Issuu

MARYLAND MATTERS: General Assembly preview, P. 3 MISS FLORIBUNDA: Mixing ﬂowers with vegetables for a fun front yard, P. 7

VOL. 23 NO. 1

HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

JANUARY 2026

Rising water prices burden consumers Utility bills affected by economic turmoil By JALEN WADE The average household’s water and sewer bill rose by $25.60 a quarter last year in Prince George’s County, and it could increase again this summer, according to projections by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). Homeowners and local officials have said the increase, coupled with an approximate $14-per-month rate increase in electricity bills that took effect in June, has become a burden on consumers.

ICE presence reshapes local food aid eﬀorts By RYAN ROSS and ZAKA HOSSEIN Hyattsville church and city programs are adapting how they deliver food and other essentials to struggling families after volunteers and city officials reported fewer residents venturing out for help amid heightened U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Volunteers and city officials say

“Everything is going up these days, so it's an impact on everybody,” David Wilkins, WSSC’s customer service advocate for Northern Prince George’s County, said. “So when we have to pay our bills and our bills go up, car insurance goes up, then it impacts the things that they normally would do on a regular basis. They may take less vacations. They go out to eat less.” WSSC’s fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budgets, which took effect on July 1, 2025, total $1.8 billion, $18.8 million SEE WATER ON 10 

the presence of ICE has frightened some residents in need from seeking meals, fresh produce and diapers, pushing churches and the City of Hyattsville to adjust outreach methods. The changes come amid increasing ICE activity in the county and a federal request this fall for new ICE office space near Hyattsville. “We started to see a little bit of a decrease after ICE started picking up,” said Cindy Harding, director of Helping Hands Feeding Ministry at the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville. But she added that at one stop where lunches have been delivered, attendance had dropped by about 80%. “So you SEE FOOD AID ON 10 

Fireplace Records specializes in vinyl, but its inventory extends to CDs, VHS tapes, comic books, magazines and other rare media. Genres range from hip-hop, R&B and jazz to gospel, funk and pop. FAITH WILSON

A new addition to Hyattsville vinyl culture: Fireplace Records By FAITH WILSON

yattsville has a new spot for music lovers seeking community and tunes — Fireplace Records. Founded by four DJs and lifelong vinyl collectors, the new store (located at 4344 Farragut Street) opened in November 2025 and sells records and more. The owners say their shared passion for music transformed into a storefront where seasoned collectors and newcomers can explore a rich world of media. The owners — Anthony Mims, Black Wilson, DJ 2-Tone Jones and DJ Iran — sold vinyl for more

than 10 years at farmers markets, and since 2021 at the monthly Crate Convention in the District’s Anacostia Arts Center. Their combined expertise and love for vinyl led them to pool resources and open Fireplace Records. Mims, a Philadelphia native and Hyattsville resident, said that navigating the process of opening a storefront in Maryland was challenging. Wilson added that they learned the do's and don’ts of small business ownership along the way. “We just concerted our efforts together and got it done,” Wilson said. Fireplace Records specializes in vinyl, but its SEE RECORDS ON 11 

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of Hyattsville Headlines, in both English and Español!

Hyattsville Headlines Issue 455 | January 2026 | A City of Hyattsville

publication | La versión en español empieza en la página

Holiday Service Changes

Hyattsville City offices wil be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Please note there will be no leaf, yard waste, or compost collection this week. Regular trash collection will remain the same. County recycling routes will move from Monday to Tuesday; Tuesday to Wednesday; Wednesday to Thursday; Thursday to Friday and from Friday to Saturday. For more information on waste collection changes, visit hyattsville.org/trash or call (301) 985-5032.

Mini Camp and Higher Education Scholarships

significantly reduced federal workforce had direct negative impacts on Hyattsville residents and local businesses. While a new year does not change these difficult realities, it does provide an opportunity to reaffirm our shared values. On behalf of Hyattsville’s City Council, I want to be clear that your City government remains fully committed to providing services and support to all residents, regardless of background or immigration status.

City staff and I have been meeting regularly with the Maryland Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs to stay up to date on resources available to residents concerned about immigration enforcement. You can find resources to understand your rights and to find support for food, utility, housing, and work assistance at hyattsville.org/ assistance. The Hyattsville Police Department continues to follow their non-intervention policy in relation to federal immigration activities. Hyattsville officers do not inquire about or track immigration status when engaging with individuals during the course of their regular work.

As we begin the new year, I encourage those who are able to support your

on our City committees. Explore all City volunteer opportunities at hyattsville. org/volunteer. I also hope residents will take advantage of the City’s many free programs, like weekly exercises classes, community festivals, and educational workshops. Currently, there are scholarship applications available for the City’s summer camps and for residents seeking higher education opportunities. Later this year City grants will be available for local business leaders and residents looking to improve our business districts and build community. Visit hyattsville.org/ communications to get connected to the City for updates!

As Mayor, I am entering 2026 focused on providing steady, productive leadership and continued advocacy to ensure Hyattsville remains a welcoming and safe community for all. Please stay engaged with me and your City Councilmembers so we can work together to best serve you. Above all, please continue to look out for each other. Hyattsville’s tight-knit community has always been one of the City’s best assets, and that connection matters now more than ever. While the new year ahead may bring challenges, I am confident we can navigate them together.

Once again, I thank you for allowing me to be your Mayor. Best wishes for a bright start to your year. Mayor Robert Croslin

NEWS FLASHES

2026! City of Hyattsville high school seniors and graduates interested in pursuing higher learning are encouraged to

apply for the Hyattsville Educational Path Scholarship later this month! Students who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in a college, university, or trade school can apply for funding to support the cost of tuition, books, and other school materials. Applications will be accepted between January 26 and March 27, 2026. Visit hyattsville.org/education for details.

Traffic Calming Meetings

hear community feedback. Planning is also underway for street and sidewalk improvements on Jamestown Road. Initial plans are available for review and comment at hellohyattsville.com through February 28. A meeting to discuss the project is planned for January 20 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 5901 36th Avenue. Visit hyattsville.org/calendar for the most recent information. Details for all current street projects can be found at hyattsville.org/streets.

Free CPR Training

The City of Hyattsville is offering FREE CPR training in English for interested community members on Tuesday, January 27, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Hyattsville City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Participants will learn to recognize and treat a cardiac emergency, give rescue breaths, and perform CPR. Space is limited. Register at hyattsville. org/CPR. Additional sessions will be offered in February and March for those unable to attend in January. Future dates will be shared when they become available.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2026

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A big thank you to the Department of Public Works crew and our neighbors for working together to clear the snow from last week‘s storm! | ¡Muchas gracias al equipo del Departamento de Obras Públicas y a nuestros vecinos por trabajar juntos para despejar la nieve después de la tormenta de la semana pasada!

Happy 2025!

VOL. 22 NO. 7

Board of Directors President: Marta McLellan Ross Secretary: Melanie Dzwonchyk Treasurer: Joe Murchison General Counsel: Michael Walls Nora Eidelman, Merrill Hartson, Alec Lynde, T. Carter Ross, Stephanie Stullich, Tara Susman-Peña Ex Officios: Katie V. Jones, Nigel F. Maynard, Sharon O’Malley, Kit Slack

The Hyattsville Life & Times is a member of the National Newspaper Association and the Institute for Nonprofit News. Copies are distributed by U.S. mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are available at popular gathering spots around town. Total circulation is 9,300. ISSN 3069-2822 (Print); ISSN 3069-2830 (Online)

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If you resolve to Be Well: Join us for free fitness classes like Zumba and Seated Yoga or explore our parks and trails! Eligible families and youth can also benefit from free, bilingual therapy through the In Wellness We Thrive program. If you resolve to Go Green: Reduce landfill waste by participating in weekly curbside composting. Preserve our tree canopy by volunteering at monthly invasive vine removals and find guidance on a variety of environmental practices in our online resource guides.

resources for you! P. 2

If you resolve to Shop Local: Support Hyattsville’s small, independent businesses year-round! If you resolve to Give Back: Volunteer at City events, support produce and diaper distributions, tutor local students, and more.

G COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNIN

Si te Propones Estar bien: ¡Únete a nosotros para clases gratuitas fitness como Zumba y Yoga o explorar nuestros parques y senderos! Las familias y jóvenes que reúnan los requisitos también pueden beneficiarse de terapia bilingüe gratuita a través del programa Con Bienestar Prosperamos. Si te Propones ser Ecológico: Reduzca los residuos de los vertederos participando en el compostaje semanal de la Ciudad. Preserve nuestro dosel arbóreo participando como voluntario en las retiradas mensuales de vides invasoras y encuentre orientación sobre una variedad de prácticas medioambientales en nuestras guías de recursos en línea. Si te Propones Comprar Local: Apoya a las pequeñas empresas independientes de Hyattsville durante todo el año. Si te Propones Dar a tu Ciudad: Hazte voluntario en eventos de la ciudad, apoya la distribución de alimentos y pañales, da clases particulares a estudiantes locales y mucho más. Si te Propones Involucrarte en la Ciudad: Participa en las reuniones del Concejo y de los distritos y aporta tu opinión sobre

VOL. 22 NO. 8

JULY 2025

HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNING

from would displace residents than affordable housing rather affordincrease the number of plan able units, to update the state in accordance with new and to and county legislation, in reconsider new construction the flood plain.

Making or displacing affordable housing?

City At the Jan. 21 Hyattsville Hull, Council meeting, Lakisha George’s director of the Prince County Planning Department,

hystructures — essentially for repeatedly stressed the need brid spaces where residents’ same more “missing middle housing” offices are located in the by the live, — a concept championed building in which they 6, 2024, in the city council in an Aug. and sometimes even letter to the county planning SEE“the BRIEFS ON unit 6  itself. more board that emphasized The construction of Missacneed for a comprehensive missing middle housing, ” yield ing Middle Housing study. cording to Hull, would Hull “at all In her presentation, variety housing greater housparticudefined missing middle income point levels,” and lowering as duplexes, triplexes larly affordable units for for other structures that allow income residents. on housgreater population density “We’re trying to address includa single plot of land, 11 SEE DEVELOPMENT ON  ing townhouses and live–work

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

This January, the Prince George’s County Planning Board voted to approve the detailed site plan for a McDonald’s on East-West Highway and Ager Road, a massive step forward for a project that has been mired in controversy and repeatedly stalled by opposition from local residents. But the fight isn’t over yet. After an April 1 county council SEE MCDONALD'S ON 14 

By KIT SLACK On March 12, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took Kilmar Abrego Garcia, age 29, of Beltsville, into custody. They stopped him in Baltimore while he was driving home from picking up his 5-year-old son at the child’s grandmother’s house. On March 16, just four days later, Abrego Garcia’s wife saw him in a photo of men in a maximum security prison in El Salvador called CECOT, one of the largest prisons in the world, housing up to 40,000 inmates. Though the men were crouched, with shaved heads bowed and hands behind their necks, she recognized the tattoos on Abrego Garcia’s arm and the scars on his head.

