Embry AME Literacy Walk, Sat. June 29
Month: June 2024
Extreme Heat Advisory for Prince George’s CountyExtreme Heat Warning
Staying Safe in the Heat
When summer temperatures in the County are very hot, The National Weather Service might issue warnings. This can be risky for our health, especially with temperatures in the 90s with humidity over 50%. When heat advisories are issued, we need to be extra careful to avoid getting sick from the heat.
Cooling Centers
In extreme heat, the County may open cooling stations. These are cool and safe places where everyone, including senior citizens, can go to escape the high temperatures. Dr. Mathew Levy, the Prince George’s County Health Officer, recommends that seniors use these cooling centers, especially if they don’t have air conditioning at home.
Heat Problems
When it’s too hot, anyone can get sick from the heat. Our bodies need to cool down properly; if they can’t, we might face serious health issues like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Heat Stroke: This is the most severe heat-related illness. When the body can’t control its temperature and goes above 105 degrees, it can lead to symptoms like red and dry skin, confusion, and nausea. It’s very serious and needs quick attention.
Heat Exhaustion: This is a milder form of heat sickness that can happen after being in the heat for several days. Symptoms include muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness, and headaches.
Who’s at Risk?
Kids, older adults, and people with heart or lung problems are more likely to get sick from the heat. Even when it’s not super hot outside, cars can become dangerously hot very fast.
Heat Safety Tips
Follow these tips to protect yourself and your loved ones in extreme heat:
- Don’t leave kids or pets in hot cars, even with cracked windows.
- If you work outside, be careful in the heat. Take breaks, drink water, and avoid heavy work between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- If you’re outside, wear light clothes, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Take breaks in the shade and drink lots of water.
Illness Prevention Information
Help for Seniors
If you’re a senior citizen or have family members who are, you can call the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services Administration on Aging at 301-265-8450 for information and help.
Stay Cool and Safe
For more tips on staying safe in the heat, check out resources like “Tips to Beat the Heat” and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other when it’s hot outside!
College Park Teen Time
From movie and game nights to music and art sessions, this peer support group provides a safe space for teens to kick back with fun activities and great company.
Must be a resident of Prince George’s County to participate.
Space is limited! Call 240-487-3550 to register.
City of College Park Council Meeting Review – June 11, 2024
Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.
Click here to watch the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Meeting held on June 11, 2024. 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.
City Manager’s Report
Mr. Young thanked everyone for their time at the International Town & Gown Association (ITGA) conference. According to Mr. Young, the conference hosted by College Park was the largest event they have held to date. He gave a shout out to city staff, residents, committee members and Ms. Arelis Perez, College Park Housing Authority, for coming to share and learn about other municipalities.
Mr. Young asked council members and residents to be sure and report any graffiti they may see.
Acknowledgements
Former District 2 Councilmember Maxine Gross and former District 1 Councilmember Dave Milligan
Proclamations and Awards
Pollinator Week – June 17 – June 23
Amendments and Approval of the Agenda
Prior to approval of the agenda, Councilmember Rigg asked for a point of clarification regarding the agenda packet. Ms. Miller, City Clerk, confirmed that item 24-G-101 was included in the packet sent to council and found online, but it was not on the printed agenda. `
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell moved to pass the Agenda, which received a second and was unanimously approved.
Consent Agenda
24-G-90 Annual appointments to City advisory boards for terms that begin on July 1 – Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk
24-G-91 Approval of an additional FY 24 public school education grant in the amount of $2,250 to Berwyn Heights Elementary School – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services
24-G-100 Approval of minutes from the June 3, 2024, Council meeting.
Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to accept the consent agenda, seconded by Councilmember Esters.
Public Hearing and Possible Action
24-G-84 Follow up from the May 21 meeting: Petition request for Traffic Calming in the 4900 Block of Iroquois Street
Mr. Vassalotti introduced this item that was initially presented to the council on 5/21. At that time there was a vote to delay the item until this evening to allow for more resident input. Since the original hearing was held on 5/21 a councilmember needed to make the motion and obtain a second to allow for public comment.
