WEEKLY BULLETIN | July 15, 2022
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Report any power outages to Pepco at 877-737-2662.
Report any suspected gas leaks to 9-1-1.
Report any down wires to Pepco at 877-737-2662.
Report damaged or malfunctioning streetlights directly to Pepco here.
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Storm Updates
The storm from Tuesday, 7/12/22 caused extensive damage throughout College Park; the Lakeland area was particularly hit hard by the storm. Estimates indicate peak wind gusts as high as 90 mph swept through areas of College Park taking down trees and causing structural damage to several homes. Hundreds of trees throughout the City are estimated to have been damaged or have fallen, many of which fell by the roots. Thankfully, there have been no serious injuries reported.
Since the weather emergency started, City staff and crews have been working around the clock to clear roads to make them passable and accessible. The City has been in constant communication with Pepco, Prince George’s County, University of Maryland, neighboring municipalities, and State representatives to help with clean-up efforts, and provide help and resources to affected residents. The City has also been working continuously with Pepco to restore power as quickly as possible to our residents. Cooling centers with charging stations were designated at nearby facilities, including the City’s Youth and Family Services and City Hall, to help those without power.
Tonight’s Friday Night LIVE event and Saturday’s Hollywood Farmers Market will occur as scheduled.
This has been a very challenging time for many of our residents. Cleanup efforts will continue for the coming weeks ahead. Please be patient; we are working as quickly as possible to clear City streets and paths while ensure staff safety, as well as restore services to residents. We are grateful to our community for coming together during this time of need, and showing the region (and the nation) the strength of the College Park community. Thank you College Park.
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Tree Debris and Preparing Woody Debris for Collection
Property owners are responsible for removing tree debris or branches that fall on their property.
Due to the extreme amount of tree debris created by Tuesday's storm, the requirements to prepare woody debris for curbside collection are relaxed now through July 29, 2022. Please cut large diameter branches & limbs into sections no more than 8 feet in length and bring them to the curb (but not in the street). Please contact the City's Department of Public Works (240.487.3590) to let us the size and quantity of the material you set out the curb, as this will dictate the equipment sent to perform the collection.
If you are unable to cut or trim the tree debris, please reach out to a licensed tree contractor for assistance.
From Maryland Law
In the aftermath of a weather related event, which results in fallen trees and debris, or similar incidents that may be qualified as an "act of God," the affected property owners are responsible for damage to their property, including debris cleanup and removal or other related expenses. These weather event related expenses may be covered under the homeowner's insurance policy. Property owners are encouraged to contact their homeowners insurance company to determine policy coverage.
Spoiled food?
Residents can drop off any food scraps or spoiled, unpackaged food items to our food scrap drop off locations. Visit collegeparkmd.gov/foodscrap for locations and accepted items list.
Parking in Residential Parking Zones
Due to the weather emergency, the City is not issuing fines in residential parking zones through this weekend (7/17/22) unless the vehicle is presenting a public safety hazard, like blocking the street or a fire hydrant. The City will still enforce pay-to-park parking and permits in the City's Downtown garage and Downtown area.
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Sidewalk Hazards and Repairs
Please note that many sidewalks remain impassable due to fallen trees and debris from Tuesday’s storm. The City’s contractor is currently repairing sidewalks in Hollywood along Lackawanna Street, Laguna Road, Muskogee Street, Narragansett Parkway, and 51st Place.
Upon completion of this work, crews will move to the Lakeland and Berwyn neighborhoods next week to repair damaged sidewalks along 49th Avenue, Berwyn House Road, 48th Avenue, Navahoe Street, and Lakeland Road. Please contact engineering@collegeparkmd.gov with any questions or concerns. |
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Protecting our Tree Canopy
Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem. A majority of the City’s tree canopy is in residential neighborhoods -- this means our residents can make a big difference in helping to maintain our tree canopy! When summer storms threaten our tree canopy, our collective response can protect surviving trees.
If you have a fallen or damaged tree on your property because of the weather emergency on 7-12-2022, you can remove the tree or fallen branches without a permit. Document or photograph the damage/emergency and send to DPW after (arborist@collegeparkmd.gov).Those who wish to remove or prune a surviving tree must submit an application for a permit. There is no application fee to obtain a permit.
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New Resident Reporting System
Effective July 1st, the City will begin use of a new reporting system for general concerns and/or complaints. Links to and registrations for reporting through Comcate will be deactivated. Please share your concerns about a property in the City, such as tall grass or other issues at www.collegeparkmd.gov/tellus.
As always, if there is a noise related concern, please call our 24/7 hotline at 240-487-3588. Call 9-1-1 to report a crime in progress.
Effective July 1st, the City will also begin use of a new product that will allow our property owners, business owners, and contractors to initiate the City's required occupancy permit and building permit process online. Users can search available permit applications, and apply for new permits as needed.
To create a new application, you must register for an account. Details available here.
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Permit Parking
Received a residential parking permit renewal letter? Or need a parking permit, but you're just not sure how to apply for one?
Since permit parking first began in the City back in the late 1990’s, permits and visitor passes in residential areas renew on an annual basis. While the City has started virtual permitting, the renewal process remains the same. Residents must apply each year to register/renew their virtual parking permit(s) for their vehicle(s) and/or obtain new visitor passes for the upcoming year period, as permits and visitor passes do not automatically renew. Please keep in mind that all residential permits are now virtual; the City no longer offers hang-tags to residents.
