At next week’s meeting, the City Council will receive an update on potential annexation opportunities as part of ongoing discussions about College Park’s long-term growth and development.
College Park currently spans approximately 5.68 square miles, and staff have identified two general areas—adjacent to District 4 and District 1—for initial consideration. At this stage, these are conceptual areas for discussion, not formal proposals.
Why Annexation Matters
Annexation is the process by which a city expands its boundaries to include nearby unincorporated land. In Maryland, it has long been used as a tool to:
- Guide economic development
- Improve quality of life
- Support long-term fiscal sustainability
- Strengthen local control over land use decisions
For College Park, annexation is particularly relevant as the region continues to grow and evolve.
A key factor shaping this discussion is the potential future of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). With federal plans under consideration to close or repurpose portions of BARC, annexation could help ensure that any future development aligns with the City’s planning goals while also preserving opportunities for research, sustainability, and partnerships.
Council’s Direction: Targeted and Strategic
During prior discussions, the Council made it clear that it is not interested in large-scale or speculative annexation. Instead, there is a strong preference for a targeted, strategic approach focused on properties that:
- Are directly adjacent to current City boundaries
- Represent logical extensions of the City
- Support long-term planning, sustainability, and fiscal health
Councilmembers also emphasized that any annexation should not create a financial burden on the City.
Two Conceptual Annexation Paths
Based on Council feedback, staff have outlined two general annexation concepts:
Option One: District 4–Adjacent Areas
This option focuses on properties near District 4, many of which are institutional or tax-exempt. These include land owned by:
- The University of Maryland
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Religious institutions
- Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC)
There are also a few privately owned parcels, which would require property owner consent. The goal of this option is to “round out” and strengthen the City’s existing boundaries, creating a more cohesive municipal footprint.
Option Two: District 1–Adjacent Areas
This option includes areas near and largely surrounded by District 1, such as:
- Sunnyside Park
- The National Agricultural Library along Route 1
- Additional USDA-owned lands east of Rhode Island Avenue
These areas are already closely connected to the City and are often perceived by residents as part of College Park. Annexation here could formalize that relationship and improve coordination.
Early Stage: No Decisions Yet
It’s important to note that both options are preliminary and illustrative. No formal annexation action is being requested at this time. Staff are currently:
- Seeking cost estimates for surveying the proposed areas
- Reviewing boundaries to ensure compliance with State law (including avoiding “municipal islands”)
Once that information is available, staff will return to the Council with more detailed recommendations.
Key Considerations Moving Forward
As the City evaluates annexation, several important factors will guide decision-making:
- Service delivery: Some annexed areas may require minimal services, especially federally owned land, while others may require additional infrastructure or maintenance.
- Roadway responsibilities: Clear coordination with the County will be needed for road ownership and maintenance.
- Community identity: Annexation also raises important questions about how new areas are integrated into the City and how the City communicates its vision for growth.
What Comes Next
The next steps will likely include:
- Refining potential annexation boundaries
- Reviewing costs and feasibility
- Considering a phased approach
- Exploring legal and procedural requirements
Any future annexation would also require public input, formal Council action, and compliance with Maryland’s annexation laws.
Looking Ahead
This annexation update represents an early but important step in planning for College Park’s future. By taking a thoughtful and strategic approach, the City is positioning itself to manage growth in a way that strengthens the community, supports economic development, and maintains a high quality of life.
John Euill
Meanwhile, Cool Spring Terrace, within walking distance to campus, remains unincorporated. Many university students rent there and walk to campus because of its proximity.