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Author: Fazlul Kabir Page 1 of 489

Bridge Repairs on Beltway at Route 1 Starts Today

Starting today, Thursday, June 1, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin a project to fix and maintain the US 1 (Baltimore Avenue) bridge over I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) interchange in College Park. The work will happen at night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Sundays to Thursdays, and it should be finished by late summer if the weather allows.

During the project, there will be temporary closures and detours on some ramps in the interchange, and parts of the shoulders on I-95/I-495 will be closed. The ramp from southbound US 1 to the I-95/495 Inner Loop will have a yield sign because one lane under the bridge will be closed for repairs.

Also, one lane will be closed on the acceleration lane on the I-95/I-495 Inner Loop. Crews will put up a concrete barrier to close the right shoulder on the I-495 Inner Loop under the bridge for the whole project.

This work is important to keep the bridge in good condition for many years. The Marksmen Company from Baltimore will do the work. If you have any questions, please call the State Highway Administration District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll-free at 1-800-749-0737.

The SHA states that lane closures can be inconvenient, but this work is necessary to ensure our transportation system is safe and dependable. SHA advises slowing down when approaching and driving through the work zones.

In Pictures – Memorial Day 2023 in College Park

I had the honor of attending the Memorial Day event at the Veterans Memorial, and I must say it was an incredible sight to see the overwhelming support and participation from our community members. The event was a true testament to the deep respect and gratitude we hold for our brave veterans and their selfless sacrifices. I am immensely grateful to the Veteran Memorial Committee, and our City staff for their unwavering dedication and planning in organizing such a memorable event. Later on, I went to the luncheon at College Park American Legion Post 217, where I had the honor of giving awards to the winners of the essay contest “What patriotism means to me?”

[Photo credit: Normand A. Bernache]

Classic Car Show: Saturday, June 17

Join your neighbors on Saturday, June 17 from 10 AM-1 PM for a Classic Car Show! Browse our classic car lineup while enjoying BBQ, and entertainment from The Rockets. Register your car by emailing events@collegeparkmd.gov

Honoring those Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice for Our Country

Today is the Memorial Day. This is the day when we remember and mourn those brave men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can all enjoy our freedom and live in peace and security.

I want to thank our Veterans Memorial Committee for putting together today’s Memorial Day event at teh Veteran’s memorial. I also want to congratulate them on the 30th anniversary of the Memorial’s Dedication!

Memorial Day Week Collection Schedule

Because of the Memorial Day observance, the refuse and recycling will occur one day later than usual during this holiday week:

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

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

Memorial Day Observance – This Monday

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

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

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

Free Classes – Fitness In the Park

FYI the Department of Parks and Recreation Pr. Geo. County is hosting some FREE fitness in the parks events, including one here in College Park!
Learn more about their Fitness in the Parks program and all the available fitness opportunities this spring and summer at https://www.pgparks.com/4720/Fitness-in-the-Parks.

 

City Passes FY 24 Budget

The City released the following press release today:

May 25, 2023, College Park MD – The City of College Park is pleased to announce the passing of the City’s Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024) Budget during the May 23 Mayor and Council Meeting by a unanimous vote of 7-0. The FY2024 General Fund budget totals $24.8 million, is balanced, and does not raise the residential tax rate. “This budget provides for a high level of municipal services, planned growth and improvements to the City’s infrastructure and operations, while meeting the needs of our residents and businesses,” said Kenny Young, City Manager.

The City boasts the lowest residential real estate property tax rate in Prince George’s County at 30.18 cents per $100 of assessed value. For the first time, this budget includes separate real estate property tax rates for residential property and commercial property. The residential tax rate remains the same as the current FY2023 rate, while the commercial tax rate for FY2024 will be 33.18 cents per $100 of assessed value, a three-cent increase over the current tax rate. Despite the increase, the commercial tax rate is still the lowest municipal rate in Prince George’s County. The three-cent rate increase for commercial property is expected to generate $515,000 of additional revenue to fund various projects. Some suggested ideas for the use of the additional revenue have been for small business and senior assistance programs and for the establishment of a student housing rental subsidy program. All suggested uses and programs will be discussed and developed by City Council at a future Council Meeting.

As a measure of fiscal health, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends a minimum 16.67% (as a percentage of total expenditures) unassigned fund balance. The City’s projected unassigned fund balance, excluding the FY2023 surplus, is projected to be $15.2 million, or 65.5% percent, well exceeding the City’s retention goal of 25%. Based on current projections, it is anticipated that revenues will exceed expenditures by $560,000 at the end of FY2023. “The City of College Park unassigned or rainy-day fund balance is at an all-time high,” said Mayor Fazlul Kabir, “this strong fiscal position shows that the City is able to maintain a healthy reserve while effectively investing to improve our infrastructure, maintain and increase services, and provide new amenities to our residents.”

At the inception of this year’s budget process, the City invited residents to provide their input on the proposed budget and provided several opportunities to comment on the proposed budget. To address our residents’ and businesses’ increased needs, the City is adding six new full-time and four part-time positions including a Video/Television Production Specialist, Events Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator, part-time Animal Control Officer, Code Supervisor, part-time Education Support Specialist, part-time Emergency Assistance Case Manager, three Maintenance Workers in our Department of Public Works, and an additional part-time Contract Police Officer.

More information about the City’s FY2024 budget can be found at www.collegeparkmd.gov/budget.

Davis Field Pond Cleanup

Contractors for Prince George’s County will be starting maintenance work next week on the pond in Davis Field Playground.
The field is located at the east end of Kenesaw street.
The work is estimated to take 5-6 weeks to complete (weather permitting). Please use caution in the park and in the 5200- and 5300-Blocks of Kenesaw Street, as heavy machinery and dump trucks will be operating in the area.
Work includes dewatering of the pond, excavating muck, and restoration of all disturbed areas. Crews will be working on weekdays between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm.

Route 1 Land Redevelopment Study Community Stakeholder Workshop

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) entered into an agreement with the consultant team of Smart Growth America along with The Neighborhood Design Center to work on the US Route 1 Redevelopment Study. Work on this project began in June 2022 and will be completed in December 2023.

The MNCPPC will be hosting a Community Stakeholder Workshopon Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Beltsville Community Center, 3900 Sellman Road, Beltsville, Maryland 20705

Open Conversation: 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Community Workshop: 9:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Register via EventBrite: pgplan.org/Route1workshop

For more information, please read here.

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