Abrego Garcia is being held in El Salvador without the ability to communicate with the outside world. His lawyer said that Abrego Garcia has never been charged with any crime in the U.S. or El Salvador and that no one has been able to make contact with him. On Friday, April 4, in Greenbelt, Federal District Court Judge Paula Xinis ordered the federal government to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 7, as this paper goes to press. The Trump administration immediately appealed. In an unusual hearing, Erez Reuveni, who is a career attorney with the Department of Justice, said his clients in the federal government did not contest any of the facts presented by Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, Abrego Garcia’s

lawyer. Reuveni also conceded that he had no evidence of any lawful basis for Abrego Garcia being taken into custody March 12, and no evidence to support the Trump administration’s claim that they have no contract with El Salvador to hold prisoners. “Why can’t they get him back?” Judge Xinis asked. “When this case landed on my desk, I asked that very question,” Reuveni answered, “and I have not gotten an answer to my satisfaction.” Reuveni has since been put on indefinite leave with pay, according to The New York Times. Abrego Garcia crossed the border into the U.S. in 2011 at the age of 16.

scale of the Brown Station

Road Landfill’s mountain

NEWS BRIEFS

County executive election results State’s Attorney Prince George’s County Democratic primary Aisha Braveboy won the 4. for county executive on March the June 3 special Braveboy, 50, will run in of the Republican election against the winner who won 37% of primary, Jonathan White, Jesse A. Peed, who the vote and edged out cial results as of took 34%, according to unoffi State Board of press time from the Maryland

of trash. PAUL RUFFINS

Braveboy, who had been touted as the frontDemocratic runner before the election, primary took more than 46% of the vote. In second place as polls closed III, with 19% of the was Rushern L. Baker S. Hawkins Jr., with vote, followed by Calvin almost 17%. three Republicans Nine Democrats and Prince George’s were on the primary ballot. elect Democrats, County voters typically front-runner making Braveboy the presumed SEE BRIEFS ON 6 

Elections.

el Mes de la

Celebrating Black

History

significant honoring the in History Month, and their role February is Black at of Black Americans and resources contributions local programs nation. Find shaping our hyattsville.org/bhm.

Celebrando Historia Afroamericana

en honor Afroamericana, Mes de la Historia de los estadounidenses Febrero es el contribuciones de nuestra a las importantes su papel en la configuración en y recursos locales afroamericanos programas y nación. Encuentre hyattsville.org/bhm.

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter Issue 446 | April 2025

FY 26 Budget Update Fiscal Hyattsville City staff presented the proposed March on Year 2026 budget at City Council meetings revenues 24 & April 2. The budget reflects estimated of July 1, and proposed expenditures for the period 2025 - June 30, 2026. as the rising This fiscal year presents challenges revenue costs of goods and labor have outpaced costs growth. To close the gap, City staff identified impact to that could be reduced without significant the City’s core services. operations The budget includes funding for essential and like sanitation and public safety, programs and local resources to support community members of businesses, and maintenance and improvement City parks, roads, and buildings. is A full breakdown of the proposed budget Council available at hyattsville.org/budget. consider will continue budget discussions and April & adjustments and amendments throughout a part of the May. Read below for ways you can be process!

Actualización del Presupuesto del Año Fiscal 26

presentó el El personal de la Ciudad de Hyattsville 2026 en las presupuesto propuesto para el Año Fiscal 24 de marzo y el 2 de reuniones del Concejo Municipal del estimados y los abril. El presupuesto refleja los ingresos entre el 1 gastos propuestos para el período comprendido de julio del 2025 y el 30 de junio del 2026. que el aumento de Este año fiscal presenta desafíos, ya ha superado los costos de los bienes y la mano de obra la brecha, el crecimiento de los ingresos. Para reducir podrían que el personal de la Ciudad identificó costos los servicios reducirse sin afectar significativamente básicos de la Ciudad. El presupuesto incluye fondos para operaciones pública, programas esenciales como limpieza y seguridad y a los negocios y recursos para apoyar a la comunidad de los parques, locales, y el mantenimiento y la mejora carreteras y edificios de la Ciudad.

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

By JADE TRAN

Hyattsville is facing a mounting city housing crisis — one that only leaders say is defined not but by the rising cost of rent, afalso by a shortage of truly fordable options. 5,147 Roughly 11% of the city’s afrental units are considered David fordable, according to DepartCristeal, Hyattsville’s Ecoment of Community and housing nomic Development George’s manager. In Prince

for on Gallatin Street, is slated The former Masonic lodge, lodge's ballroom is planned redevelopment; the former OF KAYLEIGH KULP as retail space. COURTESY

SEE HOUSING ON 11 

for Redevelopment planned e Hyattsville’s Masonic lodg

By THOMAS ROBERTSON, from WTOP and A man has been arrested with a charged in connection and November 2024 shooting NFL robbery that left former Tobias player and celebrity chef Dorzon injured. Devin Spivey, 21, was arrested in Friday, June 27, at a home charges Laurel, and faces several roband shooting the to related Dorzon, bery of a woman and SEE SHOOTING ON 10 

By SASWATHI NATTA County PlanOn June 26, the Prince George’s the property at ning Board voted to divide former site of the 4207 Gallatin Street — No. 179 — into two Mount Hermon Lodge Parcel parcels for residential development. Masonic building, one consists of the former ce for which both a multi-story brick edifi properties are residential and commercial for the moniker the is two planned. Parcel lot, which has now building’s rear parking use. been rezoned for residential including at Several Hyattsville residents, the June 26 meetleast one who attended

History

2025

de la Historia ¡Celebra el Mes de la Mujer!

20 de marzo de la Mujer el Gallatin St., de la Historia Celebra el Mes Municipal, 4310 con en el Edificio Acompáñanos de 6 - 7:30 p.m. de poesia y taller. la Dra. Casey con una presentación de Busboys & Poets, literarias quienes presentarán las curadoras y Mariah Barberas, y la resiliencia de las Catherine Moore sobre la resistencia Cabico, conocida como poderosas obras de Regie Post. la conducción DC” por el Washington mujeres, bajo de la Poesía de la “Hada Madrina Rooted Voices: quédate para presentaciones, Después de las

SEE BRIEFS ON 2



The city owes about $26 million, with the majority borrowed for the new police station (nearly complete), and another sizable portion for public works.

County school system faces staffing and pay issues

about the possiing, have voiced concerns developed on the bility of townhouses being made it clear at the lot. The planning board the vote was merely meeting, however, that of developing housto allow for the option that what actually ing on both parcels, and lot will be a topic for becomes of the parking future meetings. fraternal soancient an The Freemasons, Hermon Lodge No. ciety, established Mount their website. The 179 in 1886, according to redevelopment historic building now under D.C. Grand Master was completed in 1893. laid the cornerLandon Cabell Williamson used by another stone with the same gavel

at the corpast master, George Washington, Capitol. nerstone laying of the U.S. vacant for some The building has been County Council time. The Prince George’s site in October designated it as a historical of the historic 2024 at the recommendation Now, the lodge preservation commission. keeping its hiscan be occupied again, while torical facade. LLC Preservation Mt. Hermon Lodge surrounding parkbought the lodge and in April. Managing lot for $1.3 million Kayleigh Kulp, ing member of this LLC, resident for who has been a Hyattsville SEE REDEVELOPMENT

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

Chief Emeritus Donald “Doc” Moltrup retired from the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department in 2005; he died this summer after a brief illness. COURTESY OF THE HYATTSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Hello reader! We want to know

The nickname came early, not from school or sports, but from the back of an ambulance. Fresh out of high school, Donald Moltrup delivered three babies in his first week riding with the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD). That was in 1962. The name “Doc,” naturally, stuck. More than 60 years later, that legendary nickname remains firmly stamped on the hearts of the Hyattsville community. Chief Emeritus Donald “Doc” Moltrup, a Hyattsville institution and nationally recognized fire service leader, died this summer after a brief illness. “Doc’s legacy is the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department,” said current HVFD Chief Henry Sullivan. “Without him, our department would exist mainly in name only.” Moltrup’s contributions spanned decades, but few of those contributions compare to the legacy of

Red Onion Records owner

Josh Harkavy buys and sells

used records, as well as books.

propuesto Un desglose completo del presupuesto El Concejo está disponible en hyattsville.org/budget. considerará y continuará las discusiones presupuestarias y mayo. ¡Lea a modificaciones y ajustes durante abril en el proceso! continuación cómo puede participar

GRIFFIN LIMERICK

what you think!

1. How much of the Hyattsville Life & Times do you read? 2. What do you Hello like aboutreader! it? We want to know what 3. How could it be better? you 4. Do you read the think!website, hyattsvillelife.com newspaper’s ? 5. Would you like to get our weekly email newsletter with local news 1. How much of the newspaper and events? do you read? 2. What do you like about To give it?us your answers, scan the QR code, 3. How could it be better? leave a message at 301.531.5234, or email 4. Do you read the newspaper’s editor@streetcarsub website, collegeparkhere.com urbs.news. Thanks! ? 5. Would you like to get our weekly email newsletter with local news and events? To give us your answers, scan

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THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

Issue 449 | July

2025

Administrator Croslin, City from Mayor Robert del Consejo Asesor inspiring remarks | ¡Nuevos miembros Joanne ceremony saw Youth Council. The swearing-in Douglas, la concejala of the newly appointed Council members! municipal Tracey and two members new Youth Advisory Croslin, la administradora Hyattsville’s Joanne Waszczak, , el alcalde Robert Councilmember un discurso inspirador. de juramento Tracey Douglas, Juventud dieron En la ceremonia Consejo de la Juvenil de Hyattsville! recién nombrado miembros del Waszczak y dos

Congratulations

Youth Council!

Counin Youth Advisory for a to our newly sworn selected to serve Congratulations leaders were The committee These young cil members! application process. on issues of a competitive Council year term via to advise City to see where meet monthly We are so excited members will our City’s youth. importance to them! the year takes Learn more at

Hyattsville.org/YAC.

CLIMATE ACTION

PLAN: VOLUNTEERS

NEEDED

Action on a Climate a grant to work year. been awarded of Maryland this The City has with the Universitya Steering Committee in Plan in partnership needed to participate Learn more and express Volunteers are August. kicking off in for the project, interest at hyattsville.org/enviro-education.

¡Felicitaciones

Concejo Juvenil!

del recién juramentados fueron seleca nuestros miembros jóvenes líderes ¡Felicitaciones de Juvenil! Estos de un proceso Concejo Asesor año a través reunirán servir por un del comité se cionados para Los miembros sobre al Concejo MunicipalCiudad. solicitud competitivo. para asesorar de nuestra mensualmente para la juventud los lleva el año! temas de importancia de ver adónde emocionados ¡Estamos muy Obtenga

más información

PLAN DE ACCIÓN

en Hyattsville.org/YAC.

