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 It is a New Day. We are charting in a new course, a new direction, toward a Council evermore committed to service to the People - The People's Council. We pledge to a new day where transparency and accountability are the watchwords that guide our Council and our commitment to the People’s Agenda.
The PEOPLE’S AGENDA is bringing the Council to the people and committed to the following focus areas:
- Ensuring Transparency in Our Government
- Increasing Services for Our Residents
- Preserving our Green Space and Protect Our Environment
- Supporting Smart and Quality Development for Our Community
- Supporting Our Working Families
- Increasing Opportunities for Our Local Minority Businesses and Nonprofits
- Bringing Access to Quality Healthcare to Our Communities
In the words of one of the greatest authors of our time, Dr. Maya Angelou, "Nothing will work unless you do." And nothing will work unless we do.
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 The County Council is proud to announce its return to in-person meetings. However, given the current state of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and to maintain the safety of the Council, staff, and members of the public, the Council is operating under modified hybrid operational procedures for other Legislative Branch services.
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DISTRICT COUNCIL ADDRESSES ZONING AND LAND USE MATTERS
Pursuant to the Maryland Regional District Act, the County Council, sitting as the District Council, has the authority to review and decide zoning and land use matters for most of Prince George’s County. On Monday, June 5th, the District Council convened to address Items Referred for Document and Items Pending Finality.
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COUNCIL HOLDS PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR HOUSING INVESTMENT TRUST FUND LEGISLATION
The Prince George’s Council, during session on Tuesday, June 6th, held public hearings for CR-035-2023, legislation allocating $3,000,000 in Prince George’s County Housing Investment Trust Fund (HITF) Program funds to the Addison Park project for gap financing of new affordable housing construction; and CR-037-2023, legislation allocating the amount of $2,500,000 in HITF Program funds to the Hamlet Woods project for gap financing of new affordable housing construction. Following the public hearings, both measures were the focus of committee worksessions later the same day. Council Members were also provided with an opportunity to provide updates concerning their work with various Council Boards and Commissions.
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On Tuesday evening, the Council sitting as the District Council and the Prince George’s County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) held a Joint Public Hearing to address a Proposed Minor Amendment to the 2014 Southern Green Line Station Area Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment. |
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ADDRESSES PILOT AGREEMENTS AND HOUSING INVESTMENT TRUST FUND MEASURES FOCUSING ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
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The County Council’s Committee of the Whole, on Tuesday, June 6th, addressed CR-034-2023 a Resolution concerning Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement for Addison Park Apartments. The measure was favorably approved for Council consideration, along with companion legislation CR-035-2023, legislation allocating $3,000,000 in Prince George’s County Housing Investment Trust Fund (HITF) Program funds to the Addison Park project for gap financing of new affordable housing construction. The COW also considered CR-036-2023, legislation concerning a Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement for Hamlet Woods Apartments, which also received favorable consideration. Companion legislation, CR-037-2023, a Resolution allocating the amount of $2,500,000 in HITF Program funds to the Hamlet Woods project for gap financing of new affordable housing construction, was also approved for consideration by the Council.
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TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY, AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECEIVE GREEN BANKS BRIEFING |
 The Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment Committee (TIEE) convened on Thursday, June 8th, and began the meeting with a briefing from Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Regional Director for Prince George’s County, Kenneth Simons, who focused his comments on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund implemented under the Inflation Reduction Act. Maryland Clean Energy Center Executive Director Katherine McGruder also participated in the briefing, sharing an overview of the center and how they might work to help the County advance its environmental goals. The briefings concluded with a presentation from FSC First President and CEO Dawn Medley, who provided an overview of how FSC First is currently working in the clean energy space. Following the briefing, TIEE committee members also reviewed CR-014-2023, changing the water and sewer category designations of properties within the 2018 Water and Sewer Plan, and CR-032-2023, legislation concerning the FY 2024 Federal and State Transportation Grant Application Authorization. Both measures were favorably considered for Council consideration.
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GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND FISCAL POLICY COMMITTEE RECEIVES ‘PILOT’ LEGISLATION PRESENTATIONS |
The Government Operations and Fiscal Management Committee (GOFP), convening on Thursday, June 8th, received a presentation from The Flats at College Park principals related to CR-042-2023, a Resolution concerning Payments in Lieu of Taxes Agreement between the County and The Flats at College Park RST, LLC. GOFP committee members also received a presentation from the Queens Park development team, addressing CR-048-2023, a Resolution concerning Payments in Lieu of Taxes Agreement between the County and Queens Park Plaza Apartments.
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PRIDE FLAG RAISED AT WKC ADMINISTRATION BUIILDING IN LARGO
For the first time ever, the Prince George’s County Administration building has raised the LGBTQIA+ flag.
On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, the County Council unanimously adopted Council Resolution 62-2023, introduced by District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha and unanimously supported by the Council. The measure officially declared the month of June as LGBTQIA+ PRIDE month in Prince George’s County and requires the County to raise the PRIDE flag during a ceremony at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo, where it is to remain at full mast until June 30th.
Council Member Oriadha said it was a bittersweet moment.
“As an openly bisexual woman, I know that visibility and allyship is incredibly important for our communities. The resolution I introduced last week was an opportunity for us to have a ceremony that would bring out the advocates and members of our community who have worked tirelessly to ensure that visibility for our communities. That was taken from them when the administration raised the flag without bringing any of those community members to share such a special and important moment.”
