Temporary bans on data centers in Prince George’s County are under pressure from all sides.
Due to the increasing use of artificial intelligence, the
construction of data centers that store computer servers is accelerating. While the development of these structures increases local tax revenues, it can also drive up energy costs and put pressure on water and land use.
Former DOJ attorney opens new women ’ s consignment shop in city
By NIGEL F. MAYNARD
Eighteen months ago, Erin Meehan Richmond was a civil rights attorney for the Department of Justice, suing bad landlords on behalf of the U.S. government. Today she runs De Novo, a new women’s consignment store on Baltimore Avenue.
Meehan Richmond spent 24 years with the Department of Justice. “I thought I would be at the DOJ forever,” Meehan Richmond said. “It was like winning the jackpot to get that job.” She loved her job and assumed she would put in her 30 years at the agency, but she was forced to rethink that plan in the wake of the second Trump Administration and its costcutting agenda via the Department of Government Efficiency. She (and almost 75% of her colleagues in the civil rights division, she estimates) took early retirement. Then she planned her second act. After her departure from the DOJ, the SEE DE NOVO ON 9
This is why on July 7, the county council voted to stop approving plans for hyperscale, or very large, datacenters for two years or until the council passes legislation on their placement, construction and operation.
Multiple moratoriums, all temporary
The July 7 county council moratorium does not impact the plan for a massive data center on the vacant site of the former Landover Mall, because that plan has already been ap-
proved, according to staff from the office of County Executive Aisha Braveboy.
The Landover plan has become a flashpoint over the past year, with more than 20,000 residents signing a petition opposing it and
FLYING HIGH AT SUMMER JAM
Hyattsville residents enjoyed the city's “Backyard BBQ” themed Summer Jam, which took place on July 24 at the Hyattsville Municipal Building. The Greenbelt SITY Stars rope jumpers, left, performed at the event. The city had to postpone the original July 17 jam because of Canadian wildfire smoke.
See more photos on p. 5.
Hyattsville speed cameras work, but resident concerns linger
By MICHAEL MURPHY and NIGEL F. MAYNARD
The City of Hyattsville launched its automated speed enforcement program in 2013 with a goal of reducing speeding, but while data show some success in limiting speeding and accidents, some resi-
dents still have concerns.
The enforcement cameras photograph the rear license plate of vehicles that exceed the posted speed limit by a certain amount. Once the photo is taken, human reviewers — police department or designated program staff — verify that an infraction occurred and mail citations
to the registered car owner. Under Maryland state law, a $40 fine is issued when a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit by at least 12 mph.
Hyattsville operates three fixed speed cameras, all located in school zones. Two are located on the 5700 block of Baltimore
DARIANA GUZMAN
Submission Information
The Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly. We welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted to nigel@streetcarsuburbs.news
Managing Editor Nigel F. Maynard nigel@streetcarsuburbs.news
A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville, Maryland. HyattsvilleLife.com StreetcarSuburbs.News PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781
DOJ sues state over in-state tuition policy for undocumented immigrants
By MARYLAND MATTERS STAFF marylandmatters.org
In mid-July, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sued Maryland over the state’s policy of granting in-state college tuition to some undocumented immigrants who are residents of the state.
In a suit filed in U.S. District Court, the DOJ said the Maryland DREAM Act violates federal law by granting a benefit to undocumented immigrants that is not available to citizens elsewhere in the United States, namely lower cost in-state tuition at the state’s colleges and universities.
The lawsuit asks the court to block enforcement of the law that it says provides immigrants with about $9 million in lower tuition costs in a given year. It also asks for a permanent injunction to keep the state from administering any financial aid or scholarship programs that might benefit undocumented immigrants who are residents of the state. “Congress long ago made clear that Maryland cannot deny educational opportunities to American citizens that it gives to illegal aliens in the State,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward in a statement announcing the suit.
“By granting illegal aliens in-state tuition, Maryland is not only violating federal law but subsidizing education for illegal aliens, costing Maryland taxpayers
roughly $9M for just one academic year,” his statement said, adding that it makes “second-class citizens” out of U.S. citizens in other states.
The suit names the State of Maryland, the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents as defendants. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said his office is “reviewing the complaint closely.”
“Today, the Department of Justice sued to take away an opportunity from Maryland students who grew up here, graduated from school here and are working to pursue something more for themselves, their families, and the communities in which they live,” Brown said in a statement released by his office.
“We will respond through the courts, as we do whenever Maryland’s laws are challenged, and we will keep fighting for the young people in our state and their futures,” his statement said.
House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Prince George’s and Anne Arundel), an immigrant herself, called the lawsuit “another example of the federal government asking the courts to override policy choices made by states through the democratic process.”
“The General Assembly enacted Maryland’s tuition policy because we believe
TRYING OUT THE NEW TEEN CENTER
students who have grown up in our communities, attended our public schools, and met the requirements established under state law should have the opportunity to pursue higher education and contribute to Maryland’s future,” Peña-Melnyk’s statement said. “An educated workforce strengthens our economy and our communities.” She said she remains “confident in the integrity of Maryland law.”
Under the law, undocumented immigrants who live in the state, graduated from a state high school, have paid state income taxes for at least two years and who apply for permanent resident status within 30 days of becoming eligible, among other requirements, can qualify for in-state tuition.
Maryland becomes the 13th state targeted by the DOJ over an in-state tuition break for undocumented immigrants who are residents of the respective states: Virginia, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas and California.
Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Reprinted with permission. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: editor@ marylandmatters.org.
On July 9, the City of Hyattsville’s new teen center, located at 40th Avenue and Nicholson Street, had a tryout day — hosting a day’s worth of the city’s summer camp programming. (See our July coverage of the new teen center at HyattsvilleLife. com.) The building is still expected to host all youth programming this fall. COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE
CORRECTION
Our July article on the Hyattsville teen center stated that Hyattsville would have to pay back $900,000 in loans for the teen center. That funding came from state bond bills that will not have to be repaid.
SCIENCE OF THE CITY
Government programs can hurt or help the fight against obesity
By PAUL RUFFINS
Note: This is the third article in a series examining the relationship between our local food supply, the food-industrial complex and public health.
Amajor factor in why so many people in Prince George’s County and the United States are overweight or obese is that they are constantly exposed to large amounts of cheap, tasty and unhealthy food (see July’s “Science of the City” column). Unfortunately, federal government policies often directly support and promote this barrage of calories. These include programs like crop insurance, subsidies and price supports for dairy products and other staples like corn, which is used for animal feed and sweeteners. These often result in artificially low prices for sweets, snacks and fast-food staples, such as hamburgers and pizza. For example, to protect American farmers, in 1982, President Ronald Reagan placed tariffs on imported sugar, which made corn sweeteners cheaper than the cane sugar used in Coke and other sodas made in Mexico and other nations. By 1984, Coke and Pepsi had switched to high-fructose corn syrup. Nutritionists are divided over the question of whether high-fructose corn sweeteners are significantly worse for you than cane or beet sugar. However, because corn sweeteners are much cheaper, they have been added to many products like bread that may not even taste sweet, resulting in the average American now consuming about 17 extra grams of added sugar every day.
On the positive side, one of the most creative and successful efforts to change public policies and individual choices was instituted by a coalition of community groups in Howard County. These included the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), the local chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the nonprofit Horizon Foundation. Starting in 2012, HCPSS adopted policies recommended by the National Academy of Medicine. These included serving more fruit and vegetables and removing vending machines from elementary and
middle schools. As a result of these combined efforts, in 2014, HCPSS was ranked in the top third of the nation’s school systems for providing healthy food.
Another community program, Howard County Unsweetened (HCU), organized by the Horizon Foundation, focuses on reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, which can promote diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. These include sodas, juice drinks, 100% juice and sports drinks, which are the most common sources of added sugar. Real 100% juice contains
some vitamins, but 12 ounces of orange juice contains about 170 calories and 10 teaspoons of sugar, compared with a can of Coke, which has 140 calories. Apple juice is often even sweeter — so it’s healthier to eat whole fruits, which contain much more fiber than juice does.
Since 2012, the HCU program has aired more than 50 television ads promoting healthier drink choices, such as water and skim milk. One technique to build community involvement was to announce open casting calls for professional actors and local volunteers to appear in a series of television commercials for a campaign called “Switch The Drink,” which urged parents and kids to seek healthier alternatives and avoid sports drinks. The spot “Is your drink trying to fool you?” notes that many fruit-flavored drinks, such as Hi-C and SunnyD, may present themselves as healthy, but have relatively few vitamins and as many as 22 grams of sugar.
Over the six years between 2012 and 2018, following the implementation of “Switch the Drink” and other Howard County efforts, the county saw supermarket sales of regular soda reduced by 29.7%, fruit drinks by 7.5% and 100% juice by 33.5%.
Various versions of Howard County’s efforts to improve what’s served in vending machines have been adopted in Prince George’s County, Baltimore City and other jurisdictions.
In July 2017, the Prince George’s County Council unanimously passed a law requiring that at least 50% of items in machines on county property meet American Heart Association-recommended nutrition standards, including those for sugar, salt and fat, and that every drink machine offer bottled water.
Paul Ruffins is a citizen scientist and a professor of curiosity.
These 6-ounce drinks contain less than 3% juice and at least 20% of a day's worth of sugar. PAUL RUFFINS
County warns property owners about potential fines for maintenance violations
By JOHN DOMEN WTOP.com
Prince George’s County property owners who let their land become a public nuisance will soon face fines that will progressively get harder to ignore.
The county council unanimously passed a bill on July 14 that doubles the first fine for nonresidential property maintenance violations from $1,000 to $2,000. After that, the county can fine a property owner up to $5,000 every day the violation continues. In a month’s time, the fine could end up reaching six figures.
