housing

City of College Park Council Meeting Review –  October 8, 2024

/ District 2 Councilmembers - College Park, MD

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 October  08,  2024. 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 informed residents that construction on the Hollywood Road sidewalk in North College Park, between Rhode Island Ave. and Baltimore Ave. is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of October 14.  He said eligible recipients of the student housing subsidy grant have been identified and staff will use a random lottery to identify graduate and undergraduate recipients. Recipients will be notified in the next few weeks. He announced the Friday Night Lights event to be held on Friday, October 11 from 4pm -7pm to celebrate the football game between University of Maryland and Northwestern. The event will feature live music, food, and sports-themed activities. He said there will be a soft opening of Ross Stores on Cherry Hill Road in the space previously occupied by Best Buy on Friday, October 11 and a grand opening on Sunday, October 13. Mr. Young said Rally House is slated to have their soft opening the week of October 14. He reminded residents of the city’s fall clean ups scheduled for Saturday, October 12 and Saturday, October 19.  Shredding services only to be provided on October 12.  

Councilmember Mackie asked about the opening of the Green Turtle.  Mayor Pro Tem said it should open on October 19. 

Mayor Kabir asked about the number of attendees for this year’s College Park Day event.  Mr. Young said staff are still working to confirm the numbers, but the airport museum saw approximately 2500 visitors.  

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Former District 2 Councilmember Bob Catlin and Monroe Dennis were recognized.  

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Grants for Safe Schools Day

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Whitney motioned to move 24-G-131 from the Consent Agenda to the Action Item Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Esters

Councilmember Adams motioned to move 24-G-133 from the Consent Agenda to the Action Item Agenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchelle motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Mackie 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Bob Catlin, District 2 residents – has noticed there is not a lot of public comment, as compared to when he served on Council, and he would like to provide comment.  He talked about development over the years, including many projects that were not actually built.  He mentioned three current residents who previously served on Council including Maxine Gross, Eric Olson, and himself.  He also mentioned the number of murders and pedestrian fatalities in the city.  

PRESENTATION:

Accessory Dwelling Units and Missing Middle Housing Strategies Presentation, Lakisha Hull, Planning Director of Prince George’s County Planning Department and – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning

Ms. Hull said the county’s planning team has been working on the project for years now and she mentioned the importance of having a diversity of housing types, including the missing middle.  

The middle housing category includes duplexes and Live and work. If missing middle is done correctly, they are well designed and placed in areas accessible to transportation. Currently 83% of the housing in PG are detached single-family homes. Plan 2035 guides work in this area. According to Ms. Hull, neither the county nor the surrounding areas are ready to deal with housing related to young professionals and those aging in place. We see more multigenerational housing options, but how do we ensure equity and economic resilience? 

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small self-contained housing units that exist within or adjacent to a larger primary residence. The benefits of ADUs fall into the following categories: Community, Homeowner, Tenant, Environmental, and Aging in Place. 

The State of Maryland established an ADU task force to provide recommendations. Ms. Hull’s department is trying to launch an ADU/Missing Middle strategy plan. She noted that an ADU can be as small as 485 square feet. She mentioned the launch of a missing middle strategy book in 2025, community engagement thereafter, followed by a report in 2026. According to Ms. Hull, Montgomery County has already done a study.  

Councilmember Adams said Montgomery County has ADUs and the primary homes need to be owner-occupied.  He shared feedback from neighbors who are concerned about the difficulty of regulating 5 unrelated people in a home, and the addition of ADUs providing more capacity has residents concerned.  He said we have a lot of single-family homes near public transportation.

Mayor Pro Tem said the presentation allows for more robust discussion and raised concerns about parking. She asked how work on the part of the state would impact work at the county level.

Councilmember Whitney asked for a copy of the presentation. She said the article in the packet highlighted legal challenges faced by Arlington in implementing its missing middle strategy. She said the policy was challenged based on claims that infrastructure, such as sewage systems, were not proven sufficient to handle the pressure of increased density. She said we commonly here anti-development comments from residents who say our roads and systems can’t handle increased density. She said it would be crucial for the county to cross t’s and dot I’s for a policy to be successful.  

