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

EDMONSTON ROAD

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

RHODE ISLAND AVENUE NORTH OF UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD

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

WSSC WORK

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

WGL WORK

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

WGL STREET REPAIRS

Contractor is resurfacing the following locations this week:

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

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

Haga clic aquí para leer esta publicacion en español.

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

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

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

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

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

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

CONSENT AGENDA

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

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

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

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

 PUBLIC HEARING

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

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

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

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

ACTION ITEMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Council voted unanimously to approve the DSP.

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

WORKSESSION/DISCUSSION 

Mayor Pro Tem Position

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

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

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

Legislative Dinner – October 11, 2023

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

ADJOURN

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

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

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

 ACTION ITEMS

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

The Public Hearing was held on October 10, 2023.

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

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Haga clic aquí para leer esta publicacion en español.

Click here to watch the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on October 3, 2023. By going to this link, you are able to watch the discussion of specific agenda items you are interested in. If you have questions about Council actions and discussions, please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov.
PROCLAMATION
A. Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 9, 2023)
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion to approve agenda by Councilmember Whitney, seconded by Councilmember Mackie
CONSENT AGENDA
23-R-12 Resolution of the Advisory Planning Commission of the City of College Park Regarding Variance Number CPV-2023-03, Located at 9722 53 rd Avenue, College Park, Maryland, Recommending Approval of One Variance and Three Validations: A 3-Foot Variance from Prince George’sCounty Zoning Ordinance Section 27-11002 (a), 7-foot side yard setbacks validation, 5,550-Foot Lot Size Validation, and 50-Foot Lot Width Validation from Section 27-4202 (e) (2) of the Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance, to Construct a 10-foot-wide driveway on the property (Appeal period ends Oct 3).

23-G-146 Approval of a letter to M-NCPPC requesting it fund certain parks, trails, and recreation projects in College Park – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

23-G-147 Approval of a parking prohibition on the 5000 block of Nantucket Road between 51st Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue in Hollywood to improve access to the dumpster area behind College Park Plaza from Nantucket Road – Jacob Vassalotti, GIS Coordinator

Motion to approve consent agenda made by Councilmember Mackie, seconded by Councilmember Kennedy
ACTION ITEMS
23-O-09 Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, amending Chapter 144
“Occupancy Permits”, § 144-1 Statement of Policy, §144-2 Definitions, §144-3 Occupancy Permits
Required, §144-7 Revocation; Reinstatement; renumbering and amending, §144-8, Violations and
Penalties; enacting §144-8 Challenge to Affirmations, §144-9 Short Term Rental Licenses; Host
Requirements, §144-10 Incorporation of County Code Requirements, and amending Chapter 110, Fees and Penalties, §110-2, Penalties, to Regulate Short-Term Rentals, to Require Short-Term Rental Host Platforms to require any Short-term Rental Host in the city to submit a copy of the Host’s Rental License to the Platform, prior to the Rental being listed on the Platform, and to set fines for violation.
The Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Motion made by Councilmember Rigg, seconded by Councilmember Esters
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
A. Consideration of Detailed Site Plan DSP-22035, Terrapin House, located at the northeast quadrant of
Baltimore Avenue and Hartwick Road and a Declaration of Covenants and Agreement Regarding Land
Use – Erik Valentine, Community Development Planner
The applicant is to offer market rate or student housing in this 93-unit building. There will be no
entrance to the garage from Baltimore Ave, and there will be a total of 90 parking spaces. The
development will provide 8000 sq ft of tree canopy, which exceeds the requirement of 3000 sq ft. The City is providing a condition related to the specimen tree on Hartwick road and asking the applicant to work with its horticulturalist to do what they can to preserve the tree.

Two outdoor amenity spaces will be provided on the property. The building will step down to three stories for the section that faces Yale Ave.

The applicant has made the following modifications to the site plan: Silver certification rather than LEED certification and a reduction in the size of the nonparallel parking spaces to ensure the number of spaces required on-site. Although the site plan is being approved under the previous zoning requirements, the smaller parking space size would conform to current code. The City has concerns about potential overflow parking into the neighborhood, and staff asks that residents of the building be prohibited from obtaining Zone 6 parking permits.

Staff recommendations include that the Declaration of Covenants state that the developers must make every effort to ensure the survival of the specimen tree and must provide a replacement if it dies within 5 years of construction. In addition, staff would require the leasing agents to inform residents that they cannot obtain Zone 6 parking permits. The Landmark has similar parking restrictions.