The new law takes effect at the end of the summer.
District 2 county councilmember and bill co-sponsor Wanika Fisher, who represents Hyattsville, said she was inspired in part by persistent problems on land owned by utilities and private companies on University Boulevard near Riggs Road in Hyattsville.
“I’ve been dealing with a home-
“You can’t have people bring actual furniture, drinking and public urination all day right near single-family homes.”
Wanika Fisher
District 2 county councilmember and bill co-sponsor
space has become a spot for public drinking and dumping.
“You can’t have people bring actual furniture, drinking and public urination all day right near single-family homes,” Fisher said.
She also said the old $1,000 fine gave property owners little incentive to act.
“You have to almost fine, sadly, some of our stakeholders to a point that they’ll actually step up and put their property correctly,” she said.
“And those two properties are not owned by the county at all.
All we can do is fine them into compliance.”
The county’s Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement will need to consistently show up and issue the daily fines for the law to have real impact, she said.
The agency has come under criticism for a number of reasons, including its enforcement efforts, but Fisher said she thinks it will respond to this law.
less encampment for years, and it’s really, really difficult. And one of the things that would help us sort of clean up that area is fencing that off,” Fisher said of the University Boulevard property.
Fisher said she also gets complaints about a shopping center in Hyattsville where open green
“When something doesn’t have teeth, it’s hard for people to want to do it because they don’t see the result,” Fisher said. “With this, they will actually see the result.”
This article was republished with permission from our news partner WTOP News
NEWS BRIEFS
VISIT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM FOR MORE
City council weighs in on county’s ADU legislation At its July 13 meeting, the Hyattsville City Council voted to send a letter to the Prince George’s County Council with recommendations about regulations the county is developing on accessory dwelling units, or ADUs.
An ADU is a smaller living space located on the same lot as a primary single-family home with its own kitchen, bathroom and separate entrance. Examples include basement apartments, in-law suites and converted garages.
In 2025, the state passed legislation (House Bill 1466) requiring jurisdictions to adopt regulations allowing ADUs by this Oct. 1.
In Prince George’s County, ADUs are illegal in areas zoned for single-family houses. To comply with state law, at its July 7 meeting, the county council presented a draft of its ADU legislation (County Bill-074-2026) and is soliciting public feedback, including a public hearing in September. As of press time, the county council had not yet set a date for the hearing.
The city council’s draft recommendations include providing clearer guidance on minimum lot size and allowable unit size; requiring two parking spaces per ADU; and requiring the lot’s
owner to live either in the primary residence or the ADU.
After a lengthy council discussion about ADU-related parking and fire-suppression (e.g., sprinkler system, etc.) considerations, City Councilmember Danny Schaible (Ward 2) proposed two amendments to the recommendation letter: getting rid of any parking requirement and trying to avoid requiring new ADUs to include sprinkler systems. Some councilmembers, including Schaible, want to reduce the regulations on ADUs to make them easier and more affordable to construct, while others voiced concerns about how ADUs would increase housing density and increase parking problems. Schaible’s motion to amend the letter failed, while the motion to send the letter as is passed.
Save Maryland Meadworks effort reaches fundraising goal
Local meadery Maryland Meadworks surpassed its June $45,000 fundraising goal, allowing it to stay open into 2027 and retool operations.
In a July 14 newsletter, owners Ken Carter and Rumi Matsuyama thanked those who had donated to the Save Maryland Meadworks fundraising campaign. “You have indeed saved us
and continue to save us,” the duo wrote, “and we are enormously grateful we can sign our lease extension, stay open beyond this year, and start to make improvements to serve you better.”
In late June, Carter and Matsuyama announced that Meadworks might have to close at year’s end. “Unfortunately, sales revenue has not kept up with skyrocketing expenses, and we are losing money,” they wrote in a June newsletter. “So we need to make changes and raise funds from our beloved community before we can commit to a lease beyond the end of this year. Otherwise, we will close our doors on Dec. 31, 2026.”
Reaching its fundraising goals means that Maryland Meadworks can cover this year’s costs, including rent, supplies and salaries; renew its lease; and explore changing their business model by pursuing a beer license and expanding its offerings, according to the newsletters.
The meadery, which opened in 2018 at 4700 Rhode Island Avenue, hosts many community events, including concerts, open mics and sing-alongs.
As of July 24, as this paper was going to press, the fundraiser had raised just over $51,000 from more than 460 donors, according to Meadworks’ GoFundMe page.
County approves law on retrieving cars after ICE arrest
On July 14, the county council approved legislation that makes it easier for family members of those detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to retrieve their cars from impound lots, according to WTOP News. County Council Vice Chair Eric Olson, who represents District 3, introduced the bill.
“When people are detained by ICE, often it’s out of cars and or other vehicles, and then those vehicles just get abandoned by the side of the road,” Olson told WTOP
When a vehicle is considered abandoned, it gets brought to an impound lot. Currently, only the vehicle’s registered owner, or someone authorized by the owner with a signed and notarized letter, can retrieve the car.
“This measure ensures that someone who can prove that they live at that house or is a family member can access that vehicle,” Olson said. “In the past, it was only the person who’s on the title.”
The Immigrant Rights Collective has recorded more than 50 cars abandoned after ICE arrests in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties since this January, according to Maryland Matters
Life & Times wins national newspaper awards
The National Newspaper Association (NNA) Better Newspaper Contest recently recognized the Life & Times (L&T) with four awards. The NNA contest celebrates the best in community journalism across the country.
The L&T won third place in the Best Localized National Story/ Series category with Executive Director Kit Slack’s Kilmar Abrego Garcia in Hyattsville coverage. For this award, the L&T was competing with nondaily newspapers with circulations between 10,000 and 15,000.
Two of the paper’s other wins took place against broader competition — daily and nondaily newspapers with circulations of 6,000 or more — including a fourth-place finish in Best Local News Coverage. This is at least the fourth time the L&T has placed in this category since 2015.
The paper also won fourth place for Best Environmental Story/Series with Paul Ruffin’s “Science of the City” articles about food waste in Prince George’s County. Finally, the L&T won fourth place in Best Profile Feature Story for Managing Editor Nigel F. Maynard’s “Blake Sloane turns wood to (functional) art” in the nondaily division with circulations of 10,000 or more. In this year’s newspaper editorial competition, there were 1,552 entries. A total of 724 awards were won by 93 member newspapers in 32 states. This year’s winners will be recognized during the association’s 140th convention and trade show in Detroit.
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Hyattsville Headlines
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City of Hyattsville
PROJECT UPDATES
TEEN CENTER
The Hyattsville Teen Center is an adaptive reuse project, turning vacant retail properties into a safe, comfortable space for Hyattsville’s middle and high schoolers. A structural issue with the roof was discovered early in the construction, requiring a complete 5812 40 Avenue th
replacement. While this delayed the timeline, it offered an opportunity to create a new roofline and front porch more fitting with the neighborhood. The City received the final Use and Occupancy (U&O) permit in April. Since that time staff have been installing furniture and moving supplies from the Driskell Park Recreation Center. All youth programming will move into the new building this fall to make space for much-needed renovations at the existing Recreation Center.
POLICE & PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
3505 Hamilton Street
This is another adaptive reuse project, including the renovation of a former bank building and the addition of a new structure at the rear. The new building will allow the Police Department to move out of tight quarters in the City Building into a modern space that can accommodate current technology, dedicated training areas, and expanded
investigative capabilities for improved community service. The City received a U&O permit for the building in May and have been installing communications equipment. The communications systems in the building are complex and will require rigorous testing to ensure the dispatch team can reliably operate out of the new facility. An opening date will be set once the systems can support their needs.
TROLLEY TRAILHEAD PARK
4505 Hamilton Street
The City’s contractor has begun clearing and securing the site of this new park, commonly known as “The Spot”, for construction! Weather-permitting, the site will be prepared this summer with equipment installation beginning later
this year. We anticipate the park being substantially complete by early 2027, with final plantings in the spring. You can watch progress from the overlook at Centennial Park along Route 1; keep your eyes out for a special viewing portal coming soon!
TRAFFIC CALMING
City-wide
Department of Public Works staff are monitoring the progress of several traffic calming projects following resident petitions. Recently, a speed cushion was installed on Nicholson Street, speed humps added to Lancer Drive and Longfellow Street, and new sidewalks added on 41 Place. st Other projects are currently in the design phase or awaiting available funding for materials and installation.
Scan for more!
NEWS FLASHES
August is Black Business Month!
The City is proud to celebrate August as Black Business Month and encourages residents to support Hyattsville’s Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs! Visit hyattsville.org/visit for lists of local business directories, as well as several influencers visiting Blackowned businesses in our area.
Learn how your business can receive Minority Business Enterprise certification and take advantage of additional funding opportunities at hyattsville. org/bbm
Hyattville Happenings Ep. 2!
We have a podcast! Download Hyattsville Happenings from Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Overcast and listen to our conversations about summer in Hyattsville and a deep dive on the Golden Voices oral history project in partnership with the Hyattsville Branch Library.
We’ve also been sharing our Council Recaps and Hyattsville Spotlight videos in the feed - follow along for a quick dose of Hyattsville news during your commute or laundry folding! More information at hyattsville.org/stayconnected
National Night Out
The Hyattsville Police Department is hosting National Night Out on August 4, 6 – 8 p.m., at Driskell Park, 3911 Hamilton Street. Come meet the HPD team and enjoy demonstrations, games, giveaways and more! Learn more about this free, family-friendly event at hyattsville.org/nno
Immigration Fraud Tips
Please be aware, there has been an increase in people taking payment and pretending to offer immigration legal assistance, even when they cannot. In the United States, “notarios” are not the same as lawyers. They cannot help you in court.
