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 July 9, 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 congratulated the Office of Economic Development for receipt of a $150,000 grant from the Department of Housing Community Development for the Project Restore 2.0 Program. City staff including Director of Economic Development Michael Williams and Grants Coordinator Rahkmel Rafi worked on the grant, which will help us improve and activate vacant buildings within our commercial corridor. Owners of vacant buildings are encouraged to reach out to the city to help get spaces filled.
Fred Moss and the Funk Band are to perform during Friday Night Live on Friday, July 9 (Note- event was cancelled due to pending weather. A September event will be planned to make up for the event cancellation).
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Former Councilmember Monroe Dennis and former County Councilmember Danielle Glaros were in attendance.
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Whitney made a motion to pull Consent Agenda item # 24-G-105 (Approval of FY’24 Community Service Grants) and placed it on Action Item agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Mackie.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Melissa Ehrenreich –Greenbelt resident – spoke about the ongoing issue of losing career fire fighters in several cities, including Greenbelt. Greenbelt’s mayor encouraged residents to garner more support. Ms. Ehrenreich created a change.org petition. On June 28, 2024, Greenbelt, Berwyn Heights and College Park filed for a temporary restraining order, which was denied on July 1. Ehrenreich asked residents to join Greenbelt to advocate for maintaining the career fire fighters.
Unknown person – was part of Prince George’s County Fire Department when this occurred to the Branchville Fired Department. He lived in Berwyn Heights.
Mayor Kabir expressed his concern about the situation and mentioned a recent meeting with Chief Green, Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell, and the City Manager where he asked Chief Green to share data. He said there were concerns about communication; we learned about this via the news. He said he had already signed the petition.
PRESENTATION: University of Maryland presentation on the Renovation of the Central Energy Plant facility, Carlo Colella, Chief Administrative Officer, UMD, College Park
Mr. Colella said there are as many as 55,000 students, faculty, and staff and 250 buildings on the University of Marland (UMD) campus. Modernizing their energy system will improve efficiencies. The university’s energy plant produces steam used to produce electricity. More than 25 years ago they converted the steam plant into a co-energy plant. Unreliable energy systems lead to unexpected power outages, while old equipment and deteriorating system waste energy and increase carbon footprint. The University has gone through a competitive process to identify innovation partners. Through this public-private partnership they will update the aging distribution system, increase efficiencies, and create academic collaborations. Failing turbine and boilers and the steam distribution system and chilling systems will be replaced. These changes will result in a 23% reduction in emissions, 50% reduction in water usage, will exceed state emission reduction goals, and will be in line with UMD’s sustainability goals. There will be carbon reduction building by building.
UMD leads BIG 10 schools in renewable energy use and uses more wind and solar power for electricity than other Big 10 schools. The program is eligible for the Biden Inflation Reduction Act funding.
Councilmember Rigg asked about the resident experience during construction. Mr. Colella said the work will be done side-by-side with the Purple Line work. It is out of eyesight and is not expected to be very loud. There will be 4-5 temporary boilers that will be placed in the site, but it will be fenced and screened. The work inside the building will have little impact. There is a bit of staging area on Rossborough Lane. Councilmember Rigg asked about the parking area in J2. Mr. Colella said it will be impacted, but there will be ample parking in the area behind the Hotel.
Councilmember Whitney asked about the benefits to the surrounding community and how that would work. Colella explained that there are times Pepco can reach out to the University to help take demand off the grid.
Councilmember Mackie asked about any consideration in using flat roofs for solar. Mr. Colella said many of the buildings already have solar panels, including the parking garages.
CONSENT AGENDA
24-R-06 Adoption of Resolution 24-R-06, a Resolution of the Mayor and Council adopting the recommendation of the Advisory Planning Commission regarding Variance Number CPV-2024-01, located at 5007 Edgewood Road, College Park, Maryland, Recommending Approval of One Validation and One Variance: A Validation from Section 27-11002 (a) of the Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance to validate an existing 15-foot by 32- foot driveway that has a total encroachment of 480 square feet, and a 7-Foot Variance from Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance Section 27-11002 (a), to widen that driveway by 7- feet for a total encroachment of 704 square feet. The Appeal Period Ends July 9, 2024.
