Comments are by Councilmember 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 September 2, 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 city had its first unruly social gathering of the year on College Ave. He thanked our contract police and said the issue has been referred to the university’s Office of Student Conduct. 
• Construction is to begin in the fall on the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at Rhode Island Avenue and Greenbelt Rd.
• roadwork on Edgewood Rd, Cherry Hill Rd and the 5000 block of Apache St.
• College Park Day will be Saturday, 10/18 from noon to 6 pm at the College Park Aviation Museum and Airport. 
• Election Day is Tuesday, 11/4, with Sunday 11/2 for early voting. Candidates must file their paperwork no later than Wednesday, 9/12 at 4 pm.

Mayor Kabir asked how many red-light cameras were soon to be installed in the city and asked that residents be notified. Mr. Young said 4 new cameras are coming.

Councilmember Whitney asked for an update on coming stop sign cameras. Mr. Young said we are still awaiting county action on that and hope it will happen by the end of the year.

Councilmember Hew asked for an update on noise cameras, and Mr. Young said the– county decided not to announce locations, but to rotate the cameras. 

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 

A. Suicide Prevention Month 

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 

Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to move Action Item 25-G-70 to just before the Public Hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell moved to approve the agenda as amended, and 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS 

Former councilmember and Co-president of the Berwyn District civic Association (BDCA) Bob Catlin said monthly BDCA meetings will resume on 9/18. He said Berwyn Day would be from noon to 4 pm on Saturday, 9/13.

He then provided a brief history of development from 1995-2004 which was focused in North College Park, aside from the Applebee’s downtown and the Juniors Tennis Champions Center. North of Greenbelt Rd saw a new 7-11 gas station, the College Park Marketplace, Ikea, and the Washington Post building.

CONSENT AGENDA 

25-G-75 Change the date of the October 14th Mayor and Council meeting to October 28th – Mayor and Council

25-G-76 Award of Current Miscellaneous Concrete Maintenance and Asphalt Resurfacing Contract CP-21-01 Option year 2 to NZI Construction Corporation for an amount not to exceed $600.000.00 – Steve Halpern, City Engineer 

25-G-77 Approval to install a stop sign on 49th Place at Blackfoot Road – Jacob Vassalotti, GSI Coordinator 

25-G-78 Approval to install stop signs on Rhode Island Avenue at Seminole Street (East Intersection) – Jacob Vassalotti, GSI Coordinator 

25-G-79 Approval of the installation of stop signs on Lackawanna Street at 47th Place making this intersection a all-way stop – Jacob Vassalotti, GSI Coordinator 

25-G-80 Approval to install a stop sign on 48th Avenue at Lackawanna Street – Jacob Vassalotti, GSI Coordinator 

25-G-81 Approval of a Driveway Apron Variance for a doublewide concrete curb-cut and driveway apron at 4904 Nantucket Road and approval of an associated Declaration of Covenants – Jacob Vassalotti, GSI Coordinator 

25-G-83 Approval of a Driveway Apron Variance for a doublewide concrete curb-cut and driveway apron at 9800 51st Avenue and approval of an associated Declaration of Covenants – Jacob Vassalotti, GSI Coordinator 

25-G-84 Approval of a letter to the 21st District Delegation requesting support for State legislation that will prohibit the sharing of data and use of algorithmic software to determine rents in Maryland. 

25-R-10 Approval of Resolution 

25-R-10, a Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park Adopting the recommendation of the Advisory Planning Commission Regarding Variance 002 Application Number CPV-2025-05, located at 4 Austin Court, College Park, Maryland, to approve a variance from Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance Section 27-11002 and validation of a previous, legal non-conforming encroachment to permit a driveway in the front yard – Miriam Bader, Planning Director 

Councilmember Hernandez motioned to pass the Consent Agenda with a second by Councilmember Esters. It was approved unanimously.

ACTION ITEM MOVED UP IN AGENDA 

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 – Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney 

City Attorney Anderson reviewed the history of the liquor license for Samosas and Spirits, LLC and stated that the Mayor & Council had discussed their application for a delivery permit at its July 8 meeting. At that time, the applicant was asked to bring the matter before the community. She said she understood that such discussions had happened in August. She said the delivery permit is governed by both local and state laws. The Board of License Commissioners rules include prohibition of delivery to campus entities such as sororities, fraternities and dorms. These and other limitations are covered under Rule 73 and Rule 76. This would be the second amendment to the city’s Property Use Agreement. The first was approved in July and added off-site Sunday sales permit. 

Councilmember Esters asked to hear more about the community feedback. Samosas & Spirits owner Nidhi Khaneja said the community was receptive to her woman-owned business and appreciated the vote for Sunday sales.

