WEEKLY BULLETIN | May 5, 2023

Celebrating College Park Parade

May 6, 2023 | 10:00 am | Rhode Island Avenue

Join the City of College Park this Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10:00am to celebrate our community! Spectators can line up along Rhode Island Avenue to see local groups, organizations, entertainers, performers, and more!

Parade Road Closure:

This Saturday, May 6 from 9:00 am to about 12pm (noon), the City of College Park will close Rhode Island Avenue from Edgewood Road to Blackfoot Place to host its City of College Park Community Parade. 

Please visit our website for more information including detour information.

Special Election for Office of the Mayor

On May 6, 2023, the City of College Park will hold a Special Election for the Office of Mayor. The candidates are:

• Bryan Haddad
• S.M. Fazlul Kabir
• Catherine Hope Kennedy
• Denise C. Mitchell

For additional candidacy information, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/elections.

Cast your vote for mayor:

Election Day: Saturday, May 6, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

City Hall, 7401 Baltimore Avenue, Community Room 1st Floor, College Park, MD 20740

For more information about the Special Election or candidates, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/elections.

Memorial Day Closure

The City of College Park will be closed Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. Refuse and recycling will occur one day later than normal during this holiday week:

• Monday collections will occur Tuesday, May 30
• Tuesday collections will occur Wednesday, May 31
• Wednesday collections will occur Thursday, June 1



Special collections for brush and bulky items will only be scheduled for Friday, June 2, of this holiday week. You must call 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov to schedule a pickup before setting your items out to the curb. 

Hollywood Farmers Market Returns!

The Hollywood Farmer's Market is back! Come to the Hollywood Farmers Market every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm starting May 13, 2023 through November 18, 2023.

Located at the Hollywood Shopping Center by MOM's Organic Market, the Hollywood Farmer's Market features a variety of vendors including produce, cheese, meat, food vendors, crafts and more.

The Market will be open on May 6 after the parade, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Thanks to All No Mow Participants

We hope our native pollinators had a great month! 

No Mow April has ended on Sunday, April 30. Please cut your yard next week so grass and weeds do not exceed 12” high. City staff may issue violation notices (with time to correct prior to a fine) for properties not in compliance. The City and your neighbors greatly appreciate your cooperation. 

Residents are reminded that they are responsible for maintaining grass in the City right of way to the curb adjacent to their property. Soft yard waste such as grass clippings (if not composted), may be placed in City beige yard waste containers, reusable containers with a City yard waste decal, or paper yard waste bags, and left at the curb on your regular refuse/recycling collection day. For more information, please visit https://collegeparkmd.gov/specialcollections.  

Don't Dump, Donate!

Help others and keep reusable goods out of the landfill! When possible, donate items that are in good condition instead of throwing them out. You can also schedule pick-ups when available. Pitch in while you move out!

Furniture, Clothing, Food, & Item Donation:

• Terp to Terp Restore: Drop off located at the South Campus Dining Hall; for details and accepted items, go to reslife.umd.edu/terptoterprestore.
• Department of Resident Life: Contact UMD ResLife (reslife.umd.edu) about possible donation areas for unwanted items during move-out.
• Campus Pantry: Drop-Off located at the South Campus Dining Hall; accepts all unopened non-perishable food.
• Green Drop: Call 888-944-3767 or visit their website to schedule a pickup.
• Local Thrift/Donation Stores: Donate clothing, furniture or other items to one of our area’s local thrift stores or donation sites like Habitat for Humanity (ReStore), A Wider Circle, and Lupus Foundation of America (Value Village). Contact them for more information.
• Local Online Groups: There are various student or community online groups/sites (like freecycle) to give away or sell items. UMPD offers a safe space (Safe Terp Trade Zone) to conduct business. Call the University of Maryland Police Department at 301.405.3555 for details.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week

May 7-13 is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week!

According to Children's Mental Health Matters!, one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health condition at any given time. It is important to recognize that a child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.

Mental health, also known as emotional or behavioral health, is a vital part of your child’s medical health and development. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act. All children and teens have periods of anger, frustration, and sadness. However, for some kids, these feelings can reach a tipping point and interfere with everyday life.

Early intervention is the best way to prevent long-term or severe conditions into adulthood.

To seek help for your child’s mental health, you can:

• Encourage them to get involved with after-school activities, athletics, or community and faith-based organizations.
• Voice your concerns with your pediatrician. They can make referrals for treatment.
• Ask your insurance company which mental health professionals are within your healthcare network.
• Talk to a school psychologist. They are usually trained in both psychology and education, and can help children academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.
• Reach out to a Family or System Navigator for children up to 21 years old. Each Maryland county has Navigators to help families access resources within Maryland’s mental health system. There is no cost for navigation services.
• Mental Health Education and Advocacy Organizations in Maryland are dedicated to assisting family members with finding help for children. Organizations such as the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD), Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF), and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide education, support, and advocacy for people with mental illness and their families.

