april2026_collegepark_web

City manager unveils $31.5M budget proposal

By SHARON O’MALLEY

College Park’s city manager on March 20 proposed a $31.5 million budget for fiscal year 2027. For the second year, the city is not proposing a property tax increase. The last increase—the first one in a decade—came in fiscal year 2025, when the city raised residential property taxes by 11%, from 30.18 cents to 33.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, and commercial property taxes by 16%, moving from 33.18 cents to 38.5 cents.

College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir described the proposal as a "balanced and forwardlooking plan that continues our commitment to strong services,

fiscal responsibility and strategic investment."

The budget is balanced, but it is $1.67 million larger than last year.

While the tax rate remains unchanged, the city expects to collect nearly an additional $640,000 in real estate property taxes resulting from new development and rising property assessments, according to the proposal, which City Manager Kenny Young submitted to the College Park City Council.

In addition, the city is counting on a projected $655,000 boost in net revenue over last year resulting from the installation of five stop sign cameras College Park Mayor

looking.”

GIUSEPPE LOPICCOLO

Task force finds ‘crisis-level’ gap in affordable housing

By SHARON O’MALLEY

College Park faces a shortage of 1,265 affordable units for its lowest-income renters, a situation the city’s Affordable Housing Task Force has labeled a "crisislevel policy issue" that disproportionately affects essential workers, seniors and families with children.

The task force, which the College Park City Council appointed in April 2025, offered a sweeping menu of recommendations, ranging from legislative bans on hidden apartment fees to long-

term strategies like helping residents buy houses on land owned by the College Park Community Preservation Trust to keep the price of first homes lower.

And members warned that small, incremental changes would not be enough to bridge the housing affordability gap.

“Half-measures and anemic action may exacerbate housing affordability challenges,” according to the report.

"Affordability may be the No. 1 issue in the country, and housing is No. 1 of that No. 1," City Councilmember Ray Ranker (District 3)

said at a March 10 council worksession.

His interpretation of the report, he said, is: “Go big or don’t do anything. … I think that’s wise advice.”

The council charged the task force with evaluating the city’s existing housing stock, identifying barriers to affordability, analyzing city and county housing programs, and recommending strategies and priorities.

“We need to build more housing, that’s true,” task force Chair Jonathan Riedel told the council.

Candidates line up for county council elections

By SHARON O'MALLEY

Three candidates are running for the District 1 Prince George’s County Council seat left open by four-term Councilmember Tom Dernoga, including Dernoga’s chief of staff and a former Laurel City Councilmember who was convicted of misdemeanor assault in 2014.

Primary Election Day is June 23.

District 1 covers North College Park, Laurel and Beltsville.

Dernoga, a Laurel resident and Democrat who served from 2002 to 2010 and again from 2018 to

2026, is unable to run for re-election this year because of term limits on councilmembers.

Candidate Martin Mitchell, a political and public affairs consultant, was a Laurel City Councilmember for one term from 2021 to 2023 and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2023. About a decade earlier, while he was a student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, he was charged with a sex offense and assault. In 2014, he entered an Alford plea to misdemeanor second-degree assault—in which

A community newspaper chronicling the here and now of College Park, Maryland.

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Wellesley Drive homeowners object to sidewalk project

By SHARON O’MALLEY

A representative of College Park’s public works staff on March 11 offered residents who live on and near Wellesley Drive in the College Park Estates neighborhood the option of locating a new sidewalk on the north or south sides of the street but ran into opposition from homeowners who said they don’t want a sidewalk at all.

The sidewalk, which is part of a Complete and Green Streets plan adopted by the College Park City Council in 2016, would stretch from Edmonston Road to Sweetbriar Drive once it is completed in 2028.

“I honestly find this expansion completely unnecessary,” Ken Hanscomb, who lives on Wellesley Drive, said at the virtual meeting, which included two consultants from the engineering firm working on the sidewalk design. “This is a very quiet, safe street.”

Hanscomb’s Wellesley Drive neighbor, Matt English, objected to the timing of the meeting, which drew approximately 20 attendees, mostly residents of Sweetbriar Drive.

“It sounds like you guys are coming to us for public feedback but it sounds like the decision was already made,” English said. “I’m not sure I understand the public engagement process here.”

Jacob Vassalotti, who works in the engineering division of the city’s Department of Public Works, said the city council se-

ed to speak at any Tuesday evening city council meeting on any topic.

Vassalotti said the city sent a survey about the sidewalk to Wellesley residents in October and publicized the project through a Weekly Bulletin, and promised a second public meeting once the city council approves the sidewalk’s location. Tom Litke of the College Park Estates Civic Association said the mailing list might be incomplete. Litke lives on Sweetbriar Drive.

Hanscomb objected to a requirement that residents whose homes are on the same side as the sidewalk must shovel snow from it.

“I don’t want the extra effort of shoveling five-plus more feet of ice and snow,” Hanscomb said, referring to the accumulation from the late January snowstorm.

Shari Hanscomb, Hanscomb’s wife, agreed.

“My biggest concern with the sidewalk is shoveling,” she said. “We didn’t purchase the house with a sidewalk.”

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lected the Wellesley Drive sidewalk as a priority in 2021 and since then has funded the project’s design phase.

Michael Williams, who lives on Wellesley Drive and works for the city as its economic development director, said the public had an opportunity to offer input during last spring’s budget season when the city council considered spending on capital projects for fiscal year 2026.

Williams noted that residents are invit-

Town Center Market to continue serving alcoholic drinks on-site

By SHARON O’MALLEY

The Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners ruled March 11 that Town Center Market may continue to serve alcohol for customers to drink at the store.

The liquor board had challenged the market’s long-standing practice of selling draft beer and cocktails to customers for on-site consumption at the Riverdale Park location, saying holders of Class B+ liquor licenses may not allow patrons to drink onsite unless they also have a restaurant.

Before the market’s owner and supporters had a chance to speak in support of the tradition at the March 11 hearing, however, Board Chair Oretha Bridgwaters-Simms read a statement saying the board had decided to allow the 14-year-old liquor store to continue the practice.

“The board finds that the law permits on-site consumption of spirits without a requirement to offer food for sale,” Simms said.

But she said the liquor board has “major concerns with the business model” of Class B+ license holders without restaurants that

serve drinks to customers. She said the board “may seek a legislative clarification regarding the issue.”

Before the hearing, commission Director Terence Sheppard had characterized the board’s action as a sort of fact-finding mission rather than a disciplinary move.

The board’s decision reflected those statements.

In her statement during the hearing, Bridgwaters-Simms said the board put its decision on the record to clarify the law surrounding the Class B+ license and “to prevent further confusion.”

The market, located at 4705 Queensbury Road in the heart of Riverdale Park, is a gathering place for customers from College Park and other area neighborhoods, and features an outdoor patio where customers can drink beer and eat food they order from nearby restaurants.

Before the hearing, Prince George’s County Councilmember Eric Olson (District 3) sent a letter to Bridgwaters-Simms, calling the business “much more than a beer, wine and liquor store. With the addition of on-

She suggested that the same crews that shovel a two-year-old sidewalk on Edmonston Road—which is not attached to any residences—could also clear Wellesley’s new sidewalk.

Not all of the attendees objected to the sidewalk.

Wendy Williams, Michael Williams’ wife, said the sidewalk “not only will help for pedestrian foot traffic, but will help natural access onto Sweetbriar for access to [Lake Artemesia].”

draft

premises consumption, they have become a gathering place where all are welcome.” Olson pointed out that the law allows Class B+ license holders to serve alcohol to customers without the requirement of a kitchen serving hot meals.

Likewise, the College Park City Council threw its support behind the market in a Feb. 24 letter to Bridgwaters-Simms.

In the letter, College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir said the city “values businesses that contribute to regional economic vitality and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors,” adding, “Town Center Market has been a consistent presence within the broader Route One Corridor and its longstanding operations have helped foster a sense of place among our shared commercial corridors.”

AUTHORIZED BY FRIENDS OF MICHELLE

1. For 15 years, she’s worked with us, solving problems for College Park residents. She started as Joseline’s Chief of Staff, then as Community Liaison for our team, and most recently as Councilmember Tom Dernoga’s Chief of Staff.

2. No one works harder, no one cares more. We hear that again and again from College Park residents. Michelle is a tireless advocate who goes above and beyond — and puts in the extra hours — to make sure people get the help they need.

3. Like our whole Team, she’s a stand up Democrat. She understands that working families in College Park are under attack by Trump and his MAGA allies — from the University of Maryland and health insurance to American democracy itself. Michelle is the kind of fighter we need in these dangerous times.

Residents, councilmembers oppose planned new high school

By JALEN WADE and SHARON O’MALLEY

College Park residents told Prince George's County Councilmember Eric Olson (District 3) in March that they object to the building of a new Northern Adelphi Area High School just outside of the city.

The proposed 2,600-student school is slated for 9000 25th Ave., the site of the former Cherokee Lane Elementary School, about a quarter mile from the College Park Woods neighborhood.