Councilmember Hernandez asked about the impact of snow management and leaf mitigation if traffic calming measures were installed. Mr. Vassalotti said operationally there is no concern. All streets are serviced, and traffic calming measures do not cause issue.
Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to approve, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell
Laurie Peterson, resident –she used to plow snow and traffic-calming measures cause concerns. She said she wondered why this is being done since the study said it was not worth moving forward with.
Ms. Miller, City Clerk, said the petition requires signature by 60% of residents on the street. There is an objective study of the street, and they take the two worse days of traffic.
Councilmember Hernandez asked Mr. Vassalotti to confirm that most speed bumps in the city do not meet the standard for installation. Mr. Vassalotti confirmed that is the case.
Julie Gilyard, resident – contrary to previous comments, she does need traffic calming, as she is a resident who walks, walks her dog and gardens. It is a very simple solution. She said she is sure that many people do not want to see a sidewalk, but the speed bump is a democratic solution. She has noticed an increased number of cars per household. The increased population of vehicles makes it difficult to dodge cars. Would love to increase the safety of the street.
Andrew Tarter, resident – thanked Council for allowing him the opportunity to share his voice. He thanked the city engineers for their study. He said the corners where counters were placed require cars to slow down. He believed the study captured cars slowing down. He has a young child who he would like to teach to ride a bike. There are increased cars on Iroquois street since the traffic calming on Rhode Island.
Dave Milligan, resident – not a fan of speed bumps. They are not the most attractive of traffic calming devices. It is a very narrow block on which he does not see a sidewalk being installed. The issue is safety and awareness for pedestrians. If there are more gentle bumps and awareness. Not the best solution but the only solution right now.
Ashwan Bhouraskar, resident – was at the 5/21 meeting. Understands not all residents are in favor. Believes the speed bump should be located in the middle of the block where it is needed.
Jim French, resident –He said if there was no downside or a speeding issue he would say to put it in. They found the two fastest days were the weekend. The average speed was 17.3 an hour. The fastest was 28.6, which does not classify as speeding in their criteria. The results of the study did not meet the threshold. There are negatives, and what we are dealing with is a perception of traffic risks.
Mohijd Moskofas, resident – works at UMD. Iroquois is a narrow street with diverse speed patterns. Even one car speeding is a car too many.
Jim French, resident- the study says that traffic calming devices will be installed based upon support from the study.
Councilmember Rigg said he is not a fan of speed bumps and thinks sidewalks are a better solution.
Councilmember Adams – the policy is outdated and needs to be revisited. Thanks to the residents for their testimony.
Councilmember Hew – study was not done in the space where the issues have occurred. More often than not he has felt unsafe on the street. He believes the counter could have been placed in a better location. He supports the traffic calming measure.
Councilmember Hernandez- lives three or four blocks away. It feels like a blind corner. He understands a sidewalk would be a difficult discussion. In this part of the city there are oddly shaped streets. There are perceptions of safety that are hard to capture. Thanked everyone for coming out to share their thoughts.
Vote of 7-1 – passed.
Action Items
24-G-101 Approval of a Business Retention and Attraction Assistance Grant to Pho Thom in the amount of $100,000 for restaurant relocation and equipment expenditures – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development
Mr. Williams, Director of Economic Development, said that Pho Tom is seeking relocation assistance. They have secured a new location at the Union on Knox and will be making a 20-year commitment. The city anticipates tax income from the business of $300,000 per year. The owner of Pho Tom has committed a portion of her personal funds to complete this project.
Councilmember Hernandez said he was extremely torn in supporting the current grant program. He believes there should be guardrails placed on the program. He asked how much money is left in the budget. Mr. William said $115,000 remains for FY’24. He asked how many potential businesses we anticipate requesting assistance from the Greenhill development. Mr. Williams anticipates three viable candidates. Councilmember Hernandez asked if the county has offered any funding to assist these businesses. Mr. Williams said the county has expressed a desire to help, but it is a difficult task. Mr. Hernandez asked if the city has received application from Northwest Chinese and Ritchie’s Columbian. Mr. Williams said no applications have been received from these businesses as of yet.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked about the transparency of the grants and how he believes adjustments will be made moving forward. Mr. Williams said he is not only dealing with people he likes. He looks for the spaces and what is available. He goes out to see what may be available. When he receives an application, he is looking for their revenue and employment for city residents. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said if any municipality wants to create their own economic hub, they need to do so, because it is difficulty to do so through the county.
