject to the City Attorney’s approval for the Curbside Food Scrap Composting program to Agricity, LLC of Washington, DC in an amount not to exceed $80,000 for the first year, with two one-year options, and authorization for the City Manager to sign the contract – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works   
• 22-G-119 Consideration of a letter to The Honorable James F. Ports, Jr., Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation, regarding delays on US 1 construction between College Ave and MD 193  22-G-120  Consideration of two letters of support to The Honorable Pete Buttigieg, Secretary, US Dept of Transportation, for the Prince George’s County DPW&T grant applications for:  1) “Protecting and Connecting Communities Bridge Preservation Project,” and 2) “Multimodal Safety Improvements Along The High Injury Network in Prince George’s County” – Terry Schum, Director of Planning

Councilmember Whitney put forward an amended version of the minutes from the August 3, 2022 work session, which incorrectly stated that Senator Cardin had earmarked $25 million for the Community Housing Trust. A decimal point was inadvertently left out of that figure, which should have been $2.5 million. 22-G-121 Approval of minutes from the August 3, 2022, Work session, and amended minutes for June 21, 2022 passed unanimously as amended.

Presentation 

Discussion with the College Park Housing Authority and Executive Director on use of the ARPA funds the City set aside. Guests: Michelle Johnson, Executive Director, CPHA; Arelis Pérez, Chair, College Park Housing Authority; Robert Catlin, Housing Authority Commissioner. 

Mayor Wojahn provided context for the presentation and shared that the City set aside one million dollars for Attick Towers to use for renovation and repair. The City seeks to explore what has occurred with the building. According to Ms. Johnson’s presentation, there is an application for Obsolescence to HUD and numerous repairs to be made to the building. Ms. Johnson indicated the College Park Housing Authority (CPHA), which is separate from the City, has one building, Attick Towers. CPHA is currently going through re-positioning to either rebuild or repair. Through the analysis being done by HUD – the building has been assessed. and at this point HUD’s estimate was that it would cost around $18 million to construct a building comparable to Attick Towers, and HUD-approved contractors found the current total of estimated repairs to be 80.6% of the amount (over $15 million). If the cost to repair a building exceeds 65% of HUD’s estimate to replace it, the building meets HUD’s requirements for “obsolescence.” Ms. Johnson stated that HUD-declared obsolescence does not mean the building must be torn down, it can mean significant renovation, which she said is the Housing Authority’s intent. She said meeting the threshold of obsolescence gives the applicant access to more federal funding to finance the work. 

Ms. Johnson identified plumbing, repair of the cooling towers and security as major issues at Attic Towers. Work has been done to remedy the plumbing issues at Attick Tower, but the pipes are well beyond their life span. Since 2016, Attick Towers has spent in excess of $292,000 in repair costs. She said the cooling tower was damaged during the July 12^th storm, and the HVAC contractor recommended replacing  the tower at a cost of over $78,000. She also indicated a need for smoke detectors to be replaced in twelve common areas that would cost $15,000.

Councilmember Adams asked how HUD estimates total development costs.  Ms. Johnson said it is based on HUD’s estimate as to how much it would cost today to build a 108-unit, 8-story apartment building like Attick Towers. 

Councilmember Mitchell asked if Ms. Johnson could contact the City once the application can be submitted. She indicated she would do so. 

Councilmember Riggs asked why there is a need to replace systems withing the building from 1968 as he compared his home with systems that were much older. Ms. Johnson indicated he was comparing apples to oranges given that his single-family house did not have the same wear and tear as Attick Towers. 

When discussing security issues, Ms. Johnson indicated the main reason for service calls were related to dumping, the use of the parking lot for prostitution, and the use of drugs in the parking lot after hours. She went on to share Attick Towers is in need of security camera and fence repairs, all of which total $43,000. 

Ms. Johnson informed Council that the summary of total cost to make the repair mentioned totaled $934,000.06. She added that Attick Towers may need mold/asbestos remediation and indicated a total cost of $13,000 to remove trees after the microburst on July 12, 2022. 

When asked about the timeline for the application for obsolescence, Ms. Johnson shared the application process occurs 60 to 90 days after environmental is done. However, she does not know how long it will take for a decision to be made after filing the application. When asked about the total cost to rehabilitate Attick Towers, Ms. Johnson indicated the cost would be over $15 million. 

