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 8, 2025. By going to this link, you can 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 announced the upcoming Teen Time activity dates. He said Teen Time will be held on July 9, 16, and 23 at Youth and Family Services located at 4912 Nantucket Road. He said limited space was available. The next Friday Night Live event will be held on Friday, July 11, weather permitting. Thunderball will be the musical entertainment, and there will be beer and activities for the kids. The first Taste of College Park event will occur the week of July 21-27. Over twenty restaurants throughout the city will participate. Councilmember Hernandez inquired about restaurants located in North College Park and offered to help showcase businesses there. Mr. Young said North College Park restaurants are participating in the event. 

Mr. Young said the Board of Elections will meet in the coming week to plan for the upcoming city elections. He said Election Day will be Tuesday, November 4 and early voting will be Sunday, November 2. He said applications and information will be made available starting July 14 for those interested in running for office. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Former Mayor Andrew Fellows, Former District 2 Councilmember Maxine Gross. 

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Whitney made a motion to approve the meeting agenda, seconded by Councilmember Esters.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Maxine Gross, resident – recited a poem written in 1977 by a resident of Lakeland. Ms. Gross said we are here to engage in an act of hope, and she acknowledged that the world has changed drastically since we began discussions about the repair of the Lakeland Community, but we can still make commitments. She referenced the old saying, how do you eat an elephant, one bite at a time. She said do not be afraid to eat that meal. 

CONSENT AGENDA

25-G-67 Approval of annual renewal of the Accela software licensing contract for use by Public Services, Planning and Engineering staff, in the amount of $64,097.28 for the period July 26, 2025, through July 25, 2026 – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services 

25-G-68 Approval of a Property Use Agreement in support of Li Chun Food Corporation t/a Li Chun Café for a Class B, Beer, Wine, and Liquor License located at 7401 Baltimore Ave, Suite 1C, College Park, Maryland, 20740 – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services 

Councilmember Esters made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Rigg. The Consent Agenda passed unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS: 

Restorative Justice Presentation- Teresa Way-Pezzuti, Director of Human Resources and Courtnie Thurston, Graphic Designer

Ms. Thurston said she has served as interim racial equity officer in the absence of Kayla Carter. She then introduced the African American Redress Network (AARN) to present the findings of their Lakeland Harm Report. 

Dr. Linda Mann, Co-founder of AARN, thanked the city for having the courage to move forward with the proposal and having them present their findings tonight. She said she acknowledged the work that had come well before the report from the Lakeland Civic Association (LCA), the Lakeland Community Heritage Project, and members of the community. She said their involvement served as a reminder of the importance of this work; it was a powerful reminder motivation. She also acknowledged the community organizations including Embry AME, Howard University School of Law, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and University of Maryland. She said their expertise and insight brought interesting data and helped to enrich this work. She thanked the AARN team who cultivated dialogue which created a healing environment. 

Dr. Mann said the project would not be possible without the Mayor, Council, the staff and their commitment to justice and well-being. She said the goal of the final report is to propose a foundation for the city to follow. It ensures that the presence of Lakelanders is valued. 

Charkera Ervins of AARN said she was responsible for the community engagement aspect of the project. She said outreach was central to data collection. The outreach began at Lakeland Day and continued with a Community Block Party, listening sessions, town halls, interviews, surveys, and workshops. Outreach included email blasts and knocking on doors. She said the methodology and framework for the report included policy analysis, historical analysis, interpretation of impact and engagement with the members of the Lakeland Diaspora. She said the process of restorative justice should be an ongoing, and it should stop the harms. 

Pablo Vasquez of AARN discussed the policy analysis. He said they used Pillars from the Braxton Institute and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Each pillar referenced a proposed action step:

Housing

• Providing just compensation for the discrepancies between acquisition prices and fair market value. Recommendation is for the city to compensate homeowners or descendants. 