24-G-93 Approval of a 3rd Amendment to the January 1, 2021 Consultant Agreement with KCI Technologies in the amount of $383,955.29 to include On-Site Construction Management of the Duvall Field renovation project – Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator
24-G-98 Approval of an amendment to the November 1, 2023 contract with Total Engineering Services, LLC of Beltsville, Maryland in the amount of $33,770.00 for third party inspection services for the Duvall Field renovation project – Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator
24-G-104 Approval of an amendment to the current Hitachi security camera maintenance contract in the amount of $43,000 to add 15 existing cameras that are coming off of warranty to the maintenance contract – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services
24-G-89 Approval of an amendment to Contract CP-24-01 Miscellaneous Concrete Maintenance and Asphalt Resurfacing Contract with NZI Construction Corporation in the amount of $500,825.64 for 002 the Construction of the Hollywood Road Sidewalk – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning
24-G-106 Approval of minutes from the June 11, 2024 and June 27, 2024 Council meetings.
24-G-102 Approval of the reappointments of Robert Catlin and Theresa Keeler to the College Park Housing Authority for 5-year terms beginning on May 1, 2024
Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to approve the Consent agenda, seconded by Councilmember Mackie.
ACTION ITEMS:
24-G-107 Discussion and possible action on Preliminary Plan of Subdivision 4-23035 for 9621 Autoville Drive for a 10-unit multi-family housing development (5 buildings with 2 units per building) (Planning Board date is July 18) – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning
Ms. Bader said the site is currently a rental house built in 1957, which will be raised for up to 10 multifamily units. There are 2 specimen trees that will need to be removed while two others can be saved. Due to the small scale of the unit, a traffic study is not required, but one was completed. City staff suggests supporting this project.
The recommendations from staff are as follows:
- Submission of a tree protection plan, prior to obtaining a building permit
- Work to preserve two trees, prior to obtaining a building permit; and
- The use of permeable pavement for any uncovered paved parking areas.
Mayor Kabir asked staff to clarify the need to have discussion and take action on the same night. The next meeting scheduled for council did not allow enough time prior to the county hearing on the 7/18.
Councilmember Hew mentioned community opposition to the project and asked if we opposed it what would happen. Ms. Bader said that opposition would not stop the development, as the city does not have land use authority. However, we can approve with conditions.
Councilmember Hernandez asked about procedures and expressed interest in ensuring that conditions are met. He described Autoville as a quiet section of the city in explaining why there is such opposition.
Councilmember Mackie asked for an explanation of the sentence that states the applicant will be paying a fee in lieu of contributing parkland since the construction is so small. Ms. Bader said the city will be provided with information about the fee in lieu. Ms. Mackie asked if this project would fall under the school surcharge. (It was stated later in the meeting that it would it. She asked if there was any indication that a light will be placed at Autoville and Cherry Hill. There will be no traffic light added. Mackie said it is a beautiful environmental site and would have preferred the existing house to be renovated and made bigger. She mentioned the importance of maintaining the creek.
Mayor Kabir said he attended a meeting with the applicant and the attorney.
Mayor Pro Tem mentioned attending a meeting with the applicant and her attorney. She expressed concerns about Autoville and Cherry Hill Road being a dangerous roadway and asked about reducing the number of units from 10 to 8. She said she would not support the development.
Councilmember Hew asked where stormwater discharges to.
Councilmember Whitney asked about the fee in lieu payment and clarified that it does not have to be paid to College Park.
Councilmember Rigg asked if all parking can be accommodated on site and asked about the number of people who could be in each unit. Would it still be 5 unrelated people?
Edward Gibbs, Land Use Attorney for Gibbs and Haller – Ms. Josiane Alagbe is the owner of the property/LLC. They have interacted with the Church about right of way and stormwater management issues. The requirement for a traffic impact analysis is when you get to 50 trips or more. The fee and lieu would be based upon the existing formula. The NAC zone allows for 50 units and the MUI zone allows for 30 units.
The applicant purchased the house in 2017. She came to the United States from Africa and attended the University of Maryland. The owner made improvements to the home, which currently has two graduate students living in the existing house. The housing is built upon a subdivision, and the owner plans to develop the property well below what is allowed. It has been a lengthy road to get to this point. They held meetings with Judy Blumenthal, Mary Cook, College Park Staff, NCPCA, County Councilmember Dernoga, and Residents for a Better College Park. The owner initially wanted to build 14 units and dropped the number to 10. If they drop down to 8 and proceed under the new zoning ordinance, there is no need to provide a detailed site plan. . There have been many questions about parking on site. They were told they need to pipe the stormwater crossing the property. The flow is 6.25 per second. The water is coming down Route 1 and across the commercial area onto the property. The piping of the stream has freed some space behind the development, which will allow for more parking spaces. They are willing to designate two of the units for affordable housing and are willing to support the conditions set forth by city staff.