The City’s Department of Youth, Family Services and Senior Services offers emergency counseling resources for our youngest residents and their families. For more information, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/YFS, call at 240-487-3500, or email families@collegeparkmd.gov.

Jack Perry Award

In February 2013, the College Park City Council established an award in recognition of Councilman John Edward “Jack” Perry.

Councilman Perry served on the College Park City Council from 1979 to 1983 and from 1989 to 2011, for a total of 26 years. From the time he moved to College Park’s Berwyn neighborhood in 1969, until his death in 2012, Jack was deeply committed to serving his community, which he demonstrated by spending many hours working to improve the quality of life for all who lived and worked in College Park. Through the years, he volunteered on numerous associations, boards, coalitions, task forces and committees at the neighborhood, city, county and state levels. This Award will recognize a member of the community who emulates Councilman Jack Perry’s legacy of public service.

• Eligibility: To be eligible for the award, a person must be at least 18 years of age and a registered voter or legal resident of College Park.
• Criteria: The Jack Perry award will recognize a College Park resident who has participated to an extraordinary degree in neighborhood, civic, or municipal affairs within the City in a manner that improves public spaces, fosters community cohesion, eradicates blight, informs discussion of public issues, provides leadership, and/or furthers the best interests of the City as a whole.
• Nominations: From May 15 to July 14, any resident, neighborhood association or organization in the City may submit a nomination for the Jack Perry Award. Nominations must be submitted in writing to the City Clerk, City of College Park, 8400 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 375, College Park, MD, 20740, or by e-mail to cityclerkoffice@collegeparkmd.gov no later than September 29, 2023. Nominations will be reviewed by a Committee that includes a member of the Perry family. This non-monetary award will be presented by the City Council in the fall.

Better Bag Ordinance

The City of College Park is pleased to announce the new Better Bag Ordinance to reduce single-use plastic bag waste and litter in our local waterways and tributary system. Passed during the February 14, 2023 Council meeting and effective September 1, 2023, the Better Bag Ordinance will restrict the use of non-reusable plastic bags given or received at the point of purchase by City retailers and restaurants.

This new Ordinance encourages shoppers and patrons to use reusable bags for their groceries and other purchases. As part of the Ordinance, alternative bags like paper bags or reusable bags can be provided, but retailers must charge a minimum of $.10 per bag and may retain the entirety of the fee to cover costs. Restaurant carry-out bags are included in the Ordinance.

There are exemptions to this law, like bulk food, meat, ice, or produce packaging; for a full list of exemptions and more information, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/betterbag.

Metrorail Green Line Shutdown

WMATA has announced travel alternatives for the July 22 – September 4 Green Line shutdown between Fort Totten and Greenbelt. Click here for more information.

WSSC Work

The week of May 8, WSSC Contractors will be working in the 10000-Block of 51^st Avenue and the 5000-Block of Muskogee Street. Please use caution in the work zones.

Washington Gas Work

The week of May 8, Washington Gas Contractors may be working in the 4700-Block of Cherokee Street. Please use caution in the work zone.

Pepco Work on Metzerott Road

FYI from Pepco:

Beginning in late May, Pepco will begin replacing wood poles, crossarms and associated equipment in and around the 2700 block of Metzerott Road. Crews will conduct work during normal business hours of operations from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No work is anticipated to occur over the weekend, and there are currently no planned road closures. The work is expected to last three months after the start date.

Safety is our top priority for the community and our workers. Please use caution when driving near the work zone. Project signage and flaggers will be used to direct traffic during the construction. We understand this reliability enhancement work may impact you at times, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve your energy service.

Economic Development Survey

We want to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts on businesses, public transportation, and more! 

Take the survey here.

Have questions? Email economicdevelopment@collegeparkmd.gov. The survey closes on May 26, 2023.

Affordable Connectivity Program

A Federal Communications Commission program provides a monthly discount on internet service for qualifying households and one device discount on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

Apply online and find more information at affordableconnectivity.gov.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Playground Renovation Conversation

May 11, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Davis Hall

Join the City of College Park and the North College Park Civic Association for a meeting on Thursday, May 11 at 7:30 pm to discuss upcoming renovations to your local playgrounds!

Participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback on design concepts made by Playground Specialists, Inc.

For more details, please contact the Community Development Planner via email at planning@collegeparkmd.gov.

Friday Night LIVE!

May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8

6:30 - 8:30PM | City Hall Plaza

The City of College Park is hosting a series of concerts over the summer and you are invited!

Join us on the plaza at the City Hall building on select Fridays for Friday Night LIVE!  The events will feature a variety of musical genres and performers and will include something for everyone, music, food, beer, and entertainment.  There will be children’s performers, a bounce house, kids activities and arts and crafts.  

All concerts will be held at City Hall Plaza (7401 Baltimore Avenue) between May -September from 6:30 to 8:30PM.  Parking will be offered for free at the Downtown College Park parking garage at the corner of Yale and Knox.  Local food and beer will be available for purchase during the event! 

