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

Haga clic aquí para leer esta publicacion en español.

Click here to find the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on October 24, 2023. By going to this link, you are able to watch the discussion of specific agenda items you are interested in. If you have questions about Council actions and discussions, please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov.

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

23-R-14 moved from action to work session discussion with possible action 

23-O-08 moved from Consent to work session.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS 

Aubrey Batton, resident, supports increased taxes for blighted and vacant properties, saying it would likely make housing more affordable in the city and would need to be set aggressively high. 

Mr. Biffle, non-resident, said reconsidering Lakeland’s historic designation would burden the community, saying Council should hear from the Lakeland Civic Association (LCA) and that the letter would benefit from the input from the planning department.   

Councilmember Mitchell responded to Mr. Biffle by saying if we can provide historic designation to Old Town, we should be able to reconsider it for Lakeland. Councilmember Whitney informed Mr. Biffle that criteria for historic designation had changed to consider the history of a community and its people and that LCA & Lakeland Community Heritage Project had been involved. Councilmember Esters added that the historic designation would help to preserve the rich history of the Lakeland Community that was a major hub for African Americans in the region.  

Jacob Hernandez, resident, said he thinks it is an overreach to stop residents from fixing their vehicles on their property.  

CONSENT 

23-G-160 Approval of a letter to M-NCPPC requesting they reassess Lakeland for historic designation – Kayla Carter, Racial Equity Officer

23-G-161 Approval of address corrections at and around Holy Redeemer Church – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Jacob Vassalotti, GIS Specialist

Motion to adopt the consent agenda by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Adams 

PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ORDINANCE 23-O-09:

ACTION ITEMS

23-G-162 Adoption of the recommendation of the Advisory Planning Commission to grant the request for an exemption from the Prohibited Vehicles ordinance for a motorcycle trailer to park on the street at 9727 Wichita Avenue – Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager

Mr. Miller led the discussion and gave an overview of the review process. The City Attorney met with Miller and Bob Ryan to discuss the ordinance regarding large vehicles, which previously passed without including trailers. APC unanimously approved the request. 

Councilmember Hew made a motion, seconded by Council Kennedy. 

Councilmember Adams – abstained saying he felt that an abstain vote best captured his opinion.  23-O-08 Ratification of Amended Ordinance 23-O-08, Amending Chapter 175, Taxation, to authorize the Mayor and Council to approve a tax credit for elderly individuals – Stephanie P. Anderson, City Attorney.

City Attorney Stephanie Anderson said Council adopted amendments at last week’s meeting, and Council needs to vote on adopting the amended ordinance tonight. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said the county has processed 40,000 requests and is happy to see us move this ordinance forward. Mitchell made the motion, which was seconded by Adams, then unanimously approved.  

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS 

23-R-14 Approval of amendment to the City’s New Neighbors Homeownership Grant program to increase the grant to law enforcement officers- Miriam Bader, Director of Planning. 

Ms. Bader led the discussion about increasing the grant amount for law enforcement to help mitigate the shortage of police officers across local departments.  

Councilmember Whitney said once we have our short-term rental ordinance in place, it would preclude anyone who uses the grant from using their property for a short-term rental. City attorney Anderson, agreed with the assessment but had not had the opportunity to consider alternate language. 

Councilmember Adams – would like to update the website with the updated information for the grant.   

Councilmember Rigg moved to amend the ordinance to include firefighters and EMTs in the increase, seconded by Councilmember Esters.

Rigg specified firefighters should be active and operational members to be eligible. 

One resident asked for teachers to be included in the consideration for the grant Another resident stating his opposition due to a lack of transparency. He said information on the website should be updated and that downpayment assistance would not fix the shortage of local officers, saying the city should consider having its own police department or merging with a nearby force.  

Three UMD students spoke to Council in opposition of the grant increase, saying it would not meet the goal of crime reduction, which would be better addressed through programs such as job retraining and increased mental health services that bolster the community. They said students feel that PGPC and UMPD are useless and ineffective, citing a study that found that increasing officers would not help the issue of crime.