For more information on how to identify scams, find free or low cost legal aid, as well as know your rights resources, visit hyattsville.org/assistance
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, you can contact the Maryland Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs at immigrant.affairs@ maryland.gov
HYATTSVILLE HEADLINES
This year’s Summer Camp has gone on a wide variety of adventures! From exploring the mysteries of the deep at the National Aquarium, to
at a local petting zoo! Learn more about the City camp programs
org/camps
Students in grades 6-12 enjoyed Camp Staycation this summer with trips to the movies to see “Minions & Monsters” (two thumbs up all around!), as well as the fun and fast-paced team-building games at “Beat The Bomb”! Learn more about Camp Staycation and other special camps at hyattsville.org/staycation
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Free Zumba Classes
Mondays & Wednesdays, 4 - 5 p.m. at the City Building! hyattsville.org/ calendar
Seated Exercise Classes
Older adults can join on Wednesdays, 10 - 11 a.m. at the City Building. hyattsville.org/seniors
Forest Maintenance/Invasive
Vine Removals
August 1, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Invasive vine removals on public & private properties in Ward 4, Meet at Heurich Park. August 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Park clean-up and forest maintenance, Melrose Park. August 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Invasive vine removals on public & private properties in Ward 3, Meet at University Hills Park. Student service-learning hours are available.
You can request vine removals from your property at hyattsville.org/vine-removal!
Free Movie Monday
Older adults can enjoy a classic film at the Old Greenbelt Theatre on August 3 at 1 p.m.! hyattsville.org/seniors
National Night Out
Come join us for National Night Out on August 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Driskell Park!
Take time to meet Hyattsville police officers, enjoy games, music, treats, giveaways, and more. This is a great way to strengthen community ties, connect with neighbors, and have a lot of fun while you’re at it! Let’s build a safer,
stronger community—together. More information at hyattsville.org/nno
Intergenerational Trip
Older adults can enjoy a trip to Dave & Busters in Silver Spring with members of the Hyattsville Teen Center on August 6, 12 - 3 p.m.! Register: 301985-5000 or hyattsville.org/seniors.
Care Partner Support Group
Connect with other caregivers on August 7 & 21, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. at the City Building. hyattsville.org/seniors
Ward 4 Community Block Party
Join your neighbors at the Ward 4 Community Block Party on Saturday, August 8 from 4-9 p.m. on the 5800 block of 31st Place!
This annual potluck is hosted by your Ward 4 Councilmembers and community leaders. Bring a dish to share!
If you are interested in volunteering to support the event or want more information, contact Ward 4 Councilmember Edouard Haba at ehaba@hyattsville. org. City staff will be onsite to answer your questions from 4 - 6 p.m. Stop by to say hello!
Fall Field Permit Meeting
Organizations interested in applying for permits to use the playing fields this fall at Driskell Park, Melrose Park, and 38th Avenue Park are required to attend the Fall Field Permit Meeting on August 12 at 7 p.m. in the City Building Multipurpose
Hyattsville’s older adults joined local students in grade 6-12 for several Intergenerational Trips this summer! The group enjoyed the Nick Cave exhibit at the American Art Museum (l). Connections were made and stories shared at the Planet Word Museum (r). For more information on future trips, visit hyattsville.org/seniors
Room, 4310 Gallatin St. More information is available at hyattsville.org/fieldpermit
Older Adult Walking Group!
Take a summer stroll at University Hills Duck Pond Park on August 13, 10 – 11 a.m. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather! hyattsville.org/seniors
Bike Rodeo in Driskell Park
The City of Hyattsville’s Health, Wellness and Recreation Advisory Committee and partners are hosting a bike rodeo for families on August 15 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Driskell Park. The rodeo provides free bicycle training, education, and safety tips. The Washington Area Bicyclists Association is providing 100 free kids bike helmets, and Arrow Bicycle will have free bike lights and locks – first come, first served! More information at hyattsville.org/calendar.
Produce Distribution
Pick up free produce on August 18, 12 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville. hyattsville.org/ calendar
International Summer Jam!
Save the Date! Come celebrate Hyattsville’s diversity at our International-themed Summer Jam on September 18 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Heurich Park, 2800 Nicholson Street! Meet neighbors and make new friends while enjoying live music and international cuisine. Learn more at hyattsville.org/summerjam
Call-A-Bus Services
Need a Ride? We’ve Got You Covered! Hyattsville older adults can access safe, reliable transportation through our Call-A-Bus service and other Senior transit programs! Download the full Senior Transportation Guide and get all the info you need at hyattsville. org/seniors. Prefer a printed copy? No problem! Request one for pick-up at the City Building by emailing seniors@ hyattsville.org or call (301) 985-5000 Let’s keep you moving safely and easily!
Golden Voices of Hyattsville
A new oral history project, Golden Voices of Hyattsville, is underway, sharing the stories and archives of Hyattsville residents as part of the City’s 140th anniversary celebration. These recordings will be available to the public through a partnership with the Hyattsville Branch Library on their website at pgcmls.info/digital-special-collections.
Are you interested in sharing your story? Sign up for a recording session at hyattsville.org/seniors
Youth in the Hyattsville’s Summer Camp enjoyed the new Teen Center inside and out this past month! The space is looking great and a big upgrade for youth programming in the City! Find out more about children & youth programs at hyattsville.org/youth
feeding goats
at hyattsville.
Titulares de Hyattsville
Asunto 462 | Agosto de 2026 | Una publicación de la ciudad de Hyattsville
NOTICIAS DE ÚLTIMA HORA
Ciudad de Hyattsville
ACTUALIZACIONES DE LOS PROYECTOS
CENTRO PARA ADOLESCENTES
El Centro para Adolescentes de Hyattsville es un proyecto de reutilización adaptativa que transforma locales comerciales desocupados en un espacio seguro y cómodo para los estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria de Hyattsville Al inicio de la construcción se detectó un problema estructural en el techo, 5812 40 Avenue th
lo que obligó a un reemplazo completo Si bien esto retrasó el cronograma, brindó la oportunidad de crear una nueva línea de techo y un porche delantero que se adaptaran mejor al vecindario La municipalidad recibió el permiso definitivo de uso y ocupación (U&O) en abril Desde entonces, el personal ha estado instalando muebles y trasladando suministros desde el Centro Recreativo Driskell Park Todos los programas para jóvenes se trasladarán al nuevo edificio para el otoño, a fin de dejar espacio para las renovaciones tan necesarias en el Centro Recreativo actual
EDIFICIO DE POLICÍA Y SEGURIDAD PÚBLICA
3505 Hamilton Street
Este es otro proyecto de reutilización adaptativa, que incluye la renovación de un antiguo edificio bancario y la construcción de una nueva estructura en la parte trasera El nuevo edificio permitirá que el Departamento de Policía se traslade de las estrechas instalaciones del Edificio Municipal a un espacio con la capacidad necesaria para albergar tecnología moderna, áreas de capacitación específicas,
y mayor capacidades de investigación para mejorar el servicio a la comunidad La ciudad recibió un permiso de U&O para el edificio en mayo y ha estado instalando equipos de comunicaciones Los sistemas de comunicaciones del edificio son complejos y requerirán pruebas rigurosas para garantizar que el equipo de despacho pueda operar de manera confiable desde las nuevas instalaciones Se fijará una fecha de inauguración una vez que los sistemas puedan satisfacer sus necesidades
PARQUE DEL SENDERO DEL TRANVÍA
¡El contratista de la ciudad ha comenzado a despejar y asegurar el terreno de este nuevo parque, conocido comúnmente como “The Spot”, para su construcción! Si el clima lo permite, el terreno se preparará este verano y la instalación de los equipos a partir de 4505 Hamilton Street
finales de este año Esperamos que el parque esté prácticamente terminado a principios de 2027, y que las plantaciones finales se realicen en la primavera Puedes observar el avance de las obras desde el mirador del Centennial Park, ubicado a lo largo de la Ruta 1; ¡mantente atento a un mirador especial que estará disponible muy pronto!
MEDIDAS PARA MODERAR EL
TRÁFICO
En toda la ciudad
El personal del Departamento de Obras Públicas está supervisando el avance de varios proyectos de moderación del tráfico a raíz de las peticiones de los residentes Recientemente, se instaló un badén en la calle Nicholson, se agregaron badenes en Lancer Drive y en la calle Longfellow, y se construyeron nuevas aceras en la calle 41
Otros proyectos se encuentran actualmente en fase de diseño o a la espera de que haya fondos disponibles para los materiales y la instalación
¡Escanea para más!
¡Agosto es el Mes de los Negocios Afroamericanos!
La ciudad se enorgullece de celebrar agosto como el Mes de las Empresas Afroamericanos y anima a los residentes a apoyar a las empresas y emprendedores afroamericanos de Hyattsville. Visite hyattsville.org/visit para obtener listas de directorios de empresas locales, además de varios influencers que visitan negocios dirigidos por emprendedores afrodescendientes en nuestra zona.
Descubra cómo su empresa puede obtener la certificación de Empresa Minoritar¬ia y aprovechar oportunidades de financiación adicionales en hyattsville.org/bbm
¡Episodio 2 de Hyattsville Happenings!
¡Tenemos un pódcast! Descarga Hyattsville Happenings en Spotify, Apple Podcasts o Overcast y escucha nuestras conversaciones sobre el verano en Hyattsville, así como un análisis a fondo del proyecto de historia oral Golden Voices, en colaboración con la Biblioteca de la sucursal de Hyattsville.
