District 6 Weekend Reader | All Things Transportation, Council News/Briefings/Events, Constituent Resources, COVID-19 Vaccines Available for Children 5 and Older

Residents Encouraged to Participated in State
Highway Administration's Consolidated Transportation Plan Tour/Virtual Meeting (November 8, 2021, 1:00pm)

Each fall, MDOT presents its draft six-year capital program to every county and Baltimore City for review and comment. MDOT then prepares a final budget to present to the General Assembly in January. The Hogan administration's six-year Draft FY 2022-2027 CTP invests $16.4 billion in Maryland's transportation network. Above and beyond this funding, the Maryland Transportation Authority is investing another $2.8 billion in our toll roads and bridges.

Residents are invited to tune in virtually to State Highway Administration's Consolidated Transportation Plan Tour/Meeting with the Prince George's County Council, this Monday, November 8, 2021, at 1:00pm. This meeting is being held virtually in consideration of Maryland's COVID-19 State of Emergency. MDOT TSO Secretary Greg Slater will outline the state's investments and join other state officials in answering questions about Prince George's County's transportation priorities.

Residents are strongly encouraged to participate by providing your thoughts, comments and feedback through the Council's eComment portal. This eComment portal serves as an alternative method of public participation in the Council's virtual meetings. Comment submissions should be received by 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 7, 2021.

Attend the Public Hearing for CB-73-2021, an Act
Concerning Residential District Speed
Monitoring Systems (November 9, 2021, 1:00pm)

Residents are invited to tune in virtually to the Prince George's County Council Session, this Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 1:00pm, for a public hearing regarding CB-73-2021, an Act Concerning Residential District Speed Monitoring Systems. Proposed by Prince George's County Council Members Derrick Leon Davis and Tom Dernoga, Council Bill 73-2021 was presented on September 14, 2021 and referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Bill would implement authority granted to Prince George’s County by the Maryland General Assembly during its 2021 Session to place speed monitoring systems (speed cameras) on roads in residential districts with a maximum posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour.

This bill is the culmination of ongoing discussions with our state elected officials and other District 6 communities to eliminate roadway deaths and injuries, a vision implemented through County Executive Alsobrooks’ Vision Zero Prince George's initiative, a strategy to make roadways in the County safer for all users with a goal to eliminate roadway deaths and injuries by 2040. With an expansion of the County’s Automated Speeding Monitoring Program and other traffic calming measures, it is this plan that has contributed to the successful passage of HB619 during the Maryland General Assembly’s Legislative Session this past Winter/Spring.

Residents are strongly encouraged to participate by providing your thoughts, comments and feedback on Council Bill 73 through the Council's eComment portal. This eComment portal serves as an alternative method of public participation in the Council's virtual meetings. Comment submissions should be received by 3:00 p.m., Monday, November 8, 2021.

Your feedback and participation in these Council sessions and public hearings will ensure that the collaborative efforts of our County and States entities continue, allocating funding and creating policies that serve protect the well-being of all citizens and promote support growth, prosperity and accessibility. Be sure to review the remaining portion of this week's edition of the Weekend Reader for information on upcoming Council sessions, community forums, constituent resources as well as infographics and updated information on COVID-19 data trends.

If you have any questions or concerns, please provide your feedback via e-mail to councildistrict6@co.pg.md.us.

Committee of the Whole Convenes Virtual Sessions Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; Receives Agency Oversight Briefing Updates; Reviews Proposed Legislation

The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) convened virtually on Monday, November 1^st; Tuesday, November 2^nd; and Thursday, November 4^th this week.  On Monday, the COW received oversight briefing presentations from County agencies – the Department of Public Works and Transportation; the Police Department and Office of Human Resource Management; and the Office of Central Services and Department of Corrections.  The briefing presentations shared important and timely information.

Watch Committee of the Whole Session (Monday, November 1, 2021)

The COW met on Tuesday, November 2^nd to review proposed legislation, and the Transcript Analysis Proposed Minor Amendment to the 2004 Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment for the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts District.

Watch Committee of the Whole Session (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)

Thursday’s COW agenda also reviewed Proposed Correspondence and proposed legislation, including CR-124-2021, encouraging landlords to forego rent increases and to maintain current rent levels for tenants with a substantial loss of income for 12 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Watch Committee of the Whole Session (Thursday, November 4, 2021)

Join Prince George's County Council Member
Derrick Leon Davis and County Leaders for a Housing Affordability Panel Discussion (11/8/2021)

Join the Department of Housing and Community Development for a virtual panel discussion on Monday, November 8 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. This panel will feature County leaders and stakeholders for a discussion about affordable housing needs in Prince George’s County.