Final Spring Clean Up Saturday

May 13 | 7:30AM - 12:00PM | Public Works

The City of College Park Public Works facility will be open for City residents to drop off bulky trash, white goods, electronics recycling, brush, and yard trim.

You must be a resident of the City of College Park and bring proof of City residency to participate, although anyone can buy compost or wood mulch during this event. Bulk trash broughtt on cleanup days does not count toward bulk trash limits, nor are there any fees applied for appliances, televisions, or monitors.

Bike to Work Day

May 19 | 6:00AM - 9:00AM | City Hall Plaza

The Washington, DC region’s Bike to Work Day (BTWD) will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023. This FREE event is a healthy way to start your day. Whether you’re new to biking or an experienced, everyday bike commuter, everyone is welcome to roll up and join us. There will be pit stops in DC, VA and MD for bikers to register. The first 15,000 who register and arrive at one of these pit stops by bike will receive a FREE T-shirt.

Come visit the City's pit stop at City Hall! Stop on by to say hello, register or pick up some of our free giveaways, food, and beverages.

To ensure even those working from home can participate, we encourage telecommuting registrants to bike to a local pit stop early in the day for a free t-shirt and then cycle back home to start the workday.

For details and to register, visit www.biketoworkmetrodc.org.

Arbor Day Celebration

May 18, 2023 | 6:00 PM | Intersection of Narrangansett Parkway and 52nd Avenue

The Tree and Landscape Board and the North College Park Civic Association are hosting the annual Arbor Day Tree Planting on Thursday, May 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Narragansett Parkway and 52nd Avenue. A native Scrub Pine will be planted.

Memorial Day Observance

May 29, 2023 | 11:00 AM | Veterans Memorial

The City of College Park will hold its annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the College Park Veterans Memorial at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Greenbelt Rd. The program will include music, speakers, and wreath laying in fitting tribute to the men and women who have served our country.

This year commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Memorial's Dedication! The College Park Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 1993.

 Please bring pictures of your loved ones, veterans alive or passed to share on our Honors Table. Parking is available near Bowlero at 9021 Baltimore Ave. This event is sponsored by the City’s Veterans Memorial Committee.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Curbside Food Scrap Collection

Recycle your food scraps to reduce harmful greenhouse gases!

City residents can join the new Curbside Food Scrap Collection program by signing up and purchasing containers at www.collegeparkmd.gov/curbsidecollectionapp.

Once you pick up your containers, your collection service will start the following Tuesday.

Join the program at www.collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps.

Department of Public Services

Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity

April 21 - April 27

4/14 Contract officer conducted stop sign enforcement at Saint Andrews Place and Duke Street. 6 warnings issued.

4/22 Contract officer responded to a motor vehicle accident at Baltimore Avenue and Fox Street to assist the beat officer. One handgun was recovered outside the vehicle as the investigation is ongoing.

4/24 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop at Baltimore Avenue / Cherry Hill Road for loud exhaust. The driver was issued 2 SERO and 5 warnings.

4/24 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop at the 10100 block of Baltimore Avenue for loud exhaust. The driver was issued 2 SERO and 5 warnings.

4/26 Contract officer conducted (Stop Sign enforcement) at Edmonston Road/ Knoxville Road. The officer conducted 5 stops and issued 8 Warnings and 1 SERO.

4/26 Contract officer conducted (Stop Sign enforcement) at Saint Andrews/ DePauw Place. The officer conducted 11 traffic stops and 1 citation and 14 warnings.

4/27 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop at Baltimore Avenue / Ikea Way for loud exhaust. The driver was issued 2 citations and 1 warning.

4/27 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop at 9500 Baltimore Avenue for loud exhaust. The driver was issued 2 SERO and 4 warnings.

April 24 to April 30 , 2023

There were no municipal infractions issued for the Noise Ordinance, for Article I, 141-1 Danger to Public Safety/Health or Article II, 141-13 Unruly Social Gatherings.

Statistical Data and issued

(4/21-4/27):

MD State Citations: 3

Warnings: 62

Equipment Repair Orders: 9

Distracted Driving Citations: 0

Parking Citations: 0

Field Observation Report: 0

Youth Field Observation Report: 0

Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 0

Civil Citation: 0

Criminal Arrests: 1

DWS Arrest: 0

DWI Arrest: 0

Warrant Arrest: 1

Premise Checks: 9

Referral Student Code of Conduct: 0

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Warnings: 10

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Citations: 0

Zone 2/Berwyn-Lakeland Pedestrian Warnings: 0

Zone 2/ Berwyn-Lakeland Pedestrian Citations: 0

Zone 3/North College Park Pedestrian Warnings: 0

Zone 3/North College Park Pedestrian Citations: 0

Loud Exhaust Enforcement Stats:

Citations: 2

Warnings: 15

SERO's: 6

Monthly Public Safety Maps



For monthly Prince George's County Police public safety maps and statistical data for the City of College Park, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/publicsafety.

Community Meetings

Note: These are not City meetings but have City staff or Contract Police as a host.