También hemos estado compartiendo nuestros videos de Resumen del Concejo y Hyattsville Spotlight en el pódcast. ¡Síguenos para recibir una dosis rápida de noticias de Hyattsville mientras haces tu trayecto diario o doblas la ropa! Más información en hyattsville.org/stayconnected
Noche Nacional Contra el Crimen: 4 de agosto
El Departamento de Policía de Hyattsville organiza la Noche Nacional de la Policía el 4 de agosto, de 6 a 8 p. m., en el Parque Driskell, ubicado en la calle Hamilton 3911. ¡Ven a conocer al equipo del HPD y disfruta de demostraciones, juegos, regalos y mucho más! Obtén más información sobre este evento gratuito y familiar en hyattsville. org/nno
Consejos para Prevenir el Fraude Inmigración
Tenga en cuenta que ha aumentado el número de personas que cobran dinero y fingen ofrecer asistencia jurídica en materia de inmigración, aunque no estén capacitadas para ello. En Estados Unidos, los «notarios» no son lo mismo que los abogados. No pueden ayudarle ante los tribunales.
Para obtener más información sobre cómo identificar las estafas, encontrar proveedores de asistencia jurídica gratuita o a bajo coste, así como recursos para conocer tus derechos, visita hyattsville.org/assistance
Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de un fraude, puede ponerse en contacto con la Oficina de Asuntos de Inmigración del Gobernador de Maryland en immigrant.affairs@maryland. gov
TITULARES DE HYATTSVILLE
¡Los jóvenes del campamento de verano de Hyattsville han disfrutado al máximo del nuevo Centro para Adolescentes, tanto por dentro como por fuera, durante el último mes! ¡El espacio tiene un aspecto excelente y supone una gran mejora para los programas juveniles de la ciudad! Más info: hyattsville.org/youth
Los alumnos de 6.º a 12.º curso disfrutaron este verano del «Camp Staycation» con salidas al cine para ver «Minions & Monsters» (¡a todos les encantó!), así como con los divertidos y trepidantes juegos de trabajo en equipo de «Beat The Bomb». Más info: hyattsville.org/staycation
CALENDARIO DE EVENTOS
Clases Gratuitas de Zumba
Lunes y miércoles, 4 - 5 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal! hyattsville.org/calendar
Ejercicios Sentados
Los adultos mayores pueden participar los miércoles, 10 - 11 a.m., en el Edificio Municipal. hyattsville.org/seniors
Mantenimiento Forestal y Eliminación de Enredaderas Invasoras
1 de agosto, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Eliminación de enredaderas invasoras en Distrito 4, reunión en Parque Heurich.
15 de agosto, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Limpieza del parque y mantenimiento forestal Parque Melrose. Se ofrecen horas de aprendizaje mediante servicio para estudiantes.
29 de agosto, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Eliminación de enredaderas invasoras en Distrito 3, reunión en Parque University Hills.
¡También puedes solicitar que se retiren las enredaderas de tu propiedad! hyattsville. org/vine-removal
¡Lunes de Cine Gratis!
¡Ven a disfrutar de una película clásica en el Old Greenbelt Theatre el 3 de agosto, 1 p.m! hyattsville.org/seniors
Noche de Acción Nacional
¡Únase a nosotros para la Noche de Acción Nacional el 4 de agosto de 6 - 8 p.m. en el Parque Driskell! Venga a conocer a los oficiales de policía de Hyattsville, disfrute de juegos, música, regalos y mucho más. ¡Esta es una buena manera de fortalecer los lazos comunitarios, conectar con los vecinos, y divertirse al mismo tiempo! Formemos juntos una comunidad más segura y fuerte. Más información en hyattsville.org/nno
Paseo Intergeneracional
Los adultos mayores pueden realizar un paseo a Dave & Busters en Silver Spring con miembros del Centro de Jóvenes de Hyattsville el 6 de agosto, 12 - 3 p.m. Registrese: 301-985-5000 o hyattsville.org/seniors
Grupo de Apoyo para Cuidadores
Conecta con otros cuidadores los días 7 & 21 de agosto, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m., en el Edificio Municipal. hyattsville.org/seniors
Fiesta Comunitaria del Distrito 4
¡Únete a tus vecinos en la fiesta comunitaria del Distrito 4 el sábado 8 de agosto, de 4 a 9 p. m., en la cuadra 5800 de 31st Place!
Esta comida compartida anual está organizada por los concejales del Distrito 4 y los líderes comunitarios. ¡Trae un platillo para compartir!
Si te interesa ser voluntario para apoyar el evento o quieres más información, ponte en contacto con el concejal del Distrito 4, Edouard Haba, en ehaba@hyattsville.org El personal de la ciudad estará presente para responder tus preguntas de 4 a 6 p. m. ¡Pásate a saludar!
Reunión de Permisos para Campos Deportivos de Otoño
Las organizaciones interesadas en solicitar permisos para usar los campos deportivos este otoño en Driskell Park, Melrose Park y 38th Avenue Park deben asistir a la reunión de permisos para campos deportivos de otoño el 12 de agosto a las 7 p.m. en la sala de usos múltiples del edificio municipal, ubicada en 4310 Gallatin St. Puede obtener más información en hyattsville.org/fieldpermit
¡El campamento de verano de este año ha estado lleno de aventuras de todo tipo! Desde explorar los misterios del océano en el Acuario Nacional hasta dar de comer a las cabras en un zoológico interactivo local. hyattsville.org/camps
¡Las personas mayores de Hyattsville se unieron a jóvenes de 6.º a 12.º curso para realizar varias excursiones intergeneracionales! El grupo disfrutó el Museo de Arte Americano (izq.). En el Museo Planet Word (der.) se establecieron vínculos y se compartieron historias. hyattsville.org/seniors
Grupo de Caminata para Personas Mayores
Da un paseo veraniego por el Parque de los patos de University Hills, el 13 de agosto, 1011 a.m. ¡Lleve calzado cómodo para caminar y ropa adecuada para el clima! hyattsville. org/seniors
Rodeo Ciclista en el Parque Driskell
El Comité Asesor de Salud, Bienestar y Recreación de la ciudad de Hyattsville, junto con sus socios, organizará un rodeo de bicicletas para familias el 15 de agosto, de 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., en el parque Driskell. El rodeo ofrece capacitación gratuita sobre el uso de la bicicleta, información educativa y consejos de seguridad. La Asociación de Ciclistas del Área de Washington regalará 100 cascos de bicicleta para niños, y Arrow Bicycle repartirá luces y candados para bicicletas de forma gratuita — ¡hasta agotar existencias! Más información en hyattsville.org/calendar
Distribución de Alimentos
Recoja bolsas de productos agrícolas gratuitos el 18 de agosto, 12 p.m. en la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida de Hyattsville. hyattsville.org/calendar
¡Fiesta de Verano!: ¡Una celebración internacional!
¡Reserve la fecha! Venga a celebrar la diversidad de Hyattsville en nuestra Fiesta de Verano de temática internacional el 18 de septiembre de 5:30 a 8:30 p.m. en Parque Heurich, 2800 Nicholson Street. Conozca a sus vecinos y haga nuevos amigos mientras disfruta de música en vivo y cocina internacional. Obtenga más información en hyattsville.org/summerjam
Servicios «Call-A-Bus»
¿Necesita transporte? ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarle! ¡Los adultos mayores de Hyattsville pueden acceder a transporte seguro y confiable a través del servicio Call A Bus y otros programas de movilidad para personas mayores! Descargue la Guía de Transporte para Personas Mayores y obtenga toda la información en hyattsville.org/ seniors. ¿Prefiere una copia impresa? ¡Con gusto! Solicita uno para recoger en el Edificio Municipal enviando un correo electrónico a seniors@hyattsville.org o llame (301) 9855000. ¡Queremos que siga moviéndose con seguridad y comodidad!
Proyecto de Historia Oral de Hyattsville
Se ha puesto en marcha un nuevo proyecto de historia oral, «Golden Voices of Hyattsville», que reúne las historias y los archivos de los residentes de Hyattsville como parte de la celebración del 140.º aniversario de la ciudad.
Estas grabaciones estarán disponibles para el público gracias a una colabo¬ración con la Biblioteca de Hyattsville en su página web: pgcmls.info/digital-special-collections
¿Te gustaría compartir tu historia? Apúntate a una sesión de grabación en hyattsville. org/seniors
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Find more local events all month long in our continuously updated online calendar at StreetcarSuburbs.News/events
Here’s our list of events sponsored by local nonprofits, arts organizations and performance venues, occurring in August; all information is current as of July 23. For events and meetings organized by the City of Hyattsville, see Hyattsville Headlines in the newspaper’s centerfold.
Please send notices of September events to managingeditor@hyattsvillelife. com by Aug. 20
RECURRING
Riverdale Park Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot near the Riverdale MARC Station, 4650 Queensbury Rd. Live music every week from roughly 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Aug. 6: Stephen & Patsy Lundberg; Aug. 13: Tammy; Aug. 20: TBA; Aug. 27: TBA). For more information, contact rpkfarmmkt@gmail.com.
Weekly acoustic blues jams, in the Piedmont blues tradition. Listeners welcome! Free. Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation, 4502 Hamilton St. acousticblues.com
Busboys and Poets hosts an open mic for poets every Thursday. $5. 8 to 10 p.m. 5331 Baltimore Ave. 301.779.2787. busboysandpoets.com
Sharpen your drawing skills in a relaxed, informal setting at the Hyattsville figure drawing group’s drop-in drawing sessions at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. Sessions consist of several short warm-up poses and a single sustained pose for the duration of the session. Bring your own art supplies; drawing boards and chairs provided. $20/session or $75/5-session punch card or $15/session for Pyramid Atlantic members. Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m. 4218 Gallatin St. hyattsvillefiguredrawing@ gmail.com
Early Bird Serenity Al-Anon. Support for friends and families
of alcoholics based on the 12-step program. Free, all are welcome. Virtual meetings every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information and Zoom link, email ebsalanon@ gmail.com.
