College Park Community Library

Opening Soon!

2012-02-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends of the Library,

We've got some big news: we'll be opening our doors Wednesday, February 22.

As it stands now, our schedule* will be as follows:

Monday:   7:15 to 9 pm
Tuesday:   6 to 9 pm
Wednesday: 10 am to 2 pm
Thursday: 10 am to 2 pm & 6 to 9 pm
Friday: 10 to 2 pm
Saturday: 10 to 1 (first and third Sunday)

Children's Story Time: 10:30 to 11:15 am every Wednesday and Saturday

* Schedule subject to change. We're still looking for volunteers Monday and Tuesday from 10 to 2 pm, Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 pm, and Friday evening from 6 to 9 pm. If you're interested in filling one or more of those slots, please contact us.

If You Want to Borrow Books:

If you want to come in and browse, come see us during the above times. However, if you want to borrow books, you'll first need to become a "Friend of the College Park Library," and to do that, you'll have to do the following:

1) Fill out member application
2) Show identification and proof of address
    (Note: you need not be a resident of College Park to be a Friend of the library)
3) Pay $5 membership fee

Questions?

Got a question for us or need more information about something? Contact us.

See you soon!

Library Update -- We Need Volunteers!

2012-02-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

Greetings Library Fans,

For the very beginning of this project, our goal was to have the library open by the end of this month. Although we've come a loooooong way, I am sorry to say that we failed to meet this deadline. My apologies.

Yet, as disappointing as this failure is, I am happy to say that we're VERY close to opening. We have one more task to complete before we can open the doors -- putting shelf tags on all the books so we know where they go when they come back to us. It's a fairly simple, but laborious process, and we hope to have it done by the end of next week.

We could, however, have that done sooner if would-be volunteers out there would like to lend a hand. If so, please contact me.

And while I'm on the subject of volunteers, if you'd like to help us operate and manage the library once when we're open, we'd be happy to have you. Again, let me know.

Thanks!

Almost there...

2012-01-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

Fiction section

A month or two ago, I said that the College Park Community Library (CPCL) would be open by the end of January 2012. Well, the end of the month isn't that far away. Fortunately, we're not that far away from opening! (See the photos. Note: not pictured is the children's section, which we're finishing up now.)

After a lot of hard work by a few indefatigable individuals (and a lot of skipping out on work to go get shelves!), we stand before you now with only a few things left to do. Will we make our goal? With a little luck, I think we'll make it.

non-fiction & lounging area

Of course, there will still be plenty to do once we open the doors. Chief among them will be finding volunteers to help us staff the place so we can be open as much as possible. If you'd like to help out in this regard, please contact us and let us know. It doesn't matter if you have any library experience - all that's required is a willingness to lend a hand.

If you'd like to help out, but can't volunteer, perhaps you could help us procure one of the following items on our wishlist.

Things we need as of 1/25/12:

rest of non-fiction and romance

bookends (we need a lot of these)
coffee table
arm chair or small couch
working, modern computer (laptop or desktop)
printer (with necessary software)

We're getting close!

2012-01-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

Folks, this place is starting to look like a library!

Next up, cataloging all these books (we're up to about 3,000 volumes!) and then opening the doors!

If you'd like to volunteer to help run this joint, please get in touch.

Thanks.

The Shelves Have Arrived!

2012-01-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

The first shelf of alphabetized
books

After a lot of searching and even more planning, we finally got a hold of some shelves and moved them into the library. Now, we're in the process of putting the books on them -- a task we hope to have completed by the end of the week.

As originally planned, we've categorized the books by subject are shelving the books alphabetically by author.

CPCL FAQ

2011-12-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

As word begins to spread about the library, folks have been e-mailing me with questions about how we plan to operate. So, in the interest of providing some general info about the library, here are some responses to "frequently asked questions." If you have additional questions that aren't addressed here, just drop me a line and I'll do my best to answer them.

What is the College Park Community Library?
The College Park Community Library (CPCL)—an all volunteer effort—is a lending library offering books and computer access to the public.

What is a community library?
A community library is just like any other library except that it is:
* Staffed by volunteers
* Does not receive regular funding from state or county government.

Where is the library located?
The library can be found in the basement of College Park’s Church of the Nazarene, which is located at 9704 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD 20740-1599.

Is the library affiliated with the church?
No. The library is a separate entity. It is located within the Church of the Nazareen because the church was very supportive of what we wanted to do and was nice enought to give us the space in which to do it.

When will the library be open?
Our goal is to have the library open for business by the close of January 2012. Our ability to attain that goal depends on how many volunteers we have and how many hours those volunteers are willing to devote to the library.

As for the library's hours of operation, ideally, the library will be open afternoons and evenings, five to six days a week. To keep tabs on our progress, stay tuned to this website.

Does College Park need its own library?
That’s a good question and the answer is: it depends. If you like books and like to be around other people who like books, then another library certainly can’t hurt—especially if it brings people together and gets “neighbors” talking.

We know: there are three public libraries—Beltsville, Hyattsville, and Greenbelt—within driving distance of College Park. This is great and we should consider ourselves lucky to have these resources at our disposal. But for those folks who don’t have a car (or don’t want to have to get in their car to get something to read), a library that folks can bike or walk to—even a small one like ours—is an asset to the community.

What resources will the library offer?
Initially, the library will offer books on a variety of subjects for readers of all ages. It also will offer Internet-ready computers available for public use. As time goes on and we get a better handle on what users want and what we can (realistically) provide, we may add other materials, such as periodicals, CDs, and DVDs. Beyond media and its many formats, it is our hope that the library will become a space for discussions and study groups, workhops, readings, tutoring, and so on. In short, we want a place where members of the community can meet and exchange ideas.

Who can use the library?
Everyone. Our library will be open to all.

Who will be allowed to borrow books?
Although the policies governing the borrowing of books have yet to be decided, it is likely that those who want to borrow books will have to register with CPCL (proof of address will be required) and pay a small member fee ($5–10), which will help us pay for material that is damaged, lost, or “walks” away.

NOTE: We want to hear from CP residents on this topic. Would be willing to pay an annual membership fee of $10? Is that too high? Too low? Send us your thoughts!

Are you still accepting donations?
Yes! If you have gently used books to donate to us (all genres accepted at this time), then contact us to arrange a drop off or pick-up.

How can I get Involved?
Want to lend a hand? Great! We have a tremendous need for volunteers.

In the short-term, we need volunteers to help us catalog our inventory, organize the books, setup our computer network, and formulate the policies that will goven library operations.

In the long-term, we’ll need volunteers to help us run and maintain the library (i.e., checking books in and out in accordance with CPCL policies, returning books to their correct place on the shelves, answering visitor’s questions, and so on).

Get in touch! Contact the CPCL at 301-910-2433.

More Advances

2011-12-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

Things keep rolling forward at the library. Even though "donation day" came and went, the donations keep coming (thanks!). Twelve boxes of books came in this week and more are expected soon.

Beyond that, we've obtained library system software that not only will make cataloging a breeze, but it will also enable us to know who has what where and when it's due back -- important stuff for a lending library like ours!

Next up, tackling our computer system and getting the network together (hence the photo). If you have any networking expertise and want to lend a hand, please drop me a line.

Finally, the good folks in the City's Planning, Community and Economic Development Department mentioned the library in the latest edition of the College Park Business Beat.

Thanks!

2011-12-05T09:47:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and donated some books to our Book drive last Saturday! Because of your generosity we now have an even wider array of books to share with our (future) patrons!

So just what will we have on our shelves?

Fiction (from classics to more contemporary fare, our fiction section will cater to readers from young adults to seniors.)
Literary Criticism (and other assorted books on books)
Essays
Cookbooks
Economics
History
Politics
Religion & Spirituality
Philosophy
Science
Environment/Ecology
Sports
How-to/Instructional (from carpentry to writing and more!)
Humor
And more!

The Progress Continues (Phase 2 begins)

2011-12-01T18:59:00.001-08:00

Now that we're finished painting, and in preparation for our book drive this Saturday (12/3 from 10 am to 1 pm), we moved on to phase two of the operation: taking books out of boxes and organizing them into groups by subject (philosophy, environment, etc...) or genre (fiction, how-to/instructional).

Two hours and 500-600 books later, we called it an evening. We're getting there....

CP Community Library Donation Day

2011-11-22T18:04:00.001-08:00

Since we started spreading the word about the College Park Community Library, folks have been asking us when and how they can donate books. Well, if you or someone you know has books to donate (all genres accepted), please note that we will be holding a "Donation Day" on Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

So, if you've got some gently used books scattered around your home and you'd like to donate them to the cause, get 'em in your car and drive 'em on over to the library, which is located at 9704 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD 20740-1599.

Have books to donate but can't make it on December 3? No problem, just drop us a line and we'll come and get them.

Thanks.

This is what I want to see....

2011-11-18T06:56:00.001-08:00

Since I started this library project, more than a few people have asked me about my motivations or, to put it bluntly, why I'm doing this. It's a good question, and not just because the digital age is threatening to make the physical book a thing of the past.

The other day, when the intersection of Rt. 1 and Cherry Hill was closed and I found myself trapped in the car for more than an hour on the way home from work, I heard a story on NPR about the writer Ann Patchett, who is opening a bookstore in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. As expected, one of the first questions asked of her was, "Why are you opening an independent bookstore similar stores across the country are going out of business."

Among her answers were, "This is what I want to see in Nashville, and if I want to live in a city with a bookstore, then I'm willing to pay for it."

I completely understand where she's coming from, for, in the end, I have a similar reason for launching the library. When you get right down to it, I want to live in a town with a library--a place people can go to be around books and to be around other people who value books.

If you feel the same way, I invite you to join us in our efforts to bring the library to life.

If We Can Accomplish Half of this....

2011-11-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

... then we'll be doing something right!

Here's a nice article about a library (that started off much like ours) in Port Washington, Wisconsin, that provides a hell of a lot more than books.

This is precisely what I would like to see our little library evolve into—a place that serves the community and becomes a central part of people's lives, be it for books, computer access, or a friendly face.

A half-century of good reading (Ozaukee Press, November 9, 2011)

Libraries are no longer buildings lined with shelves of musty books where people are hushed if they speak up. Today, they are vibrant centers of the community, alive with programs that range from book clubs to recipe clubs. They are filled not only with books, magazines and newspapers, but also DVDs, CDs and books on tape.

People can also check the Internet and work on computer projects at the library.

“Libraries are still relevant — very much so.”

The paint cans are empty ...

2011-11-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

... because the paint that was in them has been applied to the walls!(who-hoo!)

Next up, shelves and cataloging.

If you want to help (or if you really love spreadsheets) we'd love to have you join us as we and spend our evenings entering information about books into our database.

The painting continues ...

2011-10-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

It was another night of painting for your intrepid College Park Community Library volunteers. Fortunately, we made a lot of progress applying the second coat and the all-too orange color that went up the other night has been toned down to a more humane shade. If all goes according to plan, we'll have the painting wrapped up on Saturday.

Next up: bookshelves. Stay tuned....

In the meantime, check out this nice article -- it's really a thorough review of two books pertaining to reading -- that mentions some of what I believe are the reasons to have a brick and mortar library (with actual books) in the "digital age." As the article's author puts it,

Digital reading encourages us to become fast scanners rather than deep readers, extracting the information we desire and quickly moving on.

In addition, the review provides a nice list of books to look in to.

CPCL Does College Park Day

2011-10-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday (October 22), the College Park Community Library made an appearance with a "living room"-style "table" at the second annual College Park Day (could of used some plants....).

Our goals for being there were twofold: 1) spread the word about the library, and 2) gather some volunteers. I'd like to think we accomplished both, as we talked to a lot of folks (such as College Park Mayor Andy Fellows and District 21 State Senator Jim Rosapepe) about what we have planned and got a bunch of names and e-mail addresses of folks who want to lend a hand one way or another. On top of that, some generous souls even donated a few bucks toward the effort (thanks!).

Special thanks to Bill and Jackie (in photo) for helping out and rubbing elbows with College Park Day attendees on the library's behalf, and thanks to everyone who came out for College Park Day!

Here's a link about it all from College Park Patch.

Paint

2011-10-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

Green walls...going, going, gone.

See you at College Park Day

2011-10-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

College Park Day is this Saturday -- October 22 -- and the College Park Community Library will have a table in the community organizations area. Please stop by and say, "Hello," and, while you're there, feel free to inquire about how the library is coming along or whatever other questions you might have. In an attempt to raise money for the CPCL, we'll be selling copies of The Aardvark (issue #3, $2), my newsletter about books and reading, as well as copies of Jailed By My Father: Tales of Tough Love, Bad Haircuts, and O.J. ($8), a book I published in 2007.You can find everything you need to know about College Park Day at the event's website.Don't miss it!

More progress on the CPCL

2011-10-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

We've started moving books into the library. So far we've amassed 21 boxes, 1 tub, 1 plastic tote, and 1 tote bag (for a total of 24 receptacles).And if that wasn't enough for you, we've also taped the walls in preparation for painting.Things are under way....

Ha!

2011-10-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

Right on!

The Future of the "Book Arts" in the Digital Age

2011-10-12T14:22:00.001-07:00

"As the digital and the electronic age progresses, people become more interested in spending some of their time away from the screen." — Marnie Powers-Torrey

For some time now, we've been hearing about the "death of books," the "death of print," and the like. Well, here's an interesting piece I came across today that deals with one aspect of the book world that people don't talk about too much when they flap about the demise of books (be it real or imagined) -- the so called "book arts."

The following is an interview with Marnie Powers-Torrey, managing director of the Book Arts Program at the University of Utah (purportedly the only such program in the Inter-Mountain West), and while the digital cheerleaders out there may poo-poo such a discipline as the last vestiges of a soon-to-be-bygone era, Ms. Torrey makes an interesting case for how book arts "offers a bridge between disciplines."

Admittedly, some of this interview gets into the nuts and bolts of the academic program at the U of U, which might not be of much use to some readers. Nevertheless, Ms. Torrey makes some good points about physical books that lovers of the medium (myself included) will find most pleasing. For example:

"...people want to interact with a physical book when it’s convenient to do so. It’s a more enjoyable experience, and it celebrates humanity in a way that interacting with an electronic device won’t ever."

You go, Ms. Torrey.

This post first appeared on the blog, The (Online) Aardvark.

