The City of College Park’s Restorative Justice Commission is continuing its efforts to acknowledge and address the harms caused by urban renewal in the historic Lakeland community through the Lakeland Legacy Member Program.
From the 1960s through the mid-1980s, urban renewal dramatically changed Lakeland. During that period, 104 of the community’s 150 households were displaced, family homes were demolished, and generations of opportunities for homeownership and wealth-building were disrupted. These changes had a profound impact on one of College Park’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods.
The Lakeland Legacy Member designation is intended to recognize Lakelanders and their descendants who experienced harm as a result of urban renewal. In addition to honoring their experiences, the designation may help identify recipients of future restorative programs.
Applications are open from May 1 through October 30, 2026. Individuals who lived in the Lakeland urban renewal area during that time, as well as descendants of Lakeland residents, are encouraged to apply. Applicants from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are welcome, regardless of where they currently live. Those who were displaced, those who remained in the community, and individuals who lost property are all eligible to apply.
The Lakeland Legacy Member Program is another step in the City’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, restoration, and preserving the history and legacy of the Lakeland community.
To learn more, determine your eligibility, and submit an application, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/lakelandlegacy.