Councilmember Esters recognized Ms. Hull’s mention of affordable housing as housing that is affordable and not subsidized housing, which people often confuse. She asked about the states that are currently doing this work well.  Ms. Hull said some states are forcing this work, which does not always work.  She said areas that do better with due process look at the state to determine what is allowed and get input from residents. She mentioned a “trendy city in a large state” where they did much of this work, but now things are being pulled back.  

Councilmember Hew said we must consider we are in an area with a high rate of rentals, and we do not necessarily need that.  

Councilmember Hernandez said aging in place will be an ongoing issue. He asked if Ms. Hull could share best practices and partners in helping to build out homes with retrofits. Ms. Hull referenced AARP and mentioned her participation in APA each year, saying that would be a consideration as they work on the strategy plan and report.  

Councilmember Mackie said she found Ms. Hull’s reference to environmental beauty refreshing and mentioned how the infrastructure must support the addition of ADUs. 

Councilmember Whitney acknowledged that we have a lot of pressure for rentals in the city but clarified that missing middle housing does not only mean rental housing.  

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked that as the county moves forward that it work with senior committees in municipalities, like the one in College Park, to get input. 

Mayor Kabir asked about community engagement. Ms. Hull said the RFP has yet to go out for the project, but assured Council that the consultant will include details about community engagement. Ms. Hull will work with the city’s planner, Ms. Bader, to ensure that the city is engaged.  

CONSENT AGENDA

24-G-132 Approval of two Grants for Berwyn District Civic Association (a Community Service Grant and a Spanish Translation Grant) –Gary Fields, Director of Finance

24-G-135 Approval of a Contract Amendment with Rainbow Construction Corporation of Waldorf amount not to exceed $50,470 for increases in construction costs associated with paving the parking lot and entire driveway at the Woods Community Clubhouse –Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works

Councilmember Mackie motioned for approval of the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Esters. The Consent Agenda was unanimously approved.

PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION

24-O-07 An Ordinance of the City of College Park to amend City Code Chapter 179 to remove the City Forester position from the City Code/Tree and Landscape Board – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney

Mr. Marsili mentioned the need to change the city code to address the recommendation to replace the retired City Forester with the City Arborist to fulfill the requirement of the Tree and Landscape Board (TLB).  He said the suggestion was brought to the TLB in February and there was no objection.  

Councilmember Hernandez asked if there was any negative impact of changing the code, and Mr. Marsili said there was not.

Mayor Protem Mitchell made the motion, seconded by Mackie. The ordinance was unanimously approved.

ACTION ITEMS: 

24-G-131 Approval for staff to send a letter of support to the State Highway Administration for protected bike lanes on reconstructed portions of Baltimore Avenue – Steve Halpern, City Engineer

Councilmember Whitney asked that the initial letter be changed to direct it to Maryland Secretary of Transportation Wiedefeld and copy the 21st Delegation, County Councilmembers Olson and Dernoga, SHA Administrator Pines and SHA District Engineer Gunn. In addition, to redirecting the letter, she requested that the letter come from the Mayor & Council instead of the City Manager and to add an ask that the bike lanes already added Baltimore Avenue be retroactively made into protected bike lanes.   

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said our At-large County Councilmembers should also be copied, and Councilmember Whitney concurred.

Councilmember Adams thanked Councilmember Whitney for her initiative and acknowledged campus groups and community members in the community who expressed concerns. 

Councilmember Hernandez thanked Councilmember Whitney for her initiative on the matter and acknowledged the need and the importance of protected bike lanes.

Councilmember Whitney made the motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Esters and unanimously approved.

24-G-133 Authorize the City Manager to execute a contact with Modern Construction Services in the amount of $147,485 to perform exterior repairs and painting to a City owned property located at 4704 Calvert Road- Miriam Bader, Director of Planning

Moira Abernathy provided an overview of the matter.  She said the city bought property in March of 2022. The city planned to paint the property but realized the home needed more work.  The property is in the historic district of Calvert Hills and is divided into 4 apartment units.  

A historic preservation architect was hired to assess the needs of the house, and a contractor who could do historic preservation was needed.  

Ms. Abernathy showed pictures of the house detailing some of the work needing to be done. Among the repairs, there is a need to replace the framing round window, facia boards, shingles, shutters, and storm windows.