To register, please visit the following weblink: https://tinyurl.com/pgcAHN.

County Council Seeks Community Input on Prince George's County Redistricting Plan

Pursuant to the County Charter, Section 305, the Prince George’s County Council will conduct a virtual Public Hearing for Council Resolution CR-123-2021, on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.

The Council will hear public testimony and consider CR-123-2021, the Council’s Redistricting Plan, and the Redistricting Commission’s Proposed Plan. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Council will vote on the Plan proposed in CR-123-2021.  If the Council does not enact CR-123-2021, the Commission's Plan becomes law on the last day of November.

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, encourages residents to share their comments during the November 16th public hearing.  “An informed citizenry is key to this process, and the Council encourages the continued engagement of our residents and stakeholders. The November 16th public hearing is an important opportunity for critical public input on the amended Redistricting plan before the Council votes on the measure, and we look forward to hearing from residents.”   

For details on submitting public comment and signing up to speak, READ the press release.   For additional Redistricting information, visit the 2021 County Council Redistricting web page. 

Service. Community. Progress. :
Legislative Branch Special Edition Annual Report

Beginning with the 2019 Federal shutdown to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years have some unprecedented circumstances for all of us; none of which any of us have experienced in our lifetime. Through it all the Prince George's County Council has remained steadfast in its authority on legislative and business matters, zoning and land use matters in its role as the District Council and health policy matters as the Board of Health.  

Immediate Past Chair Todd M. Turner and the Prince George's County Council announce the Special Edition 2019/2020 Legislative Annual Report, "Service. Community. Progress. This two year edition provides narrative of the Council's focus through adverse times, while focusing on such issues including the Alternative Construction Financing and Maryland's Blueprint for the Future, the County Zoning Ordinance Rewrite, economic development and job growth, social justice issues and the annual budget process. To view the interactive publication, click the embedded link or click the Annual Report graphic to the left. To review previous Annual Reports, please visit the Legislative Annual Reports page at PGCCouncil.us.

Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS® (PGCAR) Presents Its Thanksgiving Food Drive-By (November 6, 2021, 9:00am)

The Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS® (PGCAR) are hosting a turkey giveaway today, Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 9:00am – 11:30am, in the Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS® (front parking lot) (8300 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Landover, MD 20785)

Sponsored by the Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS®, Golden State Warrior’s Damion Lee and The L.E.E. Way Foundation, PGCAR’s Thanksgiving Food Drive-By is a way for REALTORS® to support families that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or that are experiencing financial hardships this holiday season. View this promotional video on the importance of this worthy initiative: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ROdaZbvmETfvnuMu7-qVb_QtUeT4TBBY/view?fbclid=IwAR3m6P8OzIcJX_LY7CdF_Z6DOUjV6o7O5xbCHFKh_7LvjE-khlf3a11Tg8s.

Turkey distribution is by “drive by” as noted above. 300 turkeys to be distributed, on a first come first served basis (one per vehicle).

For more information, view the video link above and visit PGCAR's Instagram account: instagram.com/pgcarrealtors.

Food Resources

Stand Up & Deliver Grab & Go Groceries

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of our County’s public school children received free and reduced lunch. Since this pandemic began, thousands of County residents have been laid off from work.

This has further compounded challenges and increased the limitations for many families to provide meals daily.  Additionally, our first responders and medical professionals who are fighting on the front lines of this pandemic rarely have an opportunity to stop serving and purchase a meal.

Additionally, our responders and medical professionals who are fighting on the front lines of this pandemic rarely have an opportunity to stop serving and purchase a meal.

With numerous goodwill inquiries, calls, and emails from the community-at-large to lend a helping hand and safely assist where needed, the “Stand Up & Deliver”  program was been established.  It is an innovative and targeted solution to build capacity for community-based organizations and small businesses to address the food insecurity and basic needs of our fellow Prince Georgians.

Through the County’s Stand Up & Deliver program, Prince George’s County will distribute groceries and meals to go today, Saturday, November 6 at multiple locations and times throughout the County (see below).

Saturday, November 6, 10:00am

• Love A.M.E. Church @ Capitol Heights Elementary School (601 Suffolk Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743)
• Kingdom Fellowship @ High Point High School  (3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD 20705

Additional information on future events can be found below:

Tuesday, November 9 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)

• Glassmanor Elementary School – 1011 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

 Saturday, November 13 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)

• Community of Hope AME Church – 3701 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20747
• Ebenezer Church of God – 7550 Buchanan Street, Landover Hills, MD 20784
• First Baptist Church of Highland Park – 6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785

Sunday, November 14 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)

• New Home Baptist Church – 8320 Landover Road, Landover, MD 20785

Additional food distribution locations can be found by visiting the following website. This map is updated regularly.