Impact Analysis – In 1975 the average cost of a home in Lakeland was $45,000. In the average cost of a home is $456,000. This represents a nominal increase of $411,000. 

Next Steps – city to investigate the reason for the discrepancy between acquisition price and fair market prices, outreach of Lakeland Community to document all property owners and their descendants.

• Establishing a Return to Lakeland Program – the Lakela diaspora is spread throughout the country. The city can work to facilitate a return.

Public rhetoric played a role in the displacement of Lakelanders over the course of 15 years beginning in 1970. There is a desire to return to Lakeland, but the character of the community has changed to accommodate lower-cost student housing. 

Next Steps – pass a resolution to support a return to Lakeland, conduct outreach to gain interest, and hold townhalls.

Nature

• Restoring Access to Lake Artemesia

$1-2 Million dollars to build a bridge or replace some panels with reinforced glass. 

The wall has blocked access to Lakeland and resulted in nature- deprivation illness. Also, the City should be aware that Lakeland was hit hard during Hurricane Agnes. The expected increase in the size of the 100-year flood plan makes Lakeland susceptible to flood damage.

Next Steps – pass a resolution to restore access to Lake Artemesia 

• Establish a Steering Committee to explore options, including funding sources.
• Executing the plan
• College Park can invest in net metering infrastructure. 

The Residential Clean Energy Credit is a federal income tax credit that allows homeowners to claim 30% tax credit for solar panels, which will drop to 26% in 2032 and then be phased out in 2034.

Next steps – affirming support for implementing a net metering pilot program in Lakeland. 

• Establish a committee to explore putting such a program in place.
  • The entire city could benefit from such a program, but it can be piloted in Lakeland. 
• Connectivity

Creating a Lakeland Pass to allow members of the Lakeland Community and Diaspora to ride the bus for free. 

It is not easy to navigate in and out of the community given there are only three entry ways. Members of the Lakeland community need to come out of the community to gain access to public transportation. Understand how the Purple Line impacts the community. 

Next steps – create a resolution to support the establishment of a Lakeland Pass for Lakelanders

• Reach out to stakeholders.
• What are the costs and what would it take?

• Learning – establish a free undergraduate/graduate education program for Lakelanders at the University of Maryland and revitalize K-12 education in Lakeland. 

UMD has a unique legal status – the Board of Regents is authorized to pay the director of finance a sum to be of benefit to the city of College Park. 

There are existing scholarship programs to use as models such as the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program. Wiener and Associations could provide free housing to students while enrolled. 

UMD’s Student population has grown over 8%. This led to speculation of properties in Lakeland, although Lakelanders were unable to access a UMD education.

Next steps – pass a resolution. 

• Reach out to Lakeland to gauge interest.
• Plan logistics
• Survey Community and available education data to clarify gaps and needs. 
• Launch the first class for Lakelanders. 
• Look for opportunities for collaboration and find synergies.

 Dr. Mann concluded the presentation and said the AARN would be turning the report over to the Mayor and Council.

Mayor Kabir asked the city manager to talk about the investment in restorative justice. Mr. Young mentioned staff dedicated to the effort and consultancy work. 

Councilmember Esters thanked the AARN Team for their work with the community and their comprehensive report. She said she was struck by the comment that restorative justice is ongoing work. 

Councilmember Whitney thanked the Lakelanders who participated in the process and was struck by shame, anger and sadness. She said the report revealed that time and time again Lakelanders have come before the city and made clear what they wanted, and they were ignored. There were lots of failures. She said she was very hopeful and very appreciative for a path for us to move forward and do better. 

Councilmember Hernandez thanked AARN for the extensive research. He said he did not have the opportunity to grow up in an all-Black community. He acknowledged the mention of holding town halls to help educate others. He said he wanted to remind everyone that there were many who played a role in Urban Renewal. 

Councilmember Hew said the report was an eye-opener. It is a guideline for many other communities. He said he grew up in Hawaii, and it is a familiar story. He said he was glad to be part of the process.