ONGOING
Through the summer meals program, kids and teens, ages 2 to 18, can get a free on-site meal at the Hyattsville Branch Library while supplies last. Weekdays 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451
In the exhibit “Superimposed,” Pyramid Atlantic Art Center will showcase how practices can converge, and even be enhanced by, the art of collage. Through Aug. 9. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 4218 Gallatin St. pyramidatlanticartcenter.org. 301.608.9101
Curated by Rashad Ali Muhammad in celebration of Pride Month, the art exhibition “Frolic” is a bold tribute to queer resilience, creativity and joy. Through Aug. 15. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. 301.277.2863. brentwoodarts@pgparks.com
AUGUST 2
Ryan Moran performs at Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. Free. 3 to 5 p.m. 4824 Rhode Island Ave. streetcar82brewing.com
AUGUST 4
Enjoy a screening of “The Land Before Time” (1988, 69 min.) with others in the community. Free. Register at pgcmls.info/events. 2 to 3:15 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451
Want to watch another animated dragon movie?
Come enjoy Viking teen Hiccup and Toothless the dragon in “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010, 93 min.) at Publick Playhouse. Free.
AUGUST 9
Celebrate books that make us believe in love with local authors bringing unforgettable characters and romance to life, during Author Next Door: Booklovers and Book Lovers, the next installment in our rotating celebration of community storytellers from across the DMV. Free. Register at busboysandpoets. com. Busboys and Poets, 5331 Baltimore Ave. 301.779.2787
Register at pgparksdirect.com. 7 to 9:15 p.m. 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. 301.277.1710. publickplayhouse@pgparks. com
AUGUST 5
Come to Lawyer in the Library: Tenants’ Rights and Housing Clinic for free one-on-one legal services on matters related to housing, landlord/tenant disputes and tenants' rights — first come, first served for eligible individuals. Free. Register at pgcmls.info/events. 2 to 4 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451
AUGUST 7
Prison Rodeo plays at Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. Free. 7 to 9 p.m. 4824 Rhode Island Ave. streetcar82brewing.com
AUGUST 13
Party under the bridge at Franklins with jazz music from the Mike Cemprola Trio 6 to 9 p.m. 5123 Baltimore Ave. 301.927.2740. info@ franklinsbrewery.net
AUGUST 14 & 15
Join us as Grammy-nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Kirchen performs two rare acoustic shows at the Barbershop. $30. 8 p.m. Reserve seats through acousticblues. com. Archie Edwards Blues Foundation, 4502 Hamilton St.
AUGUST 17
Take charge of your health with free HIV and syphilis screenings from the Prince George’s County Health Department. Free. 1 to 4 p.m. No appointment needed. Hyattsville Branch Library,
6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451. pgcmls.info/events
AUGUST 18
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alex Haley’s landmark novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family and explore its legacy with family member Chris Haley. $15. Register at pgparksdirect.com. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420. riversdale@pgparks.com
AUGUST 21
Dave Chappelle with Ian and Manny perform at Maryland Meadworks. Free. 7 to 10 p.m. 4700 Rhode Island Ave., Suite Bee. 301.955.9644. marylandmeadworks.com
AUGUST 22
As part of Route 1 Corridor Conversations, learn about Welcome Home Neighbor, a direct-aid project organized by Hyattsville residents. Attendees can join via telephone or Zoom. Free. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Register at hyattsvilleaginginplace.org/ events.
AUGUST 29
Come listen to The Overthinkers play at Maryland Meadworks. Free. 7 to 10 p.m. 4700 Rhode Island Ave., Suite Bee. 301.955.9644. marylandmeadworks.com
Exhibit puts College Park’s Lakeland on display
By AYLIN AARHUS
Climb to the second floor of the College Park Aviation Museum, and you’ll find an exhibit that has little to do with air travel. Instead, it shares an often-overlooked part of College Park’s history.
The exhibit, “Reclaiming Our Space,” which runs until May 2027, tells the story of Lakeland, a historically Black neighborhood north of Old Town College Park and south of Berwyn.
Black Americans began mov-
ing to Lakeland around the turn of the 20th century and quickly established churches and schools, building a community for themselves in what was an increasingly white county at the time.
“You were talking about a generation from enslavement,” said Maxine Gross, a fifth-generation Lakeland resident and founding chair of the Lakeland Community Heritage Project (LCHP). “People were trying to get their feet under themselves.”
Generations of Lakelanders worked close to home at the Maryland Agricultural College — which would become the University of Maryland (UMD) — the College Park Airport and the B&O Railroad. Others worked as teachers or clergy, or ran local businesses.
The community changed forever in the 1970s and ’80s, as two-thirds of Lakeland’s homes were demolished in an urban renewal effort. Gross said the city broke promises to its Lakeland residents, failing to construct new single-family homes. Instead, the city prioritized the construction of apartments and student housing.
One wall of the exhibit guides viewers through Lakeland’s history, highlighting themes like faith, education and nature. The other side is lined with photos and stories from Lakelanders who were interviewed by LCHP and student researchers and faculty from UMD’s Department of Art History and Archaeology.
Interspersed throughout the exhibit are screens playing interviews with Lakeland residents.
One screen shows slides of Lakelanders attending city meetings about urban renewal in the ’70s. Audio from interviews with older Lakeland residents plays in the background.
“When I first moved out here, they were talking about this urban renewal,” one resident, Fannie Douglas, said on the recording. Douglas moved to Lakeland with her husband around 1940 and sat for the interview in 2007. She said she warned her neighbors, “Don’t let them come into the community, because they don’t do
The “Reclaiming Our Space” exhibit, which will run until next May on the second floor of the College Park Aviation Museum, tells the story of Lakeland, a historically Black neighborhood just north of Old Town College Park and south of Berwyn.
nothing but tear it up.”
But the exhibit is about more than what Lakelanders lost.
Quint Gregory, director of the Michelle Smith Collaboratory for Visual Culture at UMD, helped curate the exhibit. He said one of the key themes was joy, which was “a throughline through the history of Lakeland.”
Gregory’s favorite historical photo of Lakeland is one of three young girls, members of the pompom squad, posing in front of the local grocery store. The photo didn’t make it into the exhibit, but he said it stuck with him.
“I think of it as a moment where they are fully within themselves, and they’re doing this thing, and it’s about their community,” Gregory said. “And there’s no sense of the broader world that literally immediately surrounds them and makes life always a negotiation, and possibly filled with danger.”
The aviation museum, located at the College Park Airport, is about a mile from Lakeland. At least five Lakeland residents worked at the airport’s airmail
station between 1918 and 1920.
Carol Allred, the museum’s exhibition specialist and co-curator of “Reclaiming Our Space,” said that a sense of connection was what interested the museum’s staff in educating people about Lakeland’s history.
“Museums, to me, are important because they’re excellent at showing us ourselves and the people around us, and showing us the world that we live in,” Allred said. “So taking in these local stories is a great way for museums to fulfill that mission.”
Gross said she hopes the exhibit will encourage visitors to help build a stronger community.
“We’ve never pretended that Lakeland is entirely unique or entirely special,” Gross said. “I think the African American experience is special. I think it is an important part of our nation’s history.”
Gross continued, “It encompasses a lot of the failures of the American experiment. But I think it also provides concepts that, if allowed to grow and prosper, can be beneficial to the society as a whole.”
JONATHAN PETER BELLING
attorney said she was unable to get excited about most of her options, but the idea for the store came quickly. “I left in May [2025] and by early June, I kind of had this eureka moment,” she said. “The concept and the name came in the same afternoon.”
An avid thrifter, Meehan Richmond spent a large part of her adult life scouring places like Goodwill and other secondhand outlets in the region. Though she had never really sold anything through consignment, she always wondered why there weren’t more such stores in the DMV and felt there was a need in the market. “I think there are really high-end consignment shops and then there are places like Goodwill and Unique Thrift,” she said. “I wanted to hit the middle.”
De Novo — an oft-used legal term meaning “from the beginning” — accepts clothing from customers, then takes a percentage when the items are sold. The amount to the customer ranges from 30% to 70%, she said, adding that customers also may choose to receive a credit to purchase clothes.
The store accepts women's clothes that are (preferably) made with quality materials, such as cotton, cashmere, linen, wool and silk. It also sells shoes, bags and accessories. The store does not discriminate against brands, Meehan Richmond said, but the ones that resonate with customers include Anthropologie, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Lululemon, Ralph Lauren, Theory and others.
“I'm pretty clear on my website and talking to people that I want things that are in like-new condition and made from highquality materials,” she said. “Then it has to be a contemporary style or a classic style.”
De Novo, which is located in a
MORE NEW BUSINESSES COMING TO HYATTSVILLE ARTS DISTRICT
Route 1 between Farragut and Jefferson streets
• Nash & Smash (Burgers and fried chicken)
• KPOT (Korean BBQ and Hot Pot)
• Big Bear Baked Potatoes
• Honeymoon Chicken
• Tip Top Nail Bar
• The Suite Spot (Salon suite)
According to Hyattsville city staff
triangular-shaped building near Baltimore Avenue and Farragut Street, features casual dresses in the front, a “special occasion” section in the back and skirts and jumpers in another corner. In a different area, sweaters and work wear. A section of the store offers items — such as candles — from local makers.
Meehan Richmond said roughly 90% of the store's inventory comes from locals. The rest consists of items she acquired. “I certainly did some sourcing in the year I was planning, so some of this stuff is mine that I found,” she said. “There were like five weekends where I was here [in the store] doing work, and I just kind of put it out on social media to say, ‘Hey, I'm open these hours for consigners.’ I was able to get a pretty good stock before we opened.”