Council Member Oriadha adds, “While I am happy to walk into the Wayne K. Curry Administration building and see the flag, it is not lost on me how much work we have yet to do to make sure we are being inclusive with a purpose and humanity.” And she thanked the advocates who have long awaited and to worked toward the day when the flag was raised. “ I see you and I celebrate you.”
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MARYLAND MEDICAID RENEWAL IS NOT AUTOMATIC THIS YEAR
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Marylanders who were enrolled in Medicaid continued to be covered, even if they were no longer eligible. Medicaid renewals are notautomatic this year. Maryland is making Medicaid eligibility reviews again. Not everyone will be up for renewal at the same time. These renewals will take place over 12 months. Medicaid participants must verify that their contact information is up to date.
LEARN MORE
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FATHERS RALLY FOR PEACE IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Fathers and father figures from across the County joined At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin for the 1000 Fathers Rally for Peace event at Show Place Arena on Sunday, June 11th. Focusing on stronger fatherhood amid persistent public safety challenges involving County youth, the event, hosted by Council Member Franklin, featured several special guests including Governor Wes Moore, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, and nationally renowned radio host Russ Parr. Council Member Franklin said the event aimed to connect fathers with resources that they’d rarely ever find in one place to enable them to be better fathers, and inspire a culture of peace and responsible fatherhood in our communities.
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DISTRICT 7 COUNCIL MEMBER KRYSTAL ORIADHA PARTNERS FOR PGPD INAUGURAL PRIDE WALK; ALSO JOINS GOVERNOR MOORE AND FIRST LADY MOORE FOR A PRIDE MONTH CELEBRATION
 On Sunday, June 4th, Council Member Krystal Oriadha was pleased to partner with the Prince George’s County Police Department for the first ever Annual PRIDE WALK in Prince George’s County. Hundreds of participants walked a local trail within the National Harbor and ended with a fun-filled celebration at the Great Awakening featuring live entertainment, games, food, LGBTQI+ information and resources, and more!
 Council Member Oriadha also joined Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore at their reception to celebrate LGBTQIA+ PRIDE Month. I’m so proud to stand with so many other LGBTQIA+ elected officials and leaders from across the State.
DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER WANIKA FISHER ON HAND FOR MAJ. GEN. BIRCKHEAD’S PROMOTION CEREMONY
On June 3rd, in an emotional and historic day in the state of Maryland and the nation, District 2 Council Member Wanika Fisher witnessed the change of command ceremony and ceremonial promotion of the only Black woman in the country right now to be elevated to Major General, Janeen Birckhead! Council Member Fisher worked with Major General Birckhead and the VETF to bring vaccines to the most affected zip code during the height of the global pandemic – 20783. Maj. Gen. Birckhead is working to ensure that Maryland’s National Guard remains one of America’s very best military organizations. Congratulations Major General Janeen L. Birckhead!
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DISTRICT 3 COUNCIL MEMBER ERIC OLSON TOURS ‘HOMES NOT BORDERS’
 Council Member Eric Olson spent Friday touring Homes Not Borders, a nonprofit operating in Prince George’s County to provide the refugee and other forced migrants in the D.C. area with what they need to thrive and feel at home in the United States. Council Member Olson says they’re doing great work and aid many families in District 3!
CONGRATULATIONS LEADERSHIP GREATER WASHINGTON GRADUATE!
 District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison is now a proud graduate of the Leadership Greater Washington Class of 2023! He has spent the last ten months with some phenomenal leaders from across the region. Since 1986, Leadership Greater Washington (LGW) has developed 1,900 executive leaders from DC, Northern Virginia, and Suburban Maryland through its flagship offering, the Signature Program— an intensive 10-month program that exposes professionals to regional civic issues through education, connection, and knowledge sharing.
AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN HAWKINS ADDRESSES WOODMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2023
Council Member Calvin Hawkins, II, congratulated the achievements of the graduating Woodmore Elementary School 5th Grade Class of 2023 on Friday. Council Member Hawkins delivered the graduation address, encouraging them to continue to do their best work and apply all they learned at Woodmore Elementary School as they transition to middle school and later to high school. “The sky is the limit for these young people, and may my words ignite something in them to get into some good trouble!”
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DISTRICT 5 COUNCIL MEMBER JOLENE IVEY JOINS UNVEILING OF MURAL ART AT COOPERS LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
 Coopers Lane Elementary School now boasts an amazing new mural from Shawn James Mural Masters, Inc and it looks fantastic! District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey, a big fan of art, started Thursday at the mural unveiling. “I would love to see more of our schools proudly show off some of the great work of our local talent. Head on over and look for yourself. It's all in the little details of how he captured the community of CLES so well!”
BLACK BEAR SIGHTINGS IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY!
There were Black Bear sightings in various locations in Prince George’s County this past week – one was spotted in Beltsville at the Calverton Shopping Center, and another was seen wandering around Hyattsville on Thursday. Authorities believe this may have been the same bear that made an appearance in D.C. on Friday and was subsequently tagged and released in rural Maryland. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources says while bear sightings in residential areas aren't uncommon, they still don't happen all that often, advising residents to use caution. What should you do if you see a Black Bear in your neighborhood? CLICK HERE for recommendations from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and keep this number handy to report Bear-Related Emergencies - 1-410-260-8888.
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