Progress!

2011-09-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

To prove that we're making progress on the library, here's a photo of the room that will house it. We've cleared out the space, are getting ready to paint, and will install the shelves soon thereafter.More to come soon!

New Library Coming to CP

2011-09-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, I wrote an article on our local Patch website about the need for a library in College Park.Well, I'm happy to report that what was once a dream of yours truly will soon be a reality. Thanks to the good folks at College Park's Church of the Nazarene who gave us a room, my co-volunteers and I will soon get to work bringing the library to life. If you're interested in helping out, have books you'd like to donate (we're also looking for shelves and couches in good condition), or have another way to contribute, please get in touch.Thanks.

It's 11 o'clock. Do you know where your air conditioner is?

2011-08-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

This just in...

There has been a rash of air conditioning unit thefts recently in the neighborhood, from both commercial properties and people's homes. The thieves have been walking up to the units with bolt cutters, cutting the ducts that connect them inside and the bolts that keep them in place, and then taking them off to sell them for copper.

Please keep an eye out for suspicious activity like this in the neighborhood. If you see people walking or driving around with air conditioning units who do not look like they are legitimate contractors, please notify the police immediately - if the activity is ongoing, call 911, otherwise, you can report any suspicious activity at the non-emergency number at (301) 352-1000.

The Prince George's County Police Department has a special unit that deals with copper thefts, and they are investigating these thefts and working hard to find out who committed them.

This just in....

2011-08-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

I just learned a little factoid that I thought some of my fellow College Parkians would like to know....

Apparently, the decrepit, old building on the corner of Fox Street and Route 1 -- 9339 Baltimore Ave. (next to Enterprise Rent-A-Car) -- is slated for demolition.

It figures....

As you know, I've been lamenting about the existence of this eyesore for quite some time. Well, I just called Enterprise -- the owners of said building -- to find out if it was for rent, as I was thinking that it might be a good spot for the library I'm trying to start.

Anyhoo, the guy I spoke to on the phone said the place going to be torn down, as it is not currently up to code and thus un-rentable. He did not, however, say when the building would be demolished.

I thought you all might like to know....

Speed Camera Alert

2011-08-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

FYI - The City has placed a speed camera on Baltimore Ave. (northbound) between Guilford and Calvert Roads.

Consider yourself warned....

The CP Needs More People Like This...

2011-08-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, while listening to NPR on my drive home, I heard a story about the city of Detroit, a place where, according to the host of All Things Considered, "... some young people see the city as a blank canvas, where they can help realize an urban dream."

Among them, the host said, "is Charlie Cavell, a college student, founder of a nonprofit organization, charter school board member, and all-around Detroit enthusiast."

Where, I wonder, are CP's enthusiasts? Imagine what we could accomplish if we had a few people with this kind of energy and drive.

Should Home Delivery of The Gazette Be Stopped?

2011-07-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

The other day, after a visit to the post office, I managed to lock myself out of my car. Luckily, it wasn't a crisis. My home is close enough so that I was able to walk home, get a second set of keys, and walk back.

Anyway, as I was walking to and from the Post Office along Hollywood, I noticed a lot of trash along the road -- bottles, cans, assorted wrappers, and so on. However, the most common item I saw among the garbage was The Gazette. Copies of it were everywhere, trapped inside their plastic bags, soggy and rotten.

Now I know that they city uses The Gazette as a vehicle for communicating with residents, but one has to wonder about the effectiveness of that communication if people aren't even picking it up off the curbs in front of their homes*.

Something ought to be done, and I'd like to suggest the following: stop home delivery of The Gazette and, instead, make it available for free at local businesses and in news boxes placed strategically throughout the city. This approach works for the Washington City Paper, so there's no reason it couldn't work for The Gazette.

And speaking of trash, I'd love to see a group of volunteers come together for the purpose of cleaning up the neighborhood. In fact, I even put out a call for volunteers (see this article on Patch), but only one person got back to me.

Given that lackluster response, I think the City ought to look into the possibility of hiring a crew of people to go through each of the city's neighborhoods once a week or so to pick up the smaller trash that the city's regular refuse removal crews don't get. Given the state of the economy, there are likely people in our own community who could use the work and, although it would certainly cost the city some money, the benefit to the community would be well worth it.

* In addition to people letting The Gazette rot on the side of the road, I've heard countless stories about delivery problems with the paper. Either way, one has to wonder how much this thing is read, especially since its coverage of College Park has diminished over the past few years.

Community Benefit Agreements -- The Key to "Good" Development?

2011-06-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

Developers and neighborhoods are often at odds over development projects. Over the past decade, communities across the country have employed a new tactic--Community Benefit Agreements--signed agreements from developers to address concerns like local jobs, wages, and the environmental impact.

Could this be a tool that College Park residents could use to make sure that the developments in our community don't have (too many) negative impacts on traffic, the environment, light and noise pollution, etc.?

Well, last week, our good friend Kojo Nnamdi had a show devoted to Community Benefit Agreements and how coalitions of DC residents are using them to ensure that Wal-Mart, which plans to build 4 stores in the District, does everything it can to benefit the neighborhoods it's stores are (more than) likely to impact.

Vegan Living in the CP ... and in the Greater DC Area

2011-06-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

I usually don't mention it on this blog, generally because it has little to do with living in the CP, but I'm a vegetarian (vegan for the most part). The only reason I'm mentioning it now is because veganism is one of the topics that our friend Kojo Nnamdi is talking about on his show today (it's "Food Wednesday," after all).

You can check it out here: Living Vegan

And just out of curiosity, if you're a vegetarian or vegan, what are some of your favorite places to eat in and around the CP?

New Issue of The Aardvark out now

2011-06-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

When I'm not scribbling for Patch.com or this blog, I publish The Aardvark, a newsletter about books and the joys of reading words printed on paper—and I've just released issue #3.

Inside this issue:
New Looks at Old Books
The McClellan Files
Buried Treasure
Books on Books (new column)
From the "Scriptures" (new column)
Publications Received
And a hell of a lot more!

Get yours for a scant $2 via the mail or paypal (see www.manualpubs.com for more info)!

Take it Easy, College Park

2011-06-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

This week, my Patch article has to do with patience -- or our collective lack thereof -- population, and one little old lady who swore at me for making her wait while I tried to merge on to the hellish Rockville Pike.

Anyway, when I sat down to write the article, I had a hard time getting my ideas on paper. I had such a hard time, in fact, that I ended up writing two versions of it, because I wasn't happy with the first one (which Patch ended up publishing).

So, rather than sit on the alternate version, I thought I'd post it here.

Enjoy.

Take It Easy College Park
Whatever happened to patience being a virtue?

“No changing of place at a hundred miles an hour, nor making of stuffs a thousand yards a minute, will make us one wit stronger, happier, or wiser.” — John Ruskin

Last week, on my way home from work, I was idling at a yield sign, waiting for my chance to merge on to 355, cross three lanes of traffic, and then merge on to the Beltway. It’s not the easiest maneuver and pulling it off successfully often requires a few minutes of waiting for the giant herd of traffic on 355 at that time of the day to thin out or be stopped in its tracks by the traffic light at the nearby intersection. Anyway, while waiting patiently for my chance to go, I heard a beep from a car somewhere behind me. Thinking the feisty noise couldn’t be directed at me, I ignored it. A few moments later, I heard it again, just as I took advantage of an opening in the traffic. When I made it across the road, I looked back to see who was making all this noise and found a gray-haired and bespectacled woman of about 60—and based on the movement of her lips and the anger that wrinkled her face, it was clear that she was hurling insults at me from the confines of her little red Honda.

Given that I’d done nothing to deserve such treatment, I flung a few insults back in her direction and deemed the experience yet another confirmation of a conclusion I reached some time ago: people around here are too damn impatient.

This isn’t exactly news, as examples of our collective impatience are everywhere. (A few days after the above incident I saw a car drive into the REI parking lot via the exit as opposed to driving the 25 yards down Rhode Island to the usual entrance.) Still, I often wonder why we’re like this. Although there is likely no single cause for the impatience that plagues us, a (consumer) culture in which speed has replaced patience as a virtue and instant gratification has transformed from a desire into an expectation must be at least partly responsible*.

Of course, I’m not the first person to notice just how impatient we’ve become—or to suggest that our infatuation with speed has something to do with it. There are now signs along highway work areas that ask drivers to “slow down and save a life,” there is the Slow Food Movement, which began in Europe in the mid-1980s, and a few recently published books, such as William Powers’s well-received Hamlet’s Blackberry, and David Ulin’s The Lost Art of Reading, discuss the benefits of “unplugging” one’s self from the trappings of the digital age and slowing down.

To be clear, I’m not calling for a retreat from the digital age (I am, after all, writing this for Patch.com). I am, however, trying to make the point that, given our collective impatience, it might do us well to learn how to slow down and take things in stride. If you need a reason, consider the data from the 2010 Census, which shows that College Park grew by 6,000 people. (It also shows that the populations of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties increased as well.) This means that while we’re out there trying to get from point A to B as fast as we can, there are now thousands more people out there doing the same exact thing, getting in our way and impeding our progress. Such is life in a major metropolitan area. As a result, those of us who live in them have a choice to make: continue yelling at drivers waiting for a chance to merge, or learn to cope with life’s little impediments.

_____________________________________

* Nowhere in our culture is speed celebrated more than in the realm of information technology and its associated services. Not long ago, Comcast advertisements carried the slogan “We never stop making fast faster.” Now, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile flap about whose network has more “Gs” (as if anyone can really tell), and Amazon brags that it’s Kindle offers “books in 60 seconds.”

Less Talk, More Rock

2011-05-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Over the years, there's been a lot of talk about what can be done to improve the climate for local business in the city. Some have suggested that something be done to promote the Hollywood Shopping District (I think that's what it's called...), others have said the redevelopment of Route 1 is the key to transforming CP's economy.

These kinds of efforts could yield results, but, according to WAMU’s Metro Connection, the easiest thing might be to establish a live music venue in the city.

Sound crazy? Maybe, but judging from what the Rock 'n' Roll hotel did for H Street in DC, a live music club might judge be the spark that sets CP's economy ablaze.

In addition to the Metro Connection piece, you can read my recent op-ed about it on Patch.

Taking Out the Trash

2011-04-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing a lot of trash around the neighborhood. In fact, I recently wrote an article about the things I've seen on the CP Patch website (as part of my weekly column) and what might be done about it. That's right, I'm talking about picking up other people's trash.

Here's what I'm thinking: monthly, volunteer trash pick-ups in which citizens who give a damn get up, get out, and get to work. To make this happen, I've enlisted the city's Committee for a Better Environment (CBE). If you'd like to get involved, contact me or contact the CBE.

Creative Uses for Empty Spaces

2011-04-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you heard it, but on yesterday's Kojo Nnamndi show, there was an awesome discussion about creative arts and culture type uses for empty spaces and other spaces (you can listen to the show here). What is wrong with the CP that we can't make similar stuff happen here? I mean, this is a college town for crying out loud, we ought to have fun, funky, off-beat stuff going on here all the time. Instead, we get corporate sponsored sporting events (with riots afterward), chain restaurants, and UMD-hosted arts and culture with high ticket prices. Boo.

We can do better.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: it's the regular citizens -- people like you and me -- who are going to make the CP a worthwhile and fun place to live, not city officials (although they can certainly be an important partner). Now, thanks to the Kojo Nnamdi show, here are some good ideas on how to make that happen, and hey, we've certainly got the vacant properties to do it!

If anyone is interested in getting together to discuss how we can make this happen in the CP, I'm game. Get in touch.

The Effectiveness of Neighborhood Watch (Pt. 1)

2011-04-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

At its work session on April 5, the CP City Council discussed the process of appointing new leadership for the Neighborhood Watch program, expanding the program city-wide, and enhancing its presence in our neighborhoods.

According to District 1 City Councimember Patrick Wojahn, "Councilmembers Nagle, Mitchell, Afzali and I are part of a subcommittee charged with [managing the program] and we've put out "job" descriptions to recruit new leadership. A number of people are interested in helping out, but we decided to establish a formal steering committee to move this forward. We will be considering a resolution to do this."

Wojahn also noted that the steering committee will consist of three people, and will be charged with recruiting Neighborhood Coordinators around the City, training new leadership, disseminating information about criminal activity, and acting as liaisons between the police and residents. The police community liaison officer (currently Officer Black) will be part of the steering committee as well.

"I'm eager to move forward with this and see what we can do to build the Neighborhood Watch program," he said.

On the face of it, I think Neighborhood Watch is a good idea--I've always been a fan of residents getting together to take care of their neighborhoods. That said, I've always wondered about NW's effectiveness. (Granted, it's hard to determine the effectiveness of a program that's not fully developed here in the CP. More on that later....)

If you've wondered about this too, you may be interested to know that today's Kojo Nnamdi show (on WAMU, 88.5 FM), the host and his guests will be looking into Neighborhood Watch and discussing whether or not it's worth all the trouble.

More to come....

New Cell Tower Slated for NCP

2011-03-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

At the April 14 meeting of the North College Park Citizens Association, an attorney for AT&T will be there to explain the company’s proposal for putting a 125-foot cell phone tower on the open space property belonging to the City of College Park near the east of end of Odessa Road. Naturally, this is likely to be a contentious meeting, as residents who live in the vicinity of the proposed tower likely have many concerns, especially in regard to the effects of cell towers on human health.

Although I don't live (all that) close to where the tower is slated to go up, I can't help but wonder if there are any potential health effects associated with these towers. So, I did a little digging. Thinking others might want to see what I found, I present the following:

Because the Federal Communications Commission regulates cell phone towers, I started there, to see what the agency had to say about them. According to the web page “Human Exposure To Radio Frequency Fields: Guidelines For Cellular & PCS Sites”

“Primary antennas for transmitting wireless telephone service, including cellular and Personal Communications Service (PCS), are usually located outdoors on towers, water tanks, and other elevated structures like rooftops and sides of buildings….

“In the case of cellular and PCS cell site transmitters, the FCC’s radio frequency (RF) exposure guidelines recommend a maximum permissible exposure level to the general public of approximately 580 microwatts per square centimeter. This limit is many times greater than RF levels typically found near the base of cellular or PCS cell site towers or in the vicinity of other, lower-powered cell site transmitters.”