Councilmember Adams said action is specific to exterior renovations and exterior improvements, but the information provided as part of the agenda has caused some concerns with him and other residents.  There has been no opportunity for resident input. He said existing tenants received a notice to vacate and there are rumors that the garage will be removed. He said he agrees with what is being proposed, but community members are asking for the plans for the property.  He reiterated his interest in the exterior improvements being done, but said there are other components where community input is needed.  He said he was seeking clarity on some of the concerns mentioned.

Mr. Young said as staff we have no control over how others interpret what is provided in the packets.  For transparency, the city outlined what has been done regarding the property and to provide tenants with enough notice. One of the main issues related to the purchase of the property was the development of the land surrounding the property, and the city plans to engage community planning.  There are other projects that the city is currently working on with limited staff. The city is not in a rush to develop the property currently. This is a high-profile property that is also an image project.  

As it relates to the tenants, the discussion about them being able to move back in will depend upon when they are able to move out.  

Councilmember Hew asked if there is an option to move tenants to other parts of the home until the work is done. Mr. Young said that was offered but residents declined.  

Councilmember Adams agrees with the exterior improvements and painting and trusts city staff that discussions will be had moving forward.  

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if there has been outreach to the Historic preservation department and asked if a historic area work permit (HAWP) must be acquired.  Ms. Bader said outreach has occurred and approval for the HAWP can be done administratively.  

Mr. Young said his initial preference was for the residents to move out by December, but Ms. Anderson and Ms. Bader asked that residents be given until June 1.  

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if tenants would be given information about opportunities to move within the city and other places. Mr. Young said tenants would receive information, and he committed to ensuring community meetings are held soon. The property surrounding the house is the only open space in the area.  

Councilmember Hew said he was aware that we are talking about the exterior of the house, but wanted to mention that the EPA has moved away from galvanized pipes and would like to make sure that is considered as further improvements are made to the home.  

Councilmember Adams said he felt uncomfortable with the amended motion as written because it called for bypassing the formal bid process. Ms. Bader said they will need to work with a contractor who can do this work. The contractor has been contacted and can start by November 1. 

Stephanie Anderson, city attorney, said the language to bypass the formal bid process is in line with language previously used and goes according to our code.  

Councilmember Adams emphasized the focus of the vote, to allow for the exterior repairs of the property, and made the motion, which was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell and passed unanimously

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

Presentation and discussion of the stop sign camera monitoring system – Jatinder

Khokhar, Director of Public Services and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney

Mr. Khokhar gave a brief overview of the stop sign pilot implemented by the city in September. In August 2024, Public Services, Engineering, and UMD Public Safety observed a demonstration of a product intended to help improve traffic and pedestrian safety via stop sign cameras reducing vehicular stop sign running. On September 2, a pilot program was deployed with Obvio, an AI-based program, throughout the city.  

A representative of Obvio spoke to the Council about their product and answered questions. The company, based out of Silicon Valley, has spent time building tools for traffic control and safety.  Residents here and across the county complain about traffic safety. The cost-neutral program is designed to help make the city safer over time. The ticket enforcement solutions included in the program manage the entire ticketing process.  

Councilmember Hew mentioned concerns associated with the driving culture and the need to change it.  

The Obvio representative said there are different thresholds that can be utilized to determine where the violations occur and are cited. 

Mayor Kabir said that seeing a 90-percentage rate of violations was concerning. He asked if warnings could be given out over a period of time. The Obvio representative said one-month of warning was the initial plan, but municipalities can customize that.

Councilmember Esters mentioned the issue of privacy and asked about the possibilities of this technology to monitor areas near flashing beacons. The cameras only capture violations, and any additional footage can be deleted or forwarded to the city.  The technology can monitor pedestrian walkways.  There is currently a pilot for that in Montgomery County.  

Councilmember Hernandez asked if the locations are set locations, about the possibility of collecting information from other locations, and about mobile versus permanent options. Locations will be determined after discussion with staff, county, and Council.

Councilmember Whitney asked if we must pay to install the system. Mr. Young said we will need to go through a formal procurement process to choose the vendor. She asked if the contract would require a minimum dollar amount of tickets to be generated. The Obvio representation said there was no minimum and 5-10 violations per day would cover the cost of the cameras. She asked if the company has promotional information that can inform residents of what constitutes a violation and was told that could be shared.

Councilmember Mackie asked if residents could see the videos we saw.  Yes, the video was linked in the agenda packet. She emphasized that the city intends this as a deterrent, not a money grab. She said branding would be important. She asked for an informational meeting for constituents. In District 4, a resident was hit by a car that fled the scene.  If we had the cameras, we may have been able to identify the culprit.  