During the planning for the store, Meehan Richmond, who lives in Kensington with her husband and two sons, was looking for a small place to keep costs down and one “with a great vibe.”
Hyattsville fit the bill. She has former colleagues who live in the city and in nearby Riverdale Park, so she was very familiar.
“I wanted a space where I would honestly be excited to
De Novo — an oft-used legal term meaning “from the beginning” — accepts clothing from customers, then takes a percentage when the items are sold.
very comfortable reaching out to groups, organizations and other business owners and asking lots of questions to help me better understand what starting and running a business entails,” she explained. “I also managed a lot of cases and projects during my time at DOJ, and that experience (time management, knowing what to prioritize) has served me well.”
come every day, a place that people could do more than just visit my shop,” she said. “So I was thrilled when I saw this space with the lease sign.”
Lawyering and vendoring may seem like disparate pursuits, but Meehan Richmond said some of her skills transferred nicely. “Attorneys in DOJ's civil rights division do a lot of fact-gathering and community engagement, so I felt
De Novo, at 5101 Baltimore Avenue, is open Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
DARIANA GUZMAN
VIDEO Scan to see a tour of the store.
Lawson’s Pharmacy
DATA CENTERS
dozens showing up to county meetings to voice their objections to the plan.
A separate executive order forbidding review of any data center permit application, which Braveboy has extended through Sept. 30, stops the Landover project from moving forward.
Interfaith intervention?
On July 10, an unknown number of Prince George’s County residents and community leaders received a mass text message promoting data centers as a way for the county to “lead the nation in ensuring that every family has a fair opportunity to build wealth, access new technology, and participate in the economy of the future.” The text cited high county tax revenue from data centers in Virginia.
The Rev. Derrick Green, a political consultant and Seventh-
day Aventist who has lobbied for Braveboy and contributed to her political campaign, was the author of the text, according to reporting from Religion News Service (RNS), a nonprofit newsroom.
Green’s text pointed residents to interfaithaction.net, a New Jersey-based nonprofit that RNS confirmed is not affiliated with Interfaith Power & Light, the DMV-area climate change nonprofit skeptical of data centers.
Legislative proposals to end the moratoriums
On July 23, the Prince George’s County Planning Board held a hearing on proposed legislation to fast-track data center plan approvals in residential and agricultural zones.
Wanika Fisher, the outgoing county councilmember for District 2, which includes Hyattsville, made the legislative drafting request.
Her proposed legislation would set minimum lot sizes and minimum distances from residences, parks and places of worship. The legislation also would require each data center to have a community benefits agreement approved by the county executive and the county councilmember representing the potential data center location.
Such community benefit agreements, according to reporting by The Banner, have been used in other jurisdictions to limit water usage and noise pollution and require donations to community organizations.
County planning staff recommended that the planning board oppose Fisher’s proposed legislation, saying data center construction is at odds with residential and agricultural zoning. Staff said the proposal did not provide enough guidance on
The
Prince George’s County Planning Board, all of whose members have been appointed by Braveboy in the last eight months, declined to take a position on the proposed legislation after a contentious public hearing July 23.
the content of community benefit agreements and failed to define “brownfield” locations, on which data center construction would be encouraged.
The Prince George’s County Planning Board, all of whose members have been appointed by Braveboy in the last eight months, declined to take a position on the proposed legislation after a contentious public hearing July 23.
The county council is likely to discuss legislative proposals in the coming months. County Councilmember Sheila StaffordAdams, who represents District 5, which includes Landover, has also said she is drafting data center legislation.
Council Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7), the sponsor of the two-year moratorium, supports a complete ban on data centers.
Checking out chicory
Dear Miss Floribunda,
As I drive to work, I have noticed some beautiful flowers on the roadsides that look like blue daisies. Do you know what they are? I never see them in any gardens, so I wonder if they are poisonous. I’ll bet your Aunt Sioux or Wendy Wildflower, who seem to know all about native plants, can tell me what they are and and whether they are OK for the home garden. Even if they’re not, I’d like to know more about this amazing flower.
Razzle-dazzled on Decatur Street
Dear Razzle-dazzled,
Aunt Sioux and Wendy are sure you are referring to the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus), which blooms all summer till frost. By the way, it is not a native plant and is usually disdained by home gardeners as a weed. Like its cousin the dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, it can be invasive.
Both are in the aster family, as is the daisy that chicory resembles. However, it is not just another pretty face but is extremely useful in many ways. It improves the soil, supports many pollinators, and certainly has an interesting history.
Probably the main reason you don’t see it in gardens is that those entrancing blue flowers close soon after noon unless the day is cloudy, and the plant itself is a bit scraggly. However, mixed with other plants that open at different times of day, such as California poppies, daylilies and four o'clocks, it could be used to make a kind of floral clock.
The most famous of these “clocks” was that of the great 18th-century Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus, and he included chicory in his. Although his clock was only theoretical, some gardeners in Elizabethan England planted beds of flora that opened at different times of day. A modern floral clock, the Blumenuhr, exists in Zürich. Whereas many so-called floral clocks are just planted to form the shape and numbers of a clock, the Blumenuhr is a functional floral clock sculpture, which sometimes features plants that open in succession. If you decide to grow chicory in an informal bed, however, it might be more reliably aesthetic to add some annuals that
bloom throughout the day. You might consider adding other attractive roadside plants, such as Queen Anne's lace (Dauca carota), goldenrod, iron weed, field daisies, various wild asters, black-eyed Susans and clovers in shades of purple, red and white.
Chicory was brought to the United States by European colonists mostly to use as forage for cattle, as well as to make a dye, but its medicinal use goes back to ancient Egypt. Moreover, its leaves were used in salads by the Greeks and Romans.
We still eat varieties of chicory leaf under the names of radicchio, endive and escarole. The use of its root to make ersatz coffee dates to the 18th century in Prussia. The French improved it during the coffee
shortages of the Napoleonic wars.
Then when Union embargos in the U.S. Civil War made coffee impossible to import in the South, a way was found to make a substitute from roasted chicory root so genuinely palatable that it is still produced and on the market. However, chicory is more often employed as an additive to coffee.
Those who have enjoyed a café au lait and beignets at the Café du Monde in New Orleans can attest to how well chicory enhances its flavor. A number of coffee and chicory blends can be found online, and the actual Café Du Monde brand is available in Asian supermarkets catering to Vietnamese clientele. (Vietnamese coffee does not traditionally include chicory, but the roasted root
imparts a flavor similar to the sorts of coffee grown and consumed in Vietnam.)
If you really want to go to the trouble, you can grow chicory for its root, dig it up and go through the process of roasting and grinding it.
In fact, you may already be eating chicory in granola, protein bars and a number of breakfast cereals but under the name of inulin. It is a source of prebiotic fiber and a sugar substitute.
Because chicory can cause bloating — and, in fact, this
may be a good place to warn you that when mixed in coffee, it can have this effect — consider starting with a small amount and tapering up slowly. Please check the website for the Hyattsville Horticultural Society, hyattsvillehorticulture. org, for upcoming events and meetings.
email her at Floribundav@gmail.com.
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Miss Floribunda writes about gardening for the Life & Times. You may
The Blumenuhr is a functional floral clock sculpture in Zürich that sometimes features plants that open in succession. COURTESY OF ROLAND ZH/ WIKIMEDIA
You may already be eating chicory in granola, protein bars and a number of breakfast cereals under the name of inulin. UNSPLASH
Avenue, with one monitoring northbound traffic and one southbound traffic. The speed limit for both sides is 25 mph in this stretch. The third is on the 7000 block of Adelphi Road on the southbound side. The speed limit for this stretch of road is 30 mph.
These three cameras captured roughly 10,502 events across all three locations in 2025, according to Lt. Edwin Ramirez, the Hyattsville administrative services division commander. Of that total, 2,355 were classified as violations or citations.
(An “event” may constitute an erroneous citation for a variety of reasons, such as incorrectly measured speed.)
As of this July 23, the cameras have issued 2,350 citations or violations and have captured 4,530 total events so far this year, the Hyattsville Police Department confirmed.
Some city residents are not convinced that the police department is doing enough to prevent speeding on city streets. In an April 2025 survey of 605 Hyattsville residents conducted by Probolsky Research, 47.8% were satisfied with the city’s prevention of speeding on residential streets, while 32.4% were dissatisfied, 17.5% neutral and 2.3% said that they did not know.
Traffic and roads ranked as
the third most commonly cited problem facing the city, according to the survey, and some of those concerns also came through in residents’ written responses. "The traffic is not in control at all anymore,” one Ward 1 resident wrote. A Ward 4 resident said the city should be combating speeding throughout the entire city and not just on certain streets. While some residents remain frustrated with Hyattsville’s handling of speeding, national
research supports the general use of speed cameras as a way to reduce vehicle crashes.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that cameras have led to reductions of at least 70% in the share of vehicles traveling more than 10 mph over the limit on roads in Maryland, Arizona and Washington. In New York City school zones, crashes fell 14% at camera sites during operating hours.
“When crashes happen, the
chance that there’s an injury is lower, as well, because of those lower speeds,” IIHS Director of Media Relations Joe Young said.
Young pointed to an IIHS study in neighboring Montgomery County, showing that almost eight years after the introduction of speed cameras, there was a 19% reduction in the likelihood that a crash resulted in an incapacitating or fatal injury.
The study also found that in the same time period, speed
cameras were associated with a 10% reduction in average speeds and a 62% reduction in the likelihood that a vehicle was traveling more than 10 mph above the speed limit at camera sites.
Montgomery County adopted what IIHS calls a “corridor approach,” in which officials periodically move cameras to different locations along a roadway; the institute’s research found that this corridor approach provides significantly greater safety benefits than does using fixed cameras alone. Hyattsville’s three speed cameras have not moved since their 2013 installation.