I know: this text might pose more questions than it answers, so I kept at it and came across the following article, “Cell-Tower Emission Risks Probed,” from Wired magazine. Published in 2004, the article states “it’s too early to conclude” whether “the effects of electromagnetic emissions from mobile phones and towers are harmless to humans.”

Nevertheless, it quotes the FDA, which hasn’t found any evidence of health threats.

“Measurements made near cellular and PCS base-station antennas mounted on towers have confirmed that ground-level exposures are typically thousands of times less than the exposure limits adopted by the (Federal Communications Commission)," the agency states on its website.”

(The Wired article provides links to the FDA website, but they’re dead. After some quick searching, I found this, but it largely repeats the info on the FCC website.)

Anyway, for what it's worth, the American Cancer Society, based on the info on its website, agrees with the FDA.

“The 3 expert agencies that usually classify cancer-causing exposures (carcinogens) -- the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- have not classified cell phone towers as to their cancer-causing potential.

“According to the World Health Organization: Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects.”

This isn’t to say, of course, that everyone believes what the FCC and FDA have to say on the matter.

According to the article “Health Effects from Cell Phone Tower Radiation” on the website Scribid.com, “There is a growing body of scientific evidence that the electromagnetic radiation they emit, even at low levels, is dangerous to human health.”

Similarly, the website EM Watch.com claims that “Over 100 scientists and physicians at Boston and Harvard Universities Schools of Public Health have called cell phone towers a radiation hazard.”

Who’s right about this? I have no idea, as the answer to this question is likely very complex, with a lot of variables, and simply can't be whittled down to a simple yes or no answer. Nevertheless, if you’re interested in this issue and looking for more information, these websites might be a good place to start.

It's a bird...it's a plane...is it an answer?

2011-03-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's a bird...it's a plane...it's some weird dude in a suit!

But is it the answer to College Park's crime woes? I doubt it, but if you heard today's (March 14) episode of Tell Me More on WAMU, you know that host Michelle Martin spoke to two members of a movement known as Real Life Superheroes -- Phoenix Jones and DC's Guardian -- who actually take on personas and hit the streets - in costume, to fight real crime to help the police protect communities.

Are they crazy, maybe, but they pose some serious questions to the people who want something done about crime but are reluctant to put their money where their mouths are.

Listen: Real-Life 'Superheroes' Fight City Crime ... In Costume

We've Got to Want It

2011-03-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

"Who's the fool, when apathy rules? You've got to want it." - Geddy Lee

Last time, I wrote about what I see as the need for an "attitude adjustment" in College Park--the need for the residents of this town to develop a sense of what's possible here and the interest in making it happen. To see why I think that, take a look at the recently released 2010 City of College Park Resident Satisfaction Survey results.

First, take a look at the number of residents who even bothered to take the thing--529. At last count, the CP has 30,000 residents (not sure how many of that number are students). That seems like a pretty low response rate. Just sayin'...

Second, check out the open-ended answers to the "What do you like least about your neighborhood?" question (Appendix B). Among CP residents' most popular criticisms are: crime (and feeling unsafe), code violations (noise, litter, lack of property maintenance), and the lack of a "sense of community" within neighborhoods.

Although I don't doubt that these are real issues worthy of the city's attention, it's worth noting that there are things people can do to improve them.

On the subject of crime, city residents could take a more active role in keeping themselves and their follow residents safer by getting to know and working with local police, joining the city's Neighborhood Watch program (or helping establish it), keeping an eye on their surroundings, and even instituting neighborhood patrols. If your problem is noise, you can report it to Noise Enforcement.

After all, as one survey respondent put it, "Crime is rising and more taxes and police will not solve the real problem because it never does."

In regard to code violations (noise, litter, lack of property maintenance), residents can (and should) report infractions to the city via phone or website. What many residents don't seem to know is that code enforcement in College Park is "complaint based," meaning that, if folks don't open their mouths, nothing will happen. So, if you've got a problem with a rental property, the city has a Property Violation Search on its website that lets residents check to see if a code issue at a particular property has been reported. If it hasn't residents can report it themselves.

Too much litter around your neighborhood, get out there with some friends and pick it up. This guy does it.

Finally, if residents feel like their neighborhood lacks a sense of community, then they ought to do something about it. Organize a block party or some smaller affair. It's not hard and, from what I understand, the city is quite amenable to this.

I know: it's easier to complain to the city and leave the hard work of finding a solution to someone else. Here's the deal, though: times are tough and the city has little extra money to hire more police, hire more code enforcement officers, or launch community-oriented efforts. In short, if we want something to happen about the crime, noise, litter, and so on about the city, we'll have to help the city out or, in certain instances, do it ourselves.

I know that sounds overly optimistic and pie-in-the-sky, but residents can make things happen. For proof of that, consider College Park Day 2010, a 100 percent volunteer-run event that, according to the survey, was among the most well-attended city events, second only to the city's 4th of July Celebration.

Does College Park Need an Attitude Adjustment?

2011-02-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

"I think it’s just a mindset, really. When you start comparing yourself to D.C., maybe it’s just hard for people to see what’s already here...."

- College Park Economic Development Coordinator, Chris Warren

A recent interview with the Chris Warren, the City's Economic Development Coordinator, on the College Park Patch website confirmed something I've felt for a very long time: that one of College Park's biggest problems is the attitude people have about what's possible here.

It's tempting to think that, as part of the greater Washington, DC, area, there is just too much competition from the more established areas within the District and neighborhoods like Arlington, Bethesda, or Alexandria, when it comes to where to go for entertainment, dining, or just getting out of the house.

But, personally, I think that's just a convenient excuse, and I can't help but wonder if what's really going on here is that College Park's reputation as a place riddled with street crime, coupled with the dilapidated buildings and empty storefronts on Route 1 (and other well-traveled avenues like Berwyn Road), traffic-choked roads, and lack of pedestrian-friendly development conspire to create a feeling of despair that hangs over the city like a dark cloud. As a result, rather than work to improve things, it's easier--and much less depressing--to just leave and have fun somewhere else.

Part of me wants to blame city officials for this, for the city seems much too passive when it comes to addressing the College Park's most pressing problems. For example, I can't understand why the city should have to put up with things like properties that have been vacant for 10-plus years. (I used to live in Utica, NY, where the city razed more than 200 vacant properties at one time, so I know things like this can be done....) Can't we take these property owners to court or use eminent domain to buy the properties and then demolish them? Surely, city officials are aware of what kind of psychological effect a run-down, vacant building has on the residents of a community, yet the years go by and nothing happens. I'd love to know why.

City officials aside, though, I think some of the blame (and I don't think that's too strong a word) can be attributed to residents, too. If residents want good things to happen, they have to help bring them to fruition. It takes time, but it can be done (e.g., College Park Day, the ongoing Experience and Explore College Park Tour, etc). However, if we let ourselves be convinced that it's not worth it because of the latest crime report, traffic jam, or closed business, then we can't expect anything to improve.

New Speed Camera Location on Rhode Island Ave.

2011-02-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

For some time now, there's been a speed camera snapping photos of those driving a little too fast in the southbound lane of Rhode Island Avenue near Duvall Field. Well, now that camera has been relocated to the other side of the road, within the stretch between Fox and Hollywood. (Consider yourself warned.)

Not surprisingly, the addition of speed cameras to College Park has a lot of people upset at what they see as a blatant attempt by the city to raise revenues under the banner of public safety.

And although I'm not exactly psyched about them, I can see some advantages. Sure— the city is looking to make money off them. To suggest otherwise is disingenuous at best. That said, there also is no question that people drive waaaaay too fast on Baltimore Ave. and Rhode Island (... or at least they used to). If the cameras help curb that behavior, then I have a tough time arguing against them. Moreover, of all the things the city could do to raise revenues (e.g., higher fees for this or that), at least the cameras offer residents a way to escape fattening the city's wallet -- driving the speed limit.

Of course, to escape the cameras' lenses, you have to know where they are. Unfortunately for us, they're on wheels, which suggests that, eventually, they'll be moved to new locations...much like the one on Rhode Island.

In short, drive slowly, and if you can't do that, then keep your eyes open.

County, CP Issues on WAMU Today

2011-02-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

Good stuff on Talk Radio Today -- specifically 88.5 WAMU.

At 12:06 on The Kojo Nnamdi Show:

The Politics Hour
Kojo and Tom Sherwood talk with Maryland State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks and Arlington County Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman.

Then, later on Metro Connection (this week's theme is "The Lines Of Attraction"), an interesting discussion about the effects of the proposed purple line.

The University of Maryland is trying to attract some of the world's top scientists to come work in College Park. But if the Purple Line is routed through campus, the trains' vibrations could affect the work of some of the school's quantum physicists, who rely on sound-proof, vibration-proof environments to monitor the behavior of atoms. David Schultz talks with Rebecca Sheir about what's going on.

Happy listening.

Tonight at NCPCA: Hollywood Gateway Park, Zoning, Greenbelt Metro Development, & Mary Lehman

2011-02-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

The North College Park Citizens Association meets tonight at 7:30 pm at Davis Hall (51st Avenue). Among the items on the agenda are:

Hollywood Gateway Park:
Members will discuss a report on the Hollywood Gateway Park design. The design was put together by a committee that members formed in its November 2010 meeting. NCPCA is expected to go further with the City's planning department and also with an architectural group from the UMD in the next few months on the design.

Proposed Zoning Ordinance:
The City has proposed an ordinance in last week to assume more controls over zoning. Titled “Additional zoning authority pursuant to CB-16-2010″, the proposed ordinance, would give the City the ability to take on a couple of additional powers. Members will discuss the proposed changes and how they may affect the current way of zoning process which is currently nearly exclusively administered by the county's planning department.

Greenbelt Metro development:
Members will also discuss the impact of the Greenbelt Metro development on the Narragansett Run stream in north College Park. As we know, this could well affect water upstream in north College Park, and issues relating to storm water runoff and water quality and environment habitat.

A Visit from Mary Lehman:
We also expect Dist 1 county council woman Mary Lehman at the meeting to discuss the new reform bill that county executive Rushern Baker is proposing at the MD state legislature.

Meeting: Greenbelt Metro Area Sector Plan

2011-02-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

CP residents are invited to join the City of Greenbelt and the Prince George’s County Planning Department for a Community Meeting and Information Session on the Greenbelt Metro Area Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment.

The sector plan will guide future redevelopment of the Greenbelt Metro Station area and Greenbelt Road as pedestrian- and transit-oriented, mixed-use communities offering a sustainable pattern of environmentally-sensitive places to live, work, shop, and play that will reﬂect the unique and celebrated history of Old Town Greenbelt.

This meeting will give residents a chance to share their thoughts and ideas
about the Greenbelt Metro Station and Greenbelt Road, particularly in terms of the area's future.

■ What do you like about these areas?

■ What would you like to change?

■ What should these areas look like in 5, 15, and 25 years?

When: Tuesday, March 2, 2011
7:00 – 8:30 P.M.

Greenbelt Community Center
Multipurpose Room
15 Crescent Road
Greenbelt, MD 20770

Open House 6:30 - 7:00 PM

For more information and to become involved, please contact Chad Williams, M-NCPPC Project Manager, at 301-952-3171 or chad.williams@ppd.mncppc.org. For additional information, visit www.pgplanning.org/Greenbelt.htm

What's Happening in March

2011-02-08T20:41:00.000-08:00

As I noted in my previous post, I've been working to help create a viable arts community in the CP. This is not to say, however, that there aren't things happening in and around town. That said, I thought a logical first step would be to compile a list of the arts-ish events taking place in our vicinity.

To help make this as useful as it can be, if you know of an event that's not on the list, please let me know.* Also, I plan to do this every month, so if you know of something happening in the next few months, let me know about that, too.

So, here's a list of stuff happening this month. For more information on these events, check out the links on the side of the screen.

Talk:
Spring and Summer Plants
Greenbelt Library, Saturday, March 5, 11:00 am

Art:
Arts workshop: Recycled Jewelry
College Park Arts Exchange, March 5, 3:00 pm

Music:
Harp 46
College Park Arts Exchage, March 11, 7:30 pm

Presentation:
Identifying Common Weeds in Your Garden
Greenbelt Library, Saturday, March 12, 11:00 am

Art:
Arts Drop In
College Park Community Center, March 12, 2:00 pm

Music:
Musical Instrument Petting Zoo
College Park Arts Exchange, March 13, 3:00 pm

Book Discussion:
Tracy Kidder’s Strength in What Remains
Beltsville Library, Tuesday, March 15, 2:00 pm

Book Discussion:
Martha Lear’s Where Did I Leave My Glasses? The What, When and Why of Normal Memory Loss
Beltsville Library, Monday, March 14, 7:00 pm

Book Discussion:
Matthew B. Crawford’s Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work
Greenbelt Library, Tuesday, March 15, 7:00 pm

Book Club:
Rachel Carson: Witness for Nature
College Park Arts Exchange, March 18, 7:30 pm

Presentation:
Starting a Vegetable Garden
Hyattsville Library: Saturday, March 19, 1:00 pm

Book Discussion:
E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India
Hyattsville Library, Saturday, March 19, 3:00 pm

Arts:
Arts Drop In
The Old Parish House
College Park Arts Exchange, March 20, 2:00 pm

Reading:
Romeo and Juliet
College Park Arts Exchage, March 26, 7:30 pm

* I know that there's nothing on this list from the Maryland National Park and Planning Commission, which has tons of stuff going on all the time. I don't have enogh free time to post all of their offerings, so the link on the side of the screen will have to do.

Full Circle (This Blog Is No Longer Toast)

2011-02-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, when I started blogging about College Park, I had some high, perhaps naive, hopes about what I could achieve (for example, see: City resident gets the discussion going online).

Obviously, I didn't reach those lofty goals so, last year, I decided to put a fork in my blogging efforts. My reasons for doing so were many, but if I had to pick one it'd be that blogging about the city of College Park felt ineffectual...like a big waste of time. Sure, it was fun to vent, but this city has so many problems it's tough to know where to begin in the hunt for solutions.

At the same time, though, there was no question that people were trying to do just that. This city's greatest resource is its people, and if you take the time to look, you'll see a lot of great people working to make the CP a better place. I did want to make their work any harder by bitching all the time, so I shut up.