Homeowners can apply for residential parking permits and visitor parking passes online at https://collegepark.aimsparking.com. You will need to create an account in order to get your passes online. Residents can also apply via mail or in-person at City Hall.
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Rhode Island Avenue Resurfacing
The resurfacing of Rhode Island Avenue in Hollywood is nearly complete. Please use caution when driving or cycling as the roadway is currently not striped. Please be advised that during the striping operation, there will be temporary lane shifts and closures.
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Free Summer parking is in effect between May 28 to August 13, 2022 in the Downtown College Park Parking Garage!
Park there for free while you visit local shops and restaurants on weekdays after 5:00 pm and all-day on weekends.
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Curbside Food Scrap Collection Coming Soon!
Help us divert compostable materials from the landfill -- join the City of College Park's Food Scrap Collection Program!
Soon, City residents can opt-in to receive curbside composting pick-up services. By participating, you help reduce excessive methane greenhouse gas emissions, protect our environment, and support the City in reaching its sustainability goals!
More information to come on how to sign up – stay tuned to the City’s website and media for updates.
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Project Restore Accepting Applications |
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Project Restore grants from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development can help new and growing businesses with rent payments and operating costs in their first year.
Businesses opening or expanding into vacant retail and commercial properties may be eligible for a grant. Applications are open!
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Department of Public Works |
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Items available to purchase from the Department:
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For any information related to refuse, recycling, or other Public Works related items, contact the Department at: 240-487-3590 or publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov.
The Department is located at 9217 51st Ave. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Trees provide many benefits such as reduction of cooling and heating costs, interception of rainwater, increasing property values and improving air quality. The City offers a few ways to help. More information is available at www.collegeparkmd.gov/trees.
REQUESTS FOR STREET TREES: The City has a program that pays for and provides street tree planting in the right-of-way area, which includes the grass strip between the curb and sidewalk. College Park residents interested in requesting a tree can contact Brenda Alexander at 240-487-3590 or balexander@collegeparkmd.gov. The location will be inspected to determine if it is suitable.
TREE CANOPY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (TCEP): City of College Park property owners can apply for reimbursement of up to $150.00 annually, for approved tree(s) planted on their residential lot. The completed application should be sent to horticulturist@collegeparkmd.gov for review and approval. Click here for a link to the guidelines and application.
TREE MAINTENANCE The City is responsible for tree maintenance in the rights-of-way, City maintained buildings and parks, and on public property. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.
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Are you interested in having a tree planted on your residential property? |
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The City is gauging interest in a potentially new tree planting program for residents. Planting is planned for the fall.
If you are interested in having a tree planted on your property by a contractor, please complete the interest form on the City website in the trees section or click here. When filling out the form, select "Tree Planting on residential property" or contact horticulturist@collegeparkmd.gov.
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Maryland Department of Agriculture's Mosquito Control Program
The City cooperates with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to identify and control mosquito populations by larviciding and spraying. MDA has designated Wednesday nights for adult mosquito spraying in the city (when thresholds are met). Spraying will only begin after dark and may continue until midnight or later. Spray applications are made by truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayers. If you see a truck in your community spraying during the day, please note that it is not from the State of Maryland. Please be aware that MDA does not spray individual properties, and the City is on a 2 or 3-week rotation based on mosquito thresholds.
REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM ADULT MOSQUITO CONTROL SERVICES
Residents can request exclusion from the adult spray program by completing an exemption form annually.
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Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity |
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The Weekly Highlights of Police contract activity will be available next week. |
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Statistical Data will be available next week. |
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Monthly Public Safety Maps
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Duvall Field Park Design Community Meeting |
Join the City of College Park on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 7pm. At this meeting, the City's consultant, KCI Technologies, will review 60% design plans and explain the proposed features to be included in the park. Your comments will be taken into consideration and the City Council will review the plans at a worksession on September 6, 2022.
Please check the project page on the City's website for previous plans, reports, and updates.
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Night at the Movies
Saturday, July 30, 2022 | 7:00-10:00pm | Duvall Field
The City of College Park will host a Family Night at the Movies on Saturday, July 30th at Duvall Field.
Activities start around 7:00 PM with games for kids and adults. The movie, Bad Guys, will be shown around 8:00 PM.
Popcorn will be available. Admission and parking are free. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to sit outside on the grass.
No pets, tents, or umbrellas.
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National Night Out
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Hosted each year by neighborhood civic associations, National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This year, Berwyn, Lakeland, and College Park Woods neighborhoods have committed to hosting an event on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.
Contact your civic association representative to support National Night Out activities in your neighborhood!
Check our website as the event gets closer for more information.
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Please note that by participating in City events, you acknowledge and assume all risks and liabilities including possible exposure to illnesses, including but not limited to COVID-19. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged. |
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Meetings at a Glance
City of College Park Mayor and Council Meetings
Zoom ID Number: 923 9857 4069
Dial in Phone Number: 301-715-8592
- After dialing the phone number, enter the meeting ID when prompted, press #.
- There is no participant ID, press #.
- Enter the meeting password 419048, press #.
CLICK HERE for detailed instructions on how to use Zoom.
Please note: participants will be muted during the meeting, except during public comment.
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Tuesday, July 19, 2022 - 7:30 p.m.
- Mayor and Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 3, 2022 - 7:30 p.m.
- Mayor and Council Worksesson
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Community Meetings
Note: These are not City meetings but have City staff or Contract Police as a host.
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PGPD District 1 Coffee Club:
Webinar (every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.)
Join by phone: 978- 990-5399, Meeting ID: 833 9609 4990, Password: 720306
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