CLIMÁTICA: SE

By FAITH GILLETT WILSON At its Aug. 5 meeting, the Hyattsville City Council reviewed proposals to share data and camera feeds with two surveillance providers. The council also addressed concerns over unsecured student records and supplies left inside the old Hyattsville Elementary School building slated for demolition.

Council weighs new surveillance tech

Councilmember Joanne Waszczak

ON 12 

The Hyattsville Reporter

NECESITAN VOLUNTARIOS

trabajar en un subvención para voluntarios recibido una La ciudad ha año. Se necesitan que Climática este del proyecto, Plan de Acción en el Comité Directivo o desea más para participar interesado agosto. Si está comenzará en visite hyattsville.org/enviro-education. información,

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

From wood o ar

ON 11 

City council weighs surveillance tech, school security concerns (Ward 1) motioned to discuss the risks and benefits of the Hyattsville Police Department (HPD) entering into an agreement with a cross-jurisdictional database called the Accurint Virtual Crime Center, operated by LexisNexis. “We have a Fourth Amendment right to privacy in this country," said resident Daniel Broder during the public comment period, “and any item that gives the police, whether it’s Hyattsville, Prince George’s or

SEE CITY COUNCIL ON 10

CE come o Hya

By KIT SLACK

On Sept. 24, during morning rush hour, a Hyattsville photographer filmed at least six U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arresting a man at the busy intersection of Hamilton Street and Queens Chapel Road. In the video, officers pin the man to the ground and struggle to shackle him, holding his face against the road surface. He struggles and calls loudly for help in Spanish and English, saying he is American and was born in D.C. One officer tucks a gun into his own belt, from which it falls beside the man’s head and hand. After the officer recovers it, he points it briefly at bystanders and motorists at the intersection, who are calling out support for the man.

One of the officers wears a balaclava. When someone yells, “Take off your mask!,” he calls back, “You want to be next?” ICE later identified the man arrested as Job Arias-Mendoza, and said he is from El Salvador. In an email statement, an ICE representative said Arias-Mendoza had “previously been arrested for first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, concealing a dangerous weapon, and resisting arrest,” and that he “illegally entered the U.S. at an unknown date and time.” ICE also stated that Arias-Mendoza was found to have knives and drugs in his possession after his arrest. On Sept. 6, two weeks prior to his arrest, Arias-Mendoza had published a video of ICE handcuffing a man in front of a West Hyattsville drive-thru liquor store to his social

vote with the city council. recent Much of the debate at council meetings has stemmed city has from the price that the properproposed paying for the meetty. At the May 19 council Tracey ing, City Administrator had Douglas said that the city parcel negotiated the lower from price down to $7.5 million prothe $10.8 million Werrlein

posed last year. During the public comment meetperiod before the May 19 the ing, residents argued that higher price was significantly worth, than what the land was essenand that the city would tially be rewarding Werrlein the for intentionally misusing years, property these last eight SEE LOT ON 2 

Korean culture comes to library

HES CELEBRATES PRIDE

Where will Hyattsville’s money come from?

Hyattsville estimates that the city will receive $30 million be-

SEE BUDGET ON 7



By JADE TRAN

By ZEPHAN MATTESON

Public Prince George’s County counSchools (PGCPS) and the ty's teachers union are squaring staffing off, as the county faces a crisis in its public schools. the Negotiations between Prince PGCPS board and the AsGeorge’s County Educators in sociation (PGCEA) started well. March but have not gone issued a On June 4, the PGCEA Supervote of no confidence in II and intendent Millard House SEE BRIEFS ON 6  his administration. According to the PGCEA, By GRIFFIN LIMERICK enough not currently are there Beteachers at county schools. ed Onion Records owner Josh Harkavycause of the lack of staff, regudidn’t listen to vinyl much growing up. Alar teachers have to take on native of Long Island, N.Y., Harkavy said hisincreased workloads. This can earliest experiences with music came secondhandmean having more kids in classfrom his older sister — for Pixies, Nirvana (she would rooms or getting less time play “Nevermind” a lot), and garage rock and grunge — grading, lesson planning all on CDs and cassettes. breaks. “Records, not so much,” Harkavy said. “I feel like they “Vacancies drive the workload,” were going out of style mid-’90s, late-’90s for sure.” SEE SCHOOLS ON 10  Harkavy is soft-spoken, like a foil to the music that plays in the background — John Prine giving way to Ornette Coleman and free jazz. His store Red Onion, on Gallatin Street, is in its third (and he believes final) iteration, having climbed its way out of the original basement location that Harkavy opened in D.C., back in 2006, right on the precipice of the 2008 vinyl boom. The Hyattsville space is all sunlight and potted plants, green murals on pallid walls, white wooden record crates and bookshelves, a big bay window. Harkavy stands in the shadows toward the back, pricSEE RED ONION ON 11 

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

n a nD oH D ook o an o m R 1 Co

HVFD’s live-in program, which is one of the first of its kind in the nation. Created by Doc, the program allows college students to live rent free at the station while attending school, pulling full shifts and gaining frontline experience as volunteer firefighters and EMTs. Many students come from around the world and are enrolled in nearby schools, including George Washington University and The Catholic University of America.

Today, the program is paramount to how the department is staffed. Many of the HVFD’s current officers, including Sullivan, are former live-ins. “I learned more about firefi ghting, life, leadership and myself than I could have ever imagined during my years as a live-in, ” Sullivan said. “Doc’s leadership allowed this experience to be a part of thousands of young men and women’s lives, and those lucky enough to have lived in his firehouse have gone on to help shape and change not only SEE LEGACY

enter with two abstentions, to to purinto a sales agreement — now chase the lower parcel neighto be incorporated into for a boring Driskell Park — price of $6.5 million. Council(Ward members Eduoard Haba 2) 4) and Danny Schaible (Ward with were the two abstentions, Sam Denes (Ward 1) providing his last the lone “no” vote —

as part of Read at Felegy Elementary fuera muy fun for students la hora del cuento paws-itively hicieron que y la K-9 Nola en América! Nola made storytime de la Lectura Evans and K-9 Evans de la policía de Hyattsville parte de la Semana HPD’s Lieutenant Felegy como Week!| ¡El teniente Across America alumnos de la escuela primaria los divertida para

Celebrate Women’s Month!

council At a rare lunchtime city debate meeting on June 2, the drew nearer to its conclusion 7-1, when the council voted

of Red Onion Records

of The trophy that the Archdiocese the boys 14U Washington presents to team is Mid-Atlantic city championship award. But not meant to be a permanent The parish don’t tell that to St. Jerome. gymnasium has had the trophy in its since 2022. for another And that’s where it’ll stay

from 6 – 7:30 on March 20 History Month a spoken word Celebrate Women’s Gallatin St. with Building, 4310 & Poets literary p.m. at the City Join Busboys and workshop! and Mariah Barberas performance Catherine Moore of women’s resistance curators Dr. Casey powerful works the “Fairy Cabico, called as they perform hosted by Regie Post. and resilience, the Washington DC Poetry” by Godmother of Voices: A Women’s stay for Rooted Explore After the performances,Workshop with Dr. Moore. Writing History Month

More park at a price

LAYERS

St. Thomas 25 with a 47-29 victory over to play in the More. With 10 minutes little doubt second half, St. Jerome left over its that it would reign victorious Onby esSoutheast Washington opponent April 21, the Hyattsville Police Department (HPD) released tablishing a 38-6 lead. with 11 of stopping records Yusuf Zaid led the Jaguars Kilmar FourGarcia for nine. Abrego questioning points, and Alex Dye had MVPthe Hyattsville outside playoff other players, including Home sixMarch scored Depot on 28, 2019. Dylan Higginbotham, all “At no time did any member points. for identify of the HPD year. or file any The win was especially satisfying Midninth reports classifying Abrego The Jaguars won their SEE BRIEFS ON 6 SEE BASKETBALL ON 12  Gar in a row Feb. cia as a member of any Atlantic title and fourth gang,” the HPD said. The HPD officer involved stopped Abrego Garcia because he recognized another man nearby as a member Reporter CENTER SECTION: Hyattsville of MSThe 13, and knew of an active Check out the MS13-related investigation. latest issue of The HPD also recorded finding The Hyattsville an ounce of a green leafy substance Reporter, in suspected to be marijuana in both English Abrego Garcia’s possession. and Español! Federal immigration agents detained Abrego Garcia, a sheet

By CHRIS MCMANES

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE! Visit hyattsvillelife.com to see our redesign today!

AUGUST 2025

budget?

plain from Douglas Developthe 3.5ment Co., along with the acre upper parcel on which deSuffrage Point townhouse velopment now sits.

Peeling back the many

HPD releases record of 2019 St. Jerome coach is first to win four Abrego Garcia ships straight CYO basketball champion stop; no gang activity noted

Issue 445 | March

2025

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

How much money does Hyattsville have?

The city projects $28 million

But the plot muddy Driskell Park has been a when battleground since 2017, Werrlein Properties commit4.5-acre ted to buy the roughly flood parking lot in the 100-year

its general fund this summer, according to an April 4 slide, up from $25 million in summer 2022, and more than double the pre-pandemic number. Outside of the general fund, the city has about $25 million more set aside for specific projects: This includes grants and money borrowed for specific purposes, like construction projects.

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

SEE ABREGO GARCIA ON 10 

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter Issue 444 | February

this summary is just one lens on their views. Watch the video of our April candidate forum at StreetcarSuburbs.News, starting around minute 14, and hear the candidates’ nuanced opinions in their own words.