Besides, if I really cared about the CP, it was time to get off line and do something. Oddly enough, that "something" turned out to be the first annual College Park Day (an event born out of my previous post about the erstwhile Taste of College Park) and, somewhat ironically, a lot of blogging on other websites.

That second wave of internet commentary began during the preparations for College Park Day. As a member of the event's Planning Committee, I was in charge of media and public outreach, and one of my media "successes" was the article "Bloggers log off, team up to connect neighbors," which appeared on the Washington Times "Communities" website.

A little while later, the good folks at College Park Patch invited me to write a regular opinion column for them. I agreed, and that led to several articles, which I've posted here.

The People Are Better Where?

Got Books? We've got athletics covered. What about education?

The Best Place to Raise Kids?

What's Happening? The Gazette might not care, but we do.

Community Food Bank Helps Folks in Need: Local church exemplifies the best of College Park

Spurring Action on Vacant Properties: How long must we wait?

Preventing Crime Through Community Involvement: They’re doing it in Detroit, why not here?

Maryland Book Exchange: A Tale of Two Cities…and Students

Wanted: Performance Space in College Park: A thriving arts community would be nice, too

Hollywood Gateway Park: Greenspace may be the best option

I wrote some other pieces too, but I like these the best and, hey, they help prove my point that pulling the plug on this blog didn't stop me from flapping my gums about the city. In my defense, though, I tried to offer some solutions in these articles rather than just complain -- and some are coming to fruition.

That said, all good things must come to an end, and although Patch and I haven't completely parted ways, my contributions to the website are becoming few and far between (for a variety of reasons, some of which are mine and some theirs).

Thus, it seems that things have come full circle. As my work with Patch comes to an (eventual) close, I've decided to reinstate this blog and use it to document the progress on some of the initiatives born of these Patch articles. For example:

Arts Community -- While a thriving arts community remains a dream, there are things happening here. There have been concerts at Vitos Pizzeria, the College Park Arts Exchange has expanded its offerings, I've launched a reading series (Second Last Rites) (see photo), and the National Language Museum recently announced a lecture series. In short, good stuff is happening.

Food Drive -- Times are tough, so it's no surprise that there are needy people right here in our own backyard. For some time now, CP's Church of the Nazarene has been trying to help them out with it's Community Food Bank. I've been trying to help out the church my collecting food for them to hand out. (If you'd like to donate food, drop me a line).

Library -- Since my post about the city not having a public library, folks have been discussing the possibility of a small lending library in North College Park. Although this is just talk at this point, I'll keep you posted on how things develop.

College Park Day #2 -- Preparations for the Second Annual College Park Day are underway. More to come as things fall into place.

Stay tuned....

This Blog is Toast

2010-12-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

Despite this message, this blog is toast. I stuck a fork in it a long time ago. Yet, for some reason, people keep posting comments to it. Where were you when this thing was up and running?

If you're interested in what I have to say, visit the College Park Patch website. I post there three times a week.

Thanks.

This is it...

2010-08-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is it. I'm officially pulling the plug on this blog. (I guess I'm finally sick of banging my head against the wall). For those of you who've been along with the ride, thanks for your support.

Before I go, here's a few things you should know:

College Park Day is October 9. If you care about the city, be there. It's important.

If you live in North College Park, join the North College Park Citizen's Association. It needs you.

Although, I'm done here, I will remain blogging about books (my other passion) at the Manual Publishing & Red Roach Press website.

Last Words on Route 1, Sidewalks, etc.

2010-08-13T04:49:00.000-07:00

I admit it. The headline of my July 27 post, "Are North College Park Residents Opposed to Redevelopment" was unnecessarily controversial and overly simplistic. And while I'm owning up to things, I should add that I was probably harder on District 3 County Council Rep. Eric Olson than he deserved. Olson has worked to improve Route 1 and he outlines some of those efforts in a lengthy comment at the end of that post. Anyone interested in this issue should read what he had to say, because his comments give a good indication of what those of us who would like to see Route 1 change are up against. (Thanks for dropping by the NCP Informant, Mr. Olson.)

That said, I was happy to read in Mr. Olson's comments to my July 27 post that,

"We actually held a March to Rebuild Route 1, where we walked from Pt. Branch Pkwy to Cherry Hill Road. (I have signs from it in my shed.) We also held a rally at SHA's Greenbelt offices when there was a meeting of MDOT leaders. This all came after we sent numerous letters, etc. to the state for years on the issue."

As I've said before, we need much, much more of this. I never heard about the walk from Paint Branch to Cherry Hill Road, but I was present at the rally at the SHA offices (thanks to Ms. Penya-Melnyk for organizing that). But, really, that's it? I know, there have been letters and testimony, but the one thing I haven't seen (and I've lived here for 12 years) is a campaign aimed at rallying the support of the public and then putting pressure on SHA. In short: we need to shame them, to complain loudly about an unresponsive government agency that's misusing resident's tax dollars. This was the angle opponents of the ICC used and it gained some traction. Similarly, this is what I've tried to do with my (admittedly ineffectual) sticker campaign.

So to Mr. Olson and any other representative reading this I'd like to say that the residents of North College Park need more of the activity that he mentioned. I've said it before and I'll say it again, let's concoct a series of media stunts (such as my suggestion to invite SHA and state officials to walk down Route 1 with a baby in a stroller) to let people know we're sick and tired of living with this unsafe road and we're not going to take in anymore! Residents would love it, the media would eat it up, and, with any luck, SHA would find itself with some explaining to do.

Finally, just because these are my last words on the subject (as far as blog posts go), they don't have to be yours. I look forward to your comments.

Experience and Enjoy CP comes North

2010-08-11T11:58:00.001-07:00

The "Experience and Enjoy College Park Tour" a series of events aimed at getting CP residents to mix and mingle, all while supporting local business, is finally leaving downtown and heading north. This time around, the festivities will be held Wednesday, August 25 at the NCP's own New York Deli, 4926 Edgewood Road. The fun starts at 7pm.

In addition, this month's special guest speaker will be: David Mitchell, UMD Police Chief.

Hope to see you there.

PS) If you're on Facebook, you can become a "Fan" of the Experience and Enjoy College Park Tour.

Three robberies in two days

2010-08-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

Two days, three robberies...

August 7 - Armed Robbery in College Park: Three suspects brandishing guns robbed two victims in the parking lot of the Quality Inn at 7200 Baltimore Avenue.

August 6 - late night burglary on (east) Nantucket Avenue. The burglars took a TV, new work laptop, cell phone, and wallet (with cards / drivers' license). According to reports, the perpetrators used a ladder to climb in through a second story window.

August 6 - a break-in on 51st Place. Someone kicked in the back door of the house and stole an X-box game system and ran. Police canvassed the area and were unable to locate the suspect.

I'm not the type to get all bent out of shape when news of crime surfaces, but this is disturbing. I'm really interested to know what the police have to say about this.

HUD Secretary Coming to Riverdale Tomorrow

2010-08-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 11am, U.S Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan will deliver remarks and take questions at a press conference hosted by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer at Refreshing Springs Church of God in Christ in Riverdale, MD. Secretary Donovan will discuss HUD’s work to improve affordable housing for America’s families, including the department’s commitment to assisting more families through increased funding for housing counseling.

WHO:
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan
Congressman Steny Hoyer
Lisa Butler McDougal, Executive Director of SEED
Marcia Griffin, President of HomeFree-USA
Donna Hurley, Prince George’s Homeownership Coalition Board Member

WHAT:
Press conference
When: Thursday, August 5, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where:
Refreshing Springs Church of God in Christ
6200 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD 20737

For more information, contact Tiffany Thomas Smith at (202) 276-3458 or Tiffany.M.ThomasSmith@hud.gov.

Dist. 1 County Council Candidate Responds to NCPI Questions

2010-08-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

In my recent post concerning development in North College Park and my Q&A with Eric Olson, it was suggested that I direct my questions concerning Route 1 redevelopment and pedestrian safety in NCP to the candidates running for the District 1 County Council seat.

So, shortly after posting that item, I sent an e-mail to Valerie L. Cunningham, Sam Epps, Mary A. Lehman, Frederick Smalls, and Crystal R. Thompson that asked:

1) If elected, will you work to bring development to North College Park so this part of the city can see some of the improvements that have already come to downtown College Park?

2) Or, if you're opposed to development along Route 1 in North College Park, how will you encourage SHA to make the improvements that are so badly needed?

So far, I received one response from Ms. Thompson (kudos to her for being nice enough to reply) in which she said:

[Begin quote]

Right now, there is push in North College Park for development called the US 1 Corridor Sector Plan. This was done in conjunction with M-NCPPC. The problem: Where is the money? Gov. O'Malley just reduced the amount of taxes that goes to the M-NCPPC budget. Unfortunately, the M-NCPPC budget for Prince George's County was used to fill county shortfalls. (See Post Article.)

To answer your questions:

If elected, will you work to bring development to North College Park so this part of the city can see some of the improvements that have already come to downtown College Park?

There are plans in place (tweaking is required), but the Park and Planning Commission Budget has been slashed by the State Assembly and we don't know the full impact of how those tax cuts on current and future projects. I have no problem with developing the area. However, my first priority is to separate the M-NCPPC budget from the county operating budget to see where we stand on funding current projects including College Park.

Pedestrian safety is a huge problem throughout District 1. We will have to work with the county's Transportation Dept. and current property owners to build sidewalks even if there is a hold up on development. I will begin with senior facilities including private homes, then move to commercial strips on Route 1. Hopefully, incorporate ideas from approved development plans to minimize duplication of efforts. At the same time, we can't wait years for development. Right now, my Dad and other would have to drive his wheelchair in the street (Route 1 and Laurel Lakes Court) from Laurel Senior Apartments. They are fearful. The entire Route 1 from Laurel to College Park is not safe. That is one issue that I will fight for along with Mass Transit.

[End quote]

Thoughts about this response? Let us know.

Gazette Features Article on College Park Day

2010-07-29T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Gazette was good enough to do an article on the forthcoming College Park Day event, which will take place October 9 from 1 to 5 pm at the College Park Community Center.

The best thing about the article is that it shows how things can happen when citizens come together.

"We have a couple of staff members involved on staff time, but for the most part it's being organized by residents."

If you'd like to get involved in College Park Day planning, volunteer, have your organization represented, or just want some more information about the event, check out the College Park Day website.

Are NCP residents opposed to Redevelopment?

2010-07-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the 3rd installment of the ongoing Experience and Enjoy College Park Tour, which organizes meet-ups at local eateries in the interest of supporting local business. Like the other one I've attended, this was a fine event -- a great reason to get out of the house and meet some of your neighbors and peers from throughout the city. And if that wasn't enough of a reason, these gatherings usually feature a handful of city officials, politicians, etc., -- the folks who can answer your questions about the issues that concern you the most.

Tonight's gathering was no exception. In addition to three College Park City Council members, tonight's gathering at the Jungle Grill featured County Council member Eric Olson, who represents Prince George’s County's third district, an area that includes College Park (But NOT all of North College Park). Not coincidentally, Olson is running for re-election.

Olson was given some time to say a few words about the work he's done for College Park, including his efforts with the environmentally friendly student housing going up along Route 1, where Merchant's Tire used to be.

Interested to hear about his involvement in bringing development to downtown, I asked him if a similar effort would be made along Route 1 in North College Park.

He responded by saying Route 1 is a State Road, so there isn't much that can be done to get the State Highway Administration to fund the plans for the road's redevelopment.

Not satisfied with his answer, for it's the one I've received several times from several elected officials, I pressed him for more.

"I get the same answer about there being no money to fund Route 1 redevelopment from everyone I talk to about this," I said. "Can't we get creative and do something to get SHA officials to see the need for it?"

Then, I tossed out my suggestion to invite SHA officials to walk from Cherry Hill Road to 193, while pushing a baby stroller and crossing the street in several locations.

Olson agreed that something needed to be done, but that was about it. It made me wonder if North College Park was even on his radar.

A little later on, I continued my discussion about the need for more development along Route 1 in North College Park with a city council member. During our discussion, I opined that:

1)NCP's section of Route 1 will only be developed when developers do something with the properties that align the road, such as what's taking place near the Kitts building, and

2) if I'm aware of this, then our elected officials are too, and they should say so instead of giving the same old excuse about the funding not being there.

In response, I was told the reason Route 1 in North College Park isn't going to be redeveloped anytime soon is that NCP residents are opposed to redevelopment.

I refused to believe that. Sure, there are some folks -- NIMBYs -- who are opposed to anything and everything, but they can't be the majority. Could they?

"They're the one's who show up at meetings," he said. "They're vocal."

Well, if you're like me and you'd like North College Park to experience the improvements that the rest of the city is getting, please join me in getting vocal.

Does Less Air Conditioning = Less Crime?

2010-07-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

In "In the heat wave, the case against air conditioning," an article that appeared in the Outlook section of today's Washington Post, author Stan Cox wrote:

Saying goodbye to A.C. means saying hello to the world. With more people spending more time outdoors -- particularly in the late afternoon and evening, when temperatures fall more quickly outside than they do inside -- neighborhoods see a boom in spontaneous summertime socializing.

Rather than cowering alone in chilly home-entertainment rooms, neighbors get to know one another. Because there are more people outside, streets in high-crime areas become safer.

Sound familiar? It might. The North College Park Informant made a similar assertion on May 26. No, I didn't suggest that you turn off your air conditioning. What I said was:

I can't help but wonder if the neighborhoods didn't look so closed up, if more people were outside yakking it up with their neighbors or walking around the neighborhood with their dogs, if a few more porch lights were on, if fewer streetlights were out, if the "broken windows" in the neighborhood were fixed, so on and so forth, then we'd see a decrease in crime.

So does the Post's agreement with my assertion mean I'm right? Not necessarily. Proof requires something more than a bit of anecdotal evidence. Still, a little independent third-party verification never hurts.

2010 Crime Stats...so far

2010-07-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

I had planned to write an informative and entertaining post about mosquitoes, but having just received an e-mail informing me of the current crime statistics, I thought I'd mention another local pest: criminals.

Anyway, at Tuesday night's (July 6) city council work session, our reps had a discussion with the police in which they received statistics of crime so far in College Park this year (compared to January-June last year). The results, according to District 1 council guy Patrick Wojahn are "a mixed bag."