Finally, they argued that increased police presence negatively impacts the mental health of low-income residents and students and that giving more money to police prevents others from benefiting from the program. 

Councilmembers thanked the students for testifying and agreed that community policing and increased mental health resources are important. There was a mention of police presence as a crime deterrent, and the fact that the actual program has been around for a while. Students were encouraged to communicate with the members of the UMD Police and told that their concerns were heard.  

Councilmember Adams moved that the amounts be increased from Whitney made an amendment to move increases from $5000 to $15,000 for the purchase of any home for qualified participants and from $10,000 to $20,000 for the purchase of a previous rental, neighborhoods dominated by rentals, etc., incorporating language from Rigg about defining eligible firefighters and EMTs.

Councilmember Whitney suggested Council consider an increase of $5,000 to $10,000 for home purchased by a qualified buyer and $10,000 to $15,000 for the purchase of a previous rental.

A roll call vote on Adams’ motion was called with Councilmembers Hew, Kennedy, Adams, Rigg and Mackie and MPT Mitchell voting “yes” and Esters and Whitney voting “no”

Councilmember Riggs suggested clarifying the language about volunteer firefighter eligibility to say recipients should be LOSAP eligible

Whitney made an amendment to move increases from $5000 to $10,000 for the purchase of any home for qualified participants and from $10,000 to $15,000 for the purchase of a previous rental and was seconded by Esters. MPT Mitchell suggested the item be tabled.

Another roll call vote was called, with Esters, Whitney and Adams voting “yes”, Hew, Kennedy, Rigg, and Mitchell voting “no”, and Mackie abstaining because she found the amendment acceptable but believed Council had already voted on the amounts. The amendment failed.

A roll call vote on the underlying amendment was called, and it passed with a 7 to 1 vote with Whitney being the “no.”

A. Quarterly Financial Presentation – Gary Fields, Director of Finance

Mr. Field provided an overview of the current status of the City budget.  On both the revenue and expenditure sides, we are on par. Mayor and Council budget is at 30% due to the City’s CPCUP contribution, and Information Tech is at 33% due to advanced payment of contracts.  

B. Discussion of a different tax rate on vacant and blighted property – Gary Fields, Director of Finance

Mr. Field said this is the third time the item has come back to Council for discussion. He added this is not a revenue generating action, it is meant to compel owners to maintain properties. He thought fines were better than taxes, but the fines are relatively small.  There is big money involved in this initiative.  There are places where it works and others where it is not.

Council discussed using the funds collected to support things we want to see happen in the City (e.g., Business Retention), clearly defining blighted and vacant properties, creating an inventory, identifying a taskforce to work on the proposed initiative, and having an economic development consultant provide suggestions on moving forward.  

C. Discussion of regulations prohibiting residents from providing vehicle repair services in residentially zoned neighborhoods – Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services

Mr. Ryan said residents throughout the city are running car repair shops out of their homes and working on residential streets. There are often invalid tags on these cars. Once tags are off the vehicles they can be towed. He sought guidance from the Council.  

The council discussed the need to clearly define car repair to avoid penalizing owners doing small scale repairs on their own vehicles. Staff will work with City attorney and bring a draft ordinance to the council.

D. Quarterly Strategic Plan Presentation – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

Mr. Gardiner said the City’s strategic plan is built on 5-year Objectives and Key Results (OKR), annual OKRs, and quarterly OKRs. There are 34 OKRs across departments. Click here to review the quarterly report.

There was a question about how the city will focus on internal issues related to equity and inclusion if the equity officer is primarily focused on the work of the Restorative justice Commission. The City Manager acknowledged the importance of internal work, and indicated the fix may require additional staff.  The focus has been on making sure the Restorative Justice Commission has what it needs.  

