COUNCIL CONNECTIONS

The Prince George’s County Council continues to operate under 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-80-2021 on September 8, 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.  The 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.

DISTRICT COUNCIL REVIEWS LAND-USE MATTERS IN VIRTUAL SESSION The County Council, sitting as the District Council on land-use matters, met virtually on Monday, September 20th, and on Tuesday, September 21st.  The District Council is granted authority to act on zoning matters by the State of Maryland Regional District Act, in the Land Use Article of the Maryland Annotated Code. Monday’s agenda included zoning cases for Mandatory Review; Referred for Documents; and Pending Finality.  Tuesday’s District Council agenda included only one item, DSP-20015, Freeway Airport, which was referred to staff for preparation of a document of approval with conditions. WATCH MONDAY’S SESSION WATCH TUESDAY’S SESSION

COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; ADOPTS RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING HISPANIC HERITAGE AND NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTHS; RECEIVES ZONING BRIEFING

The Prince George’s County Council convened virtually on Tuesday, September 21^st.  In addition to reviewing proposed legislation, Council Members voted to extend the term of the Climate Action Commission to January 31, 2022 and extend the reporting time for the Commission’s Climate Action Plan to on or before January 15, 2022.  The Council adopted CR-94-2021, recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos, and their immense contributions to the United States and Prince George’s County.  LEARN MORE.   The Council also adopted CR-095-2021, recognizing the month of September as National Preparedness Month 2021, and providing information on disaster preparation.  Prior to adjournment on Tuesday, Council Members received a briefing on the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Zone (NCOZ), presented by Derick Berlage, Acting Deputy Planning Director, Planning Department and Chad Williams, Master Planner, Countywide Planning Division.

WATCH Tuesday’s Session

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION TO REVIEW APPOINTMENTS AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION The Committee of the Whole (COW) convened virtually on Thursday, September 23rd to review the County Executive’s appointments of Alicia A. Doney and Michelle L. Rice to the Redevelopment Revenue Authority Board for Prince George’s County.  The COW also reviewed several proposed Council bills before adjourning.  WATCH Thursday’s COW

DISTRICT COUNCIL AND PLANNING BOARD HOLD VIRTUAL JOINT PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED MINOR AMENDMENT FOR THE GATEWAY ARTS DISTRICT

The County Council, sitting as the District Council, and the Prince George’s County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission held a virtual Joint Public Hearing on Thursday, September 23^rd, to receive public testimony concerning the proposed Minor Amendment to the 2004 Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment for the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District.  The proposed Minor Amendment would permit “Private or public multipurpose art center” uses in the R-18 (Multifamily Medium Density Residential) Zone with the Gateway Arts District D-D-O (Development District Overlay) Zone Table of Uses Permitted, as approved within the 2004 Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment for the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District. Written comments may be submitted through the close of business on Friday, October 8, 2021, when the record of public hearing testimony will close. Submit written comments to the Council’s eComment portal at: https://pgccouncil.us/Speak Written testimony or comments will be accepted in electronic format, rather than by U.S. mail. For those unable to use the portal, comments/written correspondence may be emailed to: clerkofthecouncil@co.pg.md.us  or faxed to (301) 952-5178.

WATCH THE PUBLIC HEARING

COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING ON REDISTRICTING PLAN AND REPORT – SEPTEMBER 28

The Council will receive public comments on the Redistricting Plan and Report during a public hearing on Tuesday, September 28^th at 5:00 p.m.  Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in this important process. To submit public comment on the Redistricting Commission Plan and Report in advance of the September 28, 2021 public hearing, please CLICK HERE.  To register to speak during the public hearing, please CLICK HERE before the registration deadline of September 27, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.  Watch Live on September 28^th at 5:00 p.m. -  https://pgccouncil.us/Live

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, the Director of the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Aspasia Xypolia, met virtually on Friday, September 24^th.  The HOFA Work Group is charged with developing policies and strategies to address the County’s housing affordability, housing quality, and types. This year, HOFA has focused on goal setting in alignment with the County Executive’s broader goal around affordable workforce housing.  During Friday’s meeting, HOFA members worked to achieve a common understanding of recent and longstanding housing trends in Prince George’s County, and discussed initial priorities to guide development of detailed housing production targets, as well as its approach to final activities through March 2022.  