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said the education of residents will be important. If we move forward, we will need to educate and get resident input.  

Councilmember Hew asked about the amount of time we need to commit to the program. Mr. Young said that is a contractual question that would been to be addressed after going through the RFP process and identifying a vendor.  

Councilmember Adams asked for confirmation that a public safety official would review the data to determine if tickets were issued (confirmed). He asked for statistics related to the impacts of such programs in the area.  

The Obvio representative said the legislation is new, so there is not a lot of research. He looked at areas where they modeled camera zones and found a 70% decrease in infractions over time, but without enforcement people eventually continued to speed. Councilmember Adams said if residents see that 80% of individuals will receive tickets that will have a negative impact, but if they see 5% will receive tickets the program could be more acceptable.  

Councilmember Hew asked if the technology was customizable to identify other concerns like noise.  The representative said the technology was customizable.  

Mayor Kabir thanked the vendor for an informative discussion and asked about next steps. Mr. Young said he saw the interest of Mayor and Council but would like to know the parameters of a program.  He would like to bring this back to Council for further discussion. He said asking the Bike and Pedestrian Safety Committee for input, as mentioned by Councilmember Adams, is a good idea.  

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell would be reluctant to make any decisions, as they promised residents they would talk to them first. She believes other council members would like to do the same. 

Councilmember Adams asked Ms. Anderson if we need to have an enabling ordinance to move forward.  Ms. Anderson said she would need to do additional research to answer. 

Councilmember Whitney said we need to make sure there is resident input and a process for transparency.  

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councilmember Whitney asked for the status of the future agenda request she sent on August 15th asking for a Residential Overcrowding Worksession. She emphasized this was related to difficulties enforcing the County’s prohibition on 5 or more unrelated people living together and did not relate to the evening’s Missing Middle presentation.

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked that Chief Green of Prince George’s County Fire Department come to College Park to talk about fire department capacity.  Mayor Kabir deferred to nearby cities, while Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said the Chief should come to the City of College Park.  Mr. Young said he could reach out to Chief Green to see if she is open to appearing before Council. He recognized that past discussions have yielded different conversation in College Park versus Greenbelt and Berwyn Heights.  

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said that the United States Postal Service (USPS) is slated to come to Council next week. It is not on the future agenda as the city is waiting for confirmation. 

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

Ms. Wilson was asked if she wanted to speak, but she did not. It appears there may have been technical difficulty.  

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

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell attended Park and Planning’s open house with Councilmember Hew. Park and Planning aim to have more community conversations about plans for the next 10 years. She will be attending COG Board of Directors meeting on October 9, 2024.

Mayor Kabir attended a University of Maryland event sponsored by the Asian-American Student Union 

Councilmember Hew was accepted into the county planning class occurring over the next 9 weeks.  

Mr. Young reminded those planning to attend the National League of Cities (NLC) conference in Florida to keep an eye on the weather.  

MEETING ADJOURNED

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on October 15, 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:

Presentation

  • Discussion with the United States Postal Service  
  • Annual police agency presentation

Consent 

  • Approval of Parameters/Guidelines for the City’s Business Retention and Attraction fund
  • Approval of Contract for AARP Age Friendly Action Plan Lead Consultant

Action

  • Approval of a Property Use Agreement with Samosas and Spirits, LLC t/a Samosas and Sprits, 10250-C Baltimore Avenue, Alcoholic Beverage License

Worksession

  • Discussion of the CIP Funding for the Meter Replacement Program

City of College Park Council Meeting Review – February 13, 2024

/ District 2 Councilmembers - College Park, MD

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 on February 13, 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.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Former City Councilmember Maxine Gross, County Councilmember Eric Olson, and State Senator James Rosapepe. 

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS:

Proclamation in Recognition of Valerie Woodall

Prince George’s County proclamation read by County Councilmember Eric Olson

Senator Rosapepe provided an update on the Beltsville Fire Department – Police chief announced it would remain open. He read a State proclamation in recognition of Valerie Woodall. 

Carlo Collella, VP of Administration University of Maryland, recognized Valerie Woodall.

College Park City University Partnership (CPCUP) Executive Director Susan Hartmann recognized Valerie Woodall.