Councilmember Rigg said he found the historical and policy work extraordinary. He said our work needs to determine what is achievable as some of what was proposed would be challenging. He said working to improve public school and financial reparations would be incomprehensible. It is a lot to chew on, but it would be a lot to consider. We must now understand what we can do, and what will be challenging. He mentioned the reference to the bridge over Lake Artemesia was mentioned as $1-2 million dollars. He mentioned that he has knowledge about a recent bridge at the cost of $17 million dollars.

Councilmember Mackie said she appreciated the details of the reports, and that the information is very important for us to move forward to working with all of College Park. 

Dr. Mann said that the next steps were to align with strategic objectives. She said if we wanted assistance or help, they could provide input. 

ACTION ITEMS: 

25-G-69 Approval of a Property Use Agreement for Samosas and Spirits LLC, t/a Samosas and Spirits for a Delivery Permit and Sunday Off Sales Permit for Class B+ Beer, Wine and Liquor, Beer, Wine and Liquor Testing License for 10250 C, Baltimore Avenue, College Park Maryland, 20740 – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services 

Mr. Khokhar said the applicant is seeking city support for a special off-sale permit to allow alcoholic sales.

Ms. Linda Carter, the applicant’s attorney, said the sale of alcohol will only be during the operation of the restaurant. Sales include a combination of samosas and wine and spirits. 

Councilmember Hernandez asked what is the primary purpose of the business? Concerns about the $50,000 Community funding. Ms. Carter explained that the owner is seeking a waiver because they have already invested in their business and that the $50,000 commitment was not for community funding, but rather for investing in the business. He asked why they are applying for it now. Ms. Carter said their previous attorney should have applied for it in the initial application but did not. Councilmember Hew said he was on council when this was changed, and it is a drop in the bucket to ask for improvement. He asked if they own another liquor store. He thinks it would be nice to know the vibe of the other locations. He looked up the crime statistics in the shopping center, which have been low, but that was before ithad a liquor store. He said he was excited by the food and drink being offered. He says he wants to support but would like to see what happens. 

Ms. Carter asked for a six-month trial period to see if anything happens. 

Councilmember Mackie asked about the history behind the law. Ms. Carter said that years ago the county said it would create 100 special sale licenses. It has since removed the cap.

Mayor Kabir mentioned the two existing apartment complexes near the location and asked if anyone had spoken to the residents. Ms. Carter said they have received no indication there is any opposition. 

Councilmember Rigg said he would defer to community concern. He said not having heard much opposition he is inclined to support it. He would suggest that this is the type of business we should be supporting. 

Councilmember Esters mentioned concern about the store signage and asked why the primary signage of the store referenced Wine and Spirits and not Samosas and Spirits. She said it seems like a liquor store. 

Councilmember Hernandez said he found it odd that such a provision exists. He said the website looks like it is for a liquor store. The applicant said the website is powered by City High and they automatically pair food with alcohol. They are keeping the business closed on Sundays because the current restrictions are confusing to customers. He said there was no bar in the café. 

Councilmember Mackie said she does not tend to support liquor licenses. She said the pleas from the owner are making her want to give them a chance to see what happens. She said she is concerned that they did not go to the civic association in North College Park. 

Councilmember Hew said he was open to a compromise for the applicant to come back before Council in six months to see how they are doing. 

Ms. Anderson said the hearing is tomorrow and the license is given as an annual permit. 

Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to approve, seconded by Councilmember Hew. It was unanimously approved.

25-G-70 Support of Samosas and Spirits LLC, t/a Samosas and Spirits application for a Delivery Permit for Class B+, Beer, Wine and Liquor, Beer, Wine, and Liquor Tasting alcoholic beverage license for 10250 C Baltimore Avenue, College Park, Maryland 20740 – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services 

Mr. Khokhar introduced the agenda item. The applicant is seeking a delivery permit for the sale of alcohol off of the premises. 

