WEEKLY BULLETIN | April 14, 2023

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 by:

Early Voting: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 | 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Davis Hall, 9217 51st Avenue, College Park, MD 20740

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

Vote By Mail: Now through April 26, 2023

Qualified voters my download an application from our website, pick up an application from any of or our buildings or call us at 240- 487-3501 and we will mail you an application. Return your completed application to City of College Park, Board of Election Supervisors, P.O. Box 626, College Park, MD 20741, or to one of our secure Ballot Drop Boxes: 

• Davis Hall: 9217 51st Avenue, near the front door of building. 
• Hollywood Shopping Center, on the corner by Mom’s. 
• On Campus: west side of Stamp Student Union on Union Lane, next to the USPS/FedEx Drop Boxes. 
• City Hall: 7401 Baltimore Avenue, on the Yale Avenue entrance side of the building.

We must receive your application by April 26 to allow time to mail your ballot. Starting April 27, you may apply in person for a ballot at 7401 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 201, between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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

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.

Celebrating College Park Parade

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

Join the City of College Park on 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!

We need you! Register your band, group, club, school, organization, business, classic car, equestrian club, or performer today. The deadline to participate is April 28, 2023. To register (and for rules and regulations), please visit: www.collegeparkmd.gov/paradeentries2023.

Want to volunteer? Sign up today to be notified when volunteer positions become available (including those for SSL hours) at www.collegeparkmd.gov/volunteers. 

Road Closure for Route 1 Rampage

April 23, 2023 | 8:00 AM - 5:00PM

Old Town Area

On Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 8:00AM - 5:00PM the City of College Park will be closing several streets in te Old Town area for a collegiate bicycle race entitled "Route 1 Rampage."

Driving and parking will be prohibited along the racecourse which includes: 4500-4600 blocks of College Avenue; 4600 block of Norwich Road; 7400-7500 blocks of Hopkins Avenue; 4500-4600 blocks of Knox Road; 7500 block of Rhode Island Avenue; 7400 block of Yale avenue.

The public is encouraged to spectate at the Route 1 Rampage. This bicycle race is organized by the University of Maryland Cycling Team and draws collegiate riders from across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.

Speed Limit Change

Please note that MDOT State Highway Administration (SHA) has reduced the speed limit on Maryland Route 193 from Metzerott Road to the bridge over Paint Branch to 40mph and from the bridge over Paint Branch to the eastern city limit to 35mph.

WSSC Work

Next week, WSSC Contractors will be working in the 4800-Block of College Avenue. Please use caution in the work zone.

Lost Pets

Report any lost or found animals to the City’s Animal Control. To report, complete this form entirely.

No Mow April

April 2023

The City of College Park encourages its residents to reduce or refrain from mowing their lawns in support of local pollinators during April! Participating in No Mow April is a small and easy step we can take to help early-season pollinators that are foraging for food sources and habitat.

Please send photos of early-season pollinators observed in your yard to nomowapril@collegeparkmd.gov so the Bee City committee can begin documenting the types of pollinators active during No Mow April. Questions related to pollinators may also be submitted.

There is no registration to participate in No Mow April -- the College Park City Council passed Resolution 22-R-13 to permanently designate April as No Mow Month and waive the tall grass enforcement for College Park residents during April. Signage, denoting participation in No Mow April, is optional, and the City has a limited number of these colorful yard signs available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Clean Up Saturdays

April 15*, April 29, 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.

Document shredding services will be available to City residents on Saturday, April 15th from 8:00AM to 12:00PM. Bring your old tax records, medical paperwork, or any other confidential information to be shredded.

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.

Vine Removal Workshop

April 22, 2023 | 10:30AM - 12:30PM

Muskogee Playground

Join the Tree and Landscape Board for a hands-on lesson in vine Removal!

All are welcome. Bring your favorite hand pruners, and wear long sleeves and pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes.

For more information, contact arborist@collegeparkmd.gov or call 240-487-3595.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

April 22, 2023 | 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Pocomoke Building

7965 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20740

On Saturday, April 22, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the University of Maryland Police Department in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration is participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. During this event, members of the community can safely dispose of their unwanted, unused and/or expired prescription drugs at the Pocomoke Building (7965 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD). This service is free and anonymous. No questions asked.

Collection sites will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed. 

Learn more at https://takebackday.dea.gov.

Youth Basketball Clinic & Game

April 22, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Ritchie Coliseum

College Park Dream Team is a basketball partnership between the Lakeland community, UMD, UMPD, PGPD, and M-NCPPC Park Police that connects local youth and law enforcement through sports.

The 2023 Community Unity Youth Clinic and Basketball Game is presented, in part, by Prince George's County native and NBA Shooting Coach, Chris Matthews and the Jeffrey Winslow Foundation.

Want to participate in the youth clinic or game? Visit oce.umd.edu/cp-dream-team.

Arbor Day

April 28, 2023 | 6:00PM

Narragansett Parkway and 52nd Ave.

The Tree and Landscape Board and the North College Park Civic Association are hosting the annual Arbor Day Tree Planting on Friday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Narragansett Parkway and 52^nd Avenue. A native Scrub Pine will be planted.

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! 

Celebrating College Park Parade

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

Join the City of College Park on 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!

We need you! Register your band, group, club, school, organization, business, classic car, equestrian club, or performer today. The deadline to participate is April 28, 2023. To register (and for rules and regulations), please visit: www.collegeparkmd.gov/paradeentries2023.

Want to volunteer? Sign up today to be notified when volunteer positions become available (including those for SSL hours) at www.collegeparkmd.gov/volunteers. 

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.

Compost and Wood Mulch Deliveries

Delivery is available for an additional fee, or material may be picked up Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Department of Public Works.

Click here to place an order.

Department of Public Services

Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity

Contact Police Activity will be posted next week.

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.