At tomorrow’s meeting, the College Park City Council will consider purchasing a vacant property at 4916 Tecumseh Street for potential future public use.
The property is a vacant residential parcel of approximately 12,909 square feet, or 0.29 acres, and is zoned RSF-65. It includes an unusable detached two-car garage, as well as a culvert along the rear of the property. Importantly, the property is adjacent to two parcels already owned by the City at 8807 and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue, making its acquisition potentially useful for future City initiatives.
The property was listed for sale for $150,000. City staff obtained an estimate of approximately $6,000 to demolish and remove the existing garage and debris. Under the proposed purchase agreement, the seller, Epcot MD LLC, would provide the City with a $6,000 credit, bringing the proposed purchase price down to $144,000, plus settlement costs. Funding is available through the City’s Capital Improvement Program for property acquisition.
What Could the Property Be Used For?
The City has not yet committed to a specific use for the property. One possibility identified by staff is creating long-term, owner-occupied affordable housing, potentially through the College Park City-University Partnership (CPCUP). The City and CPCUP have already had preliminary discussions about a model similar to the affordable homeownership initiative being pursued at 5021 Lakeland Road.
Another possibility is retaining the property as open space or for another future public purpose. Purchasing the property now would give the City control of the land, while a final decision about its long-term use would be made separately in the future.
What Will the Council Consider Tuesday?
There are actually two related agenda items concerning 4916 Tecumseh Street.
First, under 26-G-88, the Council will consider approving the purchase contract for $144,000 plus settlement costs and authorizing the City Manager to proceed with the acquisition.
The Council will also consider introducing Ordinance 26-O-05, which formally authorizes the City to acquire the property for a public purpose. Under the proposed schedule, a public hearing on the ordinance would be held on September 21, when the Council could consider final adoption. If adopted, the ordinance would become effective October 12, with settlement anticipated by November 13. Before settlement, the City would conduct appropriate due diligence, including review of zoning, title, survey, utilities, environmental conditions, and development feasibility.
The proposed acquisition could give the City another opportunity to strategically assemble publicly owned land and explore options such as affordable homeownership or open space. However, Tuesday’s action would be about acquiring the property—not making a final decision about what will ultimately be built or located there.
Residents can share their comments on the proposed acquisition with the Mayor and City Council at cpmc@collegeparkmd.gov.