Attorney Matt Tedesco said the project has been in the works for at least 3 ½ years, and owner Rich
Greenberg has owned the property for 3 decades. They have sought to meet all City requests, including a high-quality development, a step down to the neighborhood, and providing all parking on site. The building will have 93 family units and 4800 square feet of commercial space. The historic preservation society supported the project. They have had their expert arborist assess the specimen tree, a willow oak, and he believes that tree can be preserved. The building was stepped back to allow for the preservation of the tree.

The applicant, engineering firm and attorney fielded questions regarding stormwater management and communication with the commercial tenants. The proposed development will improve stormwater management on the site where it is currently non-existent. The owner expressed his appreciation for his commercial tenants and said he has yet to communicate plans because he felt it was premature; he anticipates breaking ground in 2025.

Mayor and Council expressed appreciation for key businesses currently occupying the commercial space and emphasized the importance of the owner working closely with business owners, helping them through the transition, and helping them to return.

B. Update on Business Retention and Attraction Fund – Michael Williams, Director of Economic
Development
Mr. Williams gave a quick overview of the Campus Village Shopping Center. He said funding requests from businesses have ranged from $15,000 to $200,000. He said neighboring municipalities have been able to house some of the businesses that are being displaced. Four food trucks will come out of the Campus Village Shopping Center displacement, and some tenants have expressed a desire to occupy space in Virtual X Kitchen.

To date, the fund has been able to assist approximately 85 businesses. We want to help businesses, but we do not want to give flat subsidies to companies that will not do well. We’re aiming for legacy tools for economic development and resources that will keep them here and help them grow.Council discussion focused on the concerns related to the risk of giving grants, existing finance mechanisms, the possibilities of offering micro loans, and the sustainability of the program.

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on
October 10, 2023. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions that may interest District 2 residents. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need accommodations to participate in a meeting, including language translation:
CONSENT AGENDA:

23-G-150 Award a contract for the purchase of one (1) new 2024 Battle Motors/Crane Carrier New Way body rear loader packer utilizing pricing from competitively bid Sourcewell Contract #091219,
subject to the approval of the City Attorney — Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works
23-G-151 Approval of a Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Grant application for the Old Parish House maintenance work in the amount of $1,117 – Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator
PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Ordinance 23-O-08, An Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park, Amending Chapter 175 “Taxation”, By Enacting Article V, “Property Tax Credit For Elderly Individuals”, §175-14
“Establishment Of Tax Credit”, §175-15, “Eligibility”, §175-16, “Amount And Duration Of Credit”, §175-
17, “Application For The Tax Credit, And §175-18, “Effective Date Of The Tax Credit” To Authorize The
Mayor And Council To Approve A Tax Credit For Elderly Individuals And To Provide The Extent, Duration, And Eligibility Requirements For The Credit As Authorized By §9-258 Of The Taxation- Property Article, Annotated Code Of Maryland (Further discussion and action on this Ordinance will be at the October 17, 2023 meeting.)
ACTION ITEMS
23-G-148 Approval of recommendations on Detailed Site Plan DSP-22035, Terrapin House, located at the northeast quadrant of Baltimore Avenue and Hartwick Road and a Declaration of Covenants and
Agreement Regarding Land Use – Erik Valentine, Community Development Planner

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

Haga clic aquí para leer esta publicacion en español.

Click here to watch the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on September 26, 2023. By going to this link, you are able to watch the discussion of specific agenda items you are interested in. If you have questions about Council actions and discussions, please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov.

PROCLAMATIONS

Surprise proclamation done for outgoing City Attorney Suellen Ferguson acknowledging her many years of service to the City of College Park.  

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

23-G-146  Councilmember Rigg moved to place on the Consent Agenda an item calling for the City  dedicate a bench along the Trolley Trail in honor of outgoing city attorney Suellen Ferguson. Secondedby  Councilmember Kennedy.  

23-G-145  City Council  to send a letter to the Prince George’s County Council Committee for Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and the Environment committee opposing a part of CB-79-23 that would amend the County Better Bag Bill by making 10 cents the maximum charge, rather than the minimum charge, for each bag provided by a retailer.    

23-G-147  City Council to send a letter to the county requesting that CB83 residential building permit allocation program be tabled for consideration so it can be reviewed by the City and City Attorney. The bill was introduced on September 26, and it has been sent to the director of planning.  It is sponsored by Councilmembers Tom Dernoga and Jolene Ivey. Move to Consent Agenda. Motion made by Councilmember Mitchell and seconded by Councilmember Whitney.

