At next week’s City Council meeting on July 8, the Council will review a set of policy proposals aimed at addressing the historical impacts of urban renewal on the Lakeland neighborhood. These recommendations come from a report developed in collaboration with the Restorative Justice Commission (RJC) and the African American Redress Network (AARN), a research team contracted by the City in December 2024 to assist with historical documentation and policy development.

You can read the report here on City’s website (page 89).

The report is part of the City’s ongoing restorative justice initiative, launched in response to past redevelopment efforts that significantly altered the Lakeland community, which was historically home to many of College Park’s Black families. The document explores how those actions continue to influence housing, health, environment, transportation, and education in Lakeland today and outlines proposals for local policy consideration.

About the Report

The report was developed over six months by AARN, using historical research, property records, oral histories, and planning documents. It aims to link documented historical events to present-day conditions and offer a series of policy options that the City could consider as part of its ongoing restorative justice work. The report does not represent final City policy but serves as a framework for further discussion.

Key Policy Proposals

Housing

  • Compensation for Past Home Sales Below Market Value
    The report notes that properties acquired during the urban renewal period may have been purchased for amounts significantly below their market value at the time. It recommends exploring options for compensation that reflect the difference between those historical sales and the properties’ market values.

  • Return to Lakeland Program
    Many families displaced by redevelopment did not return. The report suggests developing a program to assist displaced residents and their descendants in relocating back to Lakeland, if they wish to do so.

Health and Environment

  • Improved Access to Lake Artemesia
    The report proposes exploring improvements to trail and park access for Lakeland residents, including those with mobility limitations, to ensure equitable use of nearby recreational resources.

  • Net Metering and Infrastructure Resilience
    Lakeland experienced a history of delayed utility infrastructure and periodic flooding. The report recommends considering sustainability efforts such as community-based solar programs and reviewing flood mitigation planning in light of climate change risks.

Transportation

  • Transportation Access Program
    Historically, the Lakeland community relied on the now-defunct streetcar system. The report proposes evaluating the feasibility of a free or reduced fare transit pass for Lakeland residents and improving connectivity between the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Education

  • University of Maryland Tuition Assistance
    The report outlines the role that Lakeland residents played in supporting the University of Maryland as workers over the decades. It recommends exploring a partnership that would provide tuition-free access to UMD for Lakeland residents and their descendants.

  • Support for K–12 Public Schools
    Academic performance data for neighborhood schools indicates room for improvement. The report recommends evaluating investments or support programs at Paint Branch Elementary, Buck Lodge Middle, and Parkdale High Schools.

Next Steps

City staff have included these recommendations in the July 9 Council agenda for initial review and discussion. No final decisions will be made at that meeting, but the Council may provide direction for how to proceed, including additional community engagement, feasibility assessments, or development of formal implementation plans.

The report is intended to be a resource for policymakers, residents, and community partners as the City continues its work to support equity and inclusion. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom to learn more and provide input.

📅 Council Meeting: Tuesday, July 9, 2025
🕢 7:30 PM | 📍 College Park City Hall or online via Zoom
🔗 https://zoom.us/j/92398574069