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Motion to add a letter to keep the Beltsville Fire Department properly staff made by Councilmember Rigg and Seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEM

Brendan Wray, resident – wanted to express support for the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of Rhode Island Ave and Greenbelt Road. His wife commutes along the route and has had to avoid accidents on various occasions. The Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has recognized the intersection as one of the most dangerous in the city. RRFBs can help to avoid accidents by 45%. Appreciates the city taking the initiative to install the RRFB.   

 CONSENT AGENDA 

24-G-26 Fund and Design a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon for SHA for Rhode Island Avenue at Greenbelt Road – Steve Halpern, City Engineer

24-G-27 Approval of amendments to the Mayor and Council Rules and Procedures – Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney and Janeen Miller, City Clerk

24-G-29 – Letter to support funding for the Beltsville Fire station to remain open 

Motion by Councilmember Esters, seconded by Councilmember Whitney. Unanimously approved.

ACTION ITEMS

24-G-17 Award of construction contract for College Park Woods Clubhouse, Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works

Mr. Marsili explained the history of the project, which included releasing a previous contractor, and said 7 bids were received for a new builder. Only three of the 7 applications were complete, and Rainbow was chosen for the contract based on price and stellar references.

Councilmember Mackie- thanked the City for their work on the project and felt it would be an asset not only to the neighborhood but to the entire city. 

Councilmembers inquired about the inclusion of sustainability in the design, the cost of land acquisition, use of Project Open Space funds, and whether building the clubhouse would violate the use of said funds. Mr. Marsili said that solar panels would be feasible and could potentially be installed after completion. Mr. Young said the land was purchased for $580,000 and that Projected Open Space (POS) funds were used. Mr. Marsili said since the city would be filling in the area of the previous clubhouse there would not be any issue with the land being acquired using POS funds. 

Motion by Councilmember Mackie, second by Councilmember Hew. 

Bonnie McClellan, resident – Thanked Mayor and Council and said the completion of the clubhouse will make a big difference to the community because it will be a usable space.  

24-CR-01 Introduction of Charter Resolution 24-CR-01: A Charter Resolution Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park, To Amend Article III, “Mayor And Council”, §C3-6(B)(2), “Vacancies”; To Expand the circumstances for a vacancy in the office of Mayor – Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney

Ms. Anderson briefly discussed the recommended amendments to the City Charter to expand the basis for a vacancy in the Office of Mayor to include “absence or” incapacity. The Public Hearing will be held on March 5, 2024. 

Motion by Councilmember Riggs with second by Councilmember Esters. 

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS 

Presentation on the Tree Canopy Assessment conducted by SavATree – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works – Introduced by Mr. Marsili, members of the Tree and Landscape Board (TLB) were present.  

Michael Galvin (SavATree), David Wigglesworth and Michael Barr (DPW) were present. The TLB and the Committee for a Better Environment (CBE) agree the tree canopy assessment is necessary to clearly understand the current state of the City’s tree canopy. Since the last assessment (2019), the City has made efforts to increase tree canopy.  In the last year, 90 trees were planted in the rights-of-way and the City continues to partner with M-NCPPC to plant trees.  

Mayor Kabir asked to confirm that the 2019 assessment indicated the tree canopy was at 43% and it is now 38%. Mr. Wigglesworth said that 43% was not tree canopy but available space that could be tree canopy. He said that in 2019 the tree canopy was 38%.  

Mr. Galvin discussed the expense of using LIDAR data and said that in order to make a tree assessment project affordable they use the most current publicly-available LIDAR data.  

Councilmember Esters acknowledged that the report did not accurately account for our current tree canopy and asked how we account for the loss of trees since 2020, specifically July of 2022. She also asked how we account for the efforts undertaken to replace trees.  

Mr. Marsili said the next assessment will help to account for the trees lost in 2022. Assessments are normally done every 3 to 5 years. However, we could do an assessment prior to the normal timeframe. The City has planted more trees in the right-of-way, and they will work to partner with M-NCPPC and ask them to plant more. 

Councilmember Whitney asked if the 2023 data was not available.  She also asked for Mr. Galvin to speak about the value of non-native forested areas. Mr. Galvin said Urban areas are not native to planet earth. He said there is a great deal of consideration of value and picking the best tree for the spot.