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

• Economic development – looking at business retention fund and offering small business loans/revolving loan fund. 
• Budget- Senior and social sports grant program 
• A full vetting of the New Neighbors home ownership grant program 
• Emergency Preparedness – creating our own EOC

ADJOURN

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on November 7, 2023 when it is available. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions that may interest District 2 residents. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need accommodations to participate in a meeting, including language translation:

• Presentation on the Economic Development 5-year Strategic Plan – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development and HR&A, Consultant
• VeoRide discussion – Erik Valentine, Community Development Planner
• Proposed Consent: Approval of a three-year salt utilization agreement between the State Highway Administration of the Maryland Department of Transportation and the City of College Park, Maryland – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works

Early Voting is this Thursday, November 2 at City Hall,  All voters regardless of district may vote at 7401 Baltimore Avenue, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Election Day is Sunday, November 5, at the College Park Community Center.  All voters regardless of district may vote at the Community Center on Election Day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WSSC will be repairing a water main and storm drain at James Adams Park along the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail Tuesday, October 24. There may be temporary detours in place for pedestrians and bicyclists. Please use caution in the work zone. 

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

Haga clic aquí para leer esta publicacion en español.

Click here to find the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on October 17, 2023. By going to this link, you are able to watch the discussion of specific agenda items you are interested in. If you have questions about Council actions and discussions, please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov.

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Motion by Councilmember Esters to add to Consent a letter recognizing Embry AME Church for their 120^th Anniversary, seconded by Councilmember Whitney

Motion by Councilmember Whitney to add to Consent a letter to support grant funding from the Pepsi Foundation for Terps for Bike Lanes, seconded by Councilmember Esters

CONSENT AGENDA    

23-G-156 Approval of minutes from the October 3, 2023, meeting.   

23-G-158 Letter to support grant funding from the Pepsi Foundation to Terps for Bike Lanes 

23-G-159 Letter recognizing 120^th Anniversary of Embry AME Church 

Motion to approve Consent Agenda by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Mackie. 

PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ORDINANCE 23-O-09:  A. Ordinance 23-O-09, An Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park, Amending Chapter 144 “Occupancy Permits”, § 144-1 Statement Of Policy,  §144-2 Definitions, §144-3 Occupancy Permits Required, §144-7 Revocation; Reinstatement; Renumbering And Amending §144-8, Violations And Penalties;  Enacting §144-8 Challenge To Affirmations, §144-9 Short Term Rental Licenses; Host Requirements, §144-10 Incorporation Of County Code Requirements, And Amending Chapter 110, Fees And Penalties, §110-2, Penalties, To Regulate Short-Term Rentals And Require A Short-Term Rental License, Adopt Definitions, Authorize A Challenge To The Application For A Short-Term Rental License By Certain Persons And Entities, Require Short-Term Rental Host Platforms To Require Any Short-Term Rental Host In The City To Submit A Copy Of The Host’s City Rental License To The Platform, Prior To The Rental Being Listed On The Platform, And To Set Fines For Violation.  

Mr. Ryan provided a brief overview of the item.  He explained that inspections and a collection of fees would be done prior to the issuance of permits. The City’s ordinance is slightly more restrictive than the County’s in that residents within 300 ft of the property would have the opportunity to give comment about an application and anyone within 300 ft of the property must be given notice by the host that they are filing an application.  They can file a challenge to ensure compliance.  If there isn’t compliance, the permit will not be granted. Unlike the County ordinance, the short-term rental platform does not need to register with the City.

As it relates to the size of rooms versus number of renters, Chapter 125 still applies.  

Hosts who already have a permit from the County will still need to apply for one from the City.   

The County will be working to update their application for permits, which may require us to update our application if there are substantive changes. Suellen Ferguson suggested that any changes at the county level should be reviewed, and the City should make changes to their ordinance before adopting.   

Parking provisions will depend upon the location of the property.  Parking restrictions will apply in areas where there is permitted parking.  Ms. Ferguson said one space would be required for up to 3 tenants at one time.  