Assistance Is Available
(ERAP Hotline and Application Process)

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently launched a hotline for residents who have applied for financial assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). If you have questions about your ERAP application, you can contact the new hotline at 301-883-6504 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For more information about the ERAP, visit the DHCD website here.

As a reminder to residents, the County still has funds available for under its Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The Prince George's County's 2021 Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Program (ERAP) helps eligible household who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides payment assistance for renters who need help with rent and utilities.

The County has spent more than $24 million to provide emergency rental assistance to more than 3,400 households, and we still have millions of dollars remaining to assist those in need.

We encourage landlords and tenants to work together and take advantage of this opportunity. Visit hcd.mypgc.us for more information and to apply. For eligibility requirements and assistance completing and submitting the ERAP application, please visit hcd.mypgc.us and click "Emergency Rental Assistance Program". You will also find a list of non-profit partners that will assist, free of charge.

As a reminder to residents, the County still has funds available for under its Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The Prince George's County's 2021 Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Program (ERAP) helps eligible household who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides payment assistance for renters who need help with rent and utilities.

The County has spent more than $24 million to provide emergency rental assistance to more than 3,400 households, and we still have millions of dollars remaining to assist those in need.

We encourage landlords and tenants to work together and take advantage of this opportunity. Visit hcd.mypgc.us for more information and to apply. For eligibility requirements and assistance completing and submitting the ERAP application, please visit hcd.mypgc.us and click "Emergency Rental Assistance Program". You will also find a list of non-profit partners that will assist, free of charge.

ALERT: Reopening of County
Government Buildings
(effective August 30, 2021)

Residents,

Effective Monday, August 30, 2021, County Government buildings reopened to the general public after months of planning for safe reopening and access to both citizens and employees. 

Please note that most County Government agencies will resume normal operations, encouraging residents to make appointments while also accepting walk-ins. Some agencies will require residents to make an appointment to receive in-person services. Residents are encouraged to review an agency’s website to verify if an appointment is needed prior to visiting, and for instructions on how appointments can be scheduled.

As a reminder, the current indoor public mask mandate applies to County Government buildings, meaning all employees and visitors must wear a mask regardless of your vaccination status.

To view a larger version of this flier, click the graphic above.

ALERT! The Office of Community Relations
Presents a New and Improved PGC311

The Office of Community Relations made several new updates to the PGC311 system, creating a more efficient and collaborative experience when engaging with your local government along with an easier way to submit service requests and find information.

You can now submit service requests 24/7 through our new mobile app, desktop web portal, or by calling the PGC311 Call Center. And that’s not all! Here are some key features:

• Real-time updates: Previously, when you submitted a service request, you would get a message letting you know the request was submitted and then wait for someone to service your ticket. Now, you'll be able to submit your service ticket and receive real-time updates about when your ticket was received, the expected completion date, and an alert after the ticket is completed and closed.
• Knowledge articles: You’ll now have short articles that will help you process your service request and let you know what you need to do to be sure there is no delay in completing your request. We will also feature articles that allow you to quickly get answers to commonly asked questions.
• Easily submit a service request: When submitting your service request, you can now submit pictures to help us better understand what needs to be serviced and where.

The goal is to continue providing residents with exceptional service and bring new technologies to help you easily engage with your County government. Your feedback is welcomed throughout the rolling out of the new system and service offerings. If you’d like to learn more, please visit ocr.mypgc.us/PGC311.

Join Prince George's County
Department of Public Works
& Transportation for its Virtual
Snow Summit (November 18, 2021)

Fall is here, but winter is quickly approaching, and the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) would like to help ensure residents and businesses in Prince George’s County are prepared. Join DPW&T for their Annual Snow Summit, which will be held virtually on Thursday, November 18 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. Attendees will receive pertinent information on snow operations, as well as tips and resources for staying safe this winter.

Attendees will have the opportunity to view and hear presentations from the following agencies:

Department of Public Works and Transportation, Department of the Environment, Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement, Office of Emergency Management, Office of Community Relations, Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and Maryland State Highway Administration.

Registration is required. Residents and businesses can sign up by visiting the following weblink: https://bit.ly/PGCSnowSummit2021.

NEW! COVID-19 Vaccines Now
Available for Five to 11-Year Olds

Beginning Monday, November 8, residents ages five years and older will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for free at the school mobile clinics. The clinics will operate Monday through Friday during after school hours at multiple schools throughout the County through mid-December. COVID-19 vaccines for eligible children will also be available at many pediatricians’ offices, retail and grocery store pharmacies, hospitals, and other health care providers throughout the County. COVID-19 vaccine appointments for children ages 5 and older in Prince George’s County are now available at the Sports and Learning Complex. Register here for an appointment.  Starting next week, the Health Department will operate COVID-19 vaccine clinics at County schools for residents ages five and older. Click here to make an appointment for your child at COVID-19 vaccine clinics at County schools.