Councilmember Hew asked about the number of trees away by the City in 2022. Mr. Wigglesworth said the tree give away was done by M-NCPPC, so we would not have that number readily available.  

Councilmember Hernandez said he appreciated the works done by the assessment, especially the analysis of trees in lower socioeconomic areas.  He asked if there is work being done to ensure the health of the trees. Mr. Galvin said grants are available to increase tree equity. This particular study is quantitative rather than qualitative. 

Councilmember Mackie asked if the City knew how many trees were cut down with permits. According to Mr. Wigglesworth, in 2023 there were 86 permits approved, 7 denied, 11 were rescinded. She has been an advocate of educating our residents and glad to see that is the focus of the city. She thinks we need to be aware of the different diseases that exist, and we need to educate our landowners. She asked what is done when a tree is cut down without a permit. Mr. Wigglesworth said there are fines in the ordinance but there is a need to refine the process for fining individuals. 

Councilmember Rigg asked where the 38% tree canopy benchmark places a city of our size. Mr. Galvin said College Park is in pretty good shape. He asked what else the City can do to improve our canopy where the majority of trees and tree loss is in residential areas. Mr. Galvin said residential areas are where you consistently find the most tree canopy and tree loss. Tree giveaways, tree plantings, and education are all helpful.  

Councilmember Hew inquired about the data for the next report and asked if the report could be used to predict canopy loss resulting from proposed developments. He suggested being more proactive about forest banking within the city Mr. Marsili said he would look into it.

Councilmember Esters asked about City efforts to clearly communicate the tree ordinance, especially as we have new residents moving in. The City Manager said the City is working on a video to explain the tree ordinance.  

Discussion of revisions to the Revitalization Tax Credit Program – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development

Mr. Michael Williams introduced the item and said he was bringing back ideas about the use of the revitalization tax credit. We will need to consider the County’s right of first refusal. In recent years, we have had six projects apply for the credit.  In his 2½ year tenure, the city has not issued any tax credit deals, and no applications are pending. He said it’s a good time to consider where and what kind of development we want to incentivize. 

Councilmember Whitney when student housing was made ineligible for the tax credit. Mr. Young said undergraduate housing was made ineligible in 2015. She asked if it would be possible to require a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) if a property that has received a tax credit lowers its tax burden by requesting reassessment by SDAT.

Mr. Williams explained how the credit works, saying the recipient pays its taxes in full to SDAT, then the City reimburses them for the credit amount. Councilmember Whitney asked if we might be able to recoup the difference. Mr. Williams said that section 175 in the City Code gives the city the right during a time of budget constraint to say we cannot give a tax credit at that time. Councilmember Whitney asked if the stop would be a deferment or permanent. Mr. Williams said he believed it could be permanent, but he would have to defer to the City Attorney. 

Mr. Young said the problem is that the City does not have a mechanism to go back and get the percentage we anticipated. We do not currently ask for the proformas we need to make the comparisons, and we do not receive advance notice of reassessments that would give us the ability to challenge them. Councilmember Whitney asked if we want to incentivize developers who take extraordinary measures to maintain tree canopy and those that provide affordable undergraduate student housing.  

Councilmember Rigg would appreciate tax credits for small business commercial properties or buildouts, senior housing with density, and missing middle housing. He asked about the development of the area west of the Metro. Mr. Williams said there is speculation that developers are coming into downtown areas to build space for seniors.  

Councilmember Hernandez asked about reporting mechanisms businesses need to provide if they receive tax credits. Mr. Williams reiterated what was shared earlier by the City Manager, saying there are none. He said we could introduce some “but for” clauses. Councilmember Hernandez asked about any measures for the City to consider after the project, and Mr. Williams said the tax roll. The councilmember asked if any of the projects made any infrastructure improvements and was told that both the Tempo and the Aster made such improvements.  

Councilmember Hernandez asked if there is a reason we extended the tax credit period from 5 years to 15 years for the Aster. Mr. Williams said the city courted Trader Joe’s for 6 years and was willing to provide the credit to anchor a major retailer and development. Councilmember Rigg added that the particular project was the only project that was dense residential that was not focused on students. Floor plans are such that folks would be year-round. 

When asked if the City needed to be more stringent for a Level 2 credit since it is 15 years, Mr. Williams said there is no need for being more stringent, we just need to collect more data.  