Councilmember Rigg said we have a desire to maintain small, minority owned businesses, especially when displaced by development.
Edwina Wiss, Capital Kettle Corn – has been working to get their business established over the past two years. She just recently learned of the grant and thinks there should be more equity.
Alexa Bely, resident – Pho Tom has become family restaurant, as well as one of the few places she can take a professional colleagues. They have come to adore the owner, who is incredibly dedicated. It is locally-owned, minority-owned, woman-owned.
Leo Shapiro, resident – the restaurant is the type of restaurant we want to maintain. Mentioned the discussions and support of parades where there aren’t many people in attendance. Cutting the amount could cause risk to the project. He said the restaurant appeals to a broadd audience.
Jim French, resident- has a background in accounting and business and wonders why we are offering business grants instead of discounted loans.
David Dorsch, resident – said the city needs another restaurant like Platos.
Chad Hora, resident – owned a business in the city but moved. Asked why the county didn’t provide assistance to the business since they approved the development.
Councilmember Adams said Councilmember Hernandez made good points. He said we need to consider guardrails; however, we need to be flexible with the needs of business. He said that 450 days ago the commercial tax rate was proposed to help support business.
Councilmember Hernandez made an amendment to reduce the amount to $75,000 but there was no second.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked for clarification about the rollover of grant funds from FY24 to FY25. Mr. Young said that generally funds will not automatically roll over.
The motion to approve the $100 thousand grant passed 6-1.
Mr. Williams said thank you to Ms. Tran and looks forward to working with her. The new landlord will contribute $317,000 for build out. He said he heard Mr. Hernandez loud and clear. He looks forward to sharing details about support for other business. He concluded that the city has been a big supporter of Capital Kettle Corn to the tune of $40,000.
24-G-92 Approval of Property Use Agreement in support of an application for a Class B, (BLX), Beer, Wine, and Liquor License for the use of Everland, Inc., t/a LaTao Hotpot College Park, 8700 Baltimore Avenue, Suites A & B, College Park, 20740 – Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
Ms. Anderson introduced the item. She said although is an application for a new Class B, BLX, Beer, Wine, and Liquor license, it is not a new restaurant. The business failed to renew its liquor license before is expired on May 31, 2024. The new application is to replace the lost license, and the county Board of License Commissioners (BOLC) will consider the application during their hearing schedule for June 2, 2024.
Motion made by Councilmember Whitney, seconded by Councilmember Esters. Approved unanimously.
24-G-99 Award of contract for RFP CP-24-05 (Request for Proposals for Research Consultant for the Restorative Justice Commission) and authorize the City Attorney and City Manager to execute the contract – Maxine Gross, Chair, Restorative Justice Commission
Ms. Gross said the group is coming out of Columbia University. They have partnered with Howard University Law School. The objective is to document the historical impact of urban renewal on Lakeland and help to create an historical record.
Councilmember Hernandez asked whether there would be concern about the budget if this were approved. The City Manager said if approved, the objective would be to use FY24 funds.
Councilmember Adams in fy25—there’s a $100k line item for historical record development, are you wanting to reprogram those funds for addressing harms? (Ms. Gross said, “Yes.”)
Councilmember Rigg asked why we only received an RFP from one entity. Ms. Gross explained that it is vast scope of work involving historical, economic and legal research, and that there aren’t very many entities able to take on such a project. Councilmember Esters made the motion to approve, seconded by Councilmember Whitney.
24-G-95 Approval of recommendations on the Detailed Site Plan Application for LV Collective, Project Turtle (former Campus Village Shoppes), and approval of the associated Declaration of Covenants and Agreement Regarding Land Use – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
Erik Valentine introduced the event to the council. The Detailed Site Plan for this project was first discussed at the meeting held on June 3. The purpose of the DSP is to construct a mixed-use development containing 299 student-oriented apartments, 13,305 square feet of retail space and 2,219 square foot community space (Lakeland Legacy Center).