There was a question about the number of short-term rental properties that currently exist in the city, and Mr. Ryan said that only 2 or 3 are registered with the County.  

Ms. Ferguson mentioned the adjustments made to the ordinance, including permit requirements, notice to neighbors, challenges to applications, and the removal of the specific reference to the COVID-19. 

In response to a question about how the reference to nuisance in the ordinance relates to the City’s existing code, Mr. Ryan said the purpose of nuisance in this ordinance relates to permit issuance.  If there is a nuisance a violation would be noted. Ms. Ferguson said once a violation has been identified a grace period would be given because compliance is the objective before citing.  

Mark Shroder, College Park resident and former city councilmember – expressed concern that there is a hole in the ordinance.  As a member of the Noise Control Board, he understands what happens with long-term rentals.  It is hard to hold the owner in violation with a long-term rental unless it can be proven that the owner knew there was an issue. He said Council needs to fill that hole as it relates to noise violations in short-term rentals.  

Kristen Souza, non-College Park resident – asked Council to oppose the ordinance because it is restrictive. Hosts who rent out their homes can supplement the cost of mortgage. Guests add to the local economy. If passed, this ordinance be the most restrictive in the state of Maryland.  

Motion made by Councilmember Rigg, seconded by Councilmember Adams.  

Councilmember Rigg said the ordinance makes clear to short-term platforms that the city does have a stake. The provisions of the ordinance allow for the host to be held responsible for nuisance.

ACTION ITEMS    

23-O-08 Consideration of Ordinance 23-O-08, An Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park, Amending Chapter 175 “Taxation”, By Enacting Article V,  “Property Tax Credit For Elderly Individuals”,  §175-14 “Establishment Of Tax Credit”,   §175-15, “Eligibility”, §175-16, “Amount And Duration Of Credit”, §175-17, “Application For The Tax Credit,  And §175-18, “Effective Date Of The Tax Credit” To Authorize The Mayor And Council To Approve A  Tax Credit For Elderly Individuals And To Provide The Extent, Duration, And Eligibility Requirements For The Credit As Authorized By §9-258 Of The Taxation-Property Article, Annotated Code Of Maryland.    The Public Hearing was held on October 10, 2023.   Motion By:  To:  2nd:  Yes: No:  Abstain:  

Mr. Gary Fields gave a brief overview and said that allowing eligibility requirements to remain the same as the county would help to avoid administrative burden. He also said we do not know how many applicants we will have. 

Councilmember Mackie said she did not believe the cap should be set at $500,000 because the assessed value of a home does not indicate a lack of need.  

Councilmember Adams made a motion to amend the ordinance to remove the cap on assessed value of eligible homes and lower the flat credit to $150.

Councilmember Esters asked if we can reassess the ordinance annually. She expressed concern about raising the assessed value beyond the amount set by the county and not knowing exactly how many people would apply. 

Councilmember Kennedy made a motion to amend to replace cap of $500,000 assessed value with credit of $250, seconded by Esters. Councilmember Adams then made a motion to reduce the credit to $150, saying the higher amount might threaten implementation of the Age Friendly Action Plan. Seconded by Mitchell.

Councilmembers Mitchell and Mackie expressed concerns about the cap, but supported the ordinance as amended. Councilmember Mitchell said we should lobby the county to adjust their ordinance.  

Councilmember Rigg said rather than giving money to seniors, we should provide cash assistance to those who have need, like those living in Attick Towers and Spellman House. He said for the amount we’re likely to spend on the credit, we could hire half an FTE for Youth and family services or add funding for aging in place.  This may set us up for challenges moving forward.  

The Council voted 7-1 to pass the ordinance with a $500 thousand cap on assessed value and a flat credit of $150, with Councilmember Rigg as the dissenting vote.