The question of speed camera effectiveness is relevant as the city prepares to expand its use of traffic enforcement cameras. In September 2024, the Hyattsville City Council voted to authorize mobile stop-sign monitoring cameras in school zones. According to the city’s website, camera installation is starting with “a small, carefully selected group of locations focused on high-risk intersections.” The locations are Nicholson Street and 31st Avenue, Nicholson Street and Jamestown Road, and 42nd Avenue and Oglethorpe Street. Ramirez said Maryand law restricts revenue from speed cameras. The funds, he explained, cover the installation and maintenance of the program and are limited to public safety uses, such as pedestrian safety and traffic enhancements.
Ramirez said the revenue from the cameras is more than enough to pay for their maintenance, but that only the city’s finance department has access to the actual figures. The Life & Times has submitted a Maryland Public Information Act request for the records; the request is pending.
Michael Murphy is an undergraduate journalism student at the University of Maryland.
The question of speed camera effectiveness is relevant as the city prepares to expand its use of traffic enforcement cameras. FILE PHOTO
El condado de Prince George aprueba una ley sobre la recuperación de vehículos cuando sus propietarios son detenidos por ICE
Por STEVE KARESH, WTOP.com
El Concejo del Condado de Prince George aprobó el martes una legislación que facilitará a los familiares de personas detenidas por ICE recuperar los vehículos que hayan sido llevados a los depósitos vehiculares. El proyecto de ley fue presentado por Eric Olson, vicepresidente del Concejo del Condado
de Prince George, en Maryland.
"Cuando las personas son detenidas por ICE, con frecuencia son arrestadas mientras conducen un auto u otros vehículos, y estos quedan abandonados a un lado de la carretera", afirmó Olson.
En los casos en que un vehículo se considera "abandonado", es trasladado a un depósito vehicular. Actualmente, solo el propietario registrado del vehí-
culo o una persona autorizada mediante una carta firmada y notarizada por el propietario puede recuperarlo.
"Esta medida garantiza que una persona que pueda demostrar que reside en el mismo domicilio o un familiar, pueda acceder a ese vehículo", manifestó Olson. "Antes, solo podía hacerlo la persona que figuraba en el título de propiedad".
Esto significa que una familia
FESTIVAL DE VERANO DE HYATTSVILLE
puede recuperar su automóvil y, para muchas familias, este vehículo es un recurso vital para desplazarse al trabajo, a la escuela o a recibir tratamientos médicos.
La nueva ley también exige a la policía notificar al dueño registrado que su vehículo ha sido llevado a un depósito e informar sobre su ubicación, incluso si dicho propietario se encuentra bajo custodia.
La organización Immigrant
Rights Collective informó que, tras la detención de sus conductores por parte de ICE, más de 50 vehículos quedaron abandonados en las calles de los condados de Prince George y Montgomery, según informaron los socios de WTOP en Maryland Matters.
Este artículo fue republicado con el permiso de nuestro socio informativo WTOP. Noticias
El condado de Prince George advierte a los propietarios: Mantengan sus terrenos o enfrentará multas
Por JOHN DOMEN, WTOP.com
Los propietarios del condado de Prince George que permitan que sus terrenos se conviertan en un problema para la comunidad pronto enfrentarán multas que serán cada vez más difíciles de ignorar.
El pasado martes, el Concejo del Condado aprobó por unanimidad un proyecto de ley que duplica la multa inicial por infracciones de mantenimiento en propiedades no residenciales, pasando de 1,000 a 2,000 dólares. A partir de ahí, el condado podrá multar al propietario con hasta 5,000 dólares por cada día que persista la infracción. En el transcurso de un mes, la multa podría llegar a alcanzar cifras muy altas, incluso de seis dígitos.
La nueva ley entrará en vigor al finalizar el verano.
en University Boulevard, cerca de Riggs Road, en Hyattsville. "Llevo años lidiando con un campamento de personas sin hogar, y ha sido realmente muy difícil. Una de las medidas que nos ayudaría a recuperar esa zona sería instalar una valla", mencionó Fisher respecto a la propiedad de University Boulevard.
La concejal también indicó que recibe quejas sobre un centro comercial en Hyattsville, donde el área verde se ha convertido en un lugar para el consumo de alcohol en espacios públicos y un vertedero de basura.
"No se puede permitir que las personas lleven muebles, consuman alcohol y orinen en la vía pública durante todo el día, justo al lado de casas unifamiliares", expresó Fisher.
Por HEATHER WRIGHT
En su reunión del 13 de julio, el Concejo Municipal de Hyattsville votó a favor de enviar una carta al Concejo del Condado
de Prince George con recomendaciones sobre las regulaciones que el condado está desarrollando para las unidades de vivienda accesoria (ADU, por sus siglas en inglés).
Una ADU es una unidad de vivienda más pequeña, la cual se encuentra situada en el mismo terreno que una residencia unifamiliar principal y, además,
La concejal del Distrito 2 y copatrocinadora del proyecto, Wanika Fisher, manifestó que esta iniciativa fue inspirada, en parte, por los persistentes problemas en los terrenos pertenecientes a empresas de servicios públicos y compañías privadas
Dijo, además, que la multa anterior de 1,000 dólares, ofrecía poco incentivo para que los propietarios tomaran las medidas necesarias.
"Lamentablemente, a algunos propietarios hay que imponerles multas altas para que finalmente asuman la responsabilidad
de
Los residentes de Hyattsville disfrutaron del Summer Jam con temática de "barbacoa en el patio trasero" de la ciudad, que se llevó a cabo el 24 de julio. Originalmente programado para el 17 de julio, se pospuso debido a la mala calidad del aire causada por los incendios forestales canadienses. Vea más fotos en la pág. 5. CORTESÍA DE DARIANA GUZMAN
cuenta con su propia cocina, baño y entrada independiente. Algunos ejemplos son los apartamentos en sótanos, estudios adicionales y garajes acondicionados para vivienda. En 2025, el estado aprobó la Ley 1466 de la Cámara de Representantes (House Bill 1466), que exige a las jurisdicciones adoptar normativas que permitan las ADU antes del 1 de octubre. Actualmente, en el condado de Prince George, las ADU están prohibidas en zonas designadas para viviendas unifamiliares. Para cumplir con la legislación estatal, en su reunión del 7 de julio, el Concejo del Condado presentó un borrador de una posible legislación sobre las ADU (Proyecto de Ley del Condado-074-2026) y comenzó un proceso de retroalimentación pública, que incluirá una audiencia abierta en septiembre. Al momento de redactar este artículo, el concejo aún no había concretado una fecha exacta para dicha audiencia.
Dentro de las recomendaciones propuestas por el Concejo Municipal se incluyen, primero, la proporción de criterios más
claros sobre el tamaño mínimo de los lotes y las dimensiones permitidas para este tipo de unidades; segundo, exigir dos espacios de estacionamiento por cada ADU; y, por último, solicitar que el propietario del terreno resida ya sea en la vivienda principal o en la ADU. Tras un extenso debate sobre aspectos relacionados con el estacionamiento y la prevención de incendios en las ADU (por ejemplo, sistemas de rociadores, etc.), el concejal Danny Schaible (Distrito 2) propuso dos enmiendas al documento de recomendaciones: eliminar cualquier requisito de estacionamiento y tratar de evitar que las nuevas ADU tengan que incluir sistemas de rociadores. Algunos concejales, entre ellos Schaible, querían reducir la normativa sobre las ADU para facilitar la construcción y hacerlas más asequibles, mientras que otros expresaron su preocupación por el posible aumento de la densidad de viviendas y los problemas de estacionamiento que estas podrían generar. La moción de Schaible para modificar la carta fue rechazada y se aprobó la moción para enviar el documento tal como estaba redactado.
MANTENGAN
mantener adecuadamente sus terrenos", declaró a WTOP. "Y esas dos propiedades no pertenecen al condado en absoluto. Lo único que podemos hacer es imponerles multas para obligarlos a cumplir con la normativa".
El Departamento de Permisos, Inspecciones y Cumplimiento del condado deberá actuar con constancia e imponer las multas diarias para que la medida tenga un impacto real, añadió. La agencia ha sido objeto de críticas por varias razones, entre ellas, la aplicación de las normas de cumplimiento. Sin embargo, Fisher cree que re-
sponderá adecuadamente a esta ley. "Cuando una ley carece de fuerza, a la gente le cuesta motivarse para cumplirla porque no ve los resultados", expresó Fisher. "Con esta medida, sí los verán."
Este artículo fue republicado con el permiso de nuestro socio informativo WTOP. Noticias
¡Ayúdanos a que sigan llegando noticias en español a Hyattsville/College Park!
Buscamos voluntarios emprendedores para formar parte de nuestra junta directiva, que hablen español con fluidez y estén dispuestos a ayudarnos a generar ingresos para apoyar las noticias en español en nuestra ciudad.
También buscamos escritores voluntarios y esperamos poder contratar pronto a un organizador comunitario. Si está interesado en alguno de estos puestos, póngase en contacto con nosotros: kit@ streetcarsuburbs. news.
UNSPLASH
VIENE DE PÁG. 13
significa
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Exabogada del Departamento de Justicia abre una tienda de ropa de consignación para mujeres en cuidad
Por NIGEL F. MAYNARD
Hace dieciocho meses, Erin Meehan Richmond era abogada de derechos civiles para el Departamento de Justicia, donde litigaba en nombre del gobierno federal contra empresas e individuos que infringían la ley. Hoy es la propietaria de De Novo, una nueva y moderna tienda de ropa femenina de segunda mano ubicada en Baltimore Avenue.