“I don't understand why they need another big high school so close and not too far from High Point [High School] when they're saying all of our elementary schools are way past capacity,” Mayor Pro Tem Maria Mackie (District 4) said during the meeting. “And when you study the numbers on high schools, it just doesn't seem that it's needed.”

The project aims to relieve overcrowding at High Point and Parkdale high schools, but local leaders and neighbors said they are concerned about the project’s impact on traffic and the environment.

City Councilmember Denise

Mitchell (District 4) highlighted the "one way in, one way out" nature of the College Park Woods community. She warned that the added school traffic could paralyze the neighborhood, especially in case of an accident.

The project will include the building of an access road to connect the new building to nearby schools, according to Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS).

"That's very concerning because the road will definitely

affect our stormwater issues," Mackie said at the meeting. "But also, how close is that road going to be to Metzerott?"

The entrance to College Park Woods intersects with Metzerott Road.

Resident Suchitra Balachan-

dran, president of the West College Park Citizens Association, challenged a preliminary traffic study for the property that was conducted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think that study should be repeated now when the [University of Maryland] campus is in session,” Balachandran told College Park Here & Now after the meeting. “Why was the traffic study done during COVID and has not been repeated?”

PGCPS in March 2025 announced it would conduct a new traffic study and a pedestrian study to assess how the new school might affect the area.

Olson said he has worked to delay potential funding for the high school until 2030. Demolition of Cherokee Lane Elementary cannot occur until after fall 2027 because the building is temporarily housing Adelphi Elementary students until they can move to their permanent building in fall 2027.

Mitchell expressed frustration that the Board of Education appeared unconcerned with how College Park Woods residents feel about the project, which PGCPS has estimated will cost up to $250 million by the time it is completed in 2034.

Transition from snow to spring by inspecting yards, homes

By LIAD MUSSAFFI

The shovels are finally back in the garage after a January of heavy snow and lingering ice, but for College Park homeowners, the real work is just beginning.

Local experts say now is the critical window to inspect yards and homes for hidden winter damage before the spring growing season takes hold.

“It's as simple as assessing the situation first and then reacting,” homeowner Kamthorn Clary, president of the North College Park Community Association, said. “If there's nothing to react to, then it's planning and preparation.”

The January storm initially blanketed the streets in sparkly powder, but prolonged frigid temperatures turned it into solid ice.

“If we only have snow, it can actually help the plants [because] it insulates them,” Karen Petroff, director of landscape and special services at the University of Maryland, said. “What we had wasn't really snow; it was … a lot of ice.”

This mix of snow, sleet and ice damaged homes and vehicles.

“I've heard of leaks,” Clary said. “There have been frozen pipes, vehicular damage from the ice freezing to the cars and people trying to remove it preemptively … but mostly for property owners.”

Clary advised homeowners to inspect every aspect of their properties after every storm.

“It's taking that step back, looking at your property and then identifying immediate issues,” Clary said. “You can do it in an hour.”

As temperatures rise, the focus shifts to the landscape.

“One thing [homeowners] will want to do as the weather warms up is actually inspect their plants and see if any of the limbs are broken,” Petroff said, “because sometimes with weather, that breakage can leave a tear down the stem or down the trunk.”

Petroff warned that homeowners shouldn't assume a plant is dead if it doesn't turn green as early as usual; it may simply be windburned.

“Usually that's just a leaf problem, and those leaves will fall off and new leaves will replace them,” she said. “People shouldn't overreact. Give it some time.”

Homeowners should also check their lawns for damage.

“Just the physical weight [of the snow] and the fact that it's been covered for so long, there might be a bare patch in a lawn that could be reseeded,” Petroff said.

To optimize growth, she recommended raking the lawn and

January’s snow-and-ice storm took a toll on cars, lawns and homes. It’s time to make repairs.

SHARON O’MALLEY

covering it with seeds and soil to encourage spring germination.

According to Petroff, the best time to start growing a lawn is when temperatures consistently stay above 55 degrees.

She pointed to forsythia as a reliable natural indicator.

“That particular plant is just very predictable about how it reacts to ground temperature,” Petroff said. “That means the soil is getting to a temperature where

roots are starting to regrow, [and] seeds are starting to germinate.”

Homeowners should also watch for road salt damage.

“[It] increases the salt concentration and it dries out the roots of the plants,” Petroff said.

While this can be mitigated by rain or ground gypsum, Petroff advises physical removal where possible.

“You want to try and keep all of it away from the soil or any plant

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material, because it changes so many things in the soil,” she said.

Finally, Petroff noted that crape myrtles and cherry trees may experience diminished blooming.

“Flower buds are actually much more sensitive to cold than vegetative buds, [so] it might be that they don't flower as well,” she said.

Regardless of the season, Clary advised staying proactive about home and lawn maintenance.

“Don't assume this is never going to happen, because even if it happens once every 10 years, it only takes one [storm] to severely damage your property,” he said.

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Student liaisons bring new energy to role

By MACKENZIE PRINCE

Two University of Maryland (UMD) students have expanded their roles as student liaisons to

the College Park City Council. Juniors Nick DiSpirito, the student liaison, and deputy liaison Amira Abujuma created a 13-member Student Li-

aison Advisory Council to plan events, conduct research and grow the pair’s social media presence.

In addition, they enlisted more than two dozen students to speak in favor of a council ordinance to prevent landlords from pressuring tenants to resign their leases less than six months before the contracts expire, held a voter registration drive and have proposed a paid internship program that would match students with councilmembers.

a proposal for an early lease ordinance.

The ordinance, which the city council adopted in February, prevents landlords from asking tenants to renew their apartment leases until 180 days before the end of the lease. Abujuma said students have complained that some landlords reach out as early as a week after move-in asking about renewing for the following year.

body president and a former student liaison, said student involvement helps councilmembers effectively represent students’ needs.

“It means so much for city council members to hear directly from the people who live the issue, day-in and day-out,” Mirani said. “I’m fully in favor of any future efforts that Nick and Amira can take to bring more students into a place where decisions are happening.”

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“There are [student] liaisons who are more active and those who are less active,” John Rigg, a former city councilmember for District 3, said. “[DiSpirito and Abujuma] definitely count in the ‘more active’ [category], maybe even the most active student liaisons we have had the pleasure of [working] with.”

Both were involved with College Park issues even before taking on their roles. DiSpirito formerly worked with Rigg on pedestrian safety, and Abujuma served on the founding committee of the College Park Tenants Union.

At the start of their term in June, both said their main focus was affordable off-campus housing for students. Rigg said by the end of summer, the liaisons had approached him with

Abujuma said this is unfair to students, who are still adjusting to their new living situation at that time and may not know their plans for the following school year.

“You’re stuck with making this life-altering decision on whether or not to re-sign this lease or potentially go without housing for a few months as you look for other options,” Abujuma said. The new ordinance “will prevent landlords from continuing to profit and exploit students' need for housing.”

Both liaisons also spoke with University of Michigan students, who helped pass a similar proposal in Ann Arbor in 2024.

About 30 students testified, both in person and virtually, at the Nov. 12 council meeting in support of the ordinance. Dhruvak Mirani, the UMD student

DiSpirito and Abujuma said their new advisory council is another way to involve students in government affairs.

DiSpirito said the advisory council has improved student outreach with highly engaged members who are discussing city policy with professors and student organizations.

The liaisons’ proposal to place one paid student intern with each councilmember comes after recent federal budget cuts, which DiSpirito said have affected UMD students’ job prospects.

“By creating more locally based internship opportunities, we have the benefit of getting students back to work, but also allowing them to be more involved in local government,” DiSpirito said. “A really big thing [is] getting more young people civically engaged in local government.”

Rigg said he thinks highly of the liaisons’ work and how they approach their positions.

“They [came to me] with a defined issue [and] … a proposed solution, and a lot of evidence,” Rigg said. “It’s extremely effective advocacy on their part and extremely effective representation.”

News You Can Use College Park Seniors

April 2026

Falls are one of the most common and serious health risks facing older adults, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 adults experience a fall each year, often resulting in serious injuries such as fractures or head trauma. Because most falls happen at home, improving home safety is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and protect independence.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) stresses that small changes in the home environment can make a big difference. Common hazards include loose rugs, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, and stairs without handrails. Seniors are encouraged to remove tripping hazards, secure or remove throw rugs, and keep frequently used items within easy reach. Installing grab bars in bathrooms, handrails on both sides of stairways, and non-slip mats in tubs and showers can greatly reduce the chance of falling. The CDC also recommends improving lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways, staircases, and entryways. Wearing supportive, non-slip shoes indoors adds another layer of protection.

The NIA also stresses the benefits of improving balance and muscle weakness in preventing falls. Regular strength and balance exercises through classes like

Tai Chi, yoga, or other senior-focused programs can help. The College Park Senior Advisory Committee is launching a Fall Prevention Campaign to help keep residents safe. Part 1 is the Grab Bar Rebate Program and Part 2 is the distribution of Fall Prevention Kits.

