WEEKLY BULLETIN | May 26, 2023

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. 

City of College Park Passes Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

The City of College Park is pleased to announce the passing of the City’s Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024) Budget during the May 23 Mayor and Council Meeting by a unanimous vote of 7-0. The FY2024 General Fund budget totals $24.8 million, is balanced, and does not raise the residential tax rate. “This budget provides for a high level of municipal services, planned growth and improvements to the City’s infrastructure and operations, while meeting the needs of our residents and businesses,” said Kenny Young, City Manager.

Read the full press release here.

Special Election for Office of the Mayor and Notice of Council Vacancy

On Tuesday, May 16, Fazlul Kabir was sworn in as Mayor of College Park, leaving a vacancy on the City Council from District 1. In accordance with the City Charter, the vacancy may be filled by appointment within 30 days (by June 15) by majority vote of the Council. The appointed term will end in December when the next Mayor and Council are sworn in.

Residents who are interested in applying to fill the Council vacancy must be 18 years old as of June 13, be a citizen of the United States, be a current registered voter in the City, and must have lived in the City for at least one year. The applicant does not need to be a resident of District 1 to be considered, but if appointed, will represent District 1 on the City Council. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2023 at noon.

Residents interested in applying to fill the Council vacancy can learn more here.

Summer Reading Program 2023

The Summer Reading Program provides reading instruction and tutoring to children experiencing difficulty with reading. The program is taught by certified teachers who are enrolled in or have recently completed the graduate program in reading and literacy at the College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park. They are generally K-8 classroom teachers with a wide range of experiences with diverse groups of children.

During the program, students receive lessons in phonics and spelling, reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary, and writing. Teachers work in pairs to teach small groups of children. They utilize a variety of strategies and techniques to address individual reading needs. Emphasis is placed on helping children become more strategic and proficient readers. 



The program is for students who live in the City of College Park and are in kindergarten through 6th grade in the 2022-2023 school year.

Free Summer Parking

FREE summer parking in the College Park Downtown Parking Garage begins this Saturday! Visit your favorite restaurant or shop, or try out a new one!

Parking in the Downtown College Park Park Garage will free after 5pm on weekdays and all-day on Saturdays starting May 27 until August 12 (Sundays are already free!).

Learn more here.

Hollywood Farmers Market

Calvert Farm returns to the market on May 27^th (9 am – 1 pm) with its excellent fresh produce. Plus, their newest vendor, Sweet Babe Mini Pancakes and More, also starts on the 27^th and will provide tasty breakfast churros and mini pancakes. Stop by on Trolley Day, June 10^th, when the market will stay open until 2 pm, and visit hollywoodmarket.org, to learn about upcoming new vendors, events, and more.

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.

Pepco Summer Readiness

FYI from Pepco:

Pepco has taken steps to prepare the local energy grid. As part of their preparedness for the summer, they conduct emergency response drills and complete testing of computer and emergency systems.

Prepare for summer storms in your community by assembling an emergency storm kit and creating a plan for a power outage. Find more tips, resources, and safety info at www.pepco.com/StormPrep.

Report a down wire or service issue by calling 1-877-737-2662, visiting pepco.com, or through their mobile app. 

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.

WSSC Work

WSSC Contractors will continue work in the following locations the week of May 29 (weather permitting):

• Knox Road east of Yale Avenue
• 4500-Block of Guilford Road
• 7100-Block of Baltimore Avenue
• 9800-Block of 52^nd Place
• 5100-Block of Mineola Road
• 5000-Block of Niagara Road
• 9700-Block of Narragansett Parkway
• 5200-Block of Edgewood Road



Please expect temporary detours and use caution in the work zones.

Washington Gas Work

Washington Gas Contractors will continue working in the 6800-Block of Rhode Island Avenue next week. Please use caution in the work zone.

Pond Resurfacing

Beginning the week of May 29, contractors for Prince George’s County will be starting maintenance work on the pond in Davis Field Playground. The work is estimated to take 5-6 weeks to complete (weather permitting).

Please use caution in the park and in the 5200- and 5300-Blocks of Kenesaw Street as heavy machinery and dump trucks will be operating in the area. Work includes dewatering of the pond, excavation of muck, and restoration of all disturbed areas. Crews will be working on weekdays between 7:30am and 4:00pm.

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.

Prince George's County Elderly Property Tax Credit

The application for Prince George's County Elderly Property Tax Credit is live! This new credit, effective July 1, 2023, will provide up to a 20% credit of the County property taxes, inclusive of any Homeowners and Homestead Tax Credit, for up to 5 years.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/419/Residential

Prince George's County Police Department Hiring Crossing Guards

Prince George's County Police Department is hiring School Crossing Guards. Learn more and apply here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

Friday Night LIVE!

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! 

Classic Car Show

June 17, 2023 | 10AM - 1PM | City Hall Plaza

In honor of Father's Day, join the City of College Park on Sunday, June 17 from 10am - 1pm for a Classic Car Show!

There will be cars, BBQ, beer, and a rocking live band. Car plaques will be awarded.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. For more information or to register a vehicle, email events@collegeparkmd.gov. 