The applicant agreed to all conditions included in the Declaration of Covenants and Agreement Regarding Land Use except for the following 3: 1) providing a mid-block sidewalk because it was determined not to be feasible due to the location of fire hydrant and fire lane. 2) consideration to set aside a percentage of room as affordable units with students who demonstrate need. 3) amend their approved Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Statement (BPIS) to add lighting along the Trolley Trail near Lakeland Park. Their submitted BPIS statement was approved months ago and exceeded cost.
Mr. Haller, applicant’s attorney, mentioned the restorative justice agenda item and is excited about being located in the community.
Councilmember Whitney said she heard the discussion about affordable housing options during the recent ITGA conference and asked about the possibility of creating hubs with common space and asked if a 15-bed unit would be possible. The applicant said they do offer 5-bedroom units and four by 2 units but would not be able to create such a hub in the development. Whitney asked how many 5-bedroom units are included, and Mr. Sahakian said 39.
Councilmember Whitney made the motion to approve, which was seconded by Councilmember Esters. The motion passed unanimously.
24-G-96 Discuss and approve FY ’25 Strategic Plan One-Year Objectives
Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager. In May, city staff provided the Mayor and Council with an update of FY’24 annual objectives and notes to consider for the FY’25 annual objectives.
Councilmember Whitney agreed to all the objectives included in OKR 3 but would like to include plans for Roanoke pocket park and evaluate the interest of the community for the Pierce Avenue property.
Council Hernandez asked about the exploration of educational opportunities for our growing diverse community, and specifically mentioned the growing Muslim and Hispanic residents in District 1. Would like to see the city target programming to acknowledge these communities. Would like to see the construction of Duvall Field in the next year (OKR #3). He also asked about a study to look at the feasibility of a city police force.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if the strategic plan is on the website. Mr. Young said the plan would be and the updates will be added.
Councilmember Adams cautioned us from raising specific projects and concerns in an effort to be equitable. We need to focus on a broad strategic approach.
Councilmember Whitney suggested language to broaden objectives.
Work Session Discussion – Social Sports League – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services
Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services, said a resident survey was done in February and we received 150 responses. There is interest in having a social sports league program in College Park. It is something that is worth pursuing, but the question is how it will be done. She received promising news from the University of Maryland’s Rec Well and from the College of Public Health, where there could be a student-run class or league.
Councilmember Adams thanked Ms. Barber and said Terrapin Central Sports has started a volleyball league. He would like to see us focus on parking and the price point moving forward. The objective is to get residents active and involved. We can tailor the options based upon location.
Mayor Kabir asked about partnering with M-NCPPC. Ms. Barber said there was outreach to M-NCPPC, but it was difficult getting in contact with someone.
Councilmember Mackie likes the combination of activities. Went to a session on mental health at ITGA that emphasized the importance of such activity.
Council Whitney asked about the affordability of programs. Ms. Barber said there will be more discussion and she will bring further details back to council.
Councilmember Hernandez said it gives him pause when he looks at M-NCPPC tax rate of $.195. The county has programs available. He said he is not a fan of this proposed project.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell – the city does not control what the county does. It would take conversations.
Councilmember Esters thanked Ms. Barber for her work, considering her limited staff. She said she trusted Ms. Barber to decide about what would work best and said the focus would be accessibility and engagement within our community.
Councilmember Rigg said it is challenging to connect with M-NCPPC whose focus is county-wide. Duvall Field presents great opportunity and other places throughout the city to encourage participation. Supports a modest investment to explore.
Councilmember Adams said he was confused by the discussion about the need for a sports league when a survey was done. The FY’25 budget does not have a line item. Mr. Young said when the item is brought back there would need to be an amendment to the budget to determine where the money will come from. Councilmember Adams asked if there was any outreach to private companies. Ms. Barber said there was outreach to private companies, but it was tough to choose who to reach out to. They did speak to companies about what their programs were, and some thought it would be good to expand, but she did not move forward without a plan of how we would choose an entity.
Councilmember Hernandez asked if it was typical for municipalities to give these entities money to come to their cities to establish league. He also said he had concerns about putting this on her plate. Ms. Barber said it in not unheard of to have a grant for this function.