Councilmember Hew explained that the business came to the District 1 discussion to meet with residents. He said they explained their intent with delivery and answered questions. He said the residents were supportive, and Councilmember Hernandez described their presentation to the community and said he welcomed continued engagement. He also asked how the focus evolved from more of a restaurant than a liquor store. 

Ms. Khaneja said their website has been updated to emphasize fusion food and Indian street food and said they have added new menu items. When Councilmember Hernandez asked why the food was in the back of the business, her attorney Linda Carter explained that the liquor board was concerned about food being consumed in an area in which bottles were being sold. It was too late into the buildout to configure the space any other way. 

Councilmember Rigg noted that the samosas and spirits were very high quality.

Councilmember Hernandez made the motion to approve with a second by Hew. 

The vote was 7-0-1 to approve, with Councilmember Esters voting no.

PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION: 

25-O-08 An Ordinance enacting City Code Chapter 180 Vacant Property and amending Chapter 110, Fees and Penalties, to create a Vacant Property Registry Ordinance, establish conditions for registering vacant properties, specify exemptions to registration, set fees for registration, and impose fines for failing to register vacant properties.

Planning & Community Development Director Miriam Bader introduced the item, saying that the ordinance had been discussed and introduced on 8/6/25, and had been reviewed and amended by City Attorney Nate Foreman based on the Mayor and Council’s comments. 

Two residents spoke at the Public Hearing. David Dorsch said Council needed to carefully consider any actions impacting private property. He said it was a path to taxation and said it shouldn’t matter whether properties are occupied or not if they are properly maintained. 

Mayor Kabir clarified that the ordinance is about creating a registry, not taxing. 

Non-resident landlord Richard Biffel said he was concerned about people innocently falling into the fine and said the only reason for the registry was as a path to taxation. He said he understood why the city would want properties to have their highest use but said that people sometimes hold onto properties so they can sell it for a larger development in the future. He said the city has bought vacant lots to preserve lower density neighborhoods. 

Director Bader said if the property has never been graded or cleared, the owner is not required to register it. 

Council made several suggested changes and asked questions:

• Councilmember Whitney suggested under Section 180-4, subsections H & J, the percentage of occupancy that allowed multifamily dwellings or non-residential properties of four or more units not to register their property as vacant be increased from 25% to 50%. 
• Councilmember Ranker asked that we reference “Act of Nature” instead of “Act of God.” He said he thinks this is an important measure for the city, saying there are increasing problems with squatters. He said the registry will help our public safety officers know which building are vacant.
• It was clarified that there would be no charge for owners of properties registered as vacant to modify their registration to ensure it is accurate.
• Councilmember Hernandez asked that the fines for not registering be well publicized throughout the city.
• Councilmember Rigg said that while vacancies might make sense for property owners, that does not mean it’s in the best interest of the city or its residents. In his opinion, it’s best for houses to be occupied. He said commercial spaces are being left vacant to have a lower property tax base, which deprives residents of commercial activities and undermines property tax revenue.
• Many councilmembers thanked the Vacant and Blighted Property committee and staff for their work on the ordinance.

Councilmember Whitney made the motion to amend the ordinance based on Council’s discussion and was seconded by Councilmember Esters. Audience members had no comment, and the motion was unanimously approved.

Councilmember Hernandez made the motion to pass the ordinance as amended and was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell. The ordinance passed unanimously.

25-G-82 Petition request for a traffic calming device on Lackawanna Street between 47th Place and 48th Place – Jacob Vassalotti, GIS Coordinator and Steve Halpern, City Engineer 

After an introduction by Mr. Vassalotti, Councilmember Mackie asked how often we meet the criteria when putting in traffic calming. Mr. Vassalotti said the requirements (for existing speed & traffic volume) have only been met once during his time with the city.

As the Public Hearing commenced, Mr. Dubman, who lives on the block being considered, said the road sees a lot of cut-through traffic and is smoother than it used to be, which encourages speeding. He sees many pedestrians walking dogs and taking young children to Hollywood Elementary. He said it’s essential to protect residents. 

Mayor Kabir noted that a Mr. Donaldson sent a letter in favor.

The Public Hearing was closed and Councilmembers commented and asked questions:

• Councilmember Hew was told there are speed bumps on other sections of Lackawanna. 
• Councilmember Ranker asked if the new stop signs Council had just approved might be adequate
• Councilmember Hernandez said the sloping road allows cars to speed up quickly following a stop and that we shouldn’t wait for another accident to happen. The sight distance is inadequate, and it’s dark at night
• Councilmember Rigg said the issue is lack of sidewalks and drunk driving and said we shouldn’t waste staff resources on traffic studies if we’re going to install traffic calming irrespective of staff recommendation.
• Councilmember Mackie supports traffic calming, saying speeding on the road is always visible. Road is narrow. She agreed we should also consider sidewalks. 