THINGS TO DO IN HYATTSVILLE: Find local events By GRIFFIN LIMERICK by visiting our e name seems harmless online calendarThat the enough, even nondescript: StreetcarSuburbs . News/events.lower parcel. of land next to

MAY 2025

Hyattsville Elementary School speaks to a crowd at the to hold Drag artist Katie Magician George’s County school June 6. HES is the first Prince (HES) Pridefest, held on MCGONNIGAL on p.10 . COURTESY OF JAMIE a Pridefest; see more photos

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

to When Esther Song moved husMaryland in 2018 for her position band’s post-doctoral at the University of Maryland, young she arrived with two full sons, a local community for of unknowns, and a hope library something familiar. The —a quickly became that place picture soft landing made of books and children’s programs. came That sense of welcome 24, alive again Saturday, May rustle when laughter and the of fabric filled the Hyattsville crafts, library’s art room, where dress games and traditional life to brought Korean culture Pacific for Asian American and Islander Heritage Month. after a The add-on event, held dual-language Korean-English of story time, drew families transall backgrounds into a SEE KOREAN ON 9 

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter Issue 448 | June

2025

(Ward 2), CouncilmemSchaible & Strab Concejo (Ward 5) | ¡El (Ward 1), Councilmembers Solomon & Nisbett Waszczak & Barnes (Distrito 2), Concejales 4), Councilmembers Councilmembers Schaible & Strab Lee & Haba (Ward From left to right: Councilmembers City Council! (Distrito 1), Concejales& Nisbett (Distrito 5) Hyattsville’s 3), Mayor Croslin, Waszczak & Barnes Solomon Redmond (Ward 4), Concejales derecha: Concejales bers Dhokai & izquierda a la Lee & Haba (Distrito Hyattsville! A Croslin, Concejales Municipal de (Distrito 3), Alcalde Dhokai & Redmond

Welcome new

Councilmembers!

were sworn Councilmembers to new and returning on June 2. Congratulations Hyattsville’s of Office Ceremony Strab (Ward 2) and Edouard in at an Oath Emily Greg returning Councilmembers to new Councilmembers and welcome Kelson Nisbett Haba (Ward 4), (Ward 3) and 1), Gopi Dhokai Barnes (Ward (Ward 5)! proclamations the City issued Sam Council meeting, At the June 2 retiring Councilmembers, Rommel service of our (Ward 3), and recognizing the 1), Jimmy McClellan for their leadership and Denes (Ward 5). We are grateful Hyattsville’s residents! Sandino (Ward lives of improving the dedication to

¡Bienvenidos nuevos

concejales!

prestaron de Hyattsville el 2 de junio. nuevos y anteriores Los concejales de juramentación 2) una ceremonia Strab (Distrito juramento en regresando Emily a los nuevos los concejales Felicitamos a damos la bienvenida (Distrito 4), y (Distrito 3) y 1), Gopi Dhokai y Edouard Haba Barnes (Distrito concejales Greg (Distrito 5). Kelson Nisbett emitió 2 de junio, la Ciudad nuestros del Consejo del al servicio de En la reunión en reconocimiento 1), Jimmy McClellan proclamaciones su Sam Denes (Distrito concejales salientes, Sandino (Distrito 5). Agradecemos residentes de (Distrito 3) y Rommel para mejorar la vida de los liderazgo y dedicación Hyattsville.

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter Issue 447 | May 2025

Hyattsville turned 139! We celebrated with music, food, games & the epic raising of the new City flag! | ¡Hyattsville cumplió con música, comida, juegos ¡y el izado de 139 años! Lo celebramos la nueva bandera de la Ciudad!

Election Day is May 13!

Election Day is May 13! This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and help decide who will represent you and your neighbors on the City Council. If you’ve lived in Hyattsville for at least 30 days and are 16 or older, be sure to cast your vote by 8 p.m. on Election Day! In-person voting will take place at the City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Election Day. Vote-by-mail ballots must be submitted to a City election drop box by 8 p.m. Drop box locations: • Hyattsville City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street • Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road • Heurich Park, 2900 Nicholson Street Same-day voter registration, accessible polling stations, and Spanish-language assistance will be available for all voters. Learn more: hyattsville.org/vote. City ballots can only be deposited in City drop boxes, NOT County ones, and vice versa. City ballots feature the official City seal and a

By JADE TRAN

Man arrested in shooting that injured celebrity chef Tobias Dorzon

Questioning outside Hyattsville Home Depot leads to prison in El Salvador

controversy

By STELLA GARNER

A large truck shows the

‘Doc’ Moltrup’s legacy still shines bright at Hyattsville’s firehouse

Hyattsville’s affordable housing gap widens

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Marketing Director Ashley Perks ashley@streetcarsuburbs.news

Les deseo alegría y paz en el nuevo año. Espero que, cuando te propongas algo, pienses en cómo puedes marcar la diferencia en Hyattsville.

If you resolve to Get Involved: Speak up at City Council and Ward meetings and provide input on projects at HelloHyattsville.com. Or, join one of the City’s 10 Advisory Committees to lend your expertise to the City on a variety of

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

Executive Director Kit Slack Kit@streetcarsuburbs.news

¡Feliz 2025!

Wishing you joy and peace in the new year. As you set resolutions, I hope you’ll consider ways you can make a difference in Hyattsville.

MEET NEW CITY COUNCILMEMBERS Ward 1 and Ward 3 reps discuss goals, city budgeting — and more, P. 3

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Business Manager Catie Currie Catie@streetcarsuburbs.news

The West Hyattsville-Queens origiChapel Sector Plan — January nally formulated in of 2022 with the stated intent vaproviding greater housing riety, density and walkability stanear the Hyattsville metro to staff tions — was sent back time by for a rewrite a second County the Prince George’s 9. The Planning Board on Jan. staff to planning board asked plan address concerns that the

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CENTER SECTION: Check out the The Hyattsville Reporter latest issue of The Hyattsville MOVING Reporter, RETIRED in AND TO HYATTSVILLE? both English Have we got some and Español!

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SEE DISABILITY ON 7 

By GRIFFIN LIMERICK

services for youth and seniors. Thinking it over: Can the city sustain recent large increases in spending? We need to see a more current audit and understand better what we owe down the road. Give me my taxes back: Property taxes are too high, and the city has too many employees. Eleven candidates are running in the May 13 city election, and

NEWS BRIEFS

Family and supporters stand behind Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, attorney for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, at a rally and press conference outside the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt on April 4. KIT SLACK

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

Advertising Information For advertising inquiries, please email catie@streetcarsuburbs.news or call (301) 284-8611

Last spring, while volunteerBarceing at a day program in lona for those with disabilities, Rachel Fredman struggled a with Spanish words during charades-like game. Members of the disability community her excoached her, helping pand her Spanish vocabulary. her That experience propelled

ell Park City to purchase land next to Drisk

HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNIN G COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

What’s the deal with the city

Road County rewrites plan for West Ager McDonald’s ‘Why can’t they get him back?’ Hyattsville Metro development toplanservecontinues up

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Layout & Design Editors Valerie Morris, Ashley Perks

By HEATHER WRIGHT

valentines to send to elderly

JUNE 2025

G COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNIN

ICE CREAM AFICIONADOS! Snow Crane heading towards Canvas Apts., P. 2

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

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Writers & Contributors Zaka Hossein, Ryan Ross, Jalen Wade, Faith Wilson

SEE FLETCHER ON 10

Young disability advocates prep for Annapolis — and beyond

Issue 443 | January 2025

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

Columnists Imke Ahlf-Wien, Jessica Arends, Victoria Boucher, Paul Ruffins

for calypso music introduced him to a diverse musical palette. But it was in high school, when Fletcher moved to Atlanta and joined the marching band, that his exploration truly began. “I would just play by ear — learn by ear,” Fletcher said. “But then when I got to Atlanta, the band teacher, Mr. Lane, he forced me to get deeper in that [stuff ], take it more serious.” After graduating high school and earning a degree in audio engineering from Husson Uni-

SEE FINANCE ON 10 

building, crafted their own

he word “transparency” was used a lot during budget presentations at the April 2 city council meeting, by city staff and residents alike. At the start of the meeting, when emphasizing that the newly proposed fiscal year 2026 budget is merely a draft that will be subject to updates and modifications, City Ad-

SEE EDITOR ON 2 

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Associate Editor Heather Wright heather@hyattsvillelife.com

after the rap subgenre characterized by hard-hitting beats featuring heavy bass and synthesized 808-style drums. For Fletcher, time in the studio is more than just making music — it’s building bridges through audio engineering, production, visuals and personalized artist support. Growing up in Silver Spring, Fletcher said he became curious about music early on. His mother’s love of go-go and his father’s Trinidadian affection

8, at the municipal Sale, held Saturday, Feb. Horticultural Society Seed Attendees of the Hyattsville GRIFFIN LIMERICK Hyattsville Aging in Place. community members through

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Managing Editor Nigel F. Maynard nigel@streetcarsuburbs.news

onté “Té Legend” Fletcher has spent nearly a decade turning artistic dreams into reality. “I love watching other people win,” Fletcher said. Since 2016, the 34-year-old musical engineer and producer has worked with dozens of artists in the DMV area through his production house in South Hyattsville’s Arts District — Th e Trap Factory Studio, named

— The Trap

versity, Fletcher returned to the DMV, briefly interning at GTown Studios, a production house in the District, before moving to New York to intern at The Cutting Room Studios. He worked around artists like Chance the Rapper, Lana Del Ray and Ryan Leslie. Most of his tasks were less than ideal — cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes and getting food — but Fletcher said he made the most of the opportunity. “You gotta do a bunch of things you might not want to do,” Fletcher said. “For me, I don’t really care. At the end of the day, I’m trying to get this knowledge, and I know I’m going to do what I need to do when it’s my time.” In New York, Fletcher received advice from a studio manager that would define how he would

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

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

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South Hyattsville’s Arts District

By GRIFFIN LIMERICK

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Submission Information

By RAZAK DIALLO

By THEODORE ROSE Career firefighters returned to the Prince George’s County Bunker Hill fire station on Dec. 29, 2024 — the only one of four stations to see paid staff return after reallocations last June, according to a Dec. 6 county fire/emergency medical services (EMS) department press release. The county’s fire/EMS department announced a reallocation SEE FIREFIGHTERS ON 5

TRAP FACTORY STUDIO

Donté Fletcher brings musical visions to life

a closed this time, it consists of and an section, A, that is 148 acres, acres active section, B, that is 140 fields. — as large as 106 football are When you arrive, there the two lines of traffic outside lane are scale house. In the left garbage commercial vehicles and The VOL. 22 NO. 5 trucks, waiting to be weighed. vehicles. private for is lane right to Both lanes could be headed points By PAUL RUFFINS several designated drop-off scrap appliances, for televisions, articles This is the first in a series of metal, recyclables, household items exploring landfills, food waste hazardous waste and other Prince in emissions lled. methane and the county doesn’t want landfi will beBy KIT SLACK George’s County and neighboring The bikes and battery lead. jurisdictions. The series is partly recycled for their steel and supported by an Environmental Your jug of unidentified chemicalsOn April 24, most candidates to Solutions Journalism Fellowship will go to a company licensed running in the upcoming city of from the Massachusetts Institute council election seemed dispose of hazardous waste. to hold for Technology. The per-ton tipping fee one of three opinions about the $77 for City of Hyattsville’s budget. commercial vehicles is in 2021.Everything is awesome: magine that it’s March 2024, general trash, up from $59 City has license and spring cleaning spending improves residents’ Your load is free, but your to left you with three broken has been carefully checked lives, from public safety, to comresident. bicycles, two dead car batteries, post pickup, to parks, roads prove you are a county and jug running and an unlabeled plastic Prince George’s County is thinner. it rejects of pesticide or paint out of landfill space, and dispose borders. its The quickest way to all loads from outside to the to do of everything is to drive What’s more, if you were Road county’s Brown Station SEE LANDFILL ON 10  At Landfill, in Upper Marlboro.

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Donté “Té Legend” Fletcher has worked with dozens of artists in the DMV area through his Factory Studio. COURTESY OF TÉ production house in LEGEND/THE

election race. listed Below, candidates are from the highest campaign lowaccount balance to the on est. This snapshot is based filed campaign finance reports and a by the Feb. 4 deadline in Dereview of contributions cember and January.