Mayor Kabir suggested we go for a modest model.
Comments from the audience
Residents Mike McSweeney said he and his wife like College Park and appreciate the warmth of the community. They have had issues with gaining support from the city for a settlement that covers their costs for addressing a WSSC sewerage backup into their house. They have reached out to the county executive to no avail. They are hesitant to engage with the WSSC board and are concerned about the pending FBI project and issues that may arise with WSSC. He said there is no oversight for WSSC damage, and he suspects they are not alone in their concerns or limited resources. He said residents need protection from WSSC’s seemingly unlimited power.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked them to leave their name and contact information for follow up and assistance.
Councilmember Rigg said this is something that continues to happen in this community and suggested they obtain a lawyer.
Meeting Adjourned
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on July 9, 2024 when it is available. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following anticipated Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions proposed to be on the agenda 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:
Proposed Consent
- Approval of an additional $43,000 for the current Hitachi maintenance contract to add 15 existing cameras that are coming off of warranty to the maintenance contract
Discussion
- Discussion on expanding voting to residents ages 16-18
City of College Park Juneteenth Book Giveaway
The City of College Park is hosting a free kid’s book giveaway in honor of the Juneteenth holiday! You must be a resident of the City of College Park to participate.
Request a free copy of “The History of Juneteenth” by Arlisha Norwood (ages 6-9) below to learn more about the holiday.
How to pick up your book:
Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email. Please be ready to show the confirmation email to claim your book.
Pick-up is during business hours only at City Hall (7401 Baltimore Ave.): Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM.
City of College Park Council Meeting Review – June 3, 2024
Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.
Click here to watch the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Meeting held on June 3, 2024. 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.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Young thanked everyone for their efforts to make the International Town Gown Association (ITGA) conference a success. He mentioned a welcome reception to be held at City Hall on Tuesday, June 4, and another to be held at the Hall on Wednesday, June 5. He said he was looking forward to learning a lot. The next Friday Night Live concert on Friday, June 7 and will include food, beer, wine, and activities for kids.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Former District 2 Councilmember Maxine Gross
PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made a motion to approve the agenda, motion seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
CONSENT AGENDA
24-G-87 Authorization for the City Manager to sign a letter to Stewart Title Guaranty Company, as requested by the University of Maryland, stating that the City of College Park does not assert or maintain any ownership or have any rights in and to any portion of, the “paper street” shown as Hopkins Avenue, located on the land to the north of Norwich Road and owned by the University of Maryland College Park, as required for the University’s Graduate Student Housing Project whose new address will be 4646 Graduate Way, College Park, MD – Kenny Young, City Manager
24-R-03 Approval of Resolution 24-R-03, Resolution Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Adopting The Recommendation Of The Advisory Planning Commission For Application Number CEO-2024-01, 9100 St. Andrews Place, College Park, Maryland, For A Variance From City Code §87-23 C To Recommend That The Portion Of The Fence Along Bridgewater Street And Turning In Towards The House Be Constructed At A Height Of 4-Feet-Tall Plus A 1-Foot Lattice, For A Total Of 5-Feet. The Portion Of The Fence Along The Property Line With The Adjoining Lot May Be 6-Feet-Tall. Both Sections Of Fence Shall Include Space Between The Boards To Incorporate A Moderate Level Of Openness. – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning (The appeal period ended May 28)
24-G-88 Approval of Minutes from the May 21, 2024, meeting.
Councilmember Esters made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda, motion seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
ACTION ITEMS:
24-R-05 Approval of Resolution 24-R-05, a Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park adopting a Scholarship Program as proposed by the City’s Restorative Justice Commission to provide grants/scholarships to certain descendants or former residents of the Lakeland community – Maxine Gross, Chair, Restorative Justice Commission
Ms. Gross discussed the purpose of the proposed Lakeland Legacy Scholarship to support Lakelanders engaged in self-improvement and the three categories of education to be supported: Restorative and Transformative Justice Education, Vocational Education, and those seeking classical post-secondary education (undergraduate & graduate studies). Those eligible to apply will include those who have direct lineage to Lakelanders who experienced Urban Renewal, and those living in the Lakeland community for at least 10 years.