Ms. Alagbe spoke to the Council. She is the mother of three boys. She came to the United States and initially wound up in Beltsville. Before coming to the US, she was a student at the University of Benin. She attended UMD and currently owns an IT consulting company. She feels that she owes who she is today to UMD wants to give back to the City of College Park
Mark Ferguson of RDA/Site Design, Inc. said this project entails what the Route 1 corridor plan seeks, to cluster taller buildings and density and provide buffering. It is a stepdown from the commercial properties on Route 1. It will help to make a transition to the residential area.
Councilmember Hew asked how hydrology will impact storm water management. Mr. Ferguson said it should result in slightly less storm water. The water flows to the Mazza development. The single -family homes remain north of the flow.
Councilmember Hernandez offered thanks to the owner for working with council and asked about plans to manage the property. Mr. Gibbs said the owner will hire a property manager; Ms. Arelis Perez has already provided contact. He said they will need to work with the City to determine a formula for affordable housing. Resident are concerned about traffic and traffic congestion. He suggested that the concerns of the residents be included in the covenants, if possible.
Councilmember Esters asked how the traffic study determined there would only be 5 trips in and out during peak hours. Mr. Lenhart said the study uses empirical data. Councilmember Esters asked it the analysis was based upon the number of anticipated residents or the numbers of unit. Mr. Lenhart said the analysis was based upon the number of units.
Councilmember Mackie said there is dumping in the creek and asked that efforts be made to address the situation.
Councilmember Adams said he hoped total household income and number of occupants per unit would be verified and used to define affordability for the affordable units.
Councilmember Hernandez-asked if the building would go down to 8 units if there would be a detailed site plan. Mr. Gibbs said they would be willing to move to 8 units, but there would then be no requirement for a detailed site plan. Mr. Gibbs said the applicant will bring the site plan back to the council, regardless, if that’s what Council wants.
Based upon discussion, the clerk and city attorney revised the motion.
Councilmember Hew made the revised motion, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
Councilmember Hew said it is rare we have an applicant willing to accommodate by decreasing units, using permeable surfaces, submitting a tree plan.
James Woodhouse, resident – has lived in Autoville for 32 years. This area has a number of single-family homes. He did not know the house was an LLC. People are going to walk away with money, and we have to stay there. They are sad it is going to change. It is the beginning of the end of the neighborhood.
Susan Johnson, resident – lived in Autoville for 43 years. They are not happy about the apartment building. When you start putting apartment buildings near single-family homes, they do not mix. There is turnover. She spoke about the lack of control.
Ms. Cook, resident – 23-year resident of North College Park – mixing of apple and oranges based upon what was shared versus previous meetings. Mr. Gibbs said he would use the old zoning at their first meeting. Speaking for herself, not Councilmember Dernoga. She heard there will be a central US 1 study to include the Autoville and Edgewood Rd neighborhoods. Councilmember Dernoga asked for it because he did not believe that new zoning was appropriate for residential areas. We are not obligated to say yes to the development. The county council does not have full say. There is no way to know how much water comes out of the pipe. There has been substantial flooding in the neighborhood.
Nancy Woodhouse, resident– has been in the area since 1991. There is concern about traffic. There are times they cannot get out on Cherry Hill Road. The building and construction are concerning. Doesn’t know if the developer would only take down two trees.
Robert Johnson, resident – just because you are allowed to do something it does not mean you should. College Park does not need any more apartments. Daniel Rubio, resident – supports the projects. We need more housing supply. The affordability aspect is appreciated.
Councilmember Hernandez said it is interesting to see the level of scrutiny for a small development. He is most concerned about traffic.
Councilmember Mackie – Not a big proponent of more development. Does not want to see this neighborhood inundated with townhome development. Thinks the zoning is very wrong.
Councilmember Rigg said this is the type of development that we need to support. The zoning permits higher density. When we have opportunities to increase density where it makes sense, we should do so. You can have a vibrant and safe community even with apartments in it. If you vote no, you vote for a worse outcome.
Councilmember Hew – When the applicant first came to the city, they were talking about 15 units, and we are now at 8 units and the various requests. It is the only plot that allows this kind of development.
Mayor Kabir said he had a similar story as the applicant having come here in 1998. Asked the applicant to consider that the development is part of a community including both residential and commercial residents. Asked the owner to continue their contact with community members.
