|
 Prince George’s County Council continues to operate under the Governor’s “Proclamation and Declaration of State of Emergency and Existence of Catastrophic Health Emergency – COVID-19”, effective March 5, 2020, and amended January 21, 2021, and the Prince George’s County State of Emergency Declaration, effective March 16, 2020, and extended by the Governing Body of Prince George’s County with the adoption of CR-13-2021 on February 16, 2021. The Council’s Emergency Operations Procedures became effective pursuant to CR-10-2020, adopted on March 17, 2020, and amended pursuant to CR-35-2020, adopted on May 18, 2020. Rules of Procedure for the County Council and District Council have been amended, pursuant to CR-57-2020 and CR-58-2020, respectively, adopted on July 21, 2020, for virtual and remote public participation before each body.
COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II RESPONDS TO COUNTY EXECUTIVE SELECTION FOR NEW PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CHIEF OF POLICE
Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, participated in County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ press conference on Friday, March 26th, announcing her selection for the next Prince George’s County Chief of Police – Dallas Deputy Police Chief Malik Aziz. The County Executive announced that the new police chief will begin his work in the County on May 9th.
READ Chair Hawkins’ statement.
|
DISTRICT COUNCIL CONVENES ON LAND-USE MATTERS
The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on zoning matters, met virtually on Monday, March 22nd. The scheduled session included Oral Arguments; Items Referred for Document; and Items Pending Finality. The District Council is granted authority to act on zoning matters by the State of Maryland Regional District Act, now in the Land Use Article of the Maryland Annotated Code.
WATCH Monday’s District Council meeting.
|
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES FOR UPDATES, WSSC BUDGET OVERVIEW AND REVIEW OF LEGISLATION
The Committee of the Whole convened two virtual meetings this week, on Tuesday, March 23rd and Thursday, March 25th. Tuesday’s COW, which discussed matters in the 2021 Maryland General Assembly Session impacting Prince George’s County, included status updates on the Operating and Capital Budgets; Statewide and Local bills; and Joint Priorities. During Thursday’s COW, Council Members received an overview of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) FY 22 Operating Budget and CIP budgets from General Manager and CEO, Carla Reid; Chief Financial Officer, Patti Colihan; Deputy General Manager for Administration, Joe Beach; Budget Division Manager, Letitia Carolina-Powell; and CIP Section Manager, Mark Brackett. The COW also reviewed several proposed Council Bills and Resolutions.
WATCH Tuesday’s COW meeting.
WATCH Thursday’s COW meeting.
|
COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; APPROVES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT FOR NEW HOUSING DIRECTOR; RECEIVES BRIEFING ON COVID RECOVERY PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
 The Prince George’s County Council convened virtually on Tuesday, March 23rd. Tuesday’s legislative agenda included a public hearing and unanimous approval for the Executive appointment of the County’s new Director of Housing and Community Development, Aspasia Xypolia. Council Members also adopted CR-14-2021, and CR-15-2021, concerning the adequate public facilities surcharge and the school facilities surcharge, respectively.
Also adopted was CR-32-2021, regarding the Prince George’s County Charter Review Commission. Prince George’s Forward Task Force Co-Chairs, Dr. Charlene Dukes, former Prince George’s Community College President, and Pepco Holdings President and CEO, David Velazquez, briefed the Council on the long-term recommendations presented by the Task Force – A Redefined Future- to address the impacts of COVID-19 as the County charts its path forward from the global pandemic. At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin and District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison were acknowledged for their work with the Prince George’s Forward Task Force.
WATCH Tuesday’s Council Session.
|
REDISTRICTING COMMISSION CONVENES FIRST VIRTUAL MEETING
The Prince George’s County Redistricting Commission held its virtual first meeting on Tuesday, March 23rd. Commissioners include Chair, Pastor James Robinson, Dr. Charlene M. Dukes, and David C. Harrington. Dr. Nathaniel Persily, James B. McClatchy Professor of Law, Stanford Law School, who serves as consultant to the Redistricting Commission, shared a presentation on Redistricting Principles and Procedures, and discussed how the Census will impact the work of the Commission. Council Administrator Robert J. Williams, Jr. facilitated Tuesday’s organizational meeting, which discussed timelines and schedules. Commissioners agreed to meet virtually on the first and third Mondays of the month beginning April 5th. All meetings will be livestreamed at pgccouncil.us/Live The County Council adopted CR-6-2021, appointing the members of the 2021 Redistricting Commission and charging this public body with the mission to "prepare, publish, and make available a plan of Council districts and shall present that plan, together with a report explaining it, to the Council by September 1, 2021..." and further prescribed in accordance with law that "the plan shall provide for Council districts that are compact, contiguous, and equal in population." Learn more about Redistricting in Prince George’s County as you WATCH Tuesday’s meeting.