Discussion with the College Park Airport Authority on Tailwind Air proposal for commuter air service between New York and College Park Airport Guests: Lee Sommer (by Zoom), Airport Manager, David Dorsch, Chair College Park Airport Authority, and members of the committee 

Mr. Dorsch informed Mayor and Council about the proposed pilot program for non-stop flights from College Park to New York. Tailwinds Air would utilize Cessna 208 EX Caravan for the four flights per day offered Monday through Friday. The planes would accommodate eight passengers per flight. Mr. Dorsch added, if the program were successful the College Park Airport Authority would review the MNCPPC Operating Rules and Regulations for the College Park Airport. 

Councilmember Kabir asked about the history of the airport. Specifically, he asked about the frequency of the flights and the concerns from some residents about noise. According to Mr. Dorsch, in the past there were typically 20-30 daily flights from the Airport, but that number has fallen considerably. He indicated that there is more noise coming from helicopters rather than planes. 

Councilmember Esters asked about any restrictions that may be in place as it relates to the time of these flights. She mentioned concern should these flights be shown to be successful and increase. She asked if ever there is discussion of increasing the flights that there be a discussion and consideration of the surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Dorsch indicated that much of the noise comes from the helicopters. Councilmember Mitchell reiterated concern about noise and asked whether the use of the Bowie Airport was considered. Mr. Dorsch explained that the Bowie Airport was closing. Councilmember Whitney thanked Mr. Dorsch and the Authority for their service on a highly technical committee. She said their expertise is very valuable to the Council and Mayor, as it looks to the Authority to liaise with the airport and keep Council informed of any significant changes to operations. She asked that they inform Council of any changes that might impact number of flights or any efforts to increase fuel sales. 

Mr. Dorsch asked about the change of language in the charter and was informed it could not be changed during the meeting. Updated language would need to be provided and the change would need to go through the proper channels. Mr. Dorsch also asked about funding for refinishing furniture at the airport and was told to reach out to the City Manager.

Commentary:  Since the presentation to College Park City Council we have learned that the pilot/trial program is to start from Dulles International Airport, rather than College Park Airport.  However, they have not ruled out the use of College Park Airport in the future.  More to come…  

Presentation on 60% design plans for Duvall Field – Terry Schum, Director of Planning 

Due to limited time, this item was removed from the work session agenda and will be placed on the September 13 meeting agenda. 

Review of Detailed Site Plan DSP- 21024, EcoGrads – Terry Schum, Director of Planning 

This plan has been continued from September 13 to September 29. Park and Planning has requested more information on the parking issue. Mark Tedesco, attorney for the developer, introduced the presentation. According to the Mr. Tedesco, the team is mostly in agreement with staff conditions. He discussed what he described as the progression of the project. He shared that the developer, Mark Manzo, came up with a creative green screening to obscure the solar rooftop solar and ensure that the roof line matches nicely with green canopy of existing community to the east. . No longer is he seeking to provide graduate students housing, they are now studio units that may be geared toward graduate students and young professionals. Due to cost and other constraints, there will be one parking level below ground (reduced from the 2 originally proposed) and one above ground for a total of 60 spaces. In addition, forty-nine spaces will be leased from the Cambria Hotel. They were asked by Park and Planning to do a parking assessment. They conducted a study of the Cambria Hotel parking garage on August 31 in order to gather peak parking demands, and the study showed the garage to be under-utilized. 

Councilmember Esters asked about the price point per unit and the size of each unit. Mr. Manzo indicated that the units would be between 550-650 square feet. He said the market rate is $1,450 per person, per month, and said they hoped, but could not commit to, undercutting that by 5-10% . He believed there will be 2-3 individuals in each unit, which would be furnished, some with murphy beds. He estimated the monthly cost of a unit would be $2,700. 

Councilmember Esters expressed her disappointment to hear that the developer would no longer offer the shuttle and asked about the alternative carpool app to be offered. She was confused and thought carpool app meant individuals living in the building would carpool. Mr. Manzo confirmed that was indeed the objective with the app. 

Mr. Rigg indicated that he did not understand how this project would be attractive to grad students, saying the model goes counter to that. He’s not sure it would attract grad students or young professionals. Mr. Rigg asked how the retail space would be structured. He also asked where dogs  would to go relieve themselves. 

Councilmember Adams asked if residents would obtain neighborhood street level parking. Ms. Schum indicated that building residents do not normally obtain neighborhood street level parking. 

Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney, spoke to the developer about the declaration of covenants. She asked specifically for the agreement with Cambria and how he would maintain 5%-10% below market rate. Mr. Manzo indicated he could not guarantee maintaining 5%-10% below market rate.  

Councilmember Mackie liked the fact that the apartments will be furnished, saying that will reduce the amount of furniture going into the landfill during move-out.

