Excitement and shared purpose set the tone as First Baptist Church of Highland Park (FBCHP), Community Housing Initiative, Inc., and the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) joined by elected officials, community leaders, and members of the FBCHP congregation gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Highlands. The milestone project reflects the power of faith-based leadership, strategic public-private collaboration, and targeted County investment working together to expand access to high-quality, affordable housing for older residents.

Highlighting the significance of the moment, DHCD Director Jonathan R. Butler underscored the County’s commitment to senior housing. “DHCD is proud to have played a role in the development of this outstanding senior community, located just inside the I-495 Beltway,” said Director Butler. “We will continue to seek innovative partnerships with developers and community leaders to deliver affordable, high-quality housing for seniors throughout Prince George’s County.”

Located on the campus of FBCHP, The Highlands is a new construction apartment community designed specifically for seniors aged 62 and older. The four-story, elevator-served building will feature 137 thoughtfully designed one-and two-bedroom apartments that prioritize comfort, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Each residence will include energy-efficient appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, private storage closets, and modern designer fixtures—supporting residents’ ability to age in place with dignity and ease.

Residents will enjoy a suite of indoor and outdoor amenities that promote wellness, social connection, and active living. Community spaces include a multi-purpose room with a billiards lounge, television, and library/business center, as well as a fitness room, bike storage, and a dog washing station. Outdoor amenities will feature an open patio and courtyard, a gazebo, a community garden, a dog run, and recreational areas for activities such as bocce ball—creating a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents to gather and connect.

To support the development of The Highlands, DHCD recommended—and the County Council approved—$2.5 million in Housing Investment Trust Fund financing, along with a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

The Highlands will be located at 6801 Sheriff Road, at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway in Landover. Habitat America, a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing management, will serve as the property manager. The development is made possible through a unique partnership with FBCHP, which is contributing the land for the project at no cost. Construction is underway, with completion anticipated in January 2027.

Photo Caption: DHCD Director Jonathan R. Butler brings remarks at the Highlands Groundbreaking Ceremony; signage at the construction site of the Highlands.

The Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) joined development partners Urban Atlantic and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), along with elected officials and community leaders, to celebrate the groundbreaking of New Carrollton Phase 1, a new affordable senior housing community that is a major investment in transit-oriented development and equitable growth.

Located at the New Carrollton Metro Station at 4051 Garden City Drive, New Carrollton Phase One will deliver 112 one- and two-bedroom affordable apartments for seniors within a four-story, elevator-served building. Plans for the community feature more than 3,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed amenities, including entertainment and gathering rooms, a fitness center, business center, library, pet spa, and swimming pool—creating a modern, supportive living environment that also promotes wellness, connection, and independence.

The development is a key component of a 40-acre Joint Development Agreement between Urban Atlantic Development, LLC and WMATA. The New Carrollton Transit Development Opportunity Zone is one of the region’s most significant transportation hubs, anchored by the New Carrollton Metro Station and complemented by AMTRAK and MARC rail service, multiple Metrobus routes, a Greyhound bus terminal, and a future Purple Line station. The unmatched connectivity of New Carrollton Phase 1 positions the community as a model for integrating housing development and accessible transit.

“The combination of housing and transit accessibility are essential to creating opportunity and long-term stability for residents,” said Jonathan R. Butler, Director of DHCD. “Access to reliable transportation improves access to jobs, healthcare, services, and social connections for seniors and families. Strategic investments in transit-oriented development allow the County to promote equity, sustainability, and economic mobility. This approach strengthens neighborhoods and ensures that affordable housing is fully integrated into the fabric of growing communities.”

Historically, affordable housing has been an afterthought in large-scale, metropolitan transit-oriented developments. New Carrollton Phase 1 reverses that trend by embedding high-quality, affordable senior housing at the forefront of the New Carrollton Metro Center’s master development. The project guarantees long-term affordability for senior residents earning up to 70 percent of the Area Median Income, ensuring they are not displaced as land values and market-rate development intensify. By acting early, the County and its partners are preserving access, promoting inclusivity, and setting a standard for equitable development around major transit investments.

Photo Caption: Rendering of The Dahlia, the senior affordable housing community at New Carrollton Metro Station; DHCD Director Jonathan R. Butler at the groundbreaking ceremony with shovel in hand (2nd from right) with Carlista Black, MNCPPC (left); MD State Delegate Diane Fennell - District 47 (2nd from left); Tracy Benjamin, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Economic Development for Prince George's County (right).

Prince George’s County passed the Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act of 2024 (PRSA) in October 2024 to protect tenants in regulated units from excessive rent increases while ensuring that landlords can maintain their properties.

The limit on rent increases for regulated units under the PRSA took effect immediately in October 2024. Importantly, the law outlined a variety of multifamily rental units that are not subject to the PRSA, most notably any unit whose construction was completed after January 1, 2000.

Other important features of the PRSA do not take effect until February 1, 2026, including allowances for banking of unused rent increases, allowances for rent surcharges for capital improvements, opportunities to ensure a fair return on investment through supplemental rent increases, limitations on fees that can be charged on regulated units, and exemptions for substantial renovations completed on or after January 1, 2000.

What has DPIE done? DPIE has engaged with the County’s tenants and landlords since the beginning of 2025. The agency needed to hear from its stakeholders about what was important to them. DPIE kicked off the process of public engagement and input with a series of three listening sessions in January and February of 2025. Since then, a series of draft policies covering the various aspects of the PRSA have been released for public comment.

DPIE published the following draft polices for review:
1. Annual Rent Increase Allowance
2. Rental Housing Fee Limits
3. Rent Banking
4. Substantial Renovation Exemption
5. Capital Improvements Surcharge
6. Fair Return

To review these policies, click on Review PRSA Policies. The comment period has closed for these policies.

“Throughout the course of 2025, DPIE received and reviewed valuable feedback from stakeholders regarding draft PRSA policies that will enable a smooth rollout of this new law in February 2026,” noted Lori Parris, Chief of Staff for DPIE. “DPIE appreciates the input received to date and has added the comments submitted to the policies. DPIE looks forward to continuing to benefit from the experience and ideas of tenants and landlords. We can’t implement this program without our stakeholders and partners.”

So, what is next? Once the policies are done, DPIE will prepare and circulate draft regulations for the program. Stay tuned for the release of the draft regulations for comment.

DPIE wants to hear from you.

All the draft policies are available on the County website. DPIE encourages stakeholders to familiarize themselves with this important information and reach out with any comments, questions or suggestions by sending an email to prsainfo@co.pg.md.us.

If you want to explore more about the PRSA, check out the legislation:

• Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act (PRSA)

To stay up to date on all things PRSA, continue to check the Permanent Rent Stabilization Act web page. To receive email updates, drop us a line at: prsainfo@co.pg.md.us.

Season’s Greetings from the Team at DHCD!

It’s the time of year when we celebrate the season and share good cheer! The team at DHCD wishes you and your loved ones a happy holiday season and a bright New Year to come!