Councilmember Esters asked about the timing of scholarship disbursements given where we are in FY’24. Ms. Gross said the commission will look to staff to determine when, but they wanted to do this some time ago. She would like to begin dispersing funds as soon as possible.
Councilmember Rigg asked about the requirement of 8 hours of work related to restorative justice and what that would look like. He said that could be done in a variety of ways, and Ms. Gross agreed.
Councilmember Mackie asked who would serve as the reviewers. Ms. Gross said members of the Restorative Justice Commission will help to review applications. Councilmember Mackie asked if academic scholarships will only be offered for studying restorative justice or would include African American studies and other disciplines. Ms. Gross said it would include other disciplines.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said she appreciated the work of the Restorative Justice Commission putting the proposed scholarship forward.
Councilmember Whitney also appreciated the scholarship and asked about the requirement that applicants have a “documented demonstration of academic success.” Would that require a certain GPA? Ms. Gross said that for some, their transcript would suffice. For others, the transcript might be accompanied by a letter of recommendation.
Councilmember Hernandez asked how many of these awards were made last year. Ms. Gross they were not offered last year, and this is the initial proposal. Councilmember Hernandez said he hoped the University would become more engaged and involved in supporting such scholarships.
Motion made by Councilmember Esters and seconded by Councilmember Whitney.
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
Discussion of Detailed Site Plan Application for LVCollective, Project Turtle (former Campus Village Shoppes) – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning
This agenda item was introduced by Ms. Bader as the detailed site plan for Project Turtle, which will include a 299-unit student housing complex, the Lakeland Legacy Center, parking and retail.
The applicant has requested 8 amendments, most of which are minor. The two most significant are related to height and shift from 355 to 286 parking spaces. Residents will not be eligible for neighborhood parking permits. They are requesting to move from 3 to 2 loading docks. Based upon feedback during the preliminary site plan, the developer will create a promenade that will be publicly accessible. The City and developer will create a Declaration of Covenants and Agreement.
Councilmember Rigg asked how many shops 13,000 Sq ft of retail would accommodate. The answer was that it depends on what retailers they get.
Mr. Haller, the attorney for the developer, introduced the development team and said they agree to most of the City’s recommendations. He said retail would be located on Baltimore Avenue. They anticipate an anchor on the north end. The North Side of the development will house loading functions. Commercial and public parking will be in the middle of the development. Pedestrian access will be at the North and South ends of the development. Two courtyards for the tenants, both active and passive. The active courtyard will include a heated pool, and the passive courtyard will include a walking path.
LV Collective’s Andre Sahakian mentioned the Lakeland Legacy Center. LV Collective worked with Ms. Gross, the Lakeland Civic Association (LCA) and Lakeland Community Heritage Project (LCHP). The center will include space for archives, a working catering kitchen, and space/opportunity for collaboration with the University. There is accessibility from the ground floor of the building.
Councilmember Esters thanked the developer for their work with the Lakeland community. She asked about the price point for the complex, citing recent discussions with students regarding housing affordability. The developer was unable to provide price point or price range but said the costs were competitive.
Councilmember Whitney asked where the HVAC System would be located… She also asked the developer if they had a plan to ensure no further issues related to overgrown weeds and if the construction site will be screened. The developer will be working with the property manager to maintain the grounds for several months until construction. The construction site will be screened.
The developer said they anticipate could be a maximum of 6 to 7 vendors in the complex. Mayor Kabir asked about the return of Taqueria Habanero and Hanami and was told they have been offered the opportunity to come back.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if they will offer ADA-compliant rooms (They will.). She also asked if the developer would be working with City staff to ensure that workers do not park in the neighborhood (They have a plan to prevent the issue.). Finally, she asked that students from Lakeland be given priority for any affordable units.
Councilmember Hew asked about the height of development. Ms. Bader said the development meets FAA requirements. He also asked about a timeline to meet with the retailers who will be returning. The developer plans to meet with them one year before the building is delivered. He asked that any fencing /screening about the construction site not interfere with sightlines for drivers.