WHICH WARDS CAME OUT TO VOTE? City election participation and recent history, P. 12

VOL. 22 NO. 6 ATTENTION,

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

HyattsvilleLife.com StreetcarSuburbs.News

SEE SENIORS ON 11

Fire staffing reallocation plan updates

Candidates for Prince George’s filed County Executive have retheir first campaign finance ports for the March 4 primary

P. 3

MARCH 2025

G COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNIN

SCIENCE OF THE CITY

FROM THE EDITOR

By KIT SLACK

VOL. 22 NO. 3

A landfill full of food is a recipe for methane

APRIL 2025

HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Save the L&T: Tell the city not to cut our budget

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A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville, Maryland.

VOL. 22 NO. 4

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

On Jan. 8, longtime residents Jaqueline Grazette, of Bowie, and Janice Jefferson, of Suitland, asked a new county task force to address the quality of health care for seniors like themselves. Grazette cited high infection rates at the new county hospital, in Largo. Jefferson said she had to go outside the county to get the medical tests she needed. County Council Chair Jolene Ivey (At-large) echoed their concerns, saying she had gone more than a year without a primary care provider.

LOVE SOWING SEEDS, SOWING

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Who has the money? County exec candidates report

WARD 1 COUNCILMEMBER MOVES ON: A Q&A with Sam Denes, P. 8

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County starts senior task force, revises tax relief By KIT SLACK

FEBRUARY 2025

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JANUARY 2025

G COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNIN

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

111 YEARS AND COUNTING: Hyattsville is home to the oldest living Marylander, VOL. 22 NO. 2 P. 12

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HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNING

TO AI OR NOT TO AI? Local governments grapple with artificial intelligence, P. 11

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

VOL. 22 NO. 1

BACK IN THE STATES — AT A COST Man mistakenly deported to, and imprisoned in, El Salvador returned to U.S.,

event calendar.

VOTE FOR CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 13: See our 2025 Hyattsville election guide, P. 4

CHECK OUT OUR NEW EVENT CALENDAR: Visit StreetcarSuburbs. News for continously updated local events!

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

INSIDE OUR STATE REPS: What’s on their minds for 2025? P. 3

¡El Día de las Elecciones es el 13 de mayo! ¡El día de las elecciones es el 13 de mayo! Esta es tu oportunidad para hacer escuchar tu voz y ayudar a decidir quién te representará a ti y a tus vecinos en el Concejo Municipal ¡Si has vivido en Hyattsville durante al menos 30 días y tienes 16 años o más, emitir su voto antes de las 8 p.m. el día de la elección!

La votación en persona se llevará a cabo en el Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin Street, de 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. en el Día de las Elecciones. Las boletas por correo deben ser depositadas en una caja de votación de la ciudad antes de las 8 p.m. Ubicaciones de las cajas de votación: • Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street • Biblioteca Sucursal de Hyattsville, 6530 Adelphi Road • Parque Heurich, 2900 Nicholson Street Se ofrecerá registro de votantes el mismo día, estaciones de votación accesibles y asistencia en español para todos los votantes. Más información: hyattsville.org/vote. Las boletas municipales solo se pueden depositar en los buzones municipales, NO en las del condado, y viceversa. Las boletas de la

on ou n

n w h

v e

media accounts. The video had more than 200,000 views on TikTok, as of Sept. 26. On Facebook, Arias-Mendoza accompanied the video with the message, in Spanish, “This happened this morning by the Aldi in West Hyattsville near the drive-thru. Be careful and God bless everybody.” Photos and videos in Arias-Mendoza's social media accounts show him in the West Hyattsville area as far back as 2020, outside the Queenstown Apartments and in local parks. A video shows him working construct

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THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter Issue 450 | August 2025

Residents met their neighbors and had an amazing time with food, music, and dancing at the City of Hyattsville’s “Backyard BBQ” summer jam! Learn more about the summer jam series at hyattsville.org/summerjam and save the date for the final Jam on September 19 at Hyatt Park! | ¡Los residentes se reunieron con sus vecinos y disfrutaron de un momento increíble con comida, música y baile en el evento “Backyard BBQ” de verano de la Ciudad de Hyattsville! Obtenga más información sobre la serie de eventos Summer Jam en hyattsville.org/summerjam y reserve la fecha para el último Jam el 19 de septiembre en Hyatt Park.

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/lovelocal for lists of local business directories. In addition, learn how your business can receive Minority Business Enterprise certification and take advantage of additional funding opportunities at Hyattsville.org/bbm.

¡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/lovelocal para obtener listas de directorios de empresas locales. Además, descubra cómo su empresa puede obtener la certificación de Empresa Minoritaria y aprovechar oportunidades de financiación adicionales en Hyattsville.org/bbm.

¡LA COLECTA DE ÚTILES ESCOLARES TERMINA EL 15 DE

FROM THE EDITOR

Breaking down Hyattsville’s 2025 By HEATHER WRIGHT

t’s been a bit of a rough year for my family: My father died in April, and my teenage daughter broke her leg in October — and totaled one of our cars in December. A number of local families suffered financially during the government shutdown and as a result of DOGE (aka the Department of Government Efficiency) breaking up some government departments. Speaking of breaking, let’s break down the year that was 2025 in Hyattsville.

Breaking down The City of Hyattsville established an audit committee this past spring to analyze the city’s finances, including its past-due audits and rapid pace of spending. In September, committee recommendations included providing the city council with more frequent reports and upgrading financial software. Hyattsville continued to examine data sharing between its police department and other law enforcement agencies, along with introducing stop sign cameras in school zones to increase public safety. The city is also exploring if and how to use AI, or artificial intelligence, in its operations. In April, the county launched a task force to consider the economic benefits and community impact of housing large data centers at a site in Landover. At an October community meeting, many county residents raised environmental and health concerns, leading to a great quote from a Laurel resident about how data centers should look: “As you can tell, a lot of residents don’t want it at all. We want it to look like nothing.” In December, the task force issued 14 recommendations about potential county data centers. Over the year, the Life & Times (L&T) also broke down and analyzed state legislation, county senior tax credit proposals, county executive candidate finance reports, city council candidates, local grocery prices and inflation — and more.

In October, about 1,500 area residents protested the Trump administration at a “No Kings” march along Route 1, asserting that elements of democracy were breaking down. Over the course of the year, we provided multiple updates on Beltsville resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, in April, despite a court order allowing him to work in the U.S. While administration officials admitted ICE made an “administrative error,” and returned him to the U.S., they have continued efforts to deport him again (see p. 8 for our latest update).

Breaking in Hyattsville experienced an uptick in commercial burglaries in the first half of the year, according to Hyattsville Police Department (HPD) crime records. In response, HPD and city representatives were visiting local businesses to review prevention tips along with relevant local grants.

Breaking ground In August, the county school system held a groundbreaking ceremony for Hyattsville Elementary School, one of eight new second-round schools constructed in the county using an alternative funding method based on a public-private partnership, or P3. Construction is slated to finish in time for the 2027-28 school year. The introduction of children’s art space The Loft, on Gallatin Street, and crafting space Tuft’n Up Studio & Social, on Baltimore Avenue right above Will’s Decorating, adds two more opportunities for children and grownups to engage with their imagination. And the opening of Wynnwood Home Market, on Hamilton Street near Yes! Organic Market, and Haraka (“speed” in Swahili) Run and Walk specialty shoe store, on Baltimore Avenue near Busboys and Poets, means that both couch potatoes and runners have more choices within Hyattsville city limits.

The city’s residential rental options grew to include Sovren apartments, near the West Hyattsville Metro station; The Bellevue Hyattsville Crossing in University Town Center; and Canvas apartments, along Route 1. Canvas apartments also ushered in several new eateries, including Akira Ramen & Ikira restaurant and KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot. Further south on Route 1, between Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. and Pizzeria Paradiso, you can now find Motojesi Foods International Market to help you break any sort of fast. In October, Hyattsville’s mainstay, Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store, channeled its brewing prowess into … an ice cream parlor, complete with more than 30 homemade flavors.

Breaking up Hyattsville saw some break ups in 2025, 's managing editor Griffin too. The Limerick left us in the summer. (He’d be depressed that the city council hasn’t broken up with its virtual-only meeting format, despite his award-winning editorial touting the value of meeting in person.) City councilmembers Sam Denes (Ward 1) and Rommel Sandino (Ward 5) decided not to run for reelection this spring, departing from the city council. Also in the spring, Stuart Eisenberg left his longtime position as executive director of the Hyattsville Community Development Corp. Artist & Craftsman’s storefront, right next to Streetcar 82 Brewing Co., closed its doors in the fall, breaking the hearts of serious artists and parents of children with impending school art projects. For well over a year, McDonald’s has tried to break ground and bring a drivethru fast food restaurant to the intersection of Ager Road and East-West Highway. In mid-October, perhaps feeling it deserved a break today from ongoing resident protests, McDonald’s withdrew their plans for the site. SEE WRAP UP ON 9 

Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2026

HyattsvilleLife.com | Page 3

2026 State Spotlight T

he Maryland General Assembly will be in session from Jan. 14 to April 13. We thought our readers would want to know what their state representatives will be working on, so Streetcar Suburbs Publishing reached out and asked. Most Hyattsville residents live in Maryland District 22; responses from two legislators from that district are below.

Delegate Ashanti Martinez What are your top priorities for this legislative session? My top priorities this session are affordability, access, and accountability. Families across Prince George’s County are being squeezed by rising costs, and the state has a responsibility to step in where the market has failed people. I’m focused on lowering everyday costs, protecting access to health care, strengthening immigration protections, and continuing our commitment to public education. Equity remains central to my work ensuring that the policies we pass don’t just look good on paper, but meaningfully improve outcomes for working families.

What district-specific issues do you plan to take on? In District 22, I stay grounded

Delegate Ashanti Martinez

in what my constituents tell me they’re dealing with every day. That includes access to affordable health care, reliable public transportation, food access, housing stability, and strong neighborhood schools. A top priority is seeing the Purple Line completed and making sure we have the public safety funding and community resources in place to keep residents safe once it opens. In addition, lowering the rising HIV rate in our community is critical. That means continued investment in prevention, testing, treatment, and public education paired with policies that reduce stigma and expand access to care.

How should the state legislature address rising costs, in particular for utilities? The legislature needs to take a firm, consumer-first approach. Utility costs are rising faster than wages, and families don’t have a choice when it comes to

keeping the lights on or their homes heated. We need stronger oversight of utility companies, greater transparency around rate increases, and protections for low-income households, seniors, and people on fixed incomes. At the same time, we should continue investing in energy efficiency and clean energy programs that help lower bills over time and create good local jobs.

How should the state legislature approach school funding this year? Even in a challenging budget year, we cannot retreat from our commitment to students. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is a promise we made, and we must continue to fully fund it. That means supporting educators, expanding access to mental health services, special education, and early childhood education, and ensuring Prince George’s County schools have the resources they need. Investing in education is essential to Maryland’s long-term success.

