I wanted to let you know that many of you have shared concerns about the businesses in the Campus Village Shoppes and asked what the City is doing to assist. We share your sadness regarding the impact on these businesses and our City due to the notice to vacate the property. I want you to know that the City is working to assist the impacted businesses when possible and that the City Council will work with residents, the property owner, and the County to support a project that enhances our community.
Campus Village Shoppes was purchased by LV Collective in 2022. The new owners have discussed a redevelopment proposal (multi-family housing with first-floor retail) with their tenants and community groups. The owners have discussed with some tenants the possibility of leasing space in the new development. To facilitate the redevelopment of the site, all tenants were recently told to vacate their spaces by September 30.
I know that vacating the space has created a financial hardship for some of these local businesses, and I hope they will be able to relocate to the new project or elsewhere in the City. Several years ago, many retailers in College Park were displaced by new projects on Baltimore Avenue and Knox Road. At that time, there was virtually no vacant retail space for those tenants to consider. Many stores closed, and others relocated outside the City. As you note, City staff are working with Campus Village tenants to assist them in identifying space in College Park that will meet their needs, whether in recently constructed commercial space or older commercial locations. The City may provide financial assistance to facilitate a business relocation if appropriate. We cannot require the owner to extend the time to vacate or offer tenants space in the new development.
When the County has accepted the LV Collective application to redevelop the site, City staff will be notified. Staff will review the plans, schedule a public presentation, and provide comments based on the site zoning and other requirements. LV Collective will present the plans at a public City Council Meeting, likely more than once and hopefully with changes based on City and public comment. Information regarding redevelopment plans and presentations before the City Council will be available via the Council Meeting agendas and other media.
The County—not the City—has the authority to approve, deny, or modify development plans. The City has no land use or zoning authority. The City can and will provide an official position on all proposed developments in the City.
If you would like additional information regarding the businesses at Campus Village Shoppes or other business news, please get in touch with Michael Williams, Economic Development Manager, at economicdevelopment@collegeparkmd.gov.
Thank you again for your engagement in this matter.