Councilmember Hernandez asked why they didn’t include the additional floor at the time of the preliminary site plan. The developer said this is the first time they have discussed height; at no time did they propose a smaller building. Councilmember Hernandez emphasized the need to ensure that the leases for commercial residents are not difficult to manage. He also asked about the lighting. Pedestrian streetlights will be around 3 sides of the building. Sconces will be on the east side of the building.
Councilmember Rigg asked if the town homes were true town homes and how many bedrooms they would have. Mr. Sahakian said they would have 2 to 4 bedrooms and would have an accessible entrance into the unit. Rigg also asked that consideration be given to a retail space that sells small sundry items, which is currently lacking in the city.
Councilmember Mackie asked why solar panels hadn’t been considered. Mr. Sahakian said solar is not feasible for wood frame buildings.
Councilmember Esters asked about the passive courtyard and if it would be accessible to the public. She was told the passive courtyard would be accessible to the public. She then asked about the security of the building. The building will be secured with smart door access, and all stairwells and exterior doors will be monitored to ensure they are not propped open.
Councilmember Whtiney asked if security measures will be included for the Lakeland Legacy Center (Yes).
Mr. Haller said the developer is making great effort to ensure the building is leasable and viable. He discussed the question of affordability and said there is no ability to set aside any percentage of affordable housing. He said a mid-block crosswalk on Navahoe has been shown but does the developer does not believe it is the best place for it. There will be follow up with the city engineer to determine the best place for the crosswalk. He mentioned the recent inclusion of lighting improvements along the trolley trail, which were not included in the original listing by staff. He said the developer planned for the items that were on the original list provided by staff.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Maxine Gross, resident – LV Collective have been more than professional, but in listening to the discussion she realized that the city does not have a plan for its focus on affordable housing. There should be policy that indicates that if developments come to us, they should include affordable housing options. She referenced recent comments from a social psychologist who said the city has done a lot of damage by meeting the needs of the University but not the community.
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell responded to Ms. Gross and said the Mayor and Council put forth the establishment of Taskforce on Affordable Housing. Through the task force, we aim to put policies in place to ensure affordable housing in the city.
Councilmember Hew said he and Mayor were recently acknowledged for their commitment to the Asian/Pacific Islander community. He will be traveling to Sacramento to participate in a National League of Cities Environmental Committee meeting.
Councilmember Hernandez said he recently attended International Night at Hollywood elementary. He acknowledged the great work done by the school, staff and PTA.
Councilmember Rigg mentioned the Calvert Hill Ice Cream Social to be held on Saturday night. The event will feature a new ice cream shop slated to open soon in District 3. He expressed gratitude to the council for the new wrought iron fence around the Calvert School designed and approved by the City Manager.
Mr. Young reminded the Council of the closed session immediately following the regular meeting.
ADJOURN
INFORMATION REPORTS
a) FY 24 Animal Control report – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on June 11, 2024. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following anticipated Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions proposed to be on the agenda 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:
CONSENT ITEM(S):
Annual appointments to City advisory boards for terms that begin on July 1.
ACTION ITEM(S):
Approval of Property Use Agreement in support of an application for a Class B, (BLX), Beer, Wine, and Liquor License for the use of Everland, Inc., t/a LaTao Hotpot College Park, 8700 Baltimore Avenue, Suites A & B, College Park, 20740.
Award of contract for RFP CP-24-05 (Request for Proposals for Research Consultant for the Restorative Justice Commission) and authorize the City Attorney and City Manager to execute the contract. Discuss and approve FY ’25 Strategic Plan One-Year Objectives.
Today is Trolley Trail Day! Saturday, June 8 from 9 am – 8pm
Join the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, Hyattsville CDC, College Park City-University Partnership, and communities along the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail for a full-day celebration!
What: Trolley Trail Day: Fun Run, Bicycle Ride, Local Music, Kid Activities, Food and Drink, and more!
When: Saturday June 8, 2024
Activities will occur throughout the day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., along the entirety of the 3.8 mile-stretch of the Trolley Trail. Learn more:
Night at the Museum Rock Concert!
Thanks to the 2024 Event Sponsors
The event is free for everyone; we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate with us.
The College Park District 2 Digest 