Delegate Nicole A. Williams What are your top priorities for this legislative session? I have three pieces of legislation which are top priorities for me this session. First is legislation

Meeting God in the Silence

to ban 287(g) agreements with ICE. The second is to restrict the use of masking by local, state and federal law-enforcement officers who engage in law enforcement activities in Maryland. The third piece of legislation is to ban the sale of handguns which are designed in a way that allows the attachment of small pieces of plastic that convert the handgun to an automatic pistol.

What district-specific issues do you plan to take on? Working with our federal and local partners on ensuring that the new FBI headquarters are relocated to Greenbelt in District 22, work with our local municipalities on various bond requests for needed capital projects and to ensure the successful completion of the Purple Line.

How should the state legislature address rising costs, in particular for utilities? We need to create more generation of electricity in order to lower the demand over a shrinking supply, which may mean exploring such options as the expansion of nuclear sources in the state, battery storage in addition to pushing for the

How should the state legislature approach school funding this year? We need to work on ensuring that we are funding the schools with the greatest need and whose students need more attention in order to attain the reading and math levels that we would like to see from all of our students. This may mean cuts to those schools where there is not as much need and demand given the $1.4 billion dollar deficit that is before the general assembly. District 22 Delegate Anne Healey and State Senator Alonzo T. Washington had not responded to our inquiry as of press time. Any further submissions we receive this month will be published on our website.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2026

Page 4 | HyattsvilleLife.com

SCIENCE OF THE CITY

Why is there a pole in the middle of the sidewalk? By PAUL RUFFINS

hen “Science of the City” began investigating barriers that people with disabilities face, neighbors mentioned inaccessible buildings, such as the Hyattsville Post Office on Gallatin Street. We also discovered months-long elevator outages at the municipal building, also on Gallatin Street, and the pedestrian bridge over East-West Highway at the Hyattsville Crossing Metro station. When it comes to sidewalks, broken pavement and missing curb cuts can create significant accessibility issues; however, neighbors most frequently complained about another accessibility challenge: utility poles and fire hydrants blocking sidewalks. Local resident Tatjana HrubikVulanovic wrote, “How did the utility poles and/or fire hydrants that are in the middle of some sidewalks get there?” She continued, “Also, should underground utility lines be considered instead of the poles and lines that represent a huge hazard during every storm?” Poles or hydrants blocking sidewalks are common all over Hyattsville. But this column specifically focuses on the Pepco utility poles protruding

Poles in the sidewalk of 42nd Avenue PAUL RUFFINS

through the sidewalks on Gallatin Street between Route 1 and 42nd Avenue, and on the sidewalks along 42nd Avenue between Jefferson and Farragut streets. Are these poles violating the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA)?

And if they are, why does the City of Hyattsville allow Pepco to get away with it? “Courts have generally recognized that municipal sidewalks are considered a government program, service or activity and must be accessible to people

with disabilities under laws such as the ADA,” Gabriel Rubinstein, managing attorney at Disability Rights Maryland, told the Life & Times (L&T). “Sidewalks are supposed to have a minimum clearance width, be continuous, and unobstructed.” Rubinstein’s organization was one of the parties in a lawsuit in which Susan Goodlaxson, two other plaintiffs with disabilities, and the IMAGE Center of Maryland successfully sued the City of Baltimore because too many sidewalks were damaged, blocked or lacking curb cuts (those small ramps graded down from the sidewalk to the street). The resulting partial consent agreement requires Baltimore to spend $45 million to $50 million to remedy the situation. Rubinstein explained that a utility pole that makes the public sidewalk wheelchair impassible would generally be considered a violation of the ADA. “However,” he cautioned, “there may sometimes be legal, practical and political reasons why it would be complicated to have them removed.” Hyattsville Public Information Officer Cindy Zork explained three of those reasons. “First,” she said, “the city doesn’t have the legal authority, or the technical expertise, to move one of Pepco’s poles. Two, the respon-

sibility for maintaining the sidewalks belongs to the entity with authority over the road, and many of our big streets aren’t under our jurisdiction. For example, Route 1 is a Maryland State highway. Finally, many of the utility poles were there before the sidewalks.” Zork’s last point is critical. Both the sidewalks and the utility poles exist in easements, or public rights of way, over the private or public property that ends at the street. Some of Pepco’s utility easements were granted as early as 1906 — before the installation of many, if not most, of Hyattsville’s sidewalks. When the L&T contacted Pepco about the specific poles blocking sidewalks on Gallatin Street and 42nd Avenue, spokesman Rodney Wilson wrote back and said, “Many of the poles involved stood for decades and were originally installed according to construction standards and permits of that time. In some cases, sidewalks were added after the poles were already in place.” (Editor’s note: Some of the newer, often taller and thicker, green-colored poles were installed after 2012 as part of a reliability upgrade, but they are usually in the same utility easement as the original poles.) Wilson continued, “When requested by local agencies and where feasible, we relocate poles SEE SCIENCE ON 9 

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2026

HyattsvilleLife.com | Page 5

THE HY-LIFE

African American entrepreneurs honored at new North Brentwood pocket park By JESSICA ARENDS

he next time you drive south on Rhode Island Avenue through North Brentwood, you might spot a bold yellow sculpture that reads, “We Endure.” Tucked between two residential lots on the west side of the street, a few houses south of the Seafood Boss food truck, the sculpture marks the entrance to the new Henry and Isabella Randall Entrepreneur Park. “The motto ‘We Endure’ captures the spirit and resilience of the people who lived here,” said North Brentwood Mayor Petrella Robinson, who addressed local delegates, town representatives and nonprofit partners at the park’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 1, 2025. “This park emphasizes the journey and struggle of not only the past, but also of today,” Robinson said. The new pocket park is situated where Henry Randall, one of the town’s original entrepreneurs, built his home in the late 1800s. By starting businesses, including ice and coal delivery services, Randall and his extended family helped establish what was at the time called Randallstown. “The North Brentwood community charted its own path at a time when African Americans faced segregation, discrimination and the systematic denial of basic goods and services,” said Perry Paylor, executive director of the Prince George’s County Redevelopment Authority, who also addressed the small but enthusiastic crowd. “They met essential needs through community and ingenuity.” Originally flood-prone land sold to Black Civil War soldiers, the Town of North Brentwood flourished, becoming Prince George’s County's first African American municipality in 1924, according to the event’s press release. Paylor described how residents opened barber shops and grocery stores and provided each other with medical care in their homes. “These weren’t just services — they were acts of survival and economic power,” he said. “They said, ‘We won’t wait to be served, we will serve ourselves.’ This park today stands in living tribute to that spirit.” With fresh grass, new benches and cheerful light posts lining the park’s path, it is hard to believe the lot stood abandoned for several years.

Local delegates gather for a photo around the "We Endure" sign during the Henry and Isabella Randall Entrepreneur Park opening ceremony on Dec. 1, 2025. JESSICA ARENDS

During a historic research project in 2020 and an archaeological excavation at the site in 2022, University of Maryland students collected the stories of local entrepreneurs, such as school teacher Sadie Ingram, barber Richard Sewell and Margaret Neville-Landrum, who opened a beauty shop in her home. According to Valerie Woodall, associate director of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA), who helped secure grants for the project, QR codes

on the park's light posts will link to a self-guided audio tour of this history. Event participants were given three QR codes to sample these stories, including that of Richard Sewell. “We all got along just fine,” a kind voice says. “We all worked together, and that’s how it’s been in the barbershop — no cussing in the barbershop, we don’t have no drinking in the barbershop — we always give the ladies and kids respect.”

The park’s audio tour should be ready to go by the end of February in commemoration of Black History Month, according to Woodall. “It is such an honor to be asked to be a partner on a project like this,” ATHA Executive Director Meagan Baco said. “It spans across art, history, generations and has historical insights, especially for a town that has such strong local advocacy and creativity.” “It’s about having more art

and history to make this part of the corridor to be more visible, walkable and bikeable,” Woodall said. “We are proud to be a part of that investment.” According to Mayor Robinson, the Henry and Isabella Randall Entrepreneur Park will be included in a display of all the historic African American towns in the county planned for the Windom Road Barrier Park, at the intersection of Windom Road and 39th Street. In addition to the Town of North Brentwood and ATHA, other park project supporters included the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s National Capital Strategic Economic Development Fund, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Space, artists Wesley Clark and Nehemiah Dixon, the University of Maryland Historic Preservation Program, the Neighborhood Design Center, and Common Resilience Partners. The December park ceremony concluded with a visit to Sis’s Tavern, a historical community anchor, one block from the park at 4516 41st Avenue. Sis’s was the first commercial building in the town and has kept Black culture and music alive in the area. Jessica Arends is the arts, culture and lifestyle columnist for the Life & Times.

Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2026

Page 6 | HyattsvilleLife.com

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 between Jan. 9 and Jan. 29; all information is current as of Jan. 1. For events and meetings organized by the City of Hyattsville, see The Hyattsville Headlines in the newspaper’s centerfold. Please send notices of events that will take place between Jan. 30 and Feb. 26 to managingeditor@hyattsvillelife. com by Jan. 22. (We’re changing our print schedule so that you receive your paper at the beginning of each month.)

Recurring Riverdale Park Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot near the Riverdale MARC Station, 4650 Queensbury Rd. 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 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. Come play board games and more at Just Roll With It the third Sunday of every month. Free. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Maryland Meadworks, 4700 Rhode Island

January 17

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Adam Ortiz & Friends perform at Maryland Meadworks. Free. 7 to 10 p.m. 4700 Rhode Island Ave., Suite Bee. 301.955.9644. marylandmeadworks.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

Ongoing Curated by Asha Elana Casey in honor of Black History Month, “Genuine” celebrates the depth, resilience and authenticity of Black artistic expression. Free. From Jan. 20 through March 14 (with an opening reception on Jan. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m.). 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 In the exhibition “Glimpses of Heaven,” Mame Ndiaye invites viewers into a dazzling world of mixed media works that sparkle with vibrancy and imagination. Free. From Jan. 20 through March 14 (with an opening reception

January 24

January 25 Join UpSpring Aerial Lab and friends for an aerial dance performance “In Light of …” — in, under, with and about light in its myriad forms. $25 general, $15 seniors and students. Purchase tickets at joesmovement.org. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier. 301.699.1819 on Jan. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m.). 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 “Luther Wright: American Dreaming” is a poignant exploration of the complex interplay between pursuing financial freedom and the Black experience in America. Free. From Jan. 19 to March 8 (with an artist reception on Jan. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.). Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. 301.277.1710. publickplayhouse@pgparks. com

January 10 Get started uncovering your family roots in the engaging genealogy program, Genealogy 101. Learn essential steps for beginning your research, plus insider tips and tricks for

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navigating the rich resources of the Maryland State Archives. $10. Buy tickets through pgparksdirect.com. 10 to 11 a.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420. riversdale@ pgparks.com

January 12 Come to a viewing and discussion of the documentary “Trust Me” (2020, 90 min.), an exploration of human nature, information technology, media bias, and the need for media literacy to help people trust one another, bring them together and create a more resilient population. Free. Register at pgcmls.info/events. 7 to 9 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451

January 16 Grammy nominee Cheick Hamala Diabaté — recognized as one of the world’s masters of ngoni, a Malian traditional instrument, and a West African historian in the Griot tradition — will perform with his Griot Street Band. $25. Reserve a seat through acousticblues.com. 8 p.m. Archie Edwards Blues Foundation, 4502 Hamilton St.