Watch this brief YouTube video as Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter answers the question, “Should I get my child vaccinated against COVID-19?”  

Prince George's County
Announces its Mask Mandate Expansion

Please be advised that effective Wednesday, October 6, 2021, all Prince George's County residents and visitors over the age of 2 are required to wear masks in all indoor public venues and businesses in Prince George’s County. “From the outset of this pandemic, we have been focused on policies that support the health and safety of our residents, while also ensuring residents and businesses have the resources they need to get by,” said  Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “We want to thank Prince Georgians for working together through this pandemic, because we have shown that we are a strong and resilient community where residents can always count on one another.”  To watch the press conference in its entirety, please visit the following embedded weblink. You may also review the official press release to gather additional details on the mask mandate expansion.  

The Health Department wants to remind residents that masks are required in all indoor public venues and businesses in Prince George’s County, including, but is not limited to restaurants, retail stores, entertainment venues, conference centers, and office settings. Similar to previous mask mandates, some exceptions apply, such as when an individual is actively eating or drinking or individuals who have a bona fide disability that prevents them from wearing a mask. Face coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the more contagious Delta variant, which is still spreading at a high rate nationwide, especially among the unvaccinated.

This pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation, so it’s even more important to keep yourselves and your communities informed about COVID-19 and the latest updates by visiting the Prince George's COVID-19 Dashboard, designed to providing the latest information on COVID-19 data trends to the public. The
Prince George's Health Department is working closely with state and federal partners and is committed
to keeping all residents, employees, and visitors to Prince George’s County safe and healthy. Additional guidance can be found on the County's official Coronavirus web portal including fact sheets and various infographics to assist in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.  For your convenience, please refer to the COVID-19 Resources section of the Weekend Reader.

Be Safe. Be Well. Be Informed.

#ProudtobeProtected - COVID-19 BOOSTERS

The Prince George’s County Health Department is offering Pfizer vaccine booster shots to eligible individuals.

COVID-19 booster shots are also available at retail and grocery pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare providers throughout the County.

Visit mypgc.us/COVIDvaccine for more information about COVID-19 vaccinations, including locations and hours of operation for vaccine clinics operated by the County and other public and private organizations.

3^rd Doses for Immunocompromised Individuals

Beginning Friday, August 20, the County Health Department began to administer third doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to immunocompromised residents (those with weakened immune systems) at the Sports & Learning Complex.

At this time, the CDC and FDA have not authorized additional Pfizer or Moderna doses for the general population, or for anyone who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Eligible immunocompromised residents seeking a third dose do not need to receive it through the County Health Department.

Click on the flyer to the left to review additional details on eligibility and timeframe in which to receive the 3rd dose. To find the nearest vaccine site, visit: mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

Who Is Eligible?

Who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine? All Marylanders over 12 years of age! Getting the vaccine protects you, your loved ones, and your community.

#DidYouKnow that appointments are no longer necessary at all COVID-19 vaccine clinics operated by the County Health Department? Individuals who live or work in the County can walk up to County Health Department vaccination clinics with no appointment needed. However, should residents wish to book an appointment in advance, they can visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

While the County Health Department now operates only one standing vaccination clinic in the County, in addition to nine mobile vaccination units, there are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County. Please remember that the County does not manage nor control appointments or distribution for any sites besides those operated by our County Health Department.

Prince George’s County Health Department

• Locations: The Sports & Learning Complex and Mobile Vaccination Units.
• Appointments: Individuals who live or work in Prince George’s County should visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine to view clinic hours or schedule an appointment directly. Individuals who cannot schedule an appointment online on their own should call 311 and press # for assistance.
• Residents can also view a calendar of mobile vaccination clinics here.

For State Regulated Sites:

Additional Non-County Operated Sites 

• Please use our County Vaccine Locator to find additional vaccination sites operated by pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare partners.

Please remember that the County does not manage nor control appointments, or
distribution for any sites besides those operated by our County Health Department.

COVID-19 Symptoms Reminder

Be sure you know the symptoms of COVID-19 and the warning signs if you need to get medical help right away. The County Health Department urges residents to get tested if you feel sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 (or you suspect you have been exposed after attending large social or mass gatherings). It’s also a good idea to get tested before traveling. To find testing locations across the County and for additional testing information, visit health.mypgc.us/COVIDtesting.