|
GROUNDBREAKING LEGISLATION EXPANDS COUNTY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The County Council, during session on Tuesday, March 16th, enacted CB-001-2021, legislation defining a new use, Qualified Data Centers, in the Prince George’s Zoning Ordinance and permitting the use in specified zones. Qualified Data Centers are used to house computer systems, computer storage equipment, and associated infrastructure that businesses or other organizations use to organize, process, store, and disseminate large amounts of data. District 6 Council Member Derrick L. Davis, sponsor of the legislation, says the measure bolsters economic growth and job creation in Prince George’s County. “Council Bill - 001 supports the County’s broader economic development strategy by attracting Qualified Data Centers, which provide additional jobs and expand the County’s commercial tax base. Technological innovations are rapidly changing our national economy, and Prince George’s County must adapt and keep pace. This legislation levels the playing field and enables Prince George’s County to fully benefit from the opportunities Qualified Data Centers present.” State and County legislation passed last year provided important tax incentives and streamlined the entitlement process, positioning Prince George’s County to compete for data centers that could exceed $1billion in private investment. Currently, Northern Virginia is the largest market for data center space in the nation, with an estimated 70-percent of the world’s Internet traffic flowing through data centers within the state.
|
PASSING OF NOTE
EUGENE JONES
Funeral Services for Eugene Jones, who served as Constituent Services Specialist in the District One Council Office of Council Member Tom Dernoga, were held this week at the Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Suitland. Eugene Jones, of Beltsville, previously served as Fire Chief for the Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. He passed away suddenly on Friday, March 12, 2021. Eugene Jones is survived by his mother, wife and three children. Our prayers remain with the Jones family at this most difficult time. READ condolences expressed by Council Member Dernoga and the District One Team.
|
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL WORK GROUP MEETS
The Prince George’s County Housing Opportunities for All Work Group (HOFA), established by CR-16-2019, and co-chaired by Council Member Dannielle Glaros and Department of Housing and Community Development Director Aspasia Xypolia, met Friday, March 26th. The HOFA Work Group is charged with developing policies and strategies to address the County’s housing affordability, quality and housing types. During Friday’s meeting, the work group achieved a shared understanding of the regional housing targets for our region; progress on university design policy framework; definition of success for the group’s 2021 activities; and a potential list of topics and activities for the group to address in 2021.
VIEW the HOFA meeting presentation.
|
A LEGACY OF EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
 Don’t miss your chance to have your say about the legacy of Prince George’s County! The Prince George’s County Responsible Legacy Task Force is tasked with reviewing all County monuments, parks, street names, County buildings and other places of honor, and creating a process to determine the future of names linked to a prejudiced past. Share your thoughts by responding to the Responsible Legacy Task Force Online Survey at https://pgccouncil.us/Legacy, by Wednesday, March 31st. Your input is greatly valued and appreciated.
READ about it in Patch.com
COVID-19 Vaccination Phase 2A
 Prince George’s County has entered Phase 2A for COVID-19 vaccinations, which includes adults ages 60 and older. While the County continues to prioritize seniors in Phase 1 who have not been vaccinated, individuals eligible in Phase 2A are now able to receive appointments if they are pre-registered. Everyone is encouraged to PRE-REGISTER today with the Prince George’s County Health Department. #ProudtobeProtected
COUNCIL VICE-CHAIR DENI TAVERAS WELCOMES NEW VACCINATION SITE TO DISTRICT 2
County Council Vice Chair Deni Taveras (D – District 2), in partnership with Luminis Health, the City of Hyattsville, and First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville, welcomes a new vaccination site to District 2, located at First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville. Vice Chair Taveras says District 2 has been heavily impacted by COVID-19 and the new vaccination site will greatly benefit the surrounding community. “One out of five County residents with COVID-19 is a District 2 resident, so it is important to have a location where residents are able to access resources, be tested and receive their vaccinations. I’m thankful to Luminis Health, the City of Hyattsville, and Hyattsville City Council Member Joseph Solomon for working collaboratively to bring these resources to District 2.” The United Methodist Church of Hyattsville vaccination site will conduct COVID-19 tests on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and administer COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only. To register for an appointment at this site, CLICK HERE.
|
M-NCPPC, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION ANNOUNCE SELECT PARKS AND PARK FACILITIES SET TO REOPEN IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
 The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has announced the reopening of select facilities on Monday, March 29th. Register through pgparksdirect.com “Following the guidance of the County Executive and public health officials, we are pleased to begin reopening several facilities,” says M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation Director, Bill Tyler. “We hope these measured steps will welcome the community back to our facilities and programs in a way that ensures them that their safety and comfort remain our top priority.”