Councilmember Hernandez made the motion with a second by Hew. 

The ordinance passed with a vote of 7-1-0 with Rigg being in opposition.

ACTION ITEMS: 

25-O-09 Introduction of Ordinance 

25-O-09 an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, Maryland, Amending Chapter 175 “Taxation” “§ 175-9 “Eligibility Requirements”; and § 175-10 “Eligibility Criteria”; concerning the Grant a Tax Credit Against the City Property Tax Imposed on Real Property within the Revitalization Tax Districts – Michael Williams, Economic Development Manager and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney

City Attorney Stephanie Anderson reviewed Mayor & Council’s extensive discussion of 25-O-09 over several work sessions. She pointed out a new provision to address some of the environmental concerns related to the projects, adding language about tree plantings and sustainable infrastructure.

There was much discussion about the inclusion of affordable student housing.

• Mayor Kabir asked why not affordable housing, in general
• Councilmember Rigg said non-student affordable housing is already supported at the federal & state level
• Councilmember Whitney stated that full-time students are not allowed to access most affordable housing developments.
• Mr. Young stated that “workforce housing” is affordable housing
• Councilmember Esters and Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said affordable housing for students continues to be an issue.
• Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said the body had sometimes elected tax credits of only 2 or 3 years, rather than the maximum 5.
• Councilmember Mackie got confirmation that any project considered for a credit would have to come before Mayor & Council
• Mr. Young said that the city has changed a lot of the application requirements, requiring additional information.
• Councilmember Hernandez said the 2025 development report indicated overdevelopment of student housing in College Park. He said we should work with UMD to build affordable student housing on campus. He predicts existing luxury apartments will come to council to ask for subsidies to make their units affordable. 
• Councilmember Ranker shared his support for inclusion of affordable student housing, saying fulltime students can’t access federal housing choice vouchers. He said he’s very in favor of all types of affordable housing.

Mr. Williams closed the discussion by pointing out that the potential credits also apply to industrial districts. He said the city could attract good businesses that employ people. 

Councilmember Rigg made the motion with a second by Dr. Esters. 

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS 

1. Discussion on preparing an Early Lease Ordinance to establish an effective date of the Ordinance and establishing the timeframe in which property owners must communicate an offer for a successive lease, or notice of non-renewal to a current tenant – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services 

SGA Student Liaison Nick DiSpirito opened the discussion by saying that they often hear from other students about how early they must sign their leases. He lives in College Park Towers and was asked in December to renew, with almost daily reminders that followed. He said renters face this situation citywide. He said plans can change over time, especially for students, and asking them to re-up early deprives them of the opportunity to choose what’s best for them. He said Ann Arbor’s Early Lease Ordinance offers a good model for protecting renters. He said it:

1. 180 days prior notice to ask for renewal
2. Gives the tenant at least 30 days to repond
3. Gives the landlord 30 days to accept offer

SGA Deputy Student Liaison Amira Abujuma provided examples of why having more time before renewing your lease is important. She said students might not know if they are approved to study abroad. She said many students lost their scholarships and internships under the new administration. She said deciding whether they can afford a lease a year from now is difficult. She said the 180-day limitation would also align private buildings with the schedule for university apartments, which gives students more freedom of choice. 

Councilmember Rigg thinks the change will benefit landlords and tenants alike. 

Councilmember Esters said students are here to learn and need to be given time to decide what works best for them. She said we should move forward with the ordinance and provide parameters. 

Councilmember Ranker agrees this is an important issue. He wants to know if rent prices have increased in Ann Arbor because apartments are not offering discounts to students to get them to renew early. Have prices risen as a result of not being able to entice students to renew early? He wants to make sure we’re doing this right.

Councilmember Mackie expressed her support, saying it’s important that all renters have this peace of mind. She agrees that a person should be allowed to sign early if they want to, but they should not be forced to. 

Mr. Young said we were looking at Ann Arbor revised ordinance. The original was passed in 2022, and we’re learning from their mistakes. He said staff would investigate an ordinance they would not preclude people from renewing early if they wish to do so.

2. Discussion and review of Chapter 125, Section 10-J that limits lawn heights to no more than 12 inches – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services 

Director Khokar said code enforcement and public works have met three times to discuss the issue, and his team has engaged the Bee City USA and the Committee for a Better Environment. 