23-G-157 Consideration of Business Retention and Attraction Fund grants – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development  

Mr. Williams said we are coming to the end of the Campus Village situation, as he continues working with vendors to stay in College Park. Laser Essentials was one of the first to relocate. They are now seeking assistance with build-out and equipment costs for their new office space in College Park. The $23,000 request is the first through the business retention and attraction program. Before bringing this request to Council, overall costs and the amount spent by the business were considered.  Normally, the Council would not have heard about the funding request because it falls within the amount the City Manager is authorized to approve. However, given the situation at Campus Village Shopping Center there was a desire to ensure transparency.  

The City did not expect to deal with the displacement of 15 merchants at one time. This merchant is one of the first the City heard from, and the City is happy that we are able to assist. 

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS   

Discuss an increase in grant value for the City of College Park New Neighbors Homeownership Grant Program for qualified law enforcement personnel – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning 

Ms. Bader said that the increase is to mitigate the decrease in personnel for law enforcement.

If we reflect on the survey from the community, public safety was a concern. We do not have our own police department; we rely upon county police.  If we make this change it could help elevate public safety. 

Mr. Mirani, SGA Liaison expressed an interest in putting the homeownership program on the action agenda next week to allow for comment from students.  

 Agenda items for October 26, 2023, Four Cities meeting in New Carrollton  

The upcoming Four Cities Meeting is in direct conflict with the SGA Candidate Forum scheduled on October 26. The SGA liaisons were asked to consider scheduling the event on a different date.

Council suggested adding the following topics to the agenda: 

• Noise Camera legislation 
• Cannabis
• Opioid prevention / Narcan availability 
• Food insecurity support 

ADJOURN  

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on October 24, 2023. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions that may interest District 2 residents. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need accommodations to participate in a meeting, including language translation:

• Approval of a letter to M-NCPPC requesting they reassess Lakeland for historic designation 
• Ratification of Amended Ordinance 23-O-08, Amending Chapter 175, Taxation, to authorize the Mayor and Council to approve a tax credit for elderly individuals 
• Approval of address corrections at and around Holy Redeemer Church 
• Approval of an amendment to the City’s New Neighbors Homeownership Grant program to increase the grant to law enforcement officers
•  Quarterly Financial Presentation 
• Discussion of a different tax rate on vacant and blighted property 
• Discussion of regulations prohibiting residents from providing vehicle repair services in residentially zoned neighborhoods 
• Quarterly Strategic Plan Presentation

Please contact your District 2 Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney if you have any questions about this City partnership with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland.

Join members of Embry African Methodist Epicopal Church on one of the following two Sundays as they celebrate their 120th Anniversary in the Lakeland Community.  They will also be celebrating re-entry into Embry’s sanctuary following a year-long renovation project as the result of damage suffered July 13, 2022.

Please be aware of the following road closures in the coming days:

EDMONSTON ROAD

Milling between Old Calvert Road and Bryn Mawr Road starts today. Paving and striping to follow. Work anticipated to be completed by 10/31. Single-lane closures during daytime hours.

RHODE ISLAND AVENUE NORTH OF UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD

Contractor has started saw-cutting for installation of bus platforms. Work on bus platforms and bike lanes anticipated to take 6 weeks (weather permitting). Single-lane closures during daytime hours.

WSSC WORK

Contractor working in the 7200-Block of Bowdoin Avenue and 4600-Block of Fordham Road at Rhode Island Avenue this week.

WGL WORK

Contractor is completing nighttime work on the Knox Road Development west of Baltimore Avenue over the next two weeks.

WGL STREET REPAIRS

Contractor is resurfacing the following locations this week:

• 9014 Rhode Island Avenue
• 4800-Block of Ruatan Street near 48^th Place
• 8400-Block and 8500-Block of Potomac Avenue near Quebec Street
• 8700-Block of 49^th Avenue
• 8700-Block of Rhode Island Avenue near Tecumseh Street
• 9000-Block of Rhode Island Avenue near Apache Street
• Greenbelt Road and Rhode Island Avenue
• 5000-Block of Apache Street near 50^th Place
• 5000-Block of Branchville Road between Locust Spring Road and 50^th Place
• 8400-Block of 48^th Avenue near Pontiac Street
• 8700-Block of 48^th Avenue near Ruatan Street
• 9000-Block of 50^th Place near Blackfoot Place
• 9100-Block of 49^th Place near Delaware Street

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

Haga clic aquí para leer esta publicacion en español.