Councilmember Whitney, too, was excited about furnished apartments but expressed concern about the lack of permanent agreement regarding overflow parking. She said she would have issue signing on to the project if that were not addressed. She also mentioned the idea of an art gallery in one of the two retail spaces and wondered if that couldn’t be combined with the café concept, leaving the other as a much-needed small retail space on Route One. 

Councilmember Mitchell expressed her agreement with Council representatives from district two and shared concern about the safety associated with the possibility of overflow parking at The Hotel. 

Councilmember Adams added to the discussion and asked the developers to understand there will be a costs to the City associated with parking is they do not consider this further. He asked them to consider a fee in lieu. 

Councilmember Kabir asked for the developer to reconsider the shuttle and suggested there may be an opportunity for a cheaper option in the future.

Preliminary Plan of Subdivision 4-22007, 9113 Baltimore Avenue, RST Development. Possible Special Session:  Item 22-G-118 Terry Schum, Director of Planning 

Miriam Bader, Senior Planner, provided a presentation of the proposed development. Mr. Haller, attorney for the developer, indicated that the project incorporates elements of the sector plans. He indicated meetings have been held with staff and community to discuss the project and have informed the project. The proposed project will do away with the older hotels and provide quality affordable housing in the city. The developer, Mr. Copeland, is a graduate of University of Maryland who continues to be drawn back to the College Park. Development of affordable housing has been a family business. They have done a development in Silver Spring and most recently in Rockville (Project Mainstreet, which focuses on inclusive affordable housing). His overall goal is to build community. The project will be funded by state low-income tax credits, and it requires a long-term commitment from the developer. The units will serve households that are 60% of AMI. The developer is working with Meals on Wheels and would like to provide them a 3500 sq ft space in the building. The building will include 318 units – with one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. Although the developer will not do day-to-day management, they will oversee the operations to ensure proper management. 

Councilmember Kabir indicated this was the first time during his decade on Council that he has spoken so highly of the developer and their community work. He was pleasantly surprised the developer agreed to provide space to Meals on Wheels for $1/month. 

Councilmember Kabir spoke of the involved application process for the low-income tax credit and asked about the developer’s familiarity with the process. The developer is familiar and confident about the process which they have been through many times. They are asking for a 4% tax credit. 

Councilmember Kabir asked about the acquisition of the property on 48^th Ave. The developer indicated the property is part of the agreement with the seller. 

Councilmember Kabir asked about the possibility of doing a shuttle. In candor, Mr. Copeland spoke of his inability to commit to such an agreement given that the property is affordable. From an expense standpoint, it is not available to them. However, he would be open to considering options for a shuttle he would not be solely responsible for providing. 

 Councilmember Esters expressed her excitement for the redevelopment of the space and the developer’s commitment to providing affordable housing. 

Councilmember Whitney asked the developer to provide a timeline for the project. Mr. Copeland indicated he expected to sign a contract and begin construction in April of 2023 with the expectation of completing the project in 18-20 months. 

Councilmember Mackie asked about the number of parking spaces that would be in the parking garage. Mr. Copeland said they are seeking a variance to provide 359 spaces, more than what is allowed by the Route One Sector Plan. 

Introduction of Ordinance 22-O-08, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park authorizing the acquisition of certain property located at 5100 Roanoke Place, College Park, Maryland, and approval of the terms of the contract of sale – Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney (20) 

Councilmember Mackie asked if there were a proposed use for the property, and Ms. Schum said that the intent is to work with the community to determine what it deems acceptable. 

In a Special Session, Council unanimously approved introducing Ordinance 22-O-08. The Public Hearing date is scheduled for September 27. 

Requests for/Status of Future Agenda Items Mayor and Council – No requests for future agenda items. 

Mayor and Councilmember Comments Mayor and Council 

Councilmember Adams announced the meeting of the Calvert Hills Civic Association (CHCA) to be held on Wednesday, September 7^th.

Councilmember Kennedy announced the meeting of the North College Park Civic Association (NCPCA) NCPA on Thursday, September 8^th. 

Councilmember Esters announced the meeting of the Lakeland Civic Association (LCA) on Thursday, September 8^th. 

Councilmember Riggs indicated that the Afghan refugees need uniforms for school, and he is collecting donations.

Mayor Wojahn cheered on Hyattsville native and Junior Tennis Champion Center alum Frances Tiafoe at the US Open.

City Manager’s Comments – Mr. Young said good night to residents and Mayor and Council. 

Meeting Adjourned

Click here to see the work session agenda for September 6 , 2022
Click here to view the Mayor and Council Work Session held on September 6, 2002
Click here to access the Mayor and Council Meeting agenda scheduled for September 13, 2022