CONSENT AGENDA 

23-G-142 Approval of a sponsorship in the amount of $2,000 for Holy Redeemer School Home and School Association’s Monster Dash 5k Race – Gary Fields, Director of Finance

23-G-143 Approval of a contract with Thomas Steel Barriers for the purchase of pin down barriers for Knox Road closures – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works

Items 23-G-145, 23-G-146 and 23-G-147 described above. Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda by Councilmember Esters and seconded by Councilmember Whitney.

ACTION ITEMS

23-O-08 Introduction of Ordinance 23-O-08, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, amending Chapter 175 “Taxation”, by enacting article V, “Property tax credit for elderly individuals”, §175-14 “Establishment of tax credit”, §175-15,“Eligibility”, §175-16, “Amount and duration of credit”, §175-17,“Application for the tax credit, and §175-18, “Effective date of the tax credit,” to authorize the Mayor and Council to approve a tax credit for elderly individuals and to provide the extent, duration, and eligibility requirements for the credit as authorized by §9-258of Taxation-Property Article, Annotated Code of Maryland – Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney

Mr. Fields said 87% of the properties in the City would meet the County requirement that the maximum assessed value of the property be $500 thousand or less, so it is not anticipated that many seniors would be ineligible for the credit based on the assessed value of their home. 

Public hearing to be held on October 10. 

Council members inquired about the possibilities of extending the proposed program beyond five years and increasing the assessed house value for the purposes of eligibility. The fund would be reviewed during each year’s Budget Worksession to determine what the Mayor and Council would want to do with the program.    

There was a request to have an FAQ to share with the community to explain the ordinance.  

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS (Action On These Items Is Not Expected At This Meeting.)

A. Discussion of regulations of short-term rentals/AirBNBs – Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney

Director of Public Services Bob Ryan introduced the item and said the City regulates short-term residential rentals in the same manner as long-term residential properties. He explained that properties that are not owner-occupied are required to obtain a city rental occupancy permit and be inspected annually. There are no limits on the number of days that the property can be rented.  

The City can differentiate between short-term and long-term rentals and require registration by short-term rental platforms. The City can also adopt the County law by reference.  

Councilmembers discussed the need to address the regulation of short-term rentals before it becomes more of an issue. There was a question about the impact on sublets.  Ms. Ferguson said most sublets in the city are traditional sublets not handled through short-term rental platforms and would not fall under the ordinance.  It was noted that a long-term rental could also be considered a short-term rental if the long-term tenant served as a host for short-term rental guests.  There was a question about whether a hotel/motel tax could be assessed if a short-term rental goes beyond 90 days. Ms. Ferguson said the city does not impose the hotel/motel tax; it is imposed by the county. Finally, a request was made for short-term rentals to be listed online for residents to review.  

 REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councilmember Whitney requested a future agenda item to discuss the creation of an incentive program to encourage residents to replace gas-powered leaf blowers with electric leaf blowers.  

Councilmember Mitchell asked if a U/O established for an address can be transferred when the property is sold and was told a new U/O must be obtained. She requested a discussion about homes that are in violation. 

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on October 3, 2023. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions that may interest District 2 residents. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need accommodations to participate in a meeting, including language translation:

CONSENT AGENDA

23-R-12 Resolution of the Advisory Planning Commission of the City of College Park Regarding Variance Number CPV-2023-03, Located at 9722 53rd Avenue, College Park, Maryland.

23-G-146 Approval of a letter to M-NCPPC requesting it fund certain parks, trails, and recreation projects in College Park – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager. 

23-G-147 Approval of a parking prohibition on the 5000 block of Nantucket Road between 51st Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue in Hollywood to improve access to the dumpster area behind College Park Plaza from Nantucket Road – Jacob Vassalotti, GIS Coordinator.

ACTION ITEMS

23-O-09 Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, amending Chapter 144 “Occupancy Permits”, § 144-1 Statement of Policy, §144-2 Definitions, §144-3 Occupancy Permits Required, §144-7 Revocation; Reinstatement; renumbering and amending, §144-8, Violations and Penalties; enacting §144-8 Challenge to Affirmations, §144-9 Short Term Rental Licenses; Host Requirements, §144-10 Incorporation of County Code Requirements, and amending Chapter 110, Fees and Penalties, §110-2, Penalties, to Regulate Short-Term Rentals, to Require Short-Term Rental Host Platforms to require any Short-term Rental Host in the city to submit a copy of the Host’s Rental License to the Platform, prior to the Rental being listed on the Platform, and to set fines for violation. 

The Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m.

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

A. Consideration of Detailed Site Plan DSP-22035, Terrapin House, located at the northeast quadrant of Baltimore Avenue and Hartwick Road and a Declaration of Covenants and Agreement Regarding Land Use – Erik Valentine, Community Development Planner

 B. Update on Business Retention and Attraction Fund – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development

Elderly Property Tax Credit

As outlined in County Bill CB-029-2022, Prince George’s County will provide up to a 20% credit of the County portion of the property tax bill, inclusive of any Homeowners and Homestead Credit (total max of 20%), for up to 5 years to qualified homeowners. To be eligible for this credit the applicant must meet the following criteria as of June 30, 2023, to receive the credit for Fiscal Year 2024, which is tax billing period July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024: -At least one homeowner is age 65 and over; AND -The same homeowner has resided at the property for which the credit is sought for at least the previous 10 fiscal years; AND -The assessed value of the property does not exceed $500,000; AND –The application is received by October 1, 2023. If you have questions, please email: prop_tax_credits@co.pg.md.us or call 301-952-4030.The Elderly Property Tax Credit paper application is available in English and Spanish, by clicking here. (https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/410/Forms) A document of Frequently Asked Questions is also available by clicking here. (https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/419/Residential) You can apply for the credit online going to the County’s Property Tax Credit Application page and entering your tax account # or street number and street name, then click the Lookup button like you see below:

This will take you to the application. Scroll past your tax information to the bottom of the page, and answer the following question about your birthdate:

If you click the circle to the left of “Yes,” you will receive further information about the credit.

The College Park Airport is giving away 200 trees from 10 am to 12 pm this Saturday, September 30, 2023. It’s first-come, first-served. 1909 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD 20740.

ElectionGuard Information Session

City of College Park is Using ElectionGuard in the 2023 General Election! Voters will see something new at the polls in this fall’s General Election in College Park. The City is partnering with ElectionGuard on their third trial of new election technology that lets every voter confirm that their ballot was counted and provides independent verification that the election results are correct.

ElectionGuard Public Information Session
Wednesday, September 27 7:00 p.m.
College Park City Hall
7401 Baltimore Avenue

• Meet the election vendors
• Take part in a mock election
• Run a challenge ballot
• Test the voting equipment

Parking is free in levels 3 through 5 of the Downtown Parking Garage, located at 7308 Yale Avenue.

How does ElectionGuard Work?

ElectionGuard runs alongside an existing voting system. Voters mark paper ballots as usual. When the ballot is scanned, ElectionGuard encrypts the ballot and prints a confirmation code for the voter to use to verify that their ballot is included in the final count. All of the encrypted ballots are used to create a snapshot of the in-person votes for the election. This snapshot is then used to check the results of the election without revealing how any individual voted.

Who are the Election Guardians and what do they do?

Election Guardians are trusted, independent members of the community who help set up ElectionGuard. They have a special role in creating the cryptographic locks that secure the election:

ElectionGuard Information Session

• Before the election, Guardians create a special lock and key. The lock is loaded on the ballot scanners to encrypt all of the ballots for the election.
• During the election, Guardians each keep their part of the key secure. Having a small group of Guardians means that no one person can unlock the election on their own.
• When it’s time to count the ballots, Guardians return to unlock the election. They bring their keys back to the election office to unlock the tally and create the ElectionGuard record.

It is a simple but critical role to ensure that no single person can access election results. With several people acting as Guardians, they add independent security to the ElectionGuard lock and key process. Guardians do not replace the City’s appointed Board of Election Supervisors, who are still in charge of running the election.

Accessible Voting

For those who cannot hand mark a ballot with a pen , the City is using the Hart InterCivic Verity Touch Writer as the ballot marking device to support accessible voting . The Verity Touch Writer has accessible features that allow the voter to make their selections through an electronic interface, and to print a marked ballot when complete. Once Touch Writer prints a ballot, the voter will cast the ballot through the scanner. We will offer hands-on demonstrations of the Touch Writer at the September 27 information session.

For more information, to ask questions of the vendors, and to try the equipment, please come to the Information Session on September 27 at City Hall.