Here are the numbers:

Homicides - decreased from 1 to 0
Assaults - increased from 25 to 35
Commercial robberies - decreased from 10 to 5
Citizen robberies - increased from 14 to 16
Stolen vehicles - decreased from 46 to 34
Burglaries - increased from 75 to 87
Total thefts - decreased from 292 to 242

Wojahn: "The assaults and citizen robberies are the most worrisome - this includes the recent sent of robberies in and around downtown College Park, as well as various robberies in the north."

I agree--the assaults and citizen robberies are worrisome. I like to walk around the neighborhood with my dog and the things I've been hearing about random assaults and robberies has me more than a bit concerned. At the same time, though, I'm trying not to let it get to me. I don't want this to become even more of a bedroom community than it already is. The heat is bad enough, we don't need any more reasons to stay indoors.

I hope others are standing their ground, too. We can't fold when the going gets tough. We need to get beyond fear and send the message that, despite the unfortunate reality of crime, CP belongs to its residents. And the best way to do that, I think, is to get out there and participate in community activities...like this Saturday's Family Fun Day at Duvall Field.

The NCPI's "Best of" College Park

2010-05-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

You can only complain and gripe so much. So, instead of focusing on our problems this time around I thought I'd offer up some (much needed) love for our fare city and mention a few of the CP's gems -- the things that make me happy to live here.

Paint Branch Trail - This was one of the first things I discovered about CP when I moved here more than 10 years ago and it remains at the top of the list. Not only is a great place to go to get away from it all for a little while (the trail is usually pretty quiet), but it's a good place to see wildlife, walk the dog, and bring the kids.

Bagel Place - Simply the best local, independent eatery we have here in the CP, and the fact that they can whip up a soy latte is an added bonus. I wish it was a little further from the university, for it's sometimes be tough to get a seat on a weekend morning when school is in session, but on the plus side over-hearing students bitch and moan about how tough they have it or listening to stories about "how wasted so-and-so was last night" is worth the close quarters.

Moms - As a vegetarian, having a natural food store with kick-ass produce and non-dairy ice cream in the area is critical. I wish this store was as big as the Rockville location, but the fact that I can walk here is makes it even better. Oh yeah, the staff is nice, too.

Riverdale/Greenbelt Farmers Markets - Ok, these aren't in the city limits and, before you get on my case, I know that the CP has its own Farmer's Market. These two are just better (sorry...). The Riverdale market (on Thursdays) has fresh donuts and the kids like watching the train go by, and the Greenbelt market (on Sundays) has a great selection.

UMD Library - Since the CP lacks a good bookstore, the UMD library has to fill the void. Sure, you can't take anything out if you're not a student, but if you want to "disappear" for a while and indulge your intellectual side where no one will even think to look for you, this place can't be beat. Besides, the selection of books and periodicals is amazing!

UMD Food Cop-op - Why do we need a food co-op if we already have Moms? If you're seriously asking that question, then you have obviously never been to the co-op. Not only is it a store full of vegetarian (and non-vegetarian) goodies, but they also serve fantastic, healthy food for unbelievably low prices. If you haven't been there in a while, go.

Have a few gems of your own that didn't make this list? Please share them, won't you?

The Perception of Crime ... and Community

2010-05-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion on the North College Park e-mail list about crime in the area and, as a result, whether the city needs its own police force (and corresponding to that, how much such a force would cost). Such discussions are not new. Crime, it's causes, and what can be done about have been debated like this for as long as I've been paying attention (aka: several years).

What is new, though, is the level of fear that the recent crimes in our area have generated (even though statistics tell us that, overall, crime in our area has decreased compared to years past) and what seems to be a certain degree of "woe-is-me"-ism coupled with desperate search for someone or something to blame. On the e-mail list, the most of the blame has been directed at the police or the folks who won't accept a tax increase to pay for a police force.

Personally, I find the helplessness and finger-pointing aggravating and a little misguided. Crime is a complex problem that requires a detailed and multifaceted solution, part of which involves action by (members of) the community to create an environment that makes criminal behavior difficult. Thus, in response to the discussion on the list, I posted the following:

Whomever it was (in the other thread) who mentioned that the Police don't prevent crime, they react to it, is right on. Regardless of whether a police force costs $1.5 million or $4.6 million, there are FREE (or perhaps lower cost) things residents can do to create an community environment that makes it harder for criminals to act.

When I walk around the neighborhood with my dog between 8 and 9 at night, it's amazing how many houses are closed for the evening (with the blue-gray light of the TV flashing behind the closed curtains). I can't help but wonder if the neighborhoods didn't look so closed up, if more people were outside yakking it up with their neighbors or walking around the neighborhood with their dogs, if a few more porch lights were on, if fewer streetlights were out, if the "broken windows" in the neighborhood were fixed, so on and so forth, then we'd see a decrease in crime.

I know what you're going to say, these problems are for Code Enforcement or the Contract Police. But, hey, with (ever) shrinking budgets and a general reluctance to pay more in taxes nothing is going to chance unless people in the community act.

Yeah, I admit it: this response probably makes me look like someone who, at best, knows nothing about fighting crime or, at worst, is a damn fool. (I'm hoping for the former.)

Yet, what folks may not understand is that, when fear about crime reaches critical levels it takes on a life of its own. So, when word about criminal behavior starts to spread, perception takes over and, before you know it, the CP becomes synonymous with crime, regardless of what conditions on the ground (i.e., reality) are really like. (For the record, this is something folks were talking about at the College Park get-together that took place at RJ Bentley's on 5/24 ... what a great event).

We can't let this happen in the CP and the easiest way to do that is to create an atmosphere that fosters a sense of community and, as I said in my post to the e-mail list, "makes it harder for criminals to act."

Maybe my comments weren't so foolish after all.

Keeping Our Head about "Head Shops"

2010-05-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

According to the Diamondback, North College Park will soon be home to a Smoke (or "Head") shop--The Bamboo eater--whichis slated to open in the Hollywood Square Shopping Center on Rhode Island Avenue. Not surprisingly, some residents are upset about it.

For example, in an e-mail I received about the matter, one resident put it this way:

"This [business] will attract the wrong people to our family-orientated community, jeopardize our efforts to revitalize that business district, potentially increase crime, and be a nuisance to the neighborhood."

Am I psyched about a smoke shop moving into the neighborhood? Not exactly, but I find myself wondering what ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?

I grew up in a suburb of Buffalo, New York, and at that time, there were several (3 or 4) of these stores in and around the city. As far as I know, not one of them caused problems like those mentioned above. In fact, one of the shops, a place called "Terrapin Station" was very active in the community and a generous supporter of community events.

My point: let's not judge a store before it's even open. Last time I checked, this was a free (capitalist) country and the proprietors of this store have a right to pursue their happiness and financial security just like the rest of us. Further, if the store is involved in illegal activity after it opens, then there are already mechanisms in place to deal with it.

Remember: there is a difference between "offense" and "harm," and that difference should be the basis of whether this store can and should keep its doors open.

The NCPI: Walking the Talk

2010-05-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

Blogs are funny things. Sometimes you write and write and write and, just when it seems like no one is paying attention, you find out people are paying attention and you're forced to put your damn money where your mouth is. So far, this has happened to me twice.

Last year, I wrote a post about my desire to have the city reinstate (or rather refund) the erstwhile Taste of College Park (see that post here). Now, I wasn't the only one making such comments, but low and behold, a short time later I was asked to help plan a similar community event. I agreed (how could I not) and now that effort has snowballed into what's shaping up to be a rather large city-wide event known as "College Park Day" (to be held this October).

Then, just the other day, after my May 7th post about residents doing something like street patrols in order to stop the recent string of burglaries, I was asked to take part in...wait for it...a training workshop for those interested in patrolling the neighborhood. I'm not exactly sure when that's going to take place but, daaaaaaaamn. Two for two!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to write a post about winning the lottery....

Of Break-Ins and Boldness

2010-05-07T12:13:00.001-07:00

If you have any connection to our fair city whatsoever, you surely find the recent rash of break-ins upsetting. I know I do. I also know that, as report after report of comes in, it seems that the thieves responsible for these crimes are getting bolder and bolder.

Well, isn't it time the citizens of (North) College Park got a little bolder, too?

No, this is neither a call to gun ownership or vigilantism, nor a backhand way of criticizing the police (who I'm sure are doing everything they can). It is, however, a call to some outside the box thinking.

Simply put, the police can't be everywhere and when they're not around, I think citizens ought to do what they can (again, within reason) to fill the gap.

Not long ago, I floated the idea of neighborhood patrols or, at the very least, walks in the most-victimized areas at the times that crimes have been occurring. Not long after that, someone else put the same idea out on the North College Park discussion list. Unfortunately, the idea was shot down. As one person said, it was "above and beyond." Above and beyond what wasn't clear, but I assumed the person meant "above and beyond" the normal range of civic duty. I disagree. If taking a walk (or late night drive) with a friend and a cell phone is too much to ask then ... then let's all sit back and enjoy a long hot summer of more break-ins.

Aside from the patrols, there's the idea of putting flyers up in the neighborhood to 1) inform residents about what's going on and, 2) let the criminals know that we're on to them. I know, posting flyers about the recent string of robberies won't exactly be a ringing endorsement for the neighborhood, but neither was the flashing sign on Rhode Island that warned residents to lock their car doors during the recent string of car Break-Ins.

Anyway, these are just two ideas that might take us from complaining about the situation to doing something about the situation. Maybe you have some more?

County Meetings on Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations

2010-05-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Community Meetings are being held to discuss the proposed revisions to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. The revisions will be presented in nine modules.

Module 3 - Compatibility Areas, Overlay Zones & Special Districts

Community meetings are scheduled for:

Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
County Administration Building,
4th Floor Planning Department Board Room
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Saturday, May 22, 2010, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex
Town Hall Meeting Room
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785

I know what you're thinking: what the hell are the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations and why should I care? Here's some info to (hopefully) answer those questions...

1) What are the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations?

The Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations control the use and development of property in the County to protect public health, safety and welfare. The Zoning Ordinance is codified as Subtitle 27 of the County Code, while the Subdivision Regulations are codified as Subtitle 24 of the County Code.

The Zoning Ordinance is composed of text and zoning map that divides the County into zoning districts. Within each district, the Zoning Ordinance regulates land use and establishes dimensional standards, such as minimum lot size, setbacks, building height, and density or floor area ratio. The Zoning Ordinance also establishes other development standards such as number of parking and loading spaces, landscaping, and signage.

The Subdivision Regulations control the division of property into lots or parcels for purpose of sale or development. These regulations establish standards for access, circulation, lotting pattern, street pattern, recreational facilities and parks, stormwater management, flood prevention and woodland conservation. The Subdivision Regulations are also the County’s principal tool to ensure that adequate public facilities such as public roadways, school, police, fire and rescue facilities are available, or will be available in the foreseeable future, to serve the proposed development.

2) Why do we need to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations?

The Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations are in principle tools to implement the County’s land use vision and policies. The 2002 General Plan, which divides the County into Centers, Corridors and three different growth tiers (Developed, Developing and Rural), provides a comprehensive vision for future growth and development. However, the current Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations predate the General Plan and as such need to be updated to reflect the unique policies recently established for specifically identified areas. In addition, piecemeal amendments over the years have resulted in a code that is lengthy, overly complicated, substantively inconsistent, unpredictable and not user friendly. It is the time for a comprehensive amendment.

Want more info? Look here!

New Spate of Hollywood B&Es

2010-05-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

This just in from the PG County Police:

[Start]

There were 5 houses that were broken into in Hollywood last week. Three were on Hollywood Rd, one on 52nd Ave, and one on 48th Pl. These breaking and enterings have occurred during the day. One incident the resident came home and saw the suspect fleeing the side of her house as she was parking in the driveway. The lookout was for a young black male. Please call the police department when you see any suspicious people in the area. Please forward this email to all the members that are on your list serve so that they are aware as well.

Emergency: 911
Public Safety Information: 301-336-8800
Non-Emergency: 301-333-4000

[End]

If you live in (North) College Park and were unaware of these crimes, please share the info with your neighbors. Keep Your Eyes Open...

Town Hall Meeting on Budget - Tomorrow

2010-04-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Do you care how College Park spends its money?

Are you curious about how much tax revenue the city can expect this year?

Want to know what part of the city will be getting new streetlights and sidewalks in 2010? (Don't worry, it's not North College Park....)

If you are, then join District 1 College Park City Councilmembers Chris Nagle and Patrick Wojahn on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Davis Hall (that's 9217 51st Ave.)

Why should you give up your Saturday afternoon for this? Because this event will give you:

• An overview of the proposed FY 11 College Park budget and proposed changes, and
• An opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback.

Not everyone lives in as cool a district as we do, so take advantage of this opportunity and come on out.

The Unsettling of College Park?

2010-04-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

"Past the scale of the human, our works do not liberate us -- they confine us. They cut off access to the wilderness of Creation where we must go to be reborn -- to receive the awareness, at once humbling and exhilarating, grievous and joyful, that we are a part of Creation, one with all that we live from and all that, in turn, lives from us."

- Wendell Berry, The Unsettling of America (1977)

When I read this passage in The Unsettling of America I immediately thought of Route 1, the CP's best example of a work built well "past the scale of the human." One only need to try to cross it (in North College Park) to see that the road seems rather hostile to pedestrians. Moreover, living on the East side of Route 1 as I do, the road literally cuts me off from the "wilderness" (okay, nature...) I enjoy along the paint branch trail.

If you haven't read it, The Unsettling of America offers Berry's observation on what has happened to the country's agricultural sector since the "wisdom" of the (corporate- and university-funded) "technical expert" has trumped that of the (local) practitioner who (may) lack a degree but has a wealth of hands-on, real-world experience.

In sum (and as you might guess), the book contends that because technical experts focus exclusively on efficiency and profit, the gains they've made on the farm are offset by the damage they've done to the environment as well as to farm communities. On the opposite side of the coin, says Berry, are the family farmers who, although they may not be as productive as their larger, corporate competitors (who are aided by the technical experts), their smaller-scale operations are better for the earth and those who live on it.

So what does all of this have to do with Route 1? Well, as a resident of College Park who is forced to contend with this asphalt monstrosity on a near daily basis, I find myself wondering: did the folks who planned and designed the road (experts all, no doubt) ever think about the community that surrounds it, or were they just concerned with creating a thoroughfare that would move cars North and South as quickly as possible?