LEARN MORE and get a complete list of what’s opening!
SPRING BREAK - GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL AND QUARANTINE
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) issued guidelines earlier this week regarding travel during Spring Break. The guidelines have been updated to reflect Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations regarding testing. The CDC does not recommend travel at this time. If you must travel due to family emergency or unforeseen circumstances, you must be tested upon your return to Maryland. If you test positive, alert your principal/supervisor. Quarantine is only to be used if you receive a positive test result.
CLICK HERE for details.
|
|
|
IT’S BUDGET SEASON! TELL THE COUNCIL WHAT MATTERS TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY!
The Council looks forward to working together with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, County residents and all stakeholders, to produce a final FY22 County Budget that emphasizes our shared priorities, strengthens our communities, and guides our recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus global pandemic on our County. We strongly encourage the participation of residents and stakeholders in the Council’s virtual budget public hearings and meetings. Virtual budget hearings are scheduled on April 6th – Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (Bi-County Budget); April 12th – Community Development Block Grant; April 20th – Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (Bi-County Budget); April 26th and May 4th – County Budget. Budget meeting schedules are subject to change. For updated information on the Council Budget Review and Adoption Process, meetings and public hearings, visit the Council’s FY 22 Budget Portal.
GETTING AROUND METRO’S SUMMER PLATFORM RECONSTRUCTION WORK – TRAVEL ALTERNATIVES
 |
|
This week, Metro announced free shuttle bus service and other travel alternatives to help customers begin planning for this summer's closure of four Green and Yellow line stations scheduled for reconstruction. Starting Saturday, May 29th through Monday, Sept. 6th, the Greenbelt, College Park-U of MD, Prince George's Plaza, and West Hyattsville stations on the Green and Yellow lines will be closed. LEARN MORE. |
|
|
 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK
March 29- Council sitting as District Council - 10:00 AM Agenda
March 30 - Council sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM Agenda
March 30 - County Council -11:30 AM Agenda
April 01 -Council sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM Agenda
Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page
|
|
DISTRICT 9 COUNCIL MEMBER SYDNEY HARRISON JOINED BY COUNCIL COLLEAGUES FOR MEDSTAR EXPANSION PROJECT RIBBON-CUTTING
 District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison, Council Chair Calvin Hawkins and Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin joined MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the emergency room expansion project. The new state-of-the-art space will greatly benefit the thousands of residents in South County and Southern Maryland who utilize this critical hospital.
DISTRICT 4 COUNCIL MEMBER TODD M. TURNER HOSTS MARCH GRAB N’ GO SENIOR MEALS
 Council Member Todd M. Turner and the District 4 Team, in partnership with the Prince George's County Department of Family Services, and the cities of Bowie and Greenbelt, hosted two March Grab N’ Go Senior Meal events on Friday, March 26th. Over 1,000 free, frozen, pre-packaged meals and fresh produce prepared by Martin's Catering, were distributed to senior residents at the Bowie Senior Center, and the Green Ridge House in Greenbelt.
COUNCIL LEADERS TEAM UP FOR COVID-19 VACCINE TOWN HALL MEETING
 Council Vice Chair, District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras, was joined by Council Chair, At-Large Council Member Calvin S. Hawkins, II for a virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall on Saturday, March 20th. Designed to inform constituents and clarify questions as the County’s Covid-19 vaccination plan progresses, Council leadership was joined by Ololade Olakanmi, Deputy Health Officer/Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Health Officer; Euniesha Davis, Director, Office of Community Relations; ; Alex Harris, MPH, Emergency Management Specialist, Office of Emergency Management.; and Dr. Christian Cornejo, Senior Administrative Medical Director, Mary's Center.
WATCH on Facebook.
AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER MEL FRANKLIN HOSTS VIRTUAL BUSINESS NETWORKING SESSION
 More than 100 businesses, agency officials and representatives from the various, major development projects in Prince George’s County, participated in the Virtual Business Networking Session and Project Briefing hosted by At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin, on Wednesday, March 24th. The business community had an opportunity to hear from decision-makers and other key officials about current contracting opportunities in the construction industry in Prince George’s County. Missed it? CLICK HERE to watch!
|
|
|
|
|