GRAB BAR REBATE PROGRAM:

College Park homeowners over the age of 62 may receive a $150 rebate for the purchase and/ or installation of a grab bar in their home. The homeowner arranges for the purchase/installation using their own contractor (the City is not involved). Installation must occur after March 1, 2026 in a single-family home in the City of College Park. After installation, apply at www.collegeparkmd. gov/grabbarrebate. Applications are also available from the Department of Youth, Family and Senior Services (YFSS) or by calling 240-487-3550. Proof of age, installation, and purchase is required. One rebate per household. The rebate cannot exceed the total cost. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, firstserved basis. For more information, contact agefriendlycommunity@ collegeparkmd.gov or call YFSS at 240-487-3550.

FALL PREVENTION KITS:

The Senior Advisory Committee will distribute Fall Prevention Kits to

improve home safety and reduce fall risks for seniors in College Park. Each kit includes doublesided rug tape, non-slip bathtub treads, motion sensor night lights, and educational materials from the CDC.

Kits will be distributed to City of College Park residents over the age of 62 at the following events:

• Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. at the College Park Woods Clubhouse (3545 Marlbrough Way)

• Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Branchville Volunteer Fire Department, 4905 Branchville Road (Heroes Hall, 2nd floor)

• Saturday, June 27, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market, 9803 Rhode Island Avenue

Additional locations will be announced. Proof of residency required. By prioritizing home safety and following guidance from the CDC and NIA, seniors can significantly lower their risk of falls and continue living safely and confidently at home.

UPCOMING SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE EVENTS

Senior Advisory Committee events are free and do not require registration. We hope you can join us!

• Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. – College Park Woods Clubhouse.

• Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. – College Park Woods Clubhouse (Community Connections: Gardening)

• Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. – Lakeland College Park Community Center (Introduction to Pickleball)

• Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. – College Park Woods Clubhouse (Game Day)

• Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. – College Park Woods Clubhouse (Fall Prevention Speaker and Kit Distribution)

• Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. – College Park Woods Clubhouse (Game Day)

• Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. – College Park Woods Clubhouse (Family Fun: Summer Ice Cream Social)

• Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. – College Park Woods Clubhouse (Game Day)

Brought to you by Age Friendly College Park, part of the AARP Age Friendly Communities network. The initiative is sponsored by the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park and coordinated by the Department of Youth, Family and Senior Services and the Senior Advisory Committee. For more information or to volunteer, contact agefriendlycommunity@ collegeparkmd.gov.

Calvert Hills Playground reopens after upgrades

By ELIZABETH FARAGI and SHARON O’MALLEY

An upgrade of the school-age section of Calvert Hills Playground and Athletic Field was completed in early March after two years of planning.

The playground on Calvert Road has a new swing set and other play structures as part of a larger project to restore playgrounds around College Park.

Former College Park City Coun-

cilmember John Rigg helped move the Calvert Hills project forward.

funded the $118,000 project.

An attached toddler section of the Calvert Hills Playground received a facelift in early 2024 as part of a $1.1 million, citywide capital improvement project. That initiative bundled the renovation of six neighborhood play spaces, all completed by July 2024.

Citizens Association, explained that the city worked closely with the group to create a playground that the neighborhood could support.

“I advocated for upgrades to all of our playground equipment, including at that park but not exclusive to that park,” Rigg, who lives in Calvert Hills and represented District 3 until December, said. “In my eight years on council, the thing that I derived the most undiluted joy from was helping the community develop parks and playgrounds. People just love them.”

The new equipment at Calvert Hills includes a two-level play structure for children ages 5 to 12. The module includes slides, monkey bars, a mini climbing wall and a bridge from Playground Specialists.

It also includes the city’s only We-Go-Round, a wheelchairaccessible spinner.

The other five playgrounds are located at pocket parks in Old Town and The Mews; neighborhood playgrounds at Muskogee and Davis Field; and the larger Hollywood Park.

In a separate project, the playground at Lakeland Neighborhood Park got a total overhaul before reopening in March 2024. The renovation created separate play areas for toddlers and older children.

The project was a joint effort by the city and the MarylandNational Capital Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).

M-NCPPC also renovated a county-owned playground at the College Park Community Center.

The Calvert Hills site features bright blue and green colors, as well as swings that can support a child’s full body, allowing children with physical and mental disabilities to play on them.

The city’s Planning and Community Development Department and Department of Public Works managed the project. Because part of the funding came from the state, Rigg said, the playground and its equipment had to mirror what was there before.

“The grant funding in particular could really only be used for things that were substantially the same scope and size as the current playground equipment,” Rigg said. “We couldn’t double the size of it.”

Since its reopening last month, neighborhood parents have given the space positive reviews, Oates said.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the city of College Park’s Capital Improvement Program jointly

And a playground that is part of the city’s $7.9 million Duvall FIeld renovation is expected to open this summer.

City Councilmember Daniel Oates (District 3), the former president of the Calvert Hills

“It makes me so happy that people derive joy and satisfaction from this type of project,” Rigg said. “I walked over the other day and people were playing happily. I was so happy.”

COLLEGE PARK POST

Back for the 2026 Season

Fresh finds, local vendors, and live music every Saturday

Mark your calendars — the Hollywood Farmers Market returns on Saturday, April 11th, and will run every Saturday through November 21, 2026! Join us from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 9803 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD, for a vibrant market filled with fresh, locallygrown produce, handmade goods, and more!

Each Saturday, enjoy live music from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM while you shop. We’re excited to welcome a fantastic group of vendors (many returning from last year), including:

• McCleafs Orchard

• Blue Berwyn Farm

• Waltz Family Farm

• Ad Astra Farms, LLC

• Silver Mapleyard Farm

• Two Oceans Seafoods

• Sugar Plug

• Alcoba Coffee

• Shmidt Spirits

• Pupuseria & Taqueria El Solecito

• Thai Amity Kitchen

• Honey Glow

• Practical Botanicals

• Hilary Katherine Beall Studio Art

• Artemiya Local Jewelry

• Door By Door Wreaths

• Sheree Harvest

• Moonlight Studios

• A Little Pottery

Every week, we’ll have live music from local musicians for market goers to enjoy while they shop. Visit www.hollywoodmarket.org every week for that week’s list of vendors, what’s in season at the market, performers, and special guests or activities.

Did you know that if you use SNAP, WIC, or other food benefits, that you can get free dollars to use at the Hollywood Market? Many items can be purchased with SNAP/WIC including fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, dairy, honey, breads and other baked goods, seeds, plants, herbs, oils, and mushrooms. Visit our information booth at the market for details and how to get started.

Whether you’re picking up farm-fresh produce, enjoying a meal, or finding something special, the Hollywood Farmers Market is the place to be this season. We look forward to seeing you there!

Advisory Board Volunteer Recruitment Now Open

Get involved and help shape your community

The City of College Park is now accepting applications for residents interested in serving on City advisory boards and committees. These volunteer opportunities allow community members to contribute their ideas, share expertise, and help guide important initiatives that impact the City.

Advisory boards play a key role in supporting the Mayor and Council by providing input on a range of topics, programs, and policies. Serving on a board is a great way to stay engaged,

represent your community, and make a meaningful difference in College Park.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 8, 2026. Residents can apply by visiting the City’s website and selecting the “Apply to be on a City Board or Committee” option. Please note that all applications expire on September 1 of each year.

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at cityclerkoffice@collegeparkmd. gov or 240-487-3501.

FY2027 Proposed Budget Now Available

Review the City’s financial plan and upcoming budget process

The City of College Park invites residents to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The budget process is designed to be transparent and ensure decisions remain ethical, accountable, and responsive to community needs.

The City operates on a fiscal year from July 1 through June 30. Each year, the process begins in late December with guidance from the City Manager, followed by departmental budget requests submitted in January. These requests are reviewed and refined before being presented to the City Council.

The City Council will review the proposed budget during a public

work session on April 11. A budget ordinance is then introduced in April, followed by a public hearing in May. In accordance with the City Charter, the final budget must be adopted by May 31.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged throughout the process. The FY2027 Proposed Budget, along with current and previous budgets from 2013–2026 and upcoming budget schedules, can be viewed at:www.collegeparkmd. gov/citybudget

Printed copies of the City’s budget are available upon request. To receive a copy, please email financedepartment@ collegeparkmd.gov.

Cleanup Saturdays & Shredding Event

Spring cleanup opportunities for College

The City of College Park invites residents to take part in Cleanup Saturdays this spring at the Department of Public Works facility. These events offer a convenient way to dispose of bulky items and recycle materials while helping keep the community clean.

Cleanup Saturdays will be held on April 11, 18, and 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Public Works (9217 51st Avenue). City residents may drop off bulky trash, white goods, electronics, brush, and yard trim. Bulk trash brought on cleanup days does not count toward scheduled limits, and there are no fees for appliances, televisions, or monitors. A $4 fee applies for all tires.