Ms. Carter said delivery is allowed statewide. She said Prince George’s County does allow delivery, and you can deliver anything that is statutorily allowed. Third-party delivery is not allowed. 

Ms. Carter said It is a privilege to deliver; if there were a violation the owner would lose their license. 

Councilmember Esters expressed concern and asked how does someone know those to whom they are selling alcohol? Ms. Carter explained a purchase process that required ID verification. 

Councilmember Hernandez asked if they sell products beyond alcohol. The owner said they sell vapes, but they are not prominent. He said they are suffering from the lack of sales. Councilmember Hernandez said he wants this to be presented to the residents first. 

Councilmember Hew asked if they could come back in six months. He would like to discuss it after they speak with the community. 

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

1. Pilot Security Camera Incentive Program for City of College Park Homeowners and Businesses – Kenneth Young, City Manager

Mr. Young introduced the program and said it would be modeled on a program in the District of Columbia. He said the cameras could help us in solving crimes within the city. It would be an opportunity to help make neighborhoods a bit safer. 

Councilmember Hernandez said there was an incident in North College Park in 2023 when there were thirty cars vandalized in Hollywood and multiple car break-ins. During a recent Public Safety meeting, there was a discussion with residents about how to collaborate with police. ADC Keleti thinks that such a program could be helpful to police in solving crimes. 

Councilmember Hew said he was aware of a similar program in the county. Mr. Gardiner said the county approved the program, but it was not funded. 

Councilmember Esters said she understood the concerns around issues of privacy and asked if we are accomplishing the purpose of such a program if we do not require people to share their video. She said if we move forward with such a program it be restricted to residents. 

Councilmember Whitney said she was generally in favor, but we should not require people to share video. 

Councilmember Mackie thanked the individuals who sent suggestions through CPMC. She said we should listen to the residents. She asked staff why we would not offer uniform cameras. Mr. Young said people will have certain preferences. We would not want to call out a particular brand, only minimum specifications. 

Councilmember Rigg said it would be a matter of public record that the city funded cameras. We should be careful. He does not know that small incentives change behavior and does not believe it is the best use of public resources. He mentioned the expense for paying an ongoing monthly fee for data storage. He said many people who purchase cameras may experience sticker shock. He said he is a little skeptical. 

Councilmember Hew said Councilmembers Mackie and Rigg brought up issues that arose at the county level. The county program was suggested after a young person was murdered, and there were many cameras but people hadn’t paid to store the footage. He said more cameras on the market today have a hard drive and RAM. He said if we do it, the cameras should have built-in storage.

Councilmember Hernandez said the program would be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. He said the vision is for this is to be a pilot to determine the popularity of the service. The intention of the program is to help address the safety concerns of the residents. It would provide evidence. 

Mr. Young said he can bring it back for council action. 

2. Discussion and review of the Code and Parking Enforcement Statutes – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services 

It was removed from the agenda. A request was made for clarification of all items to be addressed. 

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

Mr. Turnbull, residents – said he was disappointed. He said we need to limit the amount of time spent on items. We are pushing forward with the issue of parking in the city. The rental units are causing the parking issue. He is a senior citizen who wants to park in front of his house. What are we going to do about the increasing number of rental units?

 COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER

Councilmember Hew said next week he will have completed the Citizen Police Academy. He said it was a great learning experience.

Councilmember Hernandez asked Mr. Turnbull if he was a resident and suggested that he send him an email. He said District 1 residents should look out for a district discussion.

SGA Liaison – talked to AARN about their work and connecting with the University.

Mr. Young said the Community Preservation Trust closed on their 100^th home. 

MEETING ADJOURNED

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on August 6, 2025, once it is available. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following anticipated Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Worksession 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:

• Discussion of Real Page and other price-fixing software
• Annexation Policy
• Quarterly Financial Presentations