As part of Route 1 Corridor Conversations, join Ginger Noce and Kristi Kennedy from Silver Bridges to look at the questions you and your family will want to consider when considering whether moving to a care community is the right decision for you. Attendees can join via telephone or Zoom. Free. Register at hyattsvilleaginginplace.org/ events. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Celebrate the 266th birthday of Scotland’s greatest poet and author, Robert Burns, at a Burns Supper. Come share a poem, a song, or dramatic presentation, and bring food to share! Free. 7 to 10 p.m. Maryland Meadworks, 4700 Rhode Island Ave., Suite Bee. 301.955.9644. marylandmeadworks.com

January 28 Unleash your creativity while learning new crafting skills! With step-by-step guidance, you’ll create your own stamped tote bag using a potato and fabric paint. Free. Register at pgcmls.info/events. 3 to 5 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451 UMD Jazz Jams brings Districtbased saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed to perform and lead a community-wide jam! Free. House band starts at 7:30 p.m. Jam starts at 8:30 p.m. Busboys and Poets, 5331 Baltimore Ave. 301.779.2787. busboysandpoets.com

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Hyattsville Headlines Issue 455 | January 2026 | A City of Hyattsville publication | La versión en español empieza en la página 3

NEWS FLASHES Holiday Service Changes

Traffic Calming Meetings

Learn more about possible alternatives for the 5-way intersection in front of Driskell Park at a meeting on January 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Driskell Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street. Department of Public Works staff will discuss the project status and hear community feedback. Planning is also underway for street and sidewalk improvements on Jamestown Road. Initial plans are available for review and comment at hellohyattsville.com through February 28. A meeting to discuss the project is planned for January 20 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 5901 36th Avenue. Visit hyattsville.org/calendar for the most recent information. Details for all current street projects can be found at hyattsville.org/streets.

Mini Camp and Higher Education Scholarships

A Letter from the Mayor Happy New Year Hyattsville! As we welcome 2026, I do so with optimism and a clear focus on the work ahead. 2025 was a challenging year for much of our community. Increased federal immigration enforcement and a significantly reduced federal workforce had direct negative impacts on Hyattsville residents and local businesses. While a new year does not change these difficult realities, it does provide an opportunity to reaffirm our shared values. On behalf of Hyattsville’s City Council, I want to be clear that your City government remains fully committed to providing services and support to all residents, regardless of background or immigration status. City staff and I have been meeting regularly with the Maryland Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs to stay up to date on resources available to residents concerned about immigration enforcement. You can find resources to understand your rights and to find support for food, utility, housing, and work assistance at hyattsville.org/ assistance. The Hyattsville Police Department continues to follow their non-intervention policy in relation to federal immigration activities. Hyattsville officers do not inquire about or track immigration status when engaging with individuals during the course of their regular work. As we begin the new year, I encourage those who are able to support your neighbors by volunteering with the City’s monthly food or diaper distributions. Volunteers are also always needed at City events, at park cleanups, as student tutors, and as leaders

Applications for 2026 Hyattsville Camp Scholarships are now open! Eligible families can apply for scholarships to Hyattsville’s Spring & Summer camps and children’s programs. Eligibility is based on financial need. Learn more at hyattsville.org/camps. Applications close after February 2, 2026! City of Hyattsville high school seniors and graduates interested in pursuing higher learning are encouraged to apply for the Hyattsville Educational Path Scholarship later this month! Students who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in a college, university, or trade school can apply for funding to support the cost of tuition, books, and other school materials. Applications will be accepted between January 26 and March 27, 2026. Visit hyattsville.org/education for details.

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Hyattsville Headlines | January 2026 | Page 1

HYATTSVILLE HEADLINES

Participants in the “Hyattsville is Home” program put on a fantastic puppet show at Art Works Now, showcasing their creativity, style, and incredible storytelling! More information at hyattsville.org/seniors.

Snow added to the magic of our Winter Wonderland celebration this past month! It was a treat to celebrate the start of the holiday season with all of you!

(Left) No drama, just llama! Kids and staff both enjoyed a wonderful surprise at the end of this Fall’s Creative Minds session! More information at hyattsville.org/creativeminds. (Right) Hyattsville teens enjoyed fun and games at this year’s Teen Center holiday party! Read all the fun activities offered at hyattsville.org/teen-center.

Hyattsville’s CERT team and PGFD Fire/EMS Community Relations Team came together for a Senior Fire and Life Safety Presentation at Friendship Arms Apartments! Participants learned about fire safety, fall prevention, and even got to practice their skills with a fire extinguisher simulator!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Free Zumba Classes

Traffic Meeting: Driskell Park

Produce Distribution

Mondays & Wednesdays, 4 - 5 p.m. at the City Building!

Meeting about alternatives for the 5-way intersection in front of Driskell Park on Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Driskell Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street. hyattsville.org/streets.

Pick up bags of free produce on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the First United Methodist Church, 6201 Belcrest Rd., starting at noon.

Free NARCAN Training

A meeting to discuss road and sidewalk improvements for Jamestown Road is planned for Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 5901 36th Avenue. hyattsville.org/streets.

Seated Exercise Classes

Older adults can join on Wednesdays, 10 - 11 a.m. at the City Building. Register: hyattsville.org/seniors or 301-9855000.

Free Movie Monday!

Come along and enjoy a classic film at the Old Greenbelt Theatre on Jan. 5 at 1 p.m.! hyattsville.org/seniors.

Free Diaper Distributions

Diaper distribution on Jan. 9 and 30 at the City Building from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Proof of the child’s date of birth is required. hyattsville.org/calendar.

Care Partner Support Group

Join the City’s care partner support group on Jan. 9 & 23, 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. at the City Building. More info at hyattsville.org/calendar.

Free NARCAN community trainings at the City Building on Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. hyattsville.org/NARCAN.

Night Owls Session!

Traffic Meeting: Jamestown Road

Drop off your little one(s) in grades K-5 at the Driskell Park Rec Center from 6 - 9 p.m. on Jan. 16! Kids participate in fun activities while you get a night out! hyattsville.org/nightowls.

CERT Meeting

Vine Removal: Driskell Park

Seniors on the Go: Hyattsville Library

Help remove invasive plants on January 17 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Driskell Park, 3911 Hamilton Street. Register in advance by emailing environment@hyattsville. org. Student service-learning hours are available. hyattsville.org/vine-removal.

Page 2 | Hyattsville Headlines | January 2026

The next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) organization meeting is on Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m., at the City Building. hyattsville.org/CERT.

Join your neighbors and friends for special trips to experience local attractions. Hyattsville Library, Jan. 22, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. More info at hyattsville. org/seniors.

Workshop: Utility and Home Assistance On Monday, January 26, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join us for a free Lunch and Learn workshop to discuss programs for households with limited resources. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, 20781. Space is limited; registration required. For more info and to register, email seniors@hyattsville.org or call (301) 985-5000.

Early Dismissal Camp

K–5 students can join a Day Camp at Driskell Park on January 26, 10:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m., after PGCPS early dismissal. Register: hyattsville.org/minicamp.

Free CPR Training

FREE CPR training on Tuesday, January 27, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Hyattsville City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Register at hyattsville.org/CPR.

Titulares de Hyattsville Asunto 455 | Enero de 2026 | Una publicación de la ciudad de Hyattsville

NOTICIAS DE ÚLTIMA HORA

Una Carta del Alcalde ¡Feliz Año Nuevo, Hyattsville! Dándole la bienvenida al año que recién comienza, 2026, reconocemos los múltiples retos que nos esperan como comunidad. El año anterior, 2025, fue difícil debido al aumento de las medidas federales de control migratorio y a la reducción significativa de la plantilla federal, lo cual tuvo un impacto negativo directo en los residentes y las empresas Hyattsville. Lamentablemente, el inicio de un nuevo año no cambia estas difíciles realidades. Sin embargo, en nombre del Concejo de Hyattsville y en el mío propio, nos gustaría aprovechar esta oportunidad para reafirmar el compromiso de su gobierno municipal de proporcionar servicios y apoyo a todos los residentes, independientemente de su origen o situación migratoria. Nos hemos reunido periódicamente con la Oficina de Asuntos Migratorios del Gobernador de Maryland para mantenernos al día sobre los recursos disponibles para los residentes preocupados por la aplicación de las leyes de inmigración. Pueden encontrar recursos para comprender sus derechos y obtener ayuda para alimentos, servicios públicos, vivienda y asistencia laboral en hyattsville.org/ assistance. El Departamento de Policía de Hyattsville sigue aplicando su política de no intervención en relación con las actividades federales de inmigración. Los agentes de Hyattsville no preguntan ni investigan la situación migratoria de las personas con las que tratan en el curso de su trabajo habitual. Al comenzar el nuevo año, animo a quienes puedan a apoyar a sus vecinos participando como voluntarios en las distribuciones mensuales de alimentos y pañales que realiza la ciudad. También se necesitan voluntarios para los eventos de la ciudad, la limpieza de parques, como

tutores de estudiantes y como líderes en nuestros comités municipales. Explore todas las oportunidades de voluntariado de la ciudad en hyattsville.org/volunteer. También espero que los residentes aprovechen los numerosos programas gratuitos de la ciudad, como las clases semanales de ejercicio, los festivales comunitarios y los talleres educativos. Actualmente, hay solicitudes de becas disponibles para los campamentos de verano de la ciudad y para los residentes que buscan oportunidades de educación superior. A finales de este año, habrá subvenciones municipales disponibles para los líderes empresariales locales y los residentes que deseen mejorar nuestros distritos comerciales y construir comunidad. Visite hyattsville.org/communications para conectarse con la ciudad y recibir las últimas noticias. Como alcalde, entro en 2026 centrado en proporcionar un liderazgo estable y productivo y una defensa continua para garantizar que Hyattsville siga siendo una comunidad acogedora y segura para todos. Por favor, manténganse en contacto conmigo y con los miembros del Concejo Municipal para que podamos trabajar juntos y servirles mejor. Por encima de todo, por favor, sigan cuidándose unos a otros. La comunidad tan unida de Hyattsville siempre ha sido uno de los mejores activos de la ciudad, y esa conexión es ahora más importante que nunca. Aunque el nuevo año que tenemos por delante puede traer consigo retos, estoy seguro de que juntos podremos superarlos. Una vez más, les agradezco que me hayan permitido ser su alcalde. Les deseo lo mejor para que tengan un buen comienzo de año.