Residents must bring proof of City residency to participate. Cleanup services are limited to residents, but mulch and compost may be purchased during event hours.

ACCEPTED & NOT ACCEPTED ITEMS

Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes (small quantities) will be accepted if intact, along with household

Supporting pollinators through No-Mow April

The City of College Park is encouraging its residents to reduce or refrain from mowing their lawns in support of local pollinators during the month of April. “No-Mow April” is an initiative of the City’s Bee City USA Committee and is sanctioned by the Mayor and Council to encourage property owners to help our native pollinators grow and thrive during this critical period in their life cycle.

Park residents

batteries for recycling. Batteries must not be leaking, bulging, or cracked. Block Styrofoam, such as coolers and packing materials, will also be collected.

Items not accepted include bricks, concrete, rocks, and hazardous materials such as shingles, propane tanks, car batteries, paint, and smoke detectors.

DOCUMENT SHREDDING –ONE DAY ONLY

A document shredding event will take place on Saturday, May 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Residents may bring personal documents for secure, on-site shredding. All paper will be recycled after processing. Proof of City residency is required.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to safely dispose of materials and prepare for spring.

Brought to you by the City of College Park Department of Public Works. For more information, please contact publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov or visit www.collegeparkmd.gov.

Early Spring is a critical time for pollinators and the plants on which they rely. In our region, primarily during the months of March and April, pollinators emerge from overwintering and begin to forage in lawns and yards for food sources. Many plants within our lawns provide food and habitat for these early-emerging pollinators, and by eliminating or reducing lawn mowing, you can help their populations grow and thrive.

Pollinators are necessary for the reproduction of native plants as well as food crops, without them we wouldn’t be here! However, many of our native pollinator species are at risk, especially in urban areas, in part because they have lost much of their habitat to development (buildings, roads, and manicured lawns).

Participating in No Mow April is a small and easy step we can take to help early season pollinators that are foraging for food sources and habitat.

You probably don’t need another reason to delay the chore of mowing, but just in case, we’ll give you some – quality of life improvements, such as improved air quality, noise reduction, and

increased bird and beneficial insect biodiversity. As we allow our lawn plants to flower, we will be able to better enjoy nature as we look at our more colorful, varied landscape, and observe a diversity of pollinator species in our local ecosystem. By mowing less frequently and by participating in No-Mow April, you will allow plants in your lawn to flower which in turn help our local pollinators survive and reproduce, who then help more of our local plants produce. Plus, you may be surprised to see what colorful plants and pollinators may be living or foraging in your yard!

Want to participate? There is no registration for No Mow April - the College Park City Council passed Resolution 22-R-13 to permanently designate April as No Mow Month and waive the tall grass enforcement for College Park residents during April. Signage, denoting participation in No Mow April, is optional, and the City has a limited number of these colorful yard signs available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents who want to display support or help spread awareness of No Mow April may pick up a yard sign at Davis Hall, 9217 51st Ave, during business hours. Signs do not need to be returned at the end of the No Mow Month.

Interested in learning what more you can do to help our native pollinators? Visit www. collegeparkmd.gov/pollinators for tips, lists of pollinator friendly plants and local nurseries, and pollinator-friendly actions you can take, including the reduction or elimination of pesticide use and seasonal native plant give-aways.

City Announcements & Events

More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNITY MEETING

Monday, April 6, 2026 | Hybrid

Residents are invited to attend the City of College Park’s upcoming Public Safety Community Meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026. These meetings offer an opportunity to stay informed about local safety efforts, hear updates on ongoing initiatives, and share feedback on neighborhood concerns affecting the community.

City staff and representatives will be available to provide updates, discuss recent efforts, and answer questions from residents. Additional details, including meeting time and participation options, will be shared on the City’s website. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and take part in the conversation.

2026 CONVO CLUB

A space for middle school students to connect and be heard

Convo Club is a welcoming space where middle school students can talk about the things that matter most to them. Through guided conversations and group activities, participants will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, hear different perspectives, and build confidence expressing themselves in a supportive environment.

Group sessions are held on Wednesdays from 6:00–7:00 PM, with separate groups for girls and boys. The girls group will meet April 8, 15, 22, and 29, and the boys group will meet May 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2026.

Space is limited — register by April 1, 2026 to reserve your spot. To sign up, call Youth & Family Services at 240-487-3550. Participants must be residents of Prince George’s County.

THE COPA CASINO & LOUNGE

Friday, April 10, 2026 | 3:00–6:00 PM | College Park Woods Clubhouse (3545 Marlborough Way)

Originally postponed due to weather conditions, The CoPa Casino & Lounge has been

rescheduled for Friday, April 10. Join the City of College Park for a fun and lively afternoon designed especially for seniors ages 55 and over.

Enjoy classic casino-style games like Roulette and Blackjack while listening to live music by Wendall Rakosky, a Sinatra tribute artist performing timeless favorites. Guests will receive “College Park Bucks” to use at the gaming tables, which can be exchanged for prizes at the end of the event.

Whether you’re testing your luck at the tables or enjoying the music and atmosphere, this event offers a great opportunity to socialize, have fun, and connect with others in the community.

This is a free event for seniors ages 55+. For more information, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/copa.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE

MAY 8 | 6:30PM | City Hall (7401 Baltimore Avenue)

Friday Night LIVE is College Park’s popular summer concert series, bringing live music and community fun to City Hall on select Fridays from May through August. Enjoy performances from a variety of bands featuring diverse musical styles and energetic sounds.

Kids can take part in interactive activities and games, while adults can enjoy a variety of food options and beverages available for purchase.

Free parking will be available at the Downtown Parking Garage at the corner of Yale Avenue and Knox Road. Come enjoy a night of music, community, and summer fun. Learn more at collegeparkmd. gov/FNL.

SPRING STREET FAIR

MAY 17 | 12-4PM | Davis Hall (9217 51st Avenue)

Celebrate spring at the Spring Street Fair in College Park! Enjoy arts and crafts vendors, live demonstrations, food trucks, music, and activities for all ages. Learn more at collegeparkmd.gov/ springfair.

J O I N T H E O U T D O O R

Memberships are offered in individual and family packages

In partnership with the City of College Park, all College Park residents will receive 30% off an Outdoor Aquatic Center individual or family membership

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Find more local events all month long in our online calendar at StreetcarSuburbs.News/events

Our calendar includes many events and meetings sponsored by the City of College Park and local nonprofits, including arts organizations and performance venues, occurring between April 1-30. For additional events and meetings organized by the city, see the College Park Post newsletter in this paper’s centerfold. Find more local events all month long in our new continuously updated online calendar, streetcarsuburbs.news/events. Please send notices of events taking place between May 1-30 to jalen@streetcarsuburbs. news by April 20.

APRIL 1

Community Connections. Prince George’s County will host the popular Forever Fit program. Come for stretching, games and health tips. Free. 1 p.m. College Park Woods Clubhouse (3545 Marlbrough Way). For more information visit agefriendlycommunity@ collegeparkmd.gov.

APRIL 2

Commemorating America's 250th. Through 2026, use your Passport to travel through time and discover the real stories of the people who built and shaped Prince George’s County by collecting stamps at museums. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. College Park Aviation Museum, (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/ mr3aw77h.

Senior Social Events. Seniors can use this event as an opportunity to engage in mentally and physically active programs, socialize and meet new friends. Join fellow seniors for socializing, light refreshments and community games. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. College Park Woods Clubhouse (3545 Marlbrough Way). To RSVP, call 240-487-3614.

Guest Artist Series: Asiya Korepanova, Piano. Piano powerhouse Asiya Korepanova brings her emotionally charged and colorfully nuanced performance to The Clarice. Free. 8 p.m. Gildenhorn Recital Hall (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/2s3neja7.

APRIL 3

Spring Jazz Combo Concerts. Experience the soulful, syncopated sounds of jazz in two nights of chamber jazz featuring classic tunes performed

by the UMD jazz combos. Free. 7:30 p.m. Gildenhorn Recital Hall (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/3m9zkjet.

APRIL 4

Tarmac Tour. Explore the College Park Airport up close. Enjoy a tour of the airport’s tarmac while learning about the many firsts that happened on the airfield and how the airport is used today. $10. 11 a.m.-noon. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/y6255pbu.

APRIL 9

College Park Community Library Book Club. Meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m., at the College Park Community Library (9704 Rhode Island Ave.). April 9: “James” by Percival Everett. May 14: “Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights: A Novel” by Salman Rushdie.

APRIL 10

Conductors' Concert: UMD Symphony Orchestra and Wind Orchestra. The UMD Symphony Orchestra and UMD Wind Orchestra combine for this concert led by members of the graduate conducting studios. Free. 8 p.m. Dekelboum Concert Hall (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/4e9man6d.