Click here to find the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on October 10, 2023. By going to this link, you are able to watch the discussion of specific agenda items you are interested in. If you have questions about Council actions and discussions, please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov.

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Whitney motioned to remove the Council meeting minutes for September 26 (Item# 23-G-149) from the consent agenda to Action Items to make a correction.

Councilmember Rigg motioned to add a work session item to discuss the role of Mayor Pro Tem.

Mayor Kabir asked to add a brief discussion of the legislative dinner to the work session.

Councilmember Whitney motioned to accept the consent agenda as amended, Councilmember Mitchell seconded.  

CONSENT AGENDA

23-G-149 Approval of minutes for September 19th Council meeting 

23-G-150 Award a contract for the purchase of one (1) new 2024 Battle Motors/Crane Carrier New Way body rear loader packer utilizing pricing from competitively bid Sourcewell Contract #091219 and, subject to the approval of the City Attorney — Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works

23-G-151 Approval of a Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Grant application for the Old Parish House maintenance work in the amount of $10,662 with the City’s matching fund being $1,110 Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator

Councilmember Esters motioned to accept the consent agenda, seconded by Councilmember Mackie

 PUBLIC HEARING

A. Ordinance 23-O-08, An Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park, Amending Chapter 175 “Taxation”, By Enacting Article V, “Property Tax Credit For Elderly Individuals”, §175-14 “Establishment Of Tax Credit”, §175-15, “Eligibility”, §175-16, “Amount And Duration Of Credit”, §175-17, “Application For The Tax Credit, And §175-18, “Effective Date Of The Tax Credit” To Authorize The Mayor And Council To Approve A Tax Credit For Elderly Individuals And To Provide The Extent, Duration And Eligibility Requirements For The Credit As Authorized By §9-258 Of The Taxation Property Article, Annotated Code Of Maryland

Further discussion and action on this Ordinance will be at the October 17, 2023, meeting.

Mr. Fields gave a brief overview of the item and said individuals can apply for the credit through December 31. Those who file with the county will be considered for the credit.  

Arelis Pérez, College Park Resident- In favor of the elderly tax credit, which she described as way overdue. However, there are approximately 3,500 residents trying to age in place.  The value of properties has not descended.  Asked for the Council to increase the cap on assessed value to $525,000 and asked for the flat rate to be increased to $500.

ACTION ITEMS

23-G-148 Approval of recommendations on Detailed Site Plan DSP-22035, Terrapin House, located at the northeast quadrant of Baltimore Avenue and Hartwick Road and a Declaration of Covenants and Agreement Regarding Land Use – Erik Valentine, Community Development Planner

The proposed project will have 93 units, 4800 sq ft of commercial space, and a two-level garage with 90 parking spaces. Conditions of the Covenant of Agreements have been reached, including a tree replacement plan if the specimen tree located at Hartwick and Yale dies within 4 years and requirements to notify residents that they will not be eligible for zone parking.  Additional clauses focus on commercial retention, including the build-out of kitchen space, and current commercial residents in good standing will have first right of occupancy unless the owner can help them to identify another space in College Park. Current retail tenants will receive 90 days advance notice to vacate space.  

Project attorney Matt Tedesco and owner Richard Greenberg were asked a series of questions by Council. The owner was asked if the project would create jobs for College Park residents. There was a question about student versus workforce housing – no definitive decision has been made as of yet. It is anticipated the decision will be made prior to advancing the building permit.  