Jonathan “Dutch” Nagelvoort, Assistant Director Landscape & Greenspace, said Apex, NC has a recognition program for those planting native species. The city is training code enforcement to recognize native plantings, but if we have a list, we can go out and know the addresses of those who are participating.

Director Khokar said the city has guidelines, but many terms need to be updated and there’s need for training all involved.

Mayor and Council discussed the proposal:

• Councilmember Esters appreciates both the desire to keep things neat and the importance of pollinators and native plantings. She asked if the application process would be preferred by staff. She’s concerned about staff having to decide what is native.
• Mr. Nagelvoort said he looked at Apex, NC’s application and customized it for College Park. He thinks we should have properties register for this and No Mow April. 
• Mr. Khokar said they want a process that’s objective and inclusive.
• Councilmember Whitney suggested a more succinct application that’s easy to complete. She said the city should require participants to put a small, free metal sign in their yard that announces participation and has a QR code linking to information about the program. It would make enforcement easy for staff while promoting the program.
• Councilmember Rigg said a lot of landlords are saying they have native plantings, but it’s mostly weeds. As someone who supported code changes that allowed native plantings, he has been somewhat regretful. He said we need a thoughtful approach with structure and standards. 
• Councilmember Mackie said a resident was concerned about ticks, mosquitoes and rats. Mr. Nagelvoort said mosquitoes like standing water not grass; wildlife brings ticks; and rats like trash but rabbits like grass. Mackie asked if staff would follow up on participants to ensure they are doing what they said. Mr. Khokar will get back to Council on that.
• Councilmember Whitney asked about the requirement to provide water for pollinators, and Councilmember Hew replied that a bubbler or fountain would prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
• Councilmember Ranker had a free audit by the Audubon Society and learned his yard was mostly non-native or invasive. He said it was hard to find the plants they suggested and asked how we could make it easier for people to participate. 
• Mayor Kabir said Bee City USA has been growing natives to give residents for free.
• Councilmember Hew said we need education and that requiring registration is good. He asked that consideration be given for the frequency of registration, saying renters may participate, then move, which could turn into a weed garden. He mentioned Bee City’s plant growing efforts and said he hoped more plant nurseries would see the demand.
• Councilmember Hernandez sees this as an effort to protect pollinators and property values at same time. He said native gardens support pollinators and have lower maintenance, and millennials shop for environmental features in homes. He said we need to ensure good maintenance occurs and likes the idea of requiring a sign. He disagrees with having to register for No Mow April. 

Mr. Young said staff have what they need to return with an ordinance.

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

Ranker asked to bring Ranked Choice Voting back and was seconded by Hernandez. The vote was 7-0-1 in favor with Hew in opposition.

Councilmember Hernandez asked that the 9/9 proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month be presented in Spanish, as well. 

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

• Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell thanked Public Services and the county for their help with a house in College Park Wood that had 3 kitchens.
• Mayor Kabir read a statement in response to recent comments made during a meeting of Mayor and Council.
• Councilmember Whitney said this is the 1^st election in which 16-year-olds can vote.
• Councilmember Esters said students should take care of themselves as new year begins
• Councilmember Hew announced that Berwyn Ballet School registration has opened. 
• Councilmember Hernandez thanked everyone who helped with the District 1 discussion in August. He reminded parents having issues with buses to contact their school board members who need to hear from you.
• SGA Student Liaison Dispirito thanked the body, city staff and SGA President Dhruvak Mirani for moving forward with the lease ordinance. He noted a potential candidate forum hosted by SGA. 
• SGA Deputy Student Liaison Abujuma asked that community members, especially students, contact them with any issues they should bring forward.
• City Manager Young noted the city has made a lot of new hires to replace staff that has retired. 

Councilmember Hernandez made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Rigg. It passed unanimously.

MEETING ADJOURNED

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on Septmber 9, 2025. 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:

• Approval of the appointment of Leroy Kelly to the College Park Housing Authority for a five-year term as the Resident Commissioner
• Award of an amendment to contract CP-24-01 with NZI Construction Corporation in the amount of $306,643.27 for construction of sidewalk on Ruatan Street
• A presentation on Financial statements/information required from City grant recipients/applicants
• Worksessions:
  • Recommendations of the compensation of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmembers
  • Enhancing Energy Efficiency – Pilot program that will assist single family homeowners applying to secure an energy audit by a Maryland certified electrician/contractor to determine energy efficiency levels in line with Maryland Empower 
  • Discussion and review of Chapter 129 License and Chapter 144 Occupancy Permits of the City Code 
  • Discussion of Potential Annexation Options