APRIL 11

Voyager: From France to the Mediterranean. Ensemble Magdalena is thrilled to present a new program, Voyager: From France to the Mediterranean. This narrated concert loosely follows the life of Madeleine Lartessuti, a legendary Renaissance seafarer who frequented France, the Mediterranean and the British Isles. Free. 7:30 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/3f338mj9.

Trash-A- on – College Park Nursery School. College Park Nursery School celebrates Earth Month by hosting its annual Trash-A-Thon fundraiser, inviting families and community members to come together to clean up litter in our neighborhood and contribute to the school. Free. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. College Park Nursery School (St. Andrew's Church, 4512 College Ave.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/5ehcfpbh.

Sacred Circle Dance. Sacred Circle Dance is a collective dance experience that draws from ancient and traditional folk dances, many from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Women ages 8 and up. Free. 2-4 p.m. Dancing to wonderful music and rhythms. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/4256a82w.

Children Arts Drop-in: 3D Sculpture with Recycled Material. Drop-in features fun, materials-based activities for children ages 3-8 with their caregivers, led by Ian Blackwell Rogers, a local artist and early childhood educator with 30 years of experience. Free. 12:30-2 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information, visit https://tinyurl. com/3t4whv6k.

Fearless New Works Festival. The Fearless New Works Festival is back for a three-day exploration of new performances and works. $15. 2 p.m. Clarice Center For the Performing Arts (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/yc6zf4a9.

APRIL 12

Espressivo! Piano Quartet. Espressivo! Piano Quartet is a classical supergroup of four great artists with a passion for chamber music and remarkably expressive style. $35. 3 p.m. Gildenhorn Recital Hall (8270 Alumni Dr, Suite 3800). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/ctnsjh92.

APRIL 15

Game Day. Seniors can come to try a variety of different games and activities. Free. April 15. 1 p.m. (College Park Woods Clubhouse (3545 Marlbrough Way). For more information visit agefriendlycommunity@ collegeparkmd.gov.

APRIL 18

Beech Tree Puppets: Jack and the Beanstalk. Join young Jack as he climbs an enormous beanstalk to a castle in the sky. Don’t miss this classic English folktale, brought to life with beautifully hand-crafted puppets and sets, along with heartwarming music. Free. 3-4 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/32ec2r8u.

Acoustic Rock and Soul Night. An evening when music brings together a community that celebrates individuality and the

power of sound. Whether you’re a rock enthusiast, a soul seeker, or just someone who loves a good tune, this is the place to be. Free. 7-10 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/549vz8dm.

APRIL 19

Needle Arts Club. Participate in community building through stitching with the needle art of your choice. Free. 5-8 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/4x7zzxev.

APRIL 21

Book Club on Zoom. Book club with a focus on female writers. This month's book is “Bossy Pants” by Tina Fey. May 19: “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan. Free. 7-8 p.m. College Park Community Library (9704 Rhode Island Ave.). For more information, visit tinyurl.com/46vd5jz9.

APRIL 24

Sip and Support. Holy Redeemer Catholic School hosts its third annual Sip and Support event. Sample cutting-edge Maryland craft beer, liquor and spirits, and eat some delicious BBQ. $33.85. 6-9 p.m. Holy Redeemer Catholic Church (4902 Berwyn Rd.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/5xye4cpb.

APRIL 25

Maryland Day 2026. Celebrate the University of Maryland's annual open house, featuring artistic and creative performances, experiences and activities across the campus. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. UMD. For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/bdffy82w.

APRIL 28

College Park Arts ExchangeArt Club. Spend your evening creating art with neighbors. Bring your own art project and materials. This is not an art class, but each meeting will begin with a group warmup. Adults only. Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/478zjxbv.

UPCOMING

MAY 17

Spring Street Fair. This familyfriendly event will feature a variety of exciting activities for all ages, including arts and crafts vendors, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, planting and painting activities, children’s crafts, food trucks, live music, wandering performers and spring-time fun. Free. 12-4 p.m. For more information visit (9217 51st Ave.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/5n7srvcb.

But he noted that supply is “only one leg of the three-legged stool” of affordability, which also includes stability and subsidy.

“Don’t ignore those two legs of this stool.”

The task force recommended that the city diversify its housing stock after finding that 51% of units across College Park are in multifamily buildings with more than five apartments. The second most prominent housing type is single-family homes.

The group cited data showing that despite a 78% increase in housing units since 2000, affordability has worsened. Home values rose 72% between 2000 and 2023, while inflation-adjusted median household incomes decreased.

A recurring theme at the meeting was the need for stricter en-

forcement of existing laws.

Councilmember Kelly Jordan (District 2) noted that failing to enforce rental licensing requirements amounts to an indirect subsidy for noncompliant landlords.

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"When we don’t enforce our rental licenses ... it’s an effective subsidy” she said. “They don’t have to go through licensing, inspection fees."

Councilmember Denise Mitch-

BUDGET

around the city and a continuing increase in speed camera tickets.

The stop sign cameras started triggering fines in mid-March.

Anticipated growth in the city’s share of state income tax revenue—generated from higher local wages and employment—and in personal property taxes and in a few smaller areas also will contribute to city coffers.

Young said the city continues to "seek alternative revenue sources to support city services."

ell (District 4) said those laws may need strengthening.

“If we don’t have policies for enforcement, rental stabilization, [and affordable dwelling units], it’s not going to do us any good as

The proposed budget also would pay for a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees and the creation of five new positions: a housing project manager, a recreation coordinator, an emergency support assistant, an engineering tech and a part-time bus driver for the city’s Youth, Family & Senior Services department.

Personnel costs, which are the city’s biggest expense, make up 56% of the total proposed budget.

Kabir noted that the new positions reflect "strategic hiring to meet service demands."

In the proposal, Young said he endorsed the new roles "af-

a body,” she said.

The task force's other recommendations included strategies to stabilize rent, particularly for newer buildings that are exempt from a county rent cap—and that is most of those in the city— encouraging accessory dwelling units, which are small residences built on the property of an existing home, and a ban on the use of rent-setting software that can artificially inflate prices.

In addition, the report points to rent subsidies, emergency financial assistance for those facing sudden income loss, and agingin-place initiatives to help longterm senior residents remain in their homes.

Mayor Fazlul Kabir said the presentation is a starting point.

"We may need to have multiple worksessions in the future,” he said. “Tonight is not the last opportunity to discuss this report."

ter careful consideration, due to growing demand," but only where "necessary to deliver essential services."

Under the proposal, which the city council will consider over the next two months, College Park would invest $30,000 in a citywide public safety study. In two recent city surveys, College Park residents pointed to public safety and crime prevention as their top priorities. Another priority for the city is the completion of Duvall Field in North College Park, whose grand opening is expected this summer. The proposed budget commits $211,659 for the final construction phase.

The budget also allocates $250,000 toward the continued planning and design of the North College Park Community Center, a multi-year project the city is developing in partnership with Prince George’s County. In his blog, Kabir said the city is in strong financial shape.

The mayor pointed out that the city’s $8.8 million reserve, a sort of rainy-day fund that the city aims to keep at 25% of operating expenses, will be at 31% with the new budget.

In his preface to the budget, Young cautioned that city staff created the proposal during a "period of continued economic uncertainty at the federal, state and county levels."

He warned that "potential shifts in federal employment and broader economic conditions could have a direct impact on our community."

The city council will participate in a review of the budget at a worksession on April 11. A public hearing is scheduled for May 5.

8 hopefuls run for 2 at-large seats

By SHARON O’MALLEY

On primary election day on June 23, College Park voters may cast their ballots for one Prince George’s County Council candidate from those running in the district where they live, and two at-large candidates. (See related story on Page 1.)

Eight candidates are running for the two at-large seats.

College Park resident Laura Gilchrest is running for one of those seats.

Gilchrest’s LinkedIn profile describes her as a “researcher, writer, methodologist and critical medical anthropologist” who has been a contract lecturer at The George Washington University and the University of Maryland. Her opponents include:

Incumbent Jolene Ivey, a longtime county councilmember and former council chair, is running

COUNCIL

a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges the prosecution has sufficient evidence to convict. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the more serious sex offense charges.

In a 2023 interview with The Laurel Independent, Mitchell said he had not committed the crime. Mitchell also pleaded guilty in April 2013 to driving while impaired and acknowledged to The Laurel Independent that he had smoked marijuana before police pulled him over for a traffic violation.

When he ran for mayor of Laurel in 2023, the city’s Board of Elections Supervisors fined him $1,000 and forced him to remove election signs after saying he had not yet been approved as a candidate and ordering him to stop campaigning.

He said the order was politically motivated.

During his term as a city councilmember, Mitchell pushed for collective bargaining for city workers and advocated for countywide rent stabilization, according to the candidate’s website. He describes himself as “a hands-on leader … committed to a community-focused approach rooted in action, accountability and service.”

Mitchell has two opponents for the District 1 seat.