I don't mean to be flippant (and I know that hindsight is always 20-20), but as the Route 1 Sector plan gets discussed and debated, all I can think is "here we go again...." I wonder: have we learned our lesson about quick fixes vs. long-term solutions? I mean, the ugliness of the Route 1 corridor, the need for affordable (and student) housing, and the need for more and better retail are obvious. Correspondingly, we have developers promising us mix-used development complete with hundreds of beds and all the amenities that come with them. What we don't here a lot about, though, is the (true) cost of letting developers determine our quality of life.

Now, you might be thinking that by mentioning Berry's book I'm suggesting that residents have more insight into how to address our problems than the experts (e.g., the developers, planners, etc). I'm not. This post is not a call to NIMBY-ism. What I am suggesting is that residents not only need to make sure that they're part of the process, they need to make sure that any new development "liberates" rather than "confines."

The good news is that this is starting to happen. As suggested by 1) the residents who've challenged developers about the cumulative effects of (Route 1) development on traffic flow, 2) the effort to curtail traffic-stalling construction projects during rush hour, and 3) the current brew-ha-ha over so-called "form based codes," it seems residents are standing up to the experts when they get it wrong and agreeing with them when they get it right.

Let's hope this kind of independent and critical thinking continues.

Council Meeting Agenda for 4/27

2010-04-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

The following info comes from CP City Council member Patrick Wojhan....

1) PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:30 PM on the PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE RENT CONTROL CEILING FROM 0.6% OF THE ASSESSED VALUE OF A RENTAL PROPERTY TO 0.8% OF THE ASSESSED VALUE.

The amount of the rent ceiling was set at 0.6% after the assessed values of single-family homes in the area skyrocketed during the 2007 assessment. In the 2010 assessment, the assessed values of these homes plummeted, meaning that 0.6% of the assessed value is now significantly lower than the fair market rent for most properties. The 2010 Fair Market Rent in the D.C. Metropolitan area for a four-bedroom unit is $2,522/month. To allow for some flexibility for landlords to charge higher rents on properties assessed at higher rates, Councilmember Catlin has proposed to increase the rent cap to 0.8% of the assessed value of the property. This will be the second of two public hearings, which we are holding because of an error in the public notice for the first one.

2) CONSENT ITEMS.

Council will be considering: 1) a proclamation in support of National Public Works Week, which takes places May 16-22, 2010, and 2) Approval to allow Boy Scout Troop 740 to use Duvall Field on May 2, June 6, and June 13 for their annual BBQ fundraisers.

3) PRESENTATIONS.

Council will be receiving a presentation from Dr. Jay Teston and students from Paint Branch Elementary School about their recent trip to China. The City Council helped support the trip by providing funds to help the students get their visas, but the students raised most of the money through fundraisers and parental support.

4) ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 10-O-02, INCREASING THE RENT CONTROL CEILING FROM 0.6% OF ASSESSED VALUE TO 0.8%.

The Council will be voting on this issue following the public hearing earlier in the evening.

5) INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 110 - FEES AND PENALTIES, TO INCREASE PARKING PERMIT FEES, APPLICATION FEES FOR CITY OCCUPANCY PERMITS, AND FINES FOR EXPIRED PARKING METERS AND PAY STATION VIOLATIONS.

As part of the FY 11 proposed budget, the Council is considering three increases to fees and fines to increase revenue in the FY 11 budget - increases to the application fees for city occupancy permits, for residential parking permits, and in fines for expired meters. To make these changes happen, the Council also needs to amend the City Code, and this ordinance would do that. At this point, the Council is only introducing the ordinance, and there will be a public hearing on this ordinance on May 11, the same night as the public hearing on the budget itself.

6) FY 2011 BUDGET ORDINANCE.

This, too, is being brought up for introduction, and a public hearing will be held on the FY 11 budget on May 11.

7) APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.

Route One Sector Plan Hearing

2010-03-24T11:05:00.001-07:00

The second public hearing for the Amended US 1 Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment will be held at the County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Owen Bowie Drive, in Annapolis, on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at 7 pm.

The City will once again be taking a shuttle down for anyone who would like a ride. The shuttle will leave Davis Hall at 5:30 pm and, if anyone from the south part of the City is interested in riding the shuttle, will leave City Hall at 5:45 pm.

Seating is limited, and the City needs to know how many people will be going in order to know which bus to send. Please call to reserve a spot if you wish to ride with the shuttle.

If interested, please contact City Clerk Janeen Miller at 240-487-3501, by 5 pm on Monday, April 5.

Sunnyside Skate Spot Open House

2010-03-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

The City has scheduled an Open House for the Sunnyside Skate Spot for Thursday, April 22nd at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall (4500 Knox Road).

Grindline Skateparks, Inc. will be on hand to gather input from skaters about what they would like to see in the park and will take this information back to prepare three conceptual park designs.

For more information, contact:

Elisa M. Vitale
Senior Planner
City of College Park
Department of Planning, Community & Economic Development
4500 Knox Road
College Park, MD 20740
evitale@collegeparkmd.gov

Hearing on Speed Cameras TONIGHT

2010-03-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

From Patrick Wojahn, District 1 City Council Rep:

This is a reminder that there will be a public hearing TONIGHT, at City Hall at 7:30 pm on the proposed speed camera ordinance.

The ordinance, if it passes, would allow the City to proceed with consideration of speed cameras in school zones (including all of Rhode Island Ave. and Route One in north College Park). After additional public hearings to determine the appropriate locations for the speed cameras, the ordinance would allow the City to operate speed cameras between 6 am and 8 pm Monday through Friday.

For the first 30 days of operating the speed cameras, any violation notice would be a warning only. Also, pursuant to state law, any violation notice would could as an administrative violation only - it would allow the city to collect a $40 fine for each violation, and it would allow alleged violators to challenge the tickets in court, including to bring the operator of the speed cameras to the stand as a witness. The City would have to devote any revenues gained from the cameras to pedestrian and traffic safety projects.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the ordinance or about tonight's hearing.

<>

City requests funds to design Hollywood Gateway Park

2010-03-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

The city of College Park is debating whether it should apply for a $25,000 grant to design the “Hollywood Gateway Park,” a 0.156-acre parcel of green space to be created at the southeast corner of US Route 1 and Edgewood Road.

“We might not request the grant and if we do we might not get it,” said Patrick Wojahn, College Park Council Member for District 1. “There is some opposition to applying, because the city would have to provide matching funds for the grant. I think it’s a good idea, and it could establish a landmark in north College Park and help draw more attention to our part of the City.”

The city’s planning and development staff proposed creating a park on the site last year and applied for a grant to purchase the property through Program Open Space (POS), a state-run effort launched in 1969 to “provide financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of recreation land or open space areas.”

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, “Today there are more than 5,000 individual county and municipal parks and conservation areas that exist because of the program. Almost all of the land purchased by the DNR in Maryland in the last 40 years was funded at least in part through POS.”

At its meeting on May 6, 2009, the State of Maryland Board of Public Works approved $357,156 for the park’s construction, which Wojahn said would be a good use for the property.

"It isn’t “suited for commercial business, due to the difficult location and parking issues.”

He also noted that a park in that location also could be a boon to pedestrians.

“It would offer a refuge for pedestrians trying to get across the intersection and offer a welcoming attraction at the north entrance to the city.”

This article was also published on my Examiner page. There you can see a few photos of the proposed site.

University’s purchase of Washington Post printing plant approved

2010-03-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

The following article also was posted here.

Three members of the University of Maryland’s Division of Administrative Affairs—Gloria Blackwell, assistant vice-president for community relations; Carlo Corella, director of capital projects; and J. Frank Brewster, associate vice-president of facilities management—came to the February 25 meeting of the North College Park Citizen Association (NCPCA) to give a presentation about the university’s plans for the site of the Washington Post printing plant located on Rt. 193 in College Park.

The state’s Board of Public Works approved the $12 million deal the previous day.

According to University officials, the approximately 300,000 square-foot, 18.5 acre site will “allow the University to package relocation projects in cycles by renovating selected production plant spaces, then moving University services, allowing development of specific sites within East Campus to proceed.”

The University’s East Campus development is comprised of approximately 38 acres bounded by Route 1 to the west, Paint Branch Parkway to the north, and the City of College Park to the south. Plans for the site include construction of more than 2 million square feet of graduate housing, market rate housing, office space, hotel, and retail amenities.

During the NCPCA meeting, Corella said that the purchase of the Washington Post property enabled the university to scrap its initial plans for relocating functions associated with the East Campus development on other university property, including a portion of a forested area known as the “Wooded Hillock,” which some students, staff, and city residents said should remain undeveloped.

Among those “functions,” said Corella, will be the motor pool and maintenance operations, mail facilities, office space, a facilities and maintenance warehouse.

“Purchasing the facility is a long-term investment in one of our top goals of the Strategic Plan,” said Ann G. Wylie, vice president for administrative affairs in a January 27 press release. “To be truly competitive with the best universities around the nation, we have to also provide world-class facilities and resources. It's critical that we continue to offer top students in the state and across the nation the best residential, retail, and entertainment resources if we are to be a world-class university..”

Yet, while the purchase of the Post printing plant is a boon to the university’s East Campus project, it may be of financial detriment to the City of College Park, which will experience a loss in tax revenue as a result of the site’s change in ownership.

In a letter to the editor that appeared in the February 25 issue of The Gazette, College Park City Councilmembers Christine Nagle (Dist. 1) and Mark Cook (Dist. 3) wrote that the university’s purchase of the property would “forever remove 18 acres zoned for industrial use…from the city's tax rolls….”

“This property…is a prime piece of industrial real estate that could provide hundreds of hardworking, unemployed Marylanders with quality jobs,” the pair of councilmembers went on to say.

According to University of Maryland student newspaper, The Diamondback, the university originally planned to compensate the city for the loss of revenue by paying a fixed yearly amount. Yet, after discussions with the city, the university will now pay a variable rate based on assessments conducted by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.

The Dissolution of NCPCA?

2010-02-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

I attended the NCPCA meeting last night (2/25), my first time back in more than a year, and was surprised to see that the dissolution of the association was on the agenda. I have a vague idea of the reasons behind this -- something about a change to the bylaws re: the number of votes per household. But last night someone at the meeting said the association should be dissolved because it "no longer represents the citizens of North College Park" (or something to that effect). After a comment like that, I was hoping the issue would be discussed but, unfortunately, the association quickly voted to table the issue so as to avoid the conversation....

I wasn't at the Jan. meeting, so I don't know what took place. That said, I'd like to know what the issues are. Can someone fill me in? Dissolving the association over this issue seems like a severe response. Or am I missing something? I'm not trying to stir up a "hornet's nest" (although I realize I might be), but I'm curious as to what's going on. Anyone?

College Park to Install Surveillance, Speed Cameras

2010-02-25T14:11:00.001-08:00

The city of College Park has received a $500,000 grant to fund a city-wide network of closed-circuit security cameras in high-crime areas and license-plate reader cameras to detect stolen vehicles and possible criminals who drive through before or after a crime takes place.

The city originally applied for a $2 million in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, but received only $500,000. The grant will be administered through the Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention.

According to Patrick Wojahn, College Park city Councilmember from District 1, last week, the council reviewed a proposal from Avrio, who currently provides security cameras in Hyattsville, MD; Washington, DC; and a several other places around the country.

According to Wojahn, Avrio has been in consultation with the University of Maryland police to find the best locations for the cameras in downtown College Park. The network would then be expanded to the northern part of the city when funding for additional cameras becomes available.

In addition, city staff has reportedly been consulting with companies such as Optotraffic that specialize in the installation and management of speed camera systems. Optotraffic has done traffic analyses around the city to determine which streets have the highest rate of speeders. Optotraffic has indicated that, if the city selects it as a contractor to install the cameras and places cameras in selected areas that have a high rate of speeders, the city would not have to pay anything for these cameras because the company would receive money from the revenue obtained through tickets.

Wojahn also said the city would have to hold a public hearing before the specific locations of the speed cameras could be determined.

"Maryland Night" on Bill Moyers

2010-02-05T18:47:00.001-08:00

In case you missed it, there's a whole bunch of of MD legislators -- the people you elected (or maybe didn't want to elect) -- on this week's episode of Bill Moyer's Journal speaking about the recent Supreme Court decision that will give corporations a leg up in our democracy.

Just how many legs do they have now?

Anywaaaaay...

In addition to the MD legislators speaking out against the Supreme Court decision, you'll also see an interview with Dr. Margaret Flowers, a Maryland pediatrician, and a staunch advocate for single payer.

Folks, in this post 9-11 world of ours, the word "hero" gets thrown around a lot. Dr. Flowers is the real deal. Watch and find out why.

Announcements

2010-02-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

Public Hearing on Draft College Park Strategic Plan 2010-2015
City Council Chambers
4500 Knox Road
March 2, 2010
7:00 p.m.

Copies of the plan may be viewed online (see link below) or obtained from the City of College Park Planning Department, 4500 Knox Road, 240-487-3538. Share your views in person or submit written comments up to the public hearing date.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Davis Hall, College Park
Wednesday, March 10
7 pm

A COPS liaison officer will be present to answer questions about recent criminal activity, and to provide an update. All residents and business owners are encouraged to attend.

For additional information about the meeting please contact Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Kim Lugo at kslugo@yahoo.com

The Envision Prince George's 21st Century Town Meeting®
Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex 8001 Sheriff Rd
Landover, MD 20785
March 20
9:30am to 3:30pm

Through a series of community forums, innovative educational activities, and online discussions, Envision Prince George's has involved thousands of residents and other stakeholders from all over the county in helping to create a better future for all. The 21st Century Town Meeting will gather 1,000 to join in this important discussion for the first county-wide meeting of its kind.

Note: to take part in this event you MUST register online.

Notice Of Public Hearing (10-O-01)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
2nd Floor Council Chambers
City Hall, 4500 Knox Road
7:30 P.M.

Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park, Maryland, Amending Chapter 184 “Vehicles and Traffic”, By Adding Article VIII, “Speed Monitoring Systems”, Section 184-45 “Speed Monitoring System In School Zones”.

Copies of this Ordinance may be obtained here or from the City Clerk’s Office, 4500 Knox Road, College Park, MD 20740, call 240-487-3501.