The owner was thanked for providing ventilation in the commercial space given the expense.  Matt Tedesco said leases for commercial spaces will be honored through 2025 depending upon the individual leases. The Covenant of Agreements requires the owner to work with the vendors to move back or assist them in finding space elsewhere in the city. If the vendor finds a space within the city, the owner will be released from the obligation to give them right of first refusal on returning. The owner was asked to work with all commercial residents in the space, not just the three that were the focus of the previous discussion.  

Jacob Hernandez, College Park Resident, spoke of his appreciation for the owner’s work with the city but said that residents have expressed concern about the saturation of student housing in the city.  

Richard Biffle, non-resident –  Recommended approval of the plan and expressed appreciation for the developer’s sensitivity to the community. He expressed concern about the parking implications in Old Town. Mr. Tedesco reiterated that residents of the building will not be eligible for parking in the community.  

Additional Council comments stressed that the current building has no stormwater management, but the new project will prevent runoff. They said student housing projects help maintain our neighborhoods and that ”student housing” does not mean others can’t live there. They noted that the project has been in the pipeline for a while, and thanked the owner for working to address resident and Council concerns.  

Council voted unanimously to approve the DSP.

23-G-152 Approval of minutes for the September 26, 2023, Council meeting. Councilmember Whitney moved to edit the minutes to read that Councilmembers Adams, Esters, Rigg, and Whitney met with a representative of short-term rental company rather than the owner; seconded by Rigg; passed unanimously.

WORKSESSION/DISCUSSION 

Mayor Pro Tem Position

Councilmember Rigg recognized the Mayor Pro Tem’s service in the wake of the former Mayor’s resignation. He said we ask too much of the Mayor, saying more support is needed to fill ceremonial functions. 

Currently, the Charter says the Mayor Pro Tem (MPT) will serve in the absence or incapacity of the Mayor, but City Manager Young said that did not cover the former Mayor’s situation. Council agreed better language should be developed to allow the MPT to act in such case, as well as in emergency situations or if the Mayor were to refuse to sign something Council voted to move forward on, as has happened elsewhere. Currently, the MPT cannot do anything if the Mayor does not give consent. 

Some councilmembers were concerned about stripping existing powers from the Mayor in our weak mayor structure. Council agreed to continue current practice of the Mayor choosing the MPT subject to Council approval and said the goal is not to weaken the role of the Mayor, rather to support the Mayor and mitigate risks. Staff support for Mayor and Council was also suggested. Moving forward, we need to review the charter and draft edits. Any changes will not take place before the new council is seated.  

Legislative Dinner – October 11, 2023

Mr. Gardiner gave an overview of the Legislative Dinner scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2023, saying.  it’s a time for council to talk with County, state and federal delegation about priorities and ask for funding and support. He reviewed the agenda and answered questions.   

ADJOURN

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on October 17, 2023. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions that may interest District 2 residents. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need accommodations to participate in a meeting, including language translation:

PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ORDINANCE 23-O-09:

A. Ordinance 23-O-09 regarding regulation of short-term rentals.

 ACTION ITEMS

23-O-08 regarding the possible adoption of a Tax Credit for elderly individuals and the parameters thereof.

The Public Hearing was held on October 10, 2023.

23-G-157 Consideration of Business Retention and Attraction Fund grants 

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS 

A. Discuss an increase in grant value for the City of College Park New Neighbors Homeownership Grant Program for qualified law enforcement personnel

Next Saturday is Good Neighbor Day, a day of service organized by the University of Maryland Office of Community Engagement in cooperation with the City of College Park and Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning. Your District 2 representatives have organized two service projects this year, and we need volunteers.

Councilmember Llatetra Brown Esters’ project will assist aging residents at Attick Towers in shredding, junk removal and recycling. Please click this link to volunteer at Attick Towers at 9014 Rhode Island Avenue in College Park.

Councilmember Susan Whitney’s project will assist aging residents with recycling, shredding and junk removal at Spellman House. Please click this link to volunteer at Spellman House at 4711 Berwyn House Rd in College Park.

We hope to see you at one of these community-building events!