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II
ISSUES STATEMENT OF CONDOLENCE UPON PASSING OF CHRISTA BEVERLY BAKER,
WIFE OF FORMER
COUNTY EXECUTIVE RUSHERN L. BAKER, III

It is with deep sorrow that the Prince George’s County Council extends its heartfelt condolences to the former Prince George’s County Executive, the Honorable Rushern L. Baker, III, and his family, especially their son, Rushern L. Baker, IV, and daughters Quinci and Aja, upon the great loss of their beloved wife and mother, Christa Beverly Baker. Mrs. Baker, a civil rights attorney, waged a long and valiant battle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, and her passing leaves a tremendous void in the Baker family and saddens the hearts of all who were impacted by her remarkable and enduring legacy of service.  We have lost a strong and passionate advocate for Prince George’s County and a very dear friend.  Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Mr. Baker and the Baker family, especially now, during this most difficult time.

GREAT NEWS!  GREAT WORK PRINCE GEORGIANS!

County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has shared that Prince George’s County has now reached 80% of eligible residents with at least one COVID-19 vaccination! The Council joins the County Executive in thanking to County departments and agencies and many community partners for helping to reach this milestone. Most importantly, we extend our gratitude to the hundreds of thousands of Prince Georgians who have stepped up to get vaccinated, protecting themselves and their loved ones.  Please remain stay and well!

COVID TESTING REMINDER

Do you know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19? Get tested if you feel sick or suspect you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19. CLICK HERE for more information and to find a testing location near you. 

FLU SEASON IS NEAR – GET PROTECTED!

Flu season is approaching. Get protected from the flu and make plans to get your shot. The Health Department’s community clinics are open to ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS. No appointment required. For more information visit: health.mypgc.us/flu

STAND UP AND DELIVER GROCERY DISTRIBUTION THIS WEEKEND

The County’s Stand Up & Deliver program, in an ongoing initiative to address food security concerns, will distribute Grab & Go groceries on Saturday, September 25th at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Highland Park, in Landover, and at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, at Highpoint High School, in Beltsville.  There will also be a Grab & Go distribution at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, at the United Baptist Church, in New Carrollton.  While supplies last.  One box per vehicle.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE HOTLINE

Are you behind on rent or at risk for eviction?  The new Prince George’s County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Hotline- (301) 883-6504 - is now live and operating Monday thru Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Press #9 to access ERAP and get answers to questions regarding the status of an application; schedule appointments with the Field Intake Representatives; and get assistance with completing the ERAP application.  LEARN MORE AND APPLY.

HOMEOWNERS’ PROPERTY TAX AND HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS

The Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program is for those with a household income of $60,000 or less. You must apply every year.  The Homeowners' Tax Credit is not automatically granted, and each person must apply and disclose his or her income. The deadline to apply is October 1st of each year.

All Prince Georgians who own a home in Prince George's County as their primary residence are eligible for the Homestead Tax Credit. You only need to apply once. Check your status HERE.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PLANNING BOARD SCHEDULES VIRTUAL BUDGET FORUMS

The Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announces it will hold its 2021 Budget Forums virtually this fall, to solicit comments on the Commission’s budget for planning, parks, and recreation in Prince George’s County for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2022.  The virtual public forums will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 and Tuesday, October 19, 2021.   CLICK HERE for more information.

 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

Sept. 28 - Sitting as the District Council - 10:00 AM - Details

Sept. 28 - County Council -  10:00 AM  - Details

Sept. 28 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM  - Details

Sept. 28 - County Council - 5:00 PM - JOINT PUBLIC HEARING - Details

Sept. 30 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM - Details

Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II JOINS AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II was excited to join County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, state officials the African Diaspora Advisory Board, and members of the African Diaspora community on Friday to celebrate September as African Heritage Month in Prince George’s County.  The event celebrated our rich diversity and highlighted the contributions of local Prince Georgians and members of the African Union.  The Africa Diaspora community are an integral part of the fabric of America and of Prince George’s County.

DISTRICT 4 COUNCIL MEMBER TODD M. TURNER PARTICIPATES IN NEW REHABILITATION HOSPITAL GROUNDBREAKING IN BOWIE

Council Member Todd M. Turner was among the officials participating in Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the future Encompass Health  inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Bowie at Melford.  The event, held in conjunction with National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, paves the way for construction of the new 60-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital, which is expected to begin treating patients in mid-2022.  The hospital will feature all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym with advanced rehabilitation technologies and an activities of daily living suite, cafeteria, dining room, pharmacy, and therapy courtyard.

CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

The Prince George’s County Council proudly celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 – October 15.  The Hispanic and Latino-American community in Prince George’s County is a strong, vibrant, and important part of our tapestry. Each year M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County also takes time to celebrate our Hispanic community. Over 19% of our County’s population has roots from Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, Spain, or one of the many other countries in the Spanish-speaking world. CHECK OUT some of the offerings for celebrating this rich culture during Hispanic Heritage Month 2021.