Council Connections

COUNCIL INTRODUCES CANNABIS ZONING MEASURES; EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS APPROVED

The Council convened on Tuesday, March 5^th, and began session with the introduction of Council Resolutions CR-012-2024 establishing a Procurement Regulations Work Group, and CR-014-2024 establishing The Central Avenue - Blue/Silver Line Corridor Development Review Advisory Council. Three Council Bills were also introduced as part of an additions package, among them CB-013-2024 amending the Zoning Ordinance to permit Cannabis uses in the Industrial and certain Commercial Zones of the County; CB-014-2024 add definitions and designating areas for Cannabis uses consistent with authority set forth in State law. Cannabis uses consistent with authority set forth in State law. CB-014 was held indefinitely in committee Monday morning.

Following the introduction of legislation, public hearings were held for Executive Appointments to the Commission for Women and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.  Following the public hearings, appointments to both groups were unanimously approved.

The County Council, sitting as the District Council on land use matters, also convened on Tuesday to review one Item for Discussion, Glenn Dale Self Storage in District 4.

YATES AND MARY BOSWELL HOUSE RECEIVES SUPPORT FOR ‘HISTORIC DESIGNATION’ DURING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Committee of the Whole (COW) convened on Tuesday, March 5^th to address the Transcript Analysis for the Yates and Mary Boswell House Proposed Historic Designation. Located in Council District 3 (University Park), the Yates and Mary Boswell House was built in 1939, and received a favorable recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission to be designated as a Prince George’s County Historical Site. Council Member Olson motioned for a Resolution of Approval which was supported unanimously.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY REVIEWS STATEWIDE BILLS Reviewing state and local bills with potential policy or fiscal impacts on Prince George’s County was the focus of the Council’s General Assembly Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 5th.  Among the statewide bills receiving committee support during Tuesday’s meeting: HB 1265 Local Government – Building Permits for Residential Solar Energy and Residential Energy Storage Systems HB 694/SB 482 Governor's Office for Children - Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations Unions, Governments, and Households (ENOUGH) Grant Program HB 1037 Task Force on the Creation of a Division of Returning Citizens and Expanded Reentry Services For a complete list of bills reviewed during General Assembly, click HERE.

M-NCPPC FY 2025 PROPOSED BUDGET IS THE FOCUS OF PLANNING, HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

The Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee (PHED) meeting on Thursday, March 7^th, began with a review of CB-002-2024, legislation amending the housing code to add e-mail to the methods of service for a notice of violation, civil citation, and administrative citation. 

District 2 Council Member Wanika Fisher, sponsor of the legislation, says it’s an astute time to modernize our systems to get the types of results we need. “With only a physical ticket notification the time frame between a violation and a property owner correcting that violation is too long. I think it will make a big difference when it comes to code violations.” The measure was held for additional discussion. Committee members then welcomed Maryland-National Park and Planning Chairman Peter Shapiro, who was joined by Planning Department Director Lakisha Hull for an overview of the FY 2025 Proposed Park and Planning Budget.

CORRECTIONS DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT MOVES FORWARD The Department of Corrections, led by Acting Director Terrence Clark, is charged with providing a safe, secure, and humane environment for pre-trial and sentenced offenders.  Acting Director Clark assumed the role in December 2023, bringing more than 34 years of correctional experience. The Council’s Committee on Health, Human Services and Public Safety (HHSPS) convened on Thursday, March 7th, to consider the Executive Appointment of Acting Director Clark to the role of Director, which was supported by the committee and forwarded to the full Council for consideration. Committee members also received a briefing from Clerk of the Circuit Court Mahasin El Amin, who provided an overview of the Clerk’s office which files, processes, and maintains civil, criminal and juvenile actions. Land deeds, mortgages, plats, conveyances, and other documents are recorded and electronically maintained by the Clerk.

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR COMMUTER BUS RIDERS

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)  has proposed reductions to  its commuter bus service.  Most of the impacted bus routes are outside of Prince George’s County, but a few may impact commuter bus riders in the County.   MTA is holding five public hearings – three virtual and two in-person) on the proposed changes between March 18^th  and 27^th.  Public comments will be accepted through April 29, 2024.  To learn more about the proposal or how to participate in the public hearings,  please visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/commuter-bus2024

COUNCIL CHAIR JOLENE IVEY TOURS GLENARDEN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Council Chair Jolene Ivey had the pleasure of touring Glenarden Hills, a comprehensive master-planned community. Chair Ivey noted the work that has been done since her last visit and expressed excitement upon seeing the project come to life.  Glenarden Hills, a 27-acre walkable community, will be completed in four phases that will eventually include senior and family affordable apartments, market rate and affordable rental townhomes, and homeownership townhomes.

VICE CHAIR SYDNEY HARRISON HOSTS DISTRICT 9 MELWOOD COMMUNITY RESOURCE DAY

The District 9 Melwood Community Resource Day, hosted by Vice Chair Sydney Harrison in partnership with Melwood, was a resounding success. Held at the Tree of Life Christian Center in Clinton, the event featured over 70 vendors, and provided attendees with direct access to vital services and support.  From health screening and nutritional education, to employment services and financial literacy, the event catered to a wide range of diverse needs and everyone left equipped with valuable resources and information – a testament to the power of collective effort in creating positive change.

COUNCIL MEMBER ERIC OLSON WELCOMES IRON ROOSTER TO COLLEGE PARK

College Park has welcomed a new addition to its restaurant scene! Iron Rooster has opened its doors and Council Member Eric Olson joined the excitement during a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 5^th.  The arrival of Iron Rooster to College Park brings an extra boost to the local dining experience with its innovative menu and vibrant atmosphere. Welcome to Prince George’s County Iron Rooster!

March 11 - PHED Committee - 9:00 AM - DETAILS

March 11 - Sitting as the District Council - 9:30 AM - (Agenda Briefing)

March 11 - Sitting as the District Council - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

March 11 - EWD Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

March 12 - General Assembly - 11:00 AM - DETAILS 

March 12 - County Council - 12:30 PM - (Agenda Briefing) 

March 12 - County Council - 1:00 PM - DETAILS

March 12 - Sitting as the Board of Health - 1:45 PM -DETAILS

March 12 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 3:00 PM - DETAILS

March 12 - County Council - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

March 13 - Task Force Work Groups - 9:00 AM - DETAILS

March 13 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

March 14 - TIEE Committee - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

March 14 - GOFP Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page