At tonight’s City Council meeting, we’ll consider a range of important items, including a property acquisition in Lakeland, funding for playground improvements, and policy updates on bike lane parking and housing overcrowding. We’ll also introduce the City’s annual strategic plan objectives and honor our ongoing efforts to become more age-friendly.

Read on for a full summary of each agenda item.

Proclamation Recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month
The Council will issue a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of College Park. This annual observance highlights the vital role parks, recreation, and open spaces play in building healthy communities and improving residents’ quality of life. Through public parks, trails, and recreational programs, College Park continues to promote wellness, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Purchase of 5021 Lakeland Road (Item 25-G-61 & 25-O-07)
The Council will hold a public hearing and then vote on final approval of a contract to purchase 5021 Lakeland Road from Aldo Vega Herbas for $200,000, plus settlement costs. The .18-acre corner lot in the Lakeland neighborhood was previously home to a student rental but is now vacant. This acquisition is a strategic investment designed to enhance open space and facilitate development in line with the neighborhood’s character and community needs. The specific use will be determined later with community input. Here you can read more here about this property acquisition .

Approval of FY26 Strategic Plan Objectives (Item 25-G-62)
The Council will review and approve the City’s strategic objectives for Fiscal Year 2026. These objectives guide annual budgeting and departmental planning, aligning efforts across government to advance key priorities in sustainability, equity, safety, and infrastructure. By adopting the objectives now, the Council ensures early alignment as departments begin planning their FY26 work plans and budgets in the fall.

Appointment of FY26 AARP Age-Friendly Action Plan Project Lead (Item 25-G-63)
The City will contract with former City Clerk Janeen S. Miller to serve as the Project Lead for implementing our AARP Age-Friendly Action Plan in FY26. The plan, adopted in 2023, outlines steps to make College Park more accessible and inclusive for older adults. Ms. Miller will coordinate across departments and with community partners to execute priority actions from the plan.
Financial impact: To be paid from previously budgeted AARP Age-Friendly Plan funds

Planning Commission Recommendations for Two Variance Applications (Items 25-R-08 & 25-R-09)
The Council will vote on two resolutions to adopt the Advisory Planning Commission’s recommendations for property variance requests:
• 4904 Nantucket Road (CPV-2025-03): The applicant is seeking a variance related to side yard setbacks to build a home addition.
• 9003 51st Avenue (CPV-2025-04): The applicant is requesting a variance for a rear yard setback for a deck.
These approvals support residents’ efforts to improve their homes while maintaining alignment with the City’s zoning code and neighborhood standards.

Calvert Hills Playground Renovation Contract (Item 25-G-66)
The Council will consider awarding a construction contract to Playground Specialists Inc. for $118,199 to renovate the school-age playground and swing bay at Calvert Hills Playground. This project will improve safety and accessibility and replace aging equipment with modern, inclusive features. The renovation is a priority in the City’s Parks Capital Improvement Plan. Please read more about the plan here .

Introduction of Ordinance on Bike Lane Parking Prohibitions (Item 25-O-06)
The Council will introduce an ordinance to prohibit parking or standing vehicles in designated bike lanes, reinforcing the City’s commitment to bicycle safety. The ordinance will also update Chapter 110 (Fees and Penalties) to reflect enforcement provisions. This change is in line with Vision Zero goals to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities and respond to resident concerns about blocked bike lanes. Read more here .

Appointment of Advisory Board Members (Item 25-G-64)
The Council will vote on a new slate of appointments and reappointments to City advisory boards for three-year terms beginning July 1. This new appointees include Donald Hayes to the Advisory Planning Commission, Andrew Kulemeka to the Affordable Housing Task Force, Matthew Sawyer to the Noise Control Board, and Suzie Bellamy to the Veterans Memorial Committee. Advisory boards provide residents an opportunity to contribute directly to City policies and programs.

Request for Agenda Items for the Four Cities Meeting (Item 25-G-65)
The Council will compile and approve discussion topics for the upcoming Four Cities Meeting, hosted by New Carrollton on July 24. The Four Cities coalition includes College Park, Greenbelt, Berwyn Heights, and New Carrollton and provides a forum for regional collaboration on transit, development, and public safety issues.

Worksession: Overcrowding Policy
The Council will hold a worksession to discuss a proposed City policy to address overcrowding in residential homes. Overcrowding can negatively impact housing quality, neighborhood stability, and safety. The policy would define overcrowding thresholds and empower the City to respond with education and enforcement as needed. Please read more here .

Worksession: Revisions to the Revitalization Tax Credit Program
Staff will present proposed changes to the City’s Revitalization Tax Credit program to better align with economic development goals and improve clarity for applicants. The revisions aim to streamline the process and ensure the program remains a useful tool in attracting reinvestment in aging commercial corridors and mixed-use development areas. Please read more here .

Please join us in person at City Hall or online via Zoom for the July 1 Council Meeting at 7:30 PM. Here is the Zoom link . As always, your participation is welcome and appreciated.

Let me know if you’d like to share comments or have questions about these items at the meeting.

Yours in service,

Fazlul Kabir
Mayor, College Park
https://KabirCares.org

[Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of mine alone and are not necessarily those of the City of College Park or any other organization that I’m officially affiliated with]