Councilmember Hew made the revised motion to approve the development with conditions, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez. Vote – 7 -1
24-G-105 Approval of FY 24 Community Services Grants, totaling $14,350, for Lakeland Civic Association-$2,000; Embry Center for Family Life-$2,500; Impact Humanity-$2,500; Cub Scout Pack 740- $2,500; Boy Scouts of America Pack 740-$2,500; and Calvert Hills Citizens Association-$2350 – Gary Fields, Director of Finance
Mr. Field. One of the grant applicants has changed their request. Based upon conversations between Robert Thurston and Councilmember Whitney, he understands the Lakeland Civic Association would like to reduce their grant request to $1,000, which reduces the total to $13,350.
Councilmember Whitney made a motion to request a reduced amount of money requested by the Lakeland Civic Association since they do not plan to host a National Night Out program this August, seconded by Councilmember Esters. Approved unanimously.
24-G-108 Discussion and direction on National Night Out (neighborhood v. central event) – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services
Mr. Khokhar said he reached out to the various civic associations about doing two events. It is a public safety awareness event that brings people together. This event also provides the opportunity for the City and various agencies to showcase their work. City staff is looking for direction from Council.
Mayor Kabir likes the idea of having two events.
Councilmembers Esters suggested rotating the event each year, and Councilmember Whitey agreed.
Councilmember Hew said he noticed a convoy of staff and the Mayor trying to make it to all of the events.
Councilmember Hernandez asked if there were an issue with staggering event. He would not want the residents to lose the opportunity. We also need to find folks to organize the events.
Mayor Kabir said we currently stagger the times of the events.
Councilmember Rigg said there is no NNO event in District 3. He believes if it were a roving event, people would participate. He recognized having several events presents a real challenge.
Councilmember Mackie served on the College Park Woods Neighborhood Watch. She said the purpose of NNO was to get to know your neighbors and suggested doing it during a much cooler month.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell is not opposed to having fewer events, especially as we have staffing shortages for police and other agencies.
Mr. Young said city staff are looking at holding it at Duvall Field since it will not be available next year. He added that we should be cognizant of the needs of the 27 other municipalities in the county.
Councilmember Esters made the motion to host one event this year at Duvall Field with a second by. Mackie. The motion was unanimously approved.
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
A. Discussion on proposed staggered four-year terms for Mayor and Council – Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk
Councilmember Rigg said we have been discussing this over the past 10 years. It previously struck us that we were one of the few cities of our size that conduct their elections every two years. Having four-year staggered terms would not prove to be of benefit because we would continue to have elections everyone two years. We would need to determine the process by which we stagger terms.
Straw poll revealed lack of support for further discussion on this matter.
B. Discussion on expanding voting in City elections to residents ages 16–18 – Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk
Councilmember Rigg said several area municipalities allow for 16-year-olds to vote. The data is available, and it would be a low administrative burden for the clerk to pull in 16- and 17-year-old voters. There are smart 16- and 17-year-olds. There are about 300 16 /17-year-olds in College Park, which is very unlikely to swing an election. Former Councilmember Kennedy felt strongly about this. Rigg has only heard an upside to this change.
Mayor suggested an unbinding referendum.
Straw poll revealed the Council support for further discussion on this matter.
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER
Mayor Kabir acknowledged recent findings hateful message throughout the city. He said the City of College Park is one College Park. We are an inclusive community with no room for hate. The City Manager added that if residents come across posting on telephone poles with hate speech, do not touch it. Take a picture then call the police.
Councilmember Esters shared that the next Lakeland Civic Association will be August 8, 2024.
ADJOURN
INFORMATION REPORT (No Discussion) a) Updated City Policy: Maryland Public Information Act – Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on July 16, 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:
PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS:
Proclamation in recognition of Janeen S. Miller
CONSENT ITEMS:
Appointment of Attick Towers resident Mr. Albert Melvin as the resident commissioner to the College Park Housing Authority for a term to end May 1, 2026
ACTION ITEMS:
24-O-03 Introduction of Ordinance 24-O-03 with proposed changes to the City’s Noise Code
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
Request by the College Park Airport Authority to send a letter to the City’s federal representatives requesting they contact TSA to allow an increase in on-demand operations at the airport
Follow up discussion on draft language to amend the City Code (Chapters 125, 141 and110) to prohibit the storage of certain types of furniture in the front yard.
Parameters/Guidelines for the City’s Emergency Assistance Fund
The College Park District 2 Digest 