Meehan Richmond trabajó durante 24 años en el Departamento de Justicia. "Pensé que estaría en el Departamento de Justicia para siempre", afirmó. "Conseguir ese empleo fue como ganarse la lotería". Le encantaba su trabajo y daba por hecho que completaría sus 30 años en la agencia, pero se vio obligada a replantearse ese plan tras el inicio de la segunda Administración de Trump y su agenda de reducción de gastos a través del Departamento de Eficiencia Gubernamental. Según sus cálculos, ella (y casi 75% de sus colegas de la División de Derechos Civiles) se jubilaron anticipadamente. Entonces planeó una segunda etapa en su vida.
Tras su salida del Departamento de Justicia, la abogada expresó que ninguna de las opciones profesionales que tenía la entusiasmaba; sin embargo, la idea de la tienda surgió rápidamente. "Me fui en mayo de 2025 y, a comienzos de junio, tuve una especie de momento «eureka»", afirmó. "El concepto y el nombre surgieron esa misma tarde".
Apasionada de las tiendas de segunda mano, Meehan Richmond pasó gran parte de su vida adulta recorriendo lugares como Goodwill y otros comercios similares en la región. Aunque nunca había vendido nada bajo esa modalidad, siempre se preguntaba por qué no existían más tiendas de este tipo en el DMV (Washington D. C., Maryland y Virginia) y percibía una necesidad en el mercado. "Creo que hay tiendas de consignación de una gama muy alta y luego están los sitios como Goodwill y Unique Thrift", explicó. "Quería ofrecer un punto medio".
De Novo —un término legal muy usado que significa "desde el principio"— recibe prendas de ropa de los clientes y obtiene un porcentaje cuando se venden estos artículos. El cliente recibe entre el 30 % y el 70 % del precio de venta, señaló, y añadió que también puede optar por recibir un crédito para comprar otras prendas.
La tienda acepta ropa femenina confeccionada, preferiblemente, con materiales de alta calidad, como algodón, cachemir, lino, lana y seda. También vende zapatos, bolsos y accesorios. Richmond manifestó que la tienda no discrimina por marcas, aunque las que más conectan con los clientes son Anthropologie, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Lululemon, Ralph Lauren y Theory, entre otras. "En mi sitio web y cuando hablo con la gente dejo claro que busco artículos en condiciones
MÁS NEGOCIOS
NUEVOS LLEGAN
AL DISTRITO DE LAS ARTES DE HYATTSVILLE
Ruta 1 entre Farragut y Jefferson
• Nash & Smash (Hamburguesas y pollo frito)
• KPOT (Barbacoa coreana y hot pot)
• Big Bear Baked Potatoes
• Honeymoon Chicken
• Tip Top Nail Bar
• The Suite Spot (Salón privado)
Según el personal de la ciudad de Hyattsville
prácticamente nuevas y hechos con materiales de alta calidad", afirmó. "Además, deben tener un estilo contemporáneo o clásico".
De Novo se encuentra ubicada en un edificio de forma triangular, cerca de Baltimore Avenue y Farragut Street. Exhibe vestidos informales en la parte delantera y una sección para "ocasiones especiales" en la parte trasera; además, pueden encontrarse faldas y enterizos por un lado, y suéteres y ropa de oficina en otra zona. También ofrece artículos elaborados por fabricantes locales, como velas. Meehan Richmond indicó que aproximadamente 90% del inventario de la tienda proviene de residentes locales. El resto corresponde a artículos que ha adquirido. "Sin duda, me dediqué a buscar productos durante el
año que estuve planificando mi idea de negocio, así que algunas de estos artículos son cosas que yo encontré", dijo. "Hubo como cinco fines de semana en los que estuve aquí trabajando e hice algunas publicaciones en las redes sociales diciendo: 'Hola, estaré abierta en este horario para recibir artículos de segunda mano. Así logré reunir un inventario bastante bueno antes de abrir". Durante la planificación de la tienda, Meehan Richmond, quien reside en Kensington con su esposo y sus dos hijos, buscaba un lugar pequeño para mantener los costos bajos y que contara "con un ambiente agradable". Hyattsville encajó perfectamente. Además, tenía antiguos compañeros viviendo en la ciudad y en Riverdale Park, por lo que el sector le resultaba muy familiar. "Quería un espacio al que realmente me emocionara venir todos los días, un sitio donde la gente pudiera hacer algo más que simplemente visitar mi tienda", expresó. "Por eso me emocioné cuando vi el aviso de que este espacio estaba dis-
ponible para alquiler".
La abogacía y el comercio minorista pueden parecer actividades muy distintas; sin embargo, Meehan Richmond señaló que algunas de sus habilidades resultaron muy útiles en esta nueva faceta. "Los abogados de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia se dedican a recopilar información y a interactuar con la comunidad; por eso, me sentí muy cómoda contactando a grupos, organizaciones y otros empresarios, y haciendo muchas preguntas para comprender mejor lo que implica iniciar y gestionar un negocio", explicó. "Además, durante mi etapa en el Departamento de Justicia, gestioné numerosos casos y proyectos, y esa experiencia (el manejo del tiempo y la capacidad de establecer prioridades) me ha servido de gran ayuda".
De Novo, ubicada en el 5101 de Baltimore Avenue, abre de miércoles a viernes de 11:00 a. m. a 6:00 p. m., los sábados de 10:00 a. m. a 6:00 p. m. y los domingos de 12:00 p. m. a 5:00 p. m.
De Novo — un término legal de uso frecuente que
"desde el principio"
acepta ropa de clientes y luego se queda con un porcentaje cuando los artículos se venden. CORTESÍA DE DARIANA GUZMAN
DOJ demanda a Maryland por su política de matrícula universitaria estatal para inmigrantes indocumentados
Por EL EQUIPO DE MARYLAND MATTERS marylandmatters.org
El 16 de julio, Maryland se convirtió en el último estado en ser demandado por el Departamento de Justicia de Estados Unidos debido a su política que otorga tarifas de matrícula universitaria para residentes a ciertos inmigrantes indocumentados que viven en el estado. En una demanda presentada ante el Tribunal de Distrito de Estados Unidos, el Departamento de Justicia afirmó que la Ley DREAM de Maryland viola la ley federal al conceder un beneficio a los inmigrantes indocumentados que no está disponible para los ciudadanos de otros estados del país; es decir, tarifas de matrícula reducidas (propias de residentes) en las instituciones de educación superior del estado.
La demanda solicita al tribunal que bloquee la aplicación de la ley, al considerar que esta representa aproximadamente 9 millones de dólares en descuentos de matrícula para inmigrantes cada año. También solicita una orden judicial
permanente para impedir que el estado administre cualquier programa de ayuda financiera o becas que puedan beneficiar a inmigrantes indocumentados residentes del estado.
"El Congreso dejó claro hace mucho tiempo que Maryland no puede negar oportunidades educativas a los ciudadanos estadounidenses que sí ofrece a los extranjeros ilegales en el estado", declaró el fiscal general adjunto Stanley Woodward al anunciar la demanda en un comunicado.
"Al conceder matrícula estatal a los inmigrantes indocumentados, Maryland no solo está violando la ley federal, sino que también está subsidiando la educación de estas personas, lo cual cuesta a los contribuyentes de Maryland aproximadamente 9 millones de dólares en un solo año académico", señala el comunicado. Además, sostiene que esta política convierte a los ciudadanos estadounidenses que viven en otros estados en "ciudadanos de segunda clase".
La acción legal señala como demandados al estado de Maryland, a la Comisión de Educación Superior de Maryland y a
la Junta de Regentes del Sistema Universitario de Maryland. El fiscal general de Maryland, Anthony Brown, dijo que su oficina está "examinando detenidamente la demanda".
"Hoy, el Departamento de Justicia presentó un proceso judicial para quitarles una oportunidad a estudiantes de Maryland que crecieron aquí, se graduaron aquí y están trabajando para construir un mejor futuro para ellos, sus familias y las comunidades donde viven", dijo Brown en un comunicado emitido por su despacho.
"Responderemos en los tribunales, como lo hacemos cada vez que se impugnan las leyes de Maryland, y seguiremos luchando por los jóvenes de nuestro estado y por su futuro", añadió.
La presidenta de la Cámara, Joseline Peña-Melnyk (demócrata por los condados de Prince George y Anne Arundel), quien también es inmigrante, calificó la demanda como "otro ejemplo de que el gobierno federal busca que los tribunales anulen decisiones de política pública adoptadas por los estados mediante el proceso democrático".
"La Asamblea General aprobó la política de matrícula de Maryland porque creemos que los estudiantes que han crecido en nuestras comunidades, asistido a nuestras escuelas públicas y cumplido con los requisitos establecidos por la ley estatal deberían tener la oportunidad de acceder a la educación superior y contribuir al futuro de Maryland", señaló Peña-Melnyk en un comunicado. "Una fuerza laboral educada fortalece nuestra economía y nuestras comunidades". También afirmó que mantiene su confianza en "la solidez de la legislación de Maryland".
De acuerdo con la ley, pueden acceder a la matrícula con tarifa estatal los inmigrantes indocumentados que residan en Maryland, se hayan graduado de una escuela secundaria del estado, hayan pagado impuestos estatales sobre la renta durante al menos dos años y soliciten la residencia permanente dentro de los 30 días posteriores a ser elegibles para hacerlo, entre otros requisitos.
Maryland Matters forma parte de States Newsroom, una red de noticias sin ánimo de lucro apoyada por subvenciones y una coalición de donantes registrada como una organización benéfica pública 501c(3). Maryland Matters mantiene la independencia editorial. Reproducido con autorización. Para consultas, comuníquese con el editor Steve Crane en: editor@marylandmatters.org
Connecting
Conectando a los residentes de Hyattsville a través del idioma y la cultura cada mes, en cada buzón. Para anunciar aquí, contacte a kit@streetcarsuburbs.news