For more events, including the meetings of the city's boards and commissions, see the calendar on the city's website.

The Results Are In...and they're nothing new

2009-12-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

With the intent of giving city officials some direction in their efforts guide CP's direction and development, the city held a series of focus groups last October that gave College Park citizens the chance to speak their minds on a variety of subjects, including community services, neighborhoods, transportation, environment and sustainability, and economic development.

Well the numbers have been crunched and the results--read: the issues on which CP residents would most like city officials to focus their efforts--are in. Here they are:

- Preserve a high quality of life in residential neighborhoods
- Improve neighborhood safety
- Rebuild route 1 to improve safety and efficiency
- Reduce vehicle congestion
- Redevelop of Rt 1 with mixed used walkable nodes
- Aggressively attract and retain a diverse mix of businesses to better meet the needs of area residents, employees, and students
- Upgrade existing neighborhood commercial areas so they are attractive and safe and provide a unified positive image of the community

No surprises here.

Unfortunately, as far as this list in concerned, there isn't much the city can do to address things like the redevelopment of and safety on Rt. 1 (that's a state matter), vehicle congestion, upgrading neighborhood commercial areas, and providing a unified image of the community.

What is surprising, or perhaps encouraging, is that some of these things can be addressed by residents themselves, providing they have the interest/will to do so.

Want to "preserve a high quality of life in (your) neighborhood"? Then get out and meet some of your neighbors. Organize a block party. Join neighborhood watch. Just don't wait for someone else to get the ball rolling....

Want to "improve neighborhood safety"? The get involved in Neighborhood Watch -- there's a informational meeting scheduled for this Wednesday (Dec. 9) at 7:15 at Davis Hall.

Want to "reduce vehicle congestion"? Then walk more (when possible/practical).

Want to make "neighborhood commercial areas ... more attractive and safe [so that] provide a unified positive image of the community"? Then participate in community clean-ups, like the on scheduled for Dec. 13 at MoMs. Live in another neighborhood? The organize one with your fellow residents. Moreover, take walks in your neighborhood. More people out on the streets taking a look around makes it harder for criminals who rely on citizen apathy.

I know, we're all busy and can't do everything, but we don't need to. If everyone pitches in a little bit, then the burden of creating a better community will be easier to lift.

Apparently, fatalities aren't enough

2009-12-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

While driving my daughter to school this morning, I traveled through the embattled intersection of the hiker/biker trail and Paint Branch Parkway and was taken aback by the astonishing array of signage and other devices erected to let drivers know that they need to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk and, in general, slow the hell down. I also was taken aback by the apparent disinterest in the city's concern for the safety of pedestrians along Route 1.

Think about it: the intersection of the hiker/biker trail and Paint Branch Pkwy has been the site of three accidents this year, none of them fatalities. Now city officials are (rightly) worried that, sooner or later, they'll have a fatality on their hands.

Well, what about the fatalities that have ALREADY occurred on Route 1, including those that have occurred in the northern part of the city?

According to an article from the Gazette that appeared on Sept. 21, 2006, "A jogger was killed this year along Route 193 near the Route 1 interchange. Alan Kobren, 45, was jogging in the hiker⁄biker lane along the road when he was struck by a car on June 17."

But wait, there's more. According to a second article from the Gazette that appeared on June 14, 2007, "Since 1992, 13 pedestrians have died along Route 1 in College Park, said Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-Dist. 21) of College Park."

In that same article Pena-Melnyk goes on to say, "with at least 30 new developments planned along Route 1, use of the road by pedestrians would increase."

So where are the signs telling drivers to stop for pedestrians and radar devices telling drivers how fast their going? Where is the concern and the outrage? Apparently, fatalities aren't enough.

"Rules" versus Common Sense

2009-11-30T07:42:00.000-08:00

Not sure if you saw this article from the last issue of The Gazette ("County puts the brakes to College Park stoplight hopes"), but if you ask me it's "must read" simply for the fact that it provides a fantastic example of what anyone with a shred of common sense and the smallest interest in public safety and civility is up against in this town.

The intersection of the city's hiker-biker trail and Paint Branch Parkway has been the site of (at least) three accidents this year--two of which involved pedestrians being struck and injured by cars. So, the city wants to put a light in to force cars to stop. Seems reasonable, unless your affiliated with the County's Department of Public Works.

Despite the injuries, the DPW prefers to take no action stating, "We have rules and regulations that we have to follow" when it comes to deciding where lights can be placed. I get it: we can't go putting lights up willy-nilly. There has to be some process that determines when a light is or isn't needed. What I don't get, though, is holding hard and fast to that process when lives are (literally) at stake.

Rep. Stullich is right to be afraid about possible fatalities in the area--and we should all be afraid that county officials won't depart from arbitrary rules in the interest of public safety.

Bring Back the TOCP

2009-11-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

I wore my Taste of College Park (TOCP) shirt to the gym tonight. I forget what year it's from and that's the point of this post--College Park has so few events like this it's hard to remember when the last one took place. Other communities seem to see the value of bringing people together--Silver Spring has (at least) an annual Thanksgiving Parade, Bethesda has an annual art festival, DC has tons of events--but College Park, doesn't. I wonder why....

Yeah, I know, the University has stuff (sporting events, Maryland Day, etc), but that's the university. Not everyone who lives in CP is affiliated with it--or wants to be. Personally, I thought the fact that the TOCP was a "College Park event" and not something put on by the university was a good thing, for its events like this that help civic pride take root and build community.

And speaking of community, the other reason to have another TOCP is that it brings people together. And we do want the people of College Park to come together, don't we? As I recall, at least one of the folks who ran for city council said, "I am committed to engaging the growing Hispanic and other immigrant communities and increasing their presence in civic activities." Other candidates had similar ideas....

Well, nothing brings folks together like food. So why not hold another TOCP? Or better yet, a cultural festival or similar event that would bring folks from the various communities within College Park together for some food, entertainment, (folk) art, and maybe even some fun.

For this to happen, though, the City Council has to restore funding for another TOCP (or set aside funding for something else). If you think this is a good idea, let your representative know.

News Round-Up

2009-11-16T21:48:00.000-08:00

There have been a couple big and/or noteowrthy items in the press lately. In case you missed them, here they are:

U-Md. Shouldn't Sacrifice Ideals During Hard Times
Depite being named "Top Green Campus," the Washington Post reports that the university wants to bulldoze nine acres of a 22-acre forest known as the "Wooded Hillock" to make room for equipment sheds, a parking lot, and other maintenance facilities.

Prince George’s Identifies Sites for Biotech Cluster
Prince George’s planning consultants have pinpointed three locations for the county’s own biotech complex...In a newly issued report, county consultants have ranked publicly owned lots near M Square Research Park as the top recommendation for a biotech center, touting its across-the-street status from a University of Maryland research hot spot and the College Park Metro station. The Konterra business campus and the area near the Prince George’s Plaza Metro station follow closely behind in the report’s shortlist, narrowed down from an six preliminary sites.

Additional Articles:
Nearly 2,000 jobs could come from Prince George's incubator, study says

University of Maryland ends development partnership with Foulger Pratt/Argo
According to the Baltimore Business Journal, The University of Maryland has officially stalled its mixed-use East Campus project and ended exclusive negotiations for the development with Foulger Pratt/Argo Investment, citing the economic downturn and financial challenges. Yet, while that sounds like a serious blow to the project, university officials are upbeat and, as reported in the Diamond Back, say that, "[It] will hire multiple developers to move the project forward piece-by-piece."

If only there was such a can-do spirit and enthusiasm for development along Route 1 or in North College Park. we could use bookstore and a white tablecloth restaurant too....

Additional articles:
Downturn stalls U-Md.'s plans for upscale East Campus district
Developer pulls out of East Campus project

Meeting on New Mixed Use Zone

2009-11-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

You may have seen the flyer from The Prince George’s County Council about the legislation it's considering for something called a "New Mixed Use Zone" that will be available in designated Urban Centers and Corridor Nodes.

Naturally, the flyer says "Every county citizen is encouraged to learn more about this new comprehensive legislation." but the URL at the bottom of the flyer doesn't direct people to the right website. Even better, the information offered on the correct website isn't much better.

To get a better idea of what this entails, you have to go a step further and click where it says: "Click here to learn more about the New Mixed-Use Zone." The presentation that automatically dowloads when you click on that link is more helpful.

With that in mind, the Planning Department website does say that the goal here is to:

- Develop a new mixed-use zone to implement the 2002 General Plan goals for Centers and Corridor Nodes
- Streamline/standardize regulations and processes
- Address issues of development quality: mixed-use controls and building form/urban design

If you want more info on this, consider attending the next public meeting, which is:

Saturday, November 14, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Prince George’s Community College
Rennie Forum
Largo, Maryland 20774

Directions:

Prince George's Community College is accessible from Central Avenue (Route 214),Landover Road (Route 202), and Capital Beltway (I- 95/ I- 495) Exits 17A and 15A.

What about Fighting Crime with Citizen Patrols?

2009-11-05T06:55:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas, a man was attacked in the parking lot of my church late at night. The victim was seriously hurt, but the assailant, thankfully, was apprehended. To make sure something like this doesn't happen again, the church organized its own sort of "neighborhood watch" to protect parishioners. It's nothing grand: it's merely a group of volunteers who take turns sitting in their cars, watching the parking lot. If a volunteer sees something go down or something suspicious, he or she simply calls the police.

Recently, it's come light that public safety is the "dominant" concern in District 1, due in part, no doubt, to the assaults that have taken place in the neighborhood. Well, given how my church has handled this I wonder: can't we do something like that for (some of) the "high crime" areas in District 1?

Based on what people have reported here and elsewhere, it seems that, in the case of street attacks, we know where and about what time these assaults have occurred. Why not organize a group of volunteers to keep an eye on a particular place (or patrol a particular area) for a few hours each night?

Will this stop every attack? No, but it could help decrease the incidence of assault in key areas...and do it cheaply. Moreover, with the right group of responsible citizens participating in this effort, it could help us stretch our contract police resources even further.

Election Results for District 1

2009-11-04T06:40:00.001-08:00

According to our sources, the (unofficial) election results for District 1 are as follows:

Patrick Wojhan - 341
Christine Nagle - 281
Fazlul Kabir - 208
Larry Bleau - 135
Seth Gomoljak - 35

Congratulations to Patrick and Christine, our new reps, and thanks to all the candidates for caring enough about College Park to put in the time and effort to make the city a better place.

Thanks, also, to the citizenry, which I'm told set a record for voting in city elections with an estimated 583 votes cast. In 2007, voter turnout was estimated at 340.

Now, let's harness that energy and use it to get something done!

Today's the Day

2009-11-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure you're well aware, TODAY is Election Day in College Park.

The polls are open until 8:00 pm and, assuming you live in District 1, you can cast your vote at Davis Hall, which is located at 9217 51st Avenue.

And when you're done voting, why not complete the City of College Park's Strategic Plan survey, which is available until tomorrow.

Why bother? Because the City Council is in the process of developing a strategic plan and has engaged Managance Consulting & Coaching to facilitate this process. This survey is an essential part of the planning as the information Managance collects from you, the constituents of College Park, will provide data that is essential for the development of the City's future strategic direction.

Election Day Is Just the Beginning

2009-11-02T08:09:00.001-08:00

Too often, our elected officials make decisions on the matters of their constituencies, yet only a few of the residents know about such decisions and the reasons for making [them]. They rarely get a chance to discuss those issues before or after such decisions are made.

- from a 2009 Council candidate's blog

Unless you live under that proverbial rock, you know that tomorrow is election day in College Park. And as evidenced by the astonishing amount of time and energy being devoted to get you to vote one way or the other, this is an important election.

Like many other municipalities around our region and across the country, College Park faces several challenges, not the least which have to do with our growing population and all the traffic, crime, funding, and environmental problems that come with it. Which one of these issues is most important? That depends on who you talk to. What is less debatable, however, is that, eventually, these problems will be "solved" one way or another. The question is how.

With this in mind, we here at NCP Informant HQ urge you to do your civic duty on November 3 (tomorrow!) and vote for the representatives that YOU would most like to work with to make College Park a better place. So ignore the robo-calls, the signs, and the e-mail propaganda masquerading as innocuous voter information and just follow your gut. After all, in the end the future of College Park comes down to you, not them.

Improving College Park isn't just an eight (or 9) person job and the council elections aren't the end, they're the beginning. Sure, the folks we elect are the ones who make the decisions, but its up to us--the people who give them that power--to help them deliver the goods both in and outside the council chambers. That means we have to keep them informed about what's going on in our neighborhoods, watch how they're voting on the issues, let them know when their actions don't line up with their promises, and, if necessary, vote them out of office next time around.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Just as the journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step, the next era of improving CP begins with casting your vote.

See you at the polls.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T11:38:00.001-07:00

Government Info on H1N1

2009-10-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

From Council member Patrick Wojahn:

Neighbors,

The federal government has put together an information page on H1N1, including where to get shots and how to protect yourself.

I know that there has been a shortage of the vaccine all over the area, so this could be a useful resource.

Crime vs. Taxation?

2009-10-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Today's issue of the Diamond Back contains a rather beguiling article about the District 1 Council race. The article centers on what it refers to as the major concern in District 1: Crime/public safety, and then goes on to discuss the idea of a College Park police force (and how to pay for it).

For me, this article raises more questions than it answers. I don't doubt that some folks in District 1/North College Park are concerned about crime, but it would have been helpful to know what, exactly, they are concerned about? Robbery? Breaking and Entering? Car-Jacking? Murder? All crimes are not created equal. In addition, some actual crime statistics would have been nice to see here, too.

When I read stuff like this, I can't help but wonder if we really have in NCP is problem of perception. Sure, this article (and at least one in the Gazette) says that crime is down, but how does this compare to the deluge of coverage that events like the shooting at 7-11 get? Maybe people would feel safer if there were a bunch of articles and segments on the TV news about how District 1 is safer than it used to be.

Finally, despite the article's headline that "Public safety concerns dominate," it's interesting to note how unwilling people are to pay for a police force. I mean, if crime/public safety is really such a big issue, you'd think that more folks would be willing to open their wallets. Maybe taxation, not crime, is the dominant issue?

Larry? Patrick? Fazlul? (and others, of course) your comments on this matter would be appreciated....