Councilmember Mackie asked for confirmation that the Council always has the opportunity to say yes or say no. Mr. Williams confirmed. She emphasized that we get something in addition to the tax revenue.  

Councilmember Hew mentioned the development of affordable housing for those in need. 

Councilmember Esters cautioned her colleagues and others on the topic of affordable housing.  She said it does not always mean subsidized housing. There is a need in the region for housing that is indeed affordable for those who make decent salaries. There is a need for Missing Middle housing.  

Councilmember Whitney mentioned that the Budget Inn on Branchville Road would be a great place for graduate housing.

Mr. Young said we need to be clear on our expectations.  

Legislative Review –  Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

Mr. Gardiner referenced the listing of bills currently being tracked the City.  

He mentioned the Governor’s affordable housing bill (HB538/SB484) but said it is a bit too early to know the status, and that amendments were being crafted to include municipalities in a bill that would increase the maximum for fines from $1,000 to $5,000 per offense (HB501/SB522). He said Senator Rosapepe asked if College Park has a position on bill SB186, which would create a new category of liquor license for cigar bars that would exempt them from the Clean Indoor Air Act. There was discussion about the bill with a majority of Council speaking against the bill, but Council did not take a position. 

 Mr. Young said HB1059, which granted more zoning authority to larger Prince George’s municipalities like College Park and Bowie, failed. He said before the next session we are going to have to work with Bowie, Greenbelt and Hyattsville to craft our own legislation, saying we need to ask the legislature for the power other municipalities have had for years.  

SGA Liaison Sprinkle said he will be testifying on the Governor’s Affordable Housing bill on behalf of SGA and asked about Human Service Youth Services – funding bill HB1136. Mr. Young said YFS Director Kiaisha Barber testified on the bill in Annapolis, and he will ask for a report.  

Councilmember Rigg asked if we should oppose cannabis-related bills HB805/SB537. Mr. Gardiner said the bills are meant to tighten the original legislation, which was intended not to restrict cannabis business locations in an effort to minimize the illegal market.  

Congressman Ivey supports the continuation of the Affordable Connectivity Program. 

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

PGCPS presentation will be March 12 – Briggs and PGCPS staff will be in attendance, and we will discuss water safety, general safety and Dora Kennedy French Immersion School. 

WSSC presentation will be April 9. 

Council voted to add a letter of support for sponsorship for Branchville 100th Anniversary at $15,000 to next week’s Consent Agenda.

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

Councilmember Rigg – COG is interested in reaching 75/75/75 plan housing targets for affordable housing. College Park is an outlier in a good way. Our market is relatively strong compared to our peer cities. DC is leading in the conversion of commercial properties to residential.   

Councilmember Mackie – Thanks to colleagues for supporting College Park Woods Clubhouse 

Mayor Kabir – mentioned recent participation in EXCEL Leadership meeting. 

Councilmember Esters – Thanked City for moving forward with the RRFB at the intersection of Greenbelt Road and Rhode Island Ave, which has been a long time coming. Recognized Delegate Peña-Melnyk for her assistance in getting it approved at the state level.   

City Manager Young –  The City is currently dealing with unruly social gathering rulings.  Meeting with staff to determine how we move forward.  

MEETING ADJOURNED 

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on February 20, 2024. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions proposed to be on the agenda that may interest District 2 residents. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need accommodations to participate in a meeting, including language translation:

Consent Items:

  • Appointment of Ruth Murphy to the Restorative Justice Commission 
  • Approval to submit grant applications to the Transit Land-Use Connections Grant Program and the Regional Roadway Safety Program in support of the River Road Protected Bike Lanes Project – 30% Design Phase 
  • Approval to submit a grant application to the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area Rocket Grant Program for the Trolley Trail Arts Walk Initiative, and approval of the required matching funds in the amount of $5,000 if the grant is approved
  • Approval to submit grant applications to the Transit Land-Use Connections Grant Program and the Regional Roadway Safety Program in support of the Knox Road Open Space Traffic Study
  • Approve an expenditure of $15,000 for sponsorship for the Branchville Volunteer Fire Department 100th Anniversary

Discussion items: 

  • Discussion of the charge and composition of a Vacant and Blighted Tax Committee for Phase 1
  • Discussion with Council about the future of the Hollywood Farmers Market
  • Legislation (there is a possibility that action will be taken on time-sensitive bills)