Michelle García has worked as Dernoga’s chief of staff since 2018, overseeing the day-today activities of his office and coordinating legislative initiatives and constituent services. Before that, she served as chief

for re-election to her seat, which she won in a special election in November 2024 to fill a vacancy left by Mel Franklin, who pleaded guilty to a felony theft scheme involving campaign funds. Ivey was a Democratic state delegate from 2007 to 2015.

The other incumbent is Wala Blegay, who was appointed in December 2025 to replace Calvin Hawkins, who resigned to take a job in the county administration. She is not running for election to the council because she is a candidate for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by long-term Rep. Steny Hoyer, who is retiring.

Also running for the at-large seat are:

Sean A. Floyd of Suitland founded Nomadic Solutions, a political and project management consulting firm. He is a former chief of staff for the senior adviser to

of staff to Joseline Peña-Melnyk when she was a District 21 state delegate. Peña-Melnyk became speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates in December 2025.

The Beltsville resident campaigned for Attorney General Anthony Brown when he ran for governor and for U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin when he sought re-election. She also served as a community liaison for state Sen. Jim Rosapepe (District 21) and was the first executive director of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus. In addition, García was elected twice to the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee and served from 2018 to 2025.

García is enrolled in the county’s public campaign financing program and has pledged to accept no money from lobbyists or special interests.

The third District 1 candidate, Laurel resident Darwin Romero, once lived in Silver Spring and ran for the Montgomery County Board of Education

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Sydney Harrison lives in Cheltenham and has represented District 9 in southern Prince George’s County as a councilmember since 2018. Because term limits prohibit members from serving more than two consecutive terms in their districts, Harrison is running for an at-large seat in the upcoming election. Before taking office, he served as clerk of the county’s Circuit Court for four years.

Jeana Jacobs, who lives in Upper Marlboro, is a former chair of the county Board of Education (BOE) and has more than 30 years of experience in education, law and public safety. During her time on the BOE, Jacobs was a lieutenant colonel working for the county Department of Corrections.

Jennifer Rios of Upper Marlboro, a veteran, is president and founder of the Hispanic Chamber

in 2020 and for Montgomery County Council in 2018. He did not win either election.

Romero, who has worked in construction for 15 years as an estimator and project manager, calls himself a community advocate and said he would focus on strengthening education and economic opportunity for Prince George’s County residents.

Romero has lived in Maryland for 35 years. He served on Montgomery County’s Latin American Advisory Group and has volunteered as a math tutor and a parent community coordinator.

While Dernoga represents North College Park, the rest of the city is part of the county’s District 3, where Eric Olson, the vice chair of the county council, is running for re-election with no opposition.

Olson, a longtime resident of College Park, served on the College Park City Council from 1997 to 2006.

Olson’s district includes much of College Park, as well as Greenbelt,

of Commerce of Prince George’s County. She is the CEO of three companies, including two for service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.

Keith Washington of Accokeek is a former police officer and deputy director of homeland security, both for the county. He was convicted in 2008 of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of use of a handgun after shooting two furniture deliverymen at his home, one of whom died. Washington served 13 years

of a 45-year sentence before a group of Georgetown University students helped him secure an early release. Washington ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 against Hoyer.

Noah Emmanuel Waters of Brandywine, a former mayor of Eagle Harbor, has said he would like to focus on bringing tourism to the county. Waters, who has a Ph.D. in business administration, is a public finance candidate who has said he will not accept money from special interests or political action committees.

Berwyn Heights, New Carrollton, Bladensburg and Edmonston. Olson was elected to the county council in 2006 and served eight years, and then won his seat again in 2022. County rules do not allow councilmembers to serve more than two consecutive terms. Between those terms, he was the executive director of the College Park City-University Partnership, a community development corporation focused on homeownership, walkability, local business and public spaces. In his time on the council, Olson helped secure more than $450 million in smart growth redevelopment and advanced the Purple Line. He passed the Walkable Urban Streets Act to reshape road design in the county’s most urban areas, made the county bus system fare-free, increased funding for bus shelters and advanced forest conservation.

Kids search for Easter eggs at city event

By JALEN WADE

Muddy grounds did not stop more than 100 families from enjoying games and a hunt for Easter eggs during College Park’s annual EggStravaganza at Calvert Park on March 1.

The Saturday morning event also featured treats and crafts for children.

“There's so many different activities to do,” said Colin Whiting, a Berwyn Heights resident who attended with his 5-year-old daughter. “There's all these games and the bunny hop and all this sort of stuff. It's not just the Easter egg hunt. There's a lot more going on.”

The festivities included two egg hunts, a station for children to toss rings onto an inflatable rabbit’s ears, and cookies and hot chocolate with the Easter bunny.

“It's something that little children especially really love,” Ryna Quiñones, College Park’s communications and events manager, said. “It's exciting to see little ones trying to find the eggs and opening them up and seeing the treats inside. And it's just a lot of fun. And it's a nice way to kind of welcome the spring.”

Other games included an inflat-

able bunny hop station where kids could bounce on decorated balls through a small obstacle course and life-size versions of Tetris and Connect 4.

College Park City Councilmember Daniel Oates (District 3) came to the event for the first time with his two daughters.

“It’s springtime, and we’re all excited to get outdoors,” Oates said.

“There’s nothing like an egg hunt.”

Miss College Park 2026 and 2025 winners Blakely Pfaff and Maddie Bronk came wearing their crowns to pose for photos and mingle with the community.

Bronk said the event is a great way to bring together College

Park’s multiple neighborhoods and enjoy the weather.

Pfaff said she loved how much fun the event was for children.

“I love all the outreach to kids,” Pfaff said. “It's very clear that they targeted those young audiences. And there are so many kids here. It's such a successful event. They have so many different activities to do as well.”

Under the park’s lunch patio, families relaxed and listened to music from visiting Caribbeaninspired band Guava Jelly. Some of the children paused there to eat the piles of candy they found in their plastic Easter eggs. Next to the patio, families lined up for

Price of Easter candy hops

By SHARON O’MALLEY

If your Easter basket isn’t full, it could be because candy inflation has outpaced your budget for peanut butterfilled chocolate eggs and Cadbury bunnies.

A price analysis of Target’s five top-selling Easter candies from 2020 to 2026 showed prices have risen 67%, while the average family of four is spending 15% more on filling the Easter basket.

Prices crept up over the study period, according to Sam Bourgi, a senior analyst at InvestorsObserver who conducted the comparison.

“It’s the classic boiling frog scenario that actually shows up in groceries year-round,”

Bourgi said in a press release.

“You don’t jump out of the pot because the water heats

photos with the Easter bunny. The egg hunts took place in the woods at the back of the park, where searchable areas were separated by age ranges: infants to 2 years old; 3 to 4; 5 to 6; and 9 to 10.

up one degree at a time. Each individual increase feels tolerable—annoying, maybe, but not catastrophic. So you adjust. By the time you realize how hot the water has gotten, you’ve already lost significant purchasing power.”

That average family spent $93 on Easter candy in 2020, Bourgi said. That budget buys 40% less candy by weight today.

In fact, to get the amount of candy they paid $93 for in 2020, families would have to come up with $155 this Easter.

And the Easter bunny hasn’t escaped shrinkflation, the study showed, as some brands that haven’t raised their prices on packages of candy have reduced the size of their bags.

Cadbury Mini Eggs, for example, came in a 10-ounce bag in 2020 for the same price as a 9-ounce bag costs today.

Children ran around in rain boots with Easter egg baskets of various colors, trying to find the rainbowcolored eggs in a forest soaked in mud after a downpour the previous night.

El administrador de la ciudad presenta una propuesta presupuestaria de 31,5 millones de dólares

Por SHARON O’MALLEY

El administrador de la ciudad de College Park propuso el pasado 20 de marzo un presupuesto de 31,5 millones de dólares para el año fiscal 2027. Por segundo año consecutivo, la ciudad no propone un aumento en el impuesto a la propiedad. El último aumento —el primero en una década— tuvo lugar en el año fiscal 2025, cuando la ciudad elevó los impuestos sobre la propiedad residencial en 11% (de 30,18 a 33,5 centavos por cada 100 dólares de valor tasado) y los impuestos sobre la propiedad comercial en 16 % (pasando de 33,18 a 38,5 centavos).

El alcalde de College Park, Fazlul Kabir, describió la propuesta como un “plan equilibrado y con visión de futuro que mantiene nuestro compromiso con la prestación de servicios sólidos, la responsabilidad fiscal y la inversión estratégica”.

El presupuesto está equilibrado, pero es 1,67 millones de dólares superior al del año pasado.

Si bien el tipo impositivo se mantiene inalterado, la ciudad prevé recaudar cerca de 640.000 dólares adicionales en impuestos sobre bienes inmuebles, como resultado de los nuevos proyectos de desarrollo y del aumento en las tasaciones de

las propiedades; esto según la propuesta que el administrador de la ciudad, Kenny Young, presentó ante el Concejo Municipal de College Park. Además, la ciudad cuenta con un aumento proyectado de 655.000 dólares en los ingresos netos con respecto al año anterior, derivado de la instalación de cinco cámaras de control de señales de stop en distintos puntos de la ciudad y del continuo incremento en las multas generadas por las cámaras de control de velocidad.