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Maryland Department of Agriculture's Mosquito Control Program

From late May through September, the city cooperates with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to identify and control mosquito populations with spraying and larviciding.

The program consists of:

• LARVICIDING STANDING WATER: Treatments are made monthly by MDA personnel to known areas of standing water to control mosquito larva that will prevent development into adult mosquitoes.

• SPRAYING TO CONTROL ADULT MOSQUITOES: MDA has designated Wednesday night for adult mosquito spraying the city (when thresholds are met). Spraying will only begin after dark and may continue until midnight or later. If you see a truck in your community spraying during the day, please note that it is not from the State of Maryland. As a precaution, MDA advises residents to bring in pets, stay inside their homes and close their windows while the spray truck is in the vicinity. Please remain in your home for at least 30 minutes after the truck has left. If there are people outside when the truck passes by, MDA will not spray and will not return that night. Spray applications are made by truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayers. The spray schedule shifts and the frequency will be determined by surveillance data collected and complaints received. This means that your neighborhood may or may not be sprayed. 

In order for MDA personnel to spray, they will first survey the area of concern using traps and landing rate counts, (they may also request access to your property to place a trap for their survey). If mosquito count thresholds are met, they may make a control spray application in the neighborhood, but please be aware that they do not spray individual properties.

REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM ADULT MOSQUITO CONTROL SERVICES

Residents can request exclusion from the adult spray program by completing an exemption form annually and return it to:

Program Supervisor, Mosquito Control Section

50 Harry S. Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401

If you don't have a printer, the local office for MDA Mosquito Control in College Park has offered to send residents a form via DocuSign. Send an email to skeetermd1.mda@maryland.gov to request the form be sent to you via email.

West Nile and Zika virus are both transmitted by mosquitoes. To help control the mosquito population in your community, remember to tip anything that holds water on a weekly basis (birdbaths, old tires, plastic children’s toys, tarps, pet dishes etc.)

For permanent areas of standing water (ponds, rain barrels, etc.), mosquito "torpedoes" slowly and continuously release an insect growth regulator into the water that prevents larval mosquito development into adults for up to 2 months. The City offers mosquito torpedoes for residents – visit the Department of Public Works for more information.

More information can be found on our website: https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/322/Insects-Pollinators

Curbside Food Scrap Collection

You may see a small 12-gallon green cart or 5-gallon white bucket with a yellow lid set out at the curb and wonder what they are for. These containers are for the new Food Scrap Diversion Program. If your household currently receives curbside trash and recycling collection within the City of College Park, then you are eligible to participate in the new program; residential collections only.

Ongoing registrations accepted. Sign up online at

www.collegeparkmd.gov/CurbsideCollectionApp



• Once you register and pick up your container(s) you will be assigned a start date.
• Pick up container(s) at Public Works, 9217 51^st Avenue, College Park, Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Collection is performed by a contractor on Tuesdays throughout the city.
• No fee for collection, but residents must use a city-supplied, cost-share container (more information online).
• No personal containers can be used for weekly curbside collections.
• Food scraps can be placed in compostable bags (no plastic bags) before placing them in the collection container. 

For more information call 240-487-3590 or visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps.

Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Source separate food scraps and food-soiled paper products from your regular household waste. Place food scraps in a tight-fitting container (coffee can, kitchen pail, or whatever works for you.)

2. When the container is full, empty the contents into the larger collection container (lined with a compostable bag that the contractor supplies).

3. On your collection day, place the container at the curb in front of your house by 6:00 a.m. or the night before. Please ensure your collection container is visible and accessible from the street, and away from any other carts or obstacles. No alley collections.

Department of Public Services

Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity

May 12 - 18

5/12 Contract officer conducted (Stop Sign enforcement) at Saint Andrews/ Duke Street. The officer issued 4 warnings to violators.

5/16 Contract officer conducted (Stop Sign enforcement) at Saint Andrews/ Duke Street. The officer issued 2 citations and 5 warnings to violators.

5/17 Contract officer received a call for a suspicious vehicle at the park located at Dartmouth/Drexel. Officers observed the suspicious vehicle in the parking lot occupied by 3 individuals. The occupants were able to destroy a small amount of marijuana as the officer approached. It was obvious they were smoking marijuana. All 3 subjects were negative for active warrants and sent on their way. 

5/18 Contract officer conducted (Stop Sign enforcement) in the 9100 block of Saint Andrew Place. The officer issued 3 warnings to violators.

5/18 Contract officer conducted (Stop Sign enforcement) in the 9200 block of Saint Andrew Place. The officer issued 3 warnings to violators.

5/18 Contract officer conducted (Stop Sign enforcement) at Saint Andrews/ Duke Street. The officer issued 2 citations and 5 warnings to violators.

May 15 to May 21, 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:

MD State Citations: 21

Warnings: 80

Equipment Repair Orders: 11

Distracted Driving Citations: 0

Parking Citations: 0

Field Observation Report: 8

Youth Field Observation Report: 0

Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 0

Civil Citation: 0

Criminal Arrests: 0

DWS Arrest: 0

DWI Arrest: 0

Warrant Arrest: 0

Premise Checks: 9

Referral Student Code of Conduct: 0

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Warnings: 5

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: 0

Warnings: 0

SERO's: 0

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.