Frush Responds re: Route 1

2009-10-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Barbara Frush responds to e-mail re: the conditions for pedestrians on Route 1 in NCP:

Thank you for your recent communication and for your support. I understand your frustration at the lack of safety on U.S. 1. My late husband and I owned a store in College Park for more than twenty years. We watched the pedestrians dodge the traffic regularly. Several years ago, the 21st District had funds put into the State budget to increase safety on Route #1. We were able to get some islands placed in high traffic areas to enhance safety. We had hoped that additional improvements would be made. Unfortunately, funds were cut because of the state’s financial crisis and our monies were deleted from the transportation package. We even held a protest at the State Highway Administration led by Delegate Pena-Melnyk to no avail. Rest assured that we have no intention of giving up. We may be delayed, but we will not be stopped.

- Delegate Barbara Frush

2010-2015 Draft Transportation Budget Released

2009-10-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) of the MD Sate Highway Administration has released a draft of its six-year capital budget for transportation projects. As it says in the document, "The CTP designates capital projects that will be undertaken during the six-year period, and a summary of operating programs. The CTP also identifies projects added to the Construction Program and Development and Evaluation Program, delayed in schedule, deleted from the Development and Evaluation Program and finally completions."

To help citizens make sense of the info in the document, the CTP "includes a summary of the Department's financing and budget process and a "how to read" each Project Information Form (PIF)."

Among the highlights of this document (and from what our sources tell us) are:

- No money for the redevelopment of Route 1 (although it mentions a "Study to reconstruct US 1 from College Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue [3.25 miles]" and then goes on to say "planning complete. and "Significant Change from FY 2009: None")
- The elimination of the university connector road
- Construction of final segment of College Park Trolley Trail (planned for 2010)

There's lots of info about the budget on the SHA website. Additional information is available by contacting the Maryland Department of Transportation, Office of Planning and Capital Programming at (toll free) 1-888-713-1414.

And in a related note:

We're told that the "SHA Roadshow," wherein SHA official travel around the state to discuss the info in the budget with residents, will be coming to the SHA offices on Kenilworth Ave. on Wednesday, November 4th. To minimize actual interaction with the public, the meeting is at 2:00 pm.

UPDATE:

District 1 Council Member Patrick Wojahn reports that the city council is reacting to the CTP. He said that [city] staff drafted a letter to:

1) Request reinstating funding for the rebuild of Route One,
2) Support preliminary engineering of the Purple Line and state-funded safety enhancement projects

3) Support for the removal of the U-MD Connector from the plan - we are doing this based on the City's long-time opposition to the connector road and the believe that the SHA should prioritize rebuilding Route One first, and

4) Restating our concern about adding a lane to the Beltway (which is zero-funded this year) because it would take homes away in Sunnyside. I insisted that we bring this up to protect our homeowners.

Wanted: Your Input (CP Survey)

2009-10-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

The following comes to us from City Hall:

As you may know, the city is currently working to develop a strategic plan to identify key needs and formulate strategies for addressing them over the next five years. Topics that may be addressed in the strategic plan include public safety, transportation (e.g., traffic, transit), environment and sustainability, city-university relations, neighborhood quality of life, community services, and economic development. This strategic plan is not just about development, it is about trying to set a framework for all aspects of your city government and how we can do a better job in the future.

Community input is an important part of this process, and we encourage everyone to participate in a community web-based survey to provide your input on the priorities and strategies that you think are most important for the city to pursue over the next five years.

To participate in this survey:
Go to the City of College Park homepage www.collegeparkmd.gov
Click on the link to the survey (first item under "Current Events").

This link will take you to the online survey which is being administered by the city's strategic planning consultant, Managance Consulting & Coaching. The survey will be open through Wednesday, November 4th. Managance will compile the survey results and submit a report to the city council so that we can incoporate the community's ideas as we develop the strategic plan.

It is important that all groups within the College Park community are well represented in report will reflect your needs and priorities. Please take 15 minutes of your time to complete this short but very importannt survey.

Note: while the survey is online, anyone who does not have internet access and would like to participate in the survey may do so by calling the City Clerk, Janeen Miller, at 301-864-8666 and requesting a copy by mail.

Down and Dirty in NCP

2009-10-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Today's gray skies and rain drops didn't stop an intrepid group of NCPers from improving the community the most direct way possible--by picking up trash. From bottles to cigarette butts, no piece of garbage was off limits.

Is there more to do? Sure. There's a lot of trash out there. Nevertheless, it's good to see people doing something to improve their neighborhoods (as opposed to just complaining on a blog).

Thanks to Fazlul Kabir for organizing the event and for the folks who showed up to make NCP a nicer place to look at, if not live.

Some Good News re: Sidewalks

2009-10-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

I admit it: I've been doing my fair share of whining about the lack of sidewalks here in North College Park. What can I say, it bugs me. The way I see it, it's just one more example of how NCP comes up short as compared to the rest of the city.

Well, here's some good news: in the interest of pedestrian safety and fighting childhood obesity, the city has been taking advantage of grant money offered by the Safe Routes to School Program and been constructing sidewalks along the streets leading to Hollywood Elementary.

The city has already used funding from the program to put sidewalks in on Edgewood and Muskogee. Now it's submitting an application to extend it's work, hoping to build sidewalks (as I understand it...) on 47th Ave., from Lackawanna to Edgewood, and on Muskogee, from 49th Ave. to 47th.

Nice.

Again, as I understand it, the city can use the funds to build sidewalks within a 1.5 mile radius from the school. Now, if only they'd start working on Hollywood and the streets to the south.

More on sidewalks...and the retrofit program

2009-10-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

While bouncing around the State Highway Administration website to further investigate the Sidewalk Retrofit Program I learned about, I came across the following "Guidelines used in selecting retrofit sidewalk projects," which SHA makes clear, is a "locally driven program."

I have to say, the more I read about this, the more bummed out I get about College Park's laissez-faire attitude about the lack of an adequate pedestrian infrastructure in the northern part of the city.

1) Location – Sidewalks must be along state highway routes.

Route 1 is a state highway and the section that runs through NCP needs sidewalks.

2) Safety – The project should demonstrate safety benefits to pedestrians. It should reduce the existing or potential pedestrian/vehicle conflicts by providing a separation from vehicular traffic. It should also provide or improve mobility for the general and disabled population.

I think the photos I posted of the (lack of) sidewalks along Route 1 in North College Park illustrate the benefits that sidewalks would bring--especially to disabled folks.

3) Designated Revitalization Areas – Priority should be given to projects that demonstrate that the addition of sidewalks will benefit revitalization by providing access to business, commercial and/or recreational areas that does not currently exist. Highest priority should be given to projects in designated revitalization areas.

I think it's fair to say that Route 1 in College Park is a designated revitalization area.

4) Local Pedestrian Policy and Commitment – The local jurisdiction should show evidence that they are in support of pedestrian facilities. Sidewalks should be included in the local jurisdiction’s Master Plan.

I would argue that the footpath in the photos I posted before clearly demonstrate that members of the community support improvements to the pedestrian amenities in NCP. The subject also came up during the recent focus group, a discussion that will be documented in some form or another.

5) Continuity and Integration – It should be evident that the inclusion of the pedestrian facilities will provide a connection to an existing or proposed pedestrian network, e.g. the sidewalk will help to provide a critical link.

If you've ever tried to walk from North College Park toward downtown along Route 1, you're already aware of how the addition of new sidewalks in NCP would add to the exisiting pedestrian network in the rest of the city.

6) Pedestrian Traffic – It should be evident that there is either existing or projected pedestrian traffic. The support for pedestrian facilities can either be denoted by actual pedestrian counts or by evidence of well worn paths. The projected use can be based on experience with other similar facilities in similar land use settings.

See my earlier comments re: the well-worn paths.

7) Community Support – The project should have the support of the adjacent community that will be potential users of the facility.

See my earlier comments re: community suppoort. The business community, which could benefit from increased foot traffic, might also jump on the bandwagon.

I know: it's not this simple. There are rights-of-way issues and what not that would make putting new sidewalks along the stretch of Route 1 in NCP a bigger issue than it has to be. Still, when one visits the city's website and reads the "College Park Vision" that's posted there

"In the 21st century, the City of College Park will be a vibrant and prosperous residential, commercial and educational community with citizens working cooperatively to revitalize the City. The City will have safe and harmonious neighborhoods; a clean, attractive and healthy natural environment; efficient public facilities and services; visually pleasing, pedestrian-oriented streetscapes; a true Town Center downtown; mixed-use commercial areas; and convenient transportation systems." (emphasis added)

... one has to wonder what part of the city you need to live in to have that pertain to you.

Another Public Service Annoucement

2009-10-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

The following is another Public Service Announcement from your friends at the College Park Informant:

Be careful out there!

I don't know what's behind the recent crime wave in (and nearby) College Park:

* attempted armored car heist
* the recent events at Rugged Warehouse
* yesterday's troubles outside 7-11

But whatever's going on, take care out there. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your friends and neighbors.

Public Service Announcement

2009-10-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

The following is a Public Service Announcement:

In the interest of protecting the mental health of our fellow College Park residents, the CP Informant wishes to inform you that tomorrow, October 17, is the University of Maryland's 2009 Homecoming game (slated to begin at 4:00 pm) against Virginia. This means that traffic on Route 1 may be worse than that of a normal game day.

City residents are advised to go to the store for milk, bread, and toilet paper or to begin planning their day-trip itineraries now.

An Answer to My Question

2009-10-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Today I got a call from a fellow who works for the MD State Highway Administration's Regional and Intermodal Planning Division, and I asked him the question that's been on my mind lately: Why do those of us in North College Park have to wait for Route 1 to be redeveloped before we can have decent sidewalks along this terrible stretch of road?

His answer was simple: We don't.

According to this gentleman, SHA has something called the Sidewalk Retrofit Program, which gives money to localities for sidewalk construction. Here's how the program works:

* The locality (the City of College Park in this case) identifies an area for a sidewalk within an existing right of way,
* Does all the necessary planning and design work,
* And then makes a request for funds to the SHA district engineer.

He also told me that Prince George's County isn't using the money allotted to it under this program, which is too bad because, if the money isn't used, it will be reduced (if not altogether eliminated) in the next budget.

Interesting.

Yet, while the information I got from this person answers one question, it raises others. For example, what can the city do if a sidewalk is needed in an area along Route 1 that isn't in a right of way? (See the photos in my earlier post re: sidewalks.) What recourse, if any, does the city have with private property owners whose land comes right up to Route 1. Can the city work with them to put in a sidewalk? Should it?

These are the questions I'll try to answer next....

Public Hearing on County's Transportation Master Plan

2009-10-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

If you're at all interested in Transportation in Prince George's county, you should check this out. The notice I received about this says that this is a "public" hearing, but the language in which its written suggests otherwise. I tried to eliminate the bureaucratic speak in the following and just provide the nitty-gritty. To see the full information, particularly the list of amendments that they'll be talking about, follow the links.

The Prince George’s County Council and the Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive testimony regarding the proposed amendments to the Countywide Master Plan of Transportation.

DATE: Monday, October 26, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Council Hearing Room
First Floor, County Administration Building
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772

PURPOSE: To give all interested persons the opportunity to express their views on the amendments proposed by the District Council. The amendments are identified in the document known as CR-54-2009, which can be found on the county website.

Persons desiring to speak are requested to call 301-952-4584 (TTY 301-952-4366) to register in advance or may register at the hearing.

Individual speakers and representatives from a group or groups will be limited to three (3) minutes.

Written testimony and/or exhibits will be accepted in lieu of, or in addition to, oral testimony. Note: To be accepted into the record, written testimony or comments must be original, signed documents. E-mails or faxes will not be considered, unless followed by originals mailed to the Clerk of the Council.

Written comments may be submitted to: Clerk of the Council, County Administration Building, Room 2198, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772. The public record period will close on November 2, 2009.

For further information, please contact:
Harold Foster, Project Manager, at M-NCPPC, Countywide Planning Division, 301-952-4947; Harold.Foster@ppd.mncppc.org

You also can visit the project website.

My Council Priorities

2009-10-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Whomever gets elected serve district 1 on the city council, I'd like to see them devote their time and energy to the following (in no particular order):

Enhance the Neighborhood Watch program:
College Park already has a neighborhood watch program, but aside from the signs I see posted around NCP, you'd never know it. This is not to say that the folks involved aren't doing a good job, just that this is a volunteer effort and the folks who've stepped up could probably use some help and additional resources. The city Council should see that they get it. More (contract) police patrolling the neighborhoods is good, but the NWP seems like an inexpensive way to assist the police in their crime fighting efforts and strengthen bonds among members of the community.

Enhance Diversity in Civic Participation
I confess that I don't know how to accomplish this somewhat subjective goal, but one thing is for sure: but I see more folks of African, Hispanic, and Middle-Eastern descent on the streets and in the shops of College Park than I do in meetings at City Hall or of my civic association*. I don't know why this is, but I am willing to bet that there are folks out there--consultants and what not--who can advise the city on what can be done to increase the diversity within our ranks of involved citizens.

* Note: I haven't been to a civic association meeting in a while so it's possible that this is no longer the case.

Get Creative (and maybe a little angry) about Route 1
There's no doubt about it: the city is in a tough spot when it comes to Route 1. The stater has no money to redevelop the road (and if it did, it would all go to fund the ICC). This situation isn't going to change anytime soon. Yet, there are some things the city Council could do to help folks move from North to South (or from one side of Route 1 to the other) that don't involve redevelopment, such as fight for sidewalks and more crosswalks (particularly in the part of Route 1 in NCP); institute a trolley bus program (not a trolley, not a bus--a trolley bus) that goes up and down Route 1, as well as to the metro and to Shoppers; expand the UMD bus program, etc. (Note: there were some good ideas re: Route 1 during the city focus groups. Look for the report this winter.)

Be More Aggressive about Blight:
College Park is home to a world class university that brings in people from all over the country if not all over the world. Too bad that when they come here they have to travel down Route 1 past dilapadated, vacant properties and run-down businesess. It seems to me that the city should be able to step and "take care" (I'll leave it up to our officials to decide what that means) of such properties when their owners won't (for a fee, of course). Similarly, the city ought to reward those business and property owners who give a damn and do their part.

So that's my short list. On what issues would you like to see the new Council focus its energies?