Las cámaras de control de señales de alto comenzaron a generar multas a mediados de marzo.

El alcalde de College Park, Fazlul Kabir, afirma que el presupuesto propuesto por la ciudad para el próximo año fiscal es “equilibrado y con visión de futuro”. GIUSEPPE LOPICCOLO

El crecimiento previsto en la participación de la ciudad en los ingresos provenientes del impuesto estatal sobre la renta —generado por el aumento de los salarios locales

y del empleo—, así como el incremento en los impuestos sobre bienes personales y en algunas otras partidas menores, también contribuirán a PRESUPUESTO / 15 

Niños buscan huevos de Pascua en evento de la ciudad

Por JALEN WADE

El terreno embarrado no impidió que más de 100 familias disfrutaran de los juegos y de la búsqueda de huevos de Pascua durante el evento anual EggStravaganza de College Park en Calvert Park, celebrado este 1 de marzo.

El evento, celebrado durante la mañana del sábado, también contó con dulces y manualidades para los niños.

“Hay muchísimas actividades diferentes para hacer”, mencionó Colin Whiting, residente de Berwyn Heights, que asistió al evento con su hija de 5 años.

“Hay un montón de juegos, el

bunny hop y todo este tipo de cosas. No es solo la búsqueda de huevos de Pascua, hay varias cosas más”.

Las celebraciones incluyeron dos búsquedas de huevos, una estación en la que los niños podían lanzar aros a las orejas de un conejo inflable, además de galletas y chocolate caliente con el conejo de Pascua.

“Es algo que les encanta, especialmente a los niños pequeños”, afirmó la gerente de comunicaciones y eventos de College Park, Ryna Quiñones. “Es emocionante ver a los más pequeños tratando de encontrar los huevos, abrirlos y en-

Huerto de permacultura ofrece plantas comestibles

Por MAYAH NACHMAN

Un nuevo y colorido aviso en el huerto de permacultura, en el vecindario Berwyn de College Park, invita a los visitantes a “servirse frutas, semillas y hierbas” una vez el clima se ponga más cálido.

Estas plantas, que incluyen fresas, peras asiáticas, cerezos y albahaca, forman parte de un huerto comestible dentro del espacio de permacultura, el cual tiene aproximadamente una década de existencia.

La jardinería de permacultura es un tipo de cultivo sostenible que toma en cuenta los patrones naturales del entorno, según Mike Hunninghake, director del programa Sustainable Maryland en la Escuela de Arquitectura, Planificación y Preservación de la Universidad de Maryland (UMD). “Se trata, en cierto modo, de plantar elementos que se complementen entre sí”, dijo Hunninghake. “Esto alimenta no solo a los seres humanos, sino también a la vida silvestre”.

Mantenido principalmente por voluntarios, el huerto de College Park está ubicado a lo largo del Trolley Trail, entre Greenbelt Road y Tecumseh Street. Janet McCaslin, coordinadora de sostenibilidad de la ciudad de College Park, expresó que el huerto es un espacio verde único para que los residentes disfruten. “En un huerto de permacultura, se puede cultivar alimentos, plantas para polinizadores, hierbas y plantas medicinales”, mencionó. “Es un huerto multifacético. Tiene más de un objetivo”.

El huerto de permacultura de College Park se diferencia de otros huertos comunitarios en el sentido de que es un espacio con acceso abierto al público. Generalmente, los huertos comunitarios son espacios donde las personas alquilan una parcela y cultivan sus propias plantas, según Alec Lynde, director de TI de la Asociación Cívica del Distrito de Berwyn (BDCA) y presidente del Comité de Parques y Espacios Abiertos.

Precio de los dulces de Pascua se disparan

Por SHARON O’MALLEY

Si su canasta de Pascua no está llena, podría deberse a que la inflación de los dulces ha superado su presupuesto para los huevos de chocolate rellenos de mantequilla de maní y conejos de Cadbury. Un análisis de precios de los cinco dulces de Pascua más vendidos en Target entre 2020 y 2026 reveló que los precios han incrementado un 67%, mientras que la familia promedio de cuatro personas gasta un 15% más en llenar la canasta de Pascua.

Los precios subieron gradualmente durante el periodo de estudio, mencionó Sam Bourgi, el analista sénior de InvestorsObserver que realizó la comparación.

“Es el clásico escenario de la rana que se va cociendo poco a poco, que de hecho se repite en los supermercados durante todo el año”, explicó Bourgi en una rueda de prensa. “No saltas de la olla porque el agua

se calienta un grado a la vez. Cada incremento parece tolerable -quizás molesto, pero no catastrófico. Así que te adaptas. Para cuando te das cuenta de lo caliente que está el agua, ya has perdido un poder adquisitivo significativo”.

Esa familia promedio gastó $93 en dulces de Pascua en 2020, según Bourgi. Con ese presupuesto hoy día se compra un 40% menos de dulces por peso.

De hecho, para obtener la misma cantidad de dulces que compraban por $93 en 2020, las familias tendrían que desembolsar $155 esta Pascua. Y el conejo de Pascua no se ha librado de la “shrinkflation”, así lo muestra el estudio, ya que algunas marcas que no han subido los precios de sus productos han reducido el tamaño de sus paquetes. Por ejemplo, los Cadbury Mini Eggs venían en una bolsa de 10 onzas en 2020 por el mismo precio que cuesta hoy una de 9 onzas.

HUEVOS

VIENE DE PÁG. 13

College Park también cuenta con dos huertos comunitarios.

Los huertos de permacultura suelen incluir plantas que vuelven a crecer cada año para reducir la necesidad de mantenimiento y replantación.

“Es un huerto de plantas perennes”, mencionó Lynde. “Uno puede ir allí y lo que estaba el año pasado seguirá estando este año”.

Según Lynde, los miembros de la BDCA y

contrar las sorpresas dentro. Es muy divertido y una linda manera de darle la bienvenida a la primavera”.

Entre los demás juegos había una estación con un bunny hop inflable, donde los niños podían rebotar sobre pelotas decoradas a lo largo de una pequeña pista de obstáculos, y también versiones a tamaño real de Tetris y Connect 4.

El concejal municipal de College Park, Daniel Oates (Distrito 3), asistió al evento por primera vez con sus dos hijas.

“Es primavera y todos estamos entusiasmados por salir al aire libre”, mencionó Oates. “No hay nada como una búsqueda de huevos”.

Las ganadoras de Miss College Park 2026 y 2025, Blakely Pfaff y Maddie Bronk, acudieron al evento usando sus coronas para posar en las fotos e interactuar con la comunidad.

Bronk afirmó que el evento es una gran oportunidad para reunir a los distintos vecindarios de College Park y disfrutar del buen clima. Pfaff expresó con emoción lo divertido que fue el evento para los niños.

“Me encanta todo el alcance

del Comité para un Mejor Medio Ambiente, liderado por ciudadanos, se aseguran de que las plantas del huerto sean nativas del entorno. La ciudad ofrece mantillo y otros materiales de jardinería.

El presidente del comité, Todd Larsen, afirmó que los voluntarios plantaron árboles de caqui el año pasado. Una vez que maduren, los residentes podrán recoger la fruta comestible.

“También hay un parterre para polinizadores en el que hemos estado trabajando por varios años, intentando eliminar las especies competitivas no nativas e incorporar plantas locales”, expresó Lynde. “Ha sido un proyecto de muchos años para establecerlo y expandirlo con el tiempo”.

Lynde también mencionó que la ciudad adquirió recientemente un terreno abierto junto al huerto, donde, según dijo, espera que el huerto de permacultura pueda ampliarse.

McCaslin manifestó que grupos de exalumnas de las hermandades de la Universidad de Maryland y las tropas de Girl Scouts se ofrecieron como voluntarias para trabajar en el huerto. Comentó que esto ha inspirado a estas voluntarias a empezar a cultivar en sus propios jardines.

“La mayoría de las personas se han alejado de las raíces de la jardinería y no tienen ni idea de por dónde empezar”, afirmó McCaslin. “Así que, cuando vienen voluntarios, siempre quieren saber: ¿cómo funciona esto?”.

McCaslin indicó que los comités reclutarán nuevos voluntarios esta primavera.

que tiene con los niños”, dijo Pfaff. “Es claro que está dirigido a ese público joven. Hay muchísimos niños aquí. Es un evento muy exitoso. Además, tienen una gran variedad de actividades para hacer”.

Bajo el patio del parque, las familias se relajaron y escucharon música de la banda invitada Guava Jelly, de inspiración caribeña. Algunos de los niños aprovecharon el lugar para comer los dulces que habían encontrado en sus huevos de plástico.

Junto al patio, las familias hacían fila para hacerse fotos con el conejo de Pascua. Las búsquedas de huevos se llevaron a cabo en el bosque detrás del parque, donde las zonas de búsqueda fueron divididas por rangos de edad: bebés hasta 2 años; de 3 a 4; de 5 a 6; y de 9 a 10 años. Los niños corrieron con botas de lluvia y canastas de diversos colores, tratando de encontrar los huevos multicolores en un bosque cubierto de barro tras el aguacero de la noche anterior.

PRESUPUESTO

Young señaló que la ciudad continúa “buscando fuentes de ingresos alternativas para respaldar los servicios municipales”.

El presupuesto propuesto también contempla la financiación de un ajuste por costo de vida de 3 % para los empleados municipales, así como la creación de cinco nuevos puestos de trabajo: un gerente de proyectos de vivienda, un coordinador de actividades recreativas, un asistente de apoyo de emergencia, un técnico de ingeniería y un conductor de autobús a tiempo parcial para el Departamento de Servicios para la Juventud, la Familia y las Personas Mayores de la ciudad. Los costos de personal, que representan el mayor gasto de la ciudad, son 56% del presupuesto total propuesto.

Kabir señaló que los nuevos puestos reflejan una “contratación estratégica para satisfacer las demandas de servicios”.

En la propuesta, Young afirmó que respaldaba las nuevas funciones “tras una cuidadosa consideración, debido a la creciente demanda”, pero solo en los casos en que fueran “necesarias para prestar servicios esenciales”.

Según la propuesta—que el Concejo Municipal examinará durante los próximos dos meses—College Park invertiría 30.000 dólares en un estudio sobre la seguridad pública en toda la ciudad.

En dos encuestas municipales recientes, los residentes de College Park señalaron la seguridad pública y la prevención del delito como sus principales prioridades.

Otra prioridad para la ciudad es la finalización de Duvall Field, en el norte de College Park, cuya gran inauguración está prevista para este verano.

El presupuesto propuesto destina 211.659 dólares a la fase final de construcción.

El presupuesto también asigna 250.000 dólares para la planificación y el diseño continuos del Centro Comunitario del Norte de College Park, un proyecto plurianual que la

ciudad está desarrollando en colaboración con el condado de Prince George.

En su blog, Kabir afirmó que la ciudad goza de una sólida salud financiera.

El alcalde señaló que la reserva de 8,8 millones de dólares de la ciudad —una especie de fondo de emergencia que la administración procura mantener en el 25% de los gastos operativos— se situará en el 31% con el nuevo presupuesto.

En el prefacio del presupuesto, Young advirtió que el personal municipal elaboró la propuesta durante un “periodo de continua incertidumbre económica a nivel federal, estatal y condal”. Asimismo, alertó que “los posibles cambios en el empleo federal y en las condiciones económicas generales podrían tener un impacto directo en nuestra comunidad”.

El Concejo Municipal participará en una revisión detallada del presupuesto durante una sesión de trabajo que se celebrará el 11 de abril. Se ha programado una audiencia pública para el 5 de mayo.

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Los candidatos se perfilan para las elecciones del concejo del condado

Por SHARON O'MALLEY

Los candidatos se perfilan para las elecciones del concejo del condado

Tres candidatos compiten por el escaño del Distrito 1 en el Concejo del Condado de Prince George, dejado vacante por el concejal Tom Dernoga —quien ejerció durante cuatro mandatos—; entre ellos se encuentran el jefe de gabinete de Dernoga y un exconcejal de la ciudad de Laurel que fue condenado por un delito menor de agresión en 2014. El día de las elecciones primarias es el 23 de junio.

El Distrito 1 abarca las zonas de North College Park, Laurel y Beltsville.

Dernoga, residente de Laurel y miembro del Partido Demócrata —quien ejerció el cargo de 2002 a 2010 y nuevamente de 2018 a 2026— no puede postularse para la reelección este año debido a los límites de mandato establecidos para los concejales. El candidato Martin Mitchell, consultor político y de asuntos públicos, fue concejal de la ciudad de Laurel durante un mandato, de 2021 a 2023, y se postuló sin éxito para la alcaldía en 2023. Aproximadamente una década antes, mientras era estudiante en la Universidad de Maryland en el Condado de Baltimore (UMBC), fue acusado de un delito sexual y de agresión. En 2014, presentó una declaración de culpabilidad bajo la doctrina Alford por un delito menor de agresión en segundo grado; en este tipo de declaración, el acusado no admite su culpabilidad, pero reconoce que la fiscalía posee pruebas suficientes para lograr una condena. Como parte del acuerdo de culpabilidad, los fiscales retiraron los cargos más graves relacionados con el delito sexual.

En una entrevista concedida en 2023 al periódico The Laurel Independent, Mitchell afirmó que no había cometido el delito. Mitchell también se declaró culpable en abril de 2013 del cargo de conducir bajo los efectos de sustancias y reconoció ante The Laurel Independent que había fumado marihuana antes de que la policía lo detuviera por una infracción de tránsito. Cuando se postuló para la alcaldía de Laurel en 2023, la Junta de Supervisores Electorales de la ciudad le impuso una multa de 1.000 dólares y lo obligó a retirar sus carteles de campaña, tras ar-

gumentar que aún no había sido aprobado como candidato y ordenarle que detuviera su campaña electoral.

Él afirmó que dicha orden tenía motivaciones políticas. Durante su mandato como concejal de la ciudad, Mitchell impulsó la negociación colectiva para los trabajadores municipales y abogó por la estabilización de los alquileres en todo el condado, según consta en el sitio web del candidato. Se describe a sí mismo como “un líder de acción directa... comprometido con un enfoque centrado en la comunidad, arraigado en la acción, la rendición de cuentas y el servicio”.

Mitchell tiene dos oponentes para el escaño del Distrito 1. Michelle García ha trabajado como jefa de gabinete de Dernoga desde 2018, supervisando las actividades diarias de su oficina y coordinando iniciativas legislativas, así como los servicios de atención a los constituyentes. Anteriormente, se desempeñó como jefa de gabinete de Joseline Peña-Melnyk cuando esta ocupaba el cargo de delegada estatal por el Distrito 21. Peña-Melnyk asumió

la presidencia de la Cámara de Delegados de Maryland en diciembre de 2025.

Esta residente de Beltsville hizo campaña para el fiscal general Anthony Brown cuando este se postuló para gobernador, y para el senador federal Ben Cardin cuando él buscó la reelección. También fungió como enlace comunitario para el senador estatal Jim Rosapepe (Distrito 21) y fue la primera directora ejecutiva del Caucus Legislativo Latino de Maryland. Además, García fue elegida dos veces para formar parte del Comité Central Demócrata del condado de Prince George, cargo que ocupó entre 2018 y 2025. García está inscrita en el programa de financiamiento público de campañas del condado y se ha comprometido a no aceptar dinero proveniente de cabilderos ni de grupos de intereses especiales.

El tercer candidato por el Distrito 1, Darwin Romero — residente de Laurel—, vivió anteriormente en Silver Spring y se postuló para la Junta de Educación del condado de Montgomery en 2020, así como para el Concejo del condado de

Montgomery en 2018. No resultó ganador en ninguna de las dos elecciones.

Romero, que ha trabajado en el sector de la construcción durante 15 años como presupuestador y gerente de proyectos, se autodenominó defensor de la comunidad y afirmó que centraría sus esfuerzos en fortalecer la educación y las oportunidades económicas para los residentes del condado de Prince George.

Romero ha residido en Maryland durante 35 años. Él formó parte del Grupo Asesor Latinoamericano del Condado de Montgomery y ha trabajado como voluntario, desempeñándose como tutor de matemáticas y coordinador comunitario para padres.

Si bien Dernoga representa a North College Park, el resto de la ciudad forma parte del Distrito 3 del condado, donde Eric Olson, vicepresidente del Consejo del Condado, se postula para la reelección sin oposición. Olson, residente de College Park desde hace mucho tiempo, formó parte del Concejo Municipal de College Park entre 1997 y 2006. El distrito de Olson abarca

gran parte de College Park, así como Greenbelt, Berwyn Heights, New Carrollton, Bladensburg y Edmonston.

Olson fue elegido para el Consejo del Condado en 2006 y ejerció durante ocho años; posteriormente, recuperó su escaño en 2022. Las normas del condado no permiten que los miembros del consejo ejerzan más de dos mandatos consecutivos. Entre dichos mandatos, se desempeñó como director ejecutivo de la College Park City-University Partnership, una corporación de desarrollo comunitario centrada en la propiedad de la vivienda, la transitabilidad peatonal, los negocios locales y los espacios públicos. Durante su mandato en el consejo, Olson contribuyó a asegurar más de 450 millones de dólares para la reurbanización bajo el enfoque de “crecimiento inteligente” e impulsó la Línea Púrpura. Aprobó la Ley de Calles Urbanas Transitables a Pie para reconfigurar el diseño vial en las zonas más urbanas del condado, hizo gratuito el sistema de autobuses del condado, aumentó la financiación para las paradas de autobús y promovió la conservación forestal.