Cambios en los Servicios de la Ciudad por Dias Feriados

Reuniones sobre la Pacificación del Tráfico

Las oficinas de la ciudad de Hyattsville permanecerán cerradas el lunes 19 de enero con motivo de la celebración del Día de Martin Luther King Jr. Tenga en cuenta que esta semana no habrá recogida de hojas, residuos de jardín ni compost. La recogida de basura habitual se mantendrá sin cambios. Las rutas de reciclaje del condado se trasladarán de lunes a martes, de martes a miércoles, de miércoles a jueves, de jueves a viernes y de viernes a sábado. Para obtener más info sobre los cambios en la recogida de residuos, visite hyattsville.org/trash o llame al (301) 985-5032.

Obtenga más información sobre las posibles alternativas para la intersección de cinco vías situada frente al parque Driskell en una reunión que se celebrará el 13 de enero a las 6:30 p. m. en el centro recreativo del parque Driskell, situado en el 3911 de Hamilton Street. El personal del Departamento de Obras Públicas debatirá el estado del proyecto y escuchará las opiniones de la comunidad. También se está planificando la mejora de las calles y aceras de Jamestown Road. Los planes iniciales están disponibles para su revisión y comentarios en hellohyattsville.com hasta el 28 de febrero. Se ha programado una reunión para discutir el proyecto el 20 de enero a las 6:30 p.m. en la iglesia St. Matthew’s, 5901 36th Avenue. Visite hyattsville.org/calendar para obtener la información más reciente. Los detalles de todos los proyectos viales actuales se pueden encontrar en hyattsville.org/streets.

Becas para Minicampamentos y Educación Superior

¡Ya está abierta la convocatoria para las becas para campamentos de Hyattsville 2026! Las familias que cumplan los requisitos pueden solicitar becas para los campamentos de primavera y verano y los programas infantiles de Hyattsville. La elegibilidad se basa en la necesidad económica. Más información en hyattsville.org/camps. ¡El plazo de solicitud finaliza el 2 de febrero de 2026! Se anima a los estudiantes de último año de secundaria y a los graduados de la ciudad de Hyattsville interesados en continuar sus estudios superiores a que soliciten la beca Hyattsville Educational Path Scholarship. Los estudiantes que hayan sido aceptados o estén actualmente matriculados en un colegio universitario, universidad o escuela de oficios pueden solicitar financiación para sufragar los gastos de matrícula, libros y otros materiales escolares. Las solicitudes se aceptarán entre el 26 de enero y el 27 de marzo de 2026. Visite hyattsville.org/education para obtener más información.

Formación Gratuita en RCP

La ciudad de Hyattsville ofrece formación GRATUITA en RCP en inglés para los miembros de la comunidad interesados el martes 27 de enero, de 6 - 8 p.m., en el edificio municipal de Hyattsville, situado en el 4310 de Gallatin Street. Los participantes aprenderán a reconocer y tratar una emergencia cardíaca, a realizar respiración artificial y a practicar RCP. Las plazas son limitadas. Inscríbase en hyattsville.org/CPR. Se ofrecerán sesiones alternativas en febrero y marzo para aquellos que no puedan asistir en enero. Las fechas concretas se anunciarán próximamente.

Alcalde Robert Croslin

Titulares de Hyattsville | Enero de 2026 | Página 3

TITULARES DE HYATTSVILLE

Participantes en el programa “Hyattsville es Hogar” realizaron un fantástico espectáculo de marionetas

¡La nieve se sumó a la magia de nuestra celebración Maravilla Invernal el

en Art Works Now, mostrando su creatividad, estilo e increíble capacidad de contar historias. Más información en hyattsville.org/seniors.

mes pasado! Fue un placer celebrar el inicio de la temporada navideña con todos ustedes.

(Izquierda) ¡Sin dramas, solo llamas! ¡Los niños y el personal disfrutaron de una maravillosa sorpresa al final de la sesión de Creative Minds de este otoño! Más información en hyattsville.org/creativeminds. (Derecha) ¡Los adolescentes de Hyattsville disfrutaron de diversión y juegos en la fiesta navideña del Teen Center de este año! Lee todas las divertidas actividades que se ofrecen en hyattsville.org/teen-center.

El equipo CERT de Hyattsville y PGFD se reunieron para realizar una presentación sobre seguridad contra incendios y protección de la vida para personas mayores en los apartamentos Friendship Arms. ¡Los participantes pudieron practicar sus habilidades con un simulador de extintor!

CALENDARIO DE EVENTOS Clases Gratuitas de Zumba Lunes y miércoles, 4 - 5 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal!

Ejercicios Sentados

Los adultos mayores pueden unirse los miércoles, 10 - 11 a.m. en el Edificio Municipal. Inscríbase: hyattsville.org/seniors o 301-985-5000.

¡Lunes de Cine Gratis!

¡Ven a disfrutar de una película clásica en el Old Greenbelt Theatre el 5 de enero a la 1 p.m! hyattsville.org/seniors.

Distribuciónes de Pañales

Distribución gratuita de pañales el 9 y 30 de enero en el Edificio Municipal de 9:30 - 11 a.m. Se requiere prueba de la fecha de nacimiento del niño. hyattsville.org/ calendar.

Grupo de Apoyo para Cuidadores

Reunirse con otros cuidadores el 9 y 23 de enero, de 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. en el Edificio Municipal. hyattsville.org/calendar.

Reunión sobre Tráfico: Parque Driskell Reunión sobre alternativas para la intersección de cinco vías frente al parque Driskell el 13 de enero a las 6:30 p.m. en el Centro Recreativo del Parque Driskell, 3911 Hamilton Street. hyattsville.org/streets.

Entrenamiento de NARCAN

Distribución de Alimentos Distribución gratuita de productos el martes 20 de enero en la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida, 6201 Belcrest Rd., a partir del mediodía.

Reunión sobre Tráfico: Jamestown Road

Taller: Recursos de Asistencia Doméstica y Otros Servicios El lunes 26 de enero, de 11 a.m. a 12:30 p.m., únase a nosotros en un taller gratuito de almuerzo y aprendizaje para hablar sobre programas para hogares con recursos limitados. Edificio municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, 20781. Las plazas son limitadas; es necesario inscribirse. Para obtener más información e inscribirse, visite hyattsville.org/seniors o llame al (301) 985-5000.

Entrenamientos gratuitos NARCAN en el Edificio Municipal el 15 de enero, a las 6 p.m. y el 16 de enero, a las 10 a.m. hyattsville.org/NARCAN.

Se ha programado una reunión para discutir las mejoras en las calles y aceras de Jamestown Road el 20 de enero a las 6:30 p.m. en la iglesia St. Matthew’s, ubicada en 5901 36th Avenue. hyattsville.org/streets.

¡Búhos Nocturnos!

Reunión CERT

La próxima reunión del Equipo Comunitario de Respuesta ante Emergencias (CERT) es el 21 de enero, a las 6:30 p.m., en el Edificio Municipal. hyattsville.org/CERT.

K-5 estudiantes pueden unirse a un Dia de Campamento en Driskell Park el 26 de enero, 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., después de la salida temprana de PGCPS. hyattsville. org/minicamp.

Eliminación de Enredaderas

Paseos para Adultos Mayores: La Biblioteca de Hyattsville

Entrenamiento Gratuito de RCP

Deje a su(s) pequeño(s) en los grados K-5 en el Driskell Park Rec Center de 6-9 p.m. el 16 de enero. Los niños participarán en actividades mientras tú pasas una noche fuera. hyattsville.org/nightowls.

Ayude a eliminar plantas invasoras el 17 de enero, de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m., en Driskell Park, 3911 Hamilton Street. Inscríbase con antelación enviando un correo electrónico a environment@hyattsville.org. Se ofrecen horas de servicio comunitario para estudiantes. hyattsville.org/vine-removal.

Página 4 | Titulares de Hyattsville | Enero de 2026

Únase a sus vecinos y amigos en excursiones especiales para disfrutar de las atracciones locales. Biblioteca de Hyattsville, el 22 de enero, de 12 p.m. a 2 p.m. hyattsville.org/seniors.

Campamento de Salida Temprana

Entrenamientos GRATUITOS en RCP en inglés para los miembros de la comunidad interesados el martes, 27 de enero, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., en el Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/CPR.

Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2026

HyattsvilleLife.com | Page 7

MISS FLORIBUNDA

Handsome harvest Dear Miss Floribunda, The lot between my neighbor’s house and mine, which used to be a kind of community garden for three families, has been sold, and will have a house built on it. My backyard is too shady for most vegetables, and my sunny front yard has always been planted with flowers after the spring bulbs die back. I have to think about how to fit in some vegetables this year. What varieties of vegetables would be attractive enough to mix with annual flowers, or maybe even replace them? Down-to-Earth Esthete on Emerson Street Dear Down-To-Earth Esthete, The first esthetic edible that springs to my mind is the carrot, with its ferny foliage and lacy flowers, followed by visions of leaf-lettuce rosettes; velvety emerald okra; purple-podded bush beans; capsicum plants bejeweled with scarlet peppers; glowing cherry tomatoes on tidy plants; frilly parsley and ethereal dill, basil and sage, in a spectrum of violaceous shades, silvery whites and many subtleties of green; elegantly urn-shaped endives; smoky blue kale; curly leaved mustard greens; pinkflowered chives; rainbow chard; and red-foliaged beets. Then I remember this quotation by garden writer Ken Kraft, “Every vegetable is a beauty in its own right when viewed without prejudice.” Fortunately for you, the Hyattsville Horticultural Society (HHS) is having its 14th annual

seed sale on Saturday, Feb. 7, with its many beautiful varieties of vegetables and flowers, including those I mentioned — and more. The sale will be held in the ground floor multipurpose room in the Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Doors will open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to viewing the many varieties of seeds offered by Southern Exposure and Hart seed companies, you can munch on baked goods and warm up with hot drinks and soups. Once again, there will be a valentine-making table where children can find everything they need to make cards for family and friends. For those of you not in walking distance, there is limited free parking in the adjoining lot or at paylots across the street. The door leading to the lot will be open for easy access. After years of following the vagaries of our microclimate, the HHS seed committee selects the finest varieties most likely to thrive. The chosen carrots include those best adapted to our clay soil: Danvers 126 and Chantenay Red Core. Among the many kinds of squash offered, Dr. Greengenes

UNSPLASH

especially recommends the climbing cucuzzi caravazzi and the tromboncino, with its large golden-yellow flowers followed by trombone-shaped light-green fruit — either of which would look striking on a wrought iron obelisk. She adds that okra, although not a climber, at 4 to 6 feet is tall enough to provide another impressive structural element, and its hibiscus-like flowers, with their arresting crimson centers, are eye-catching. Trailing squash, cucumbers and sweet potatoes in large ornamental pots would form lovely cascades surrounding, say, a Listada de Gandia purple-and-white striped eggplant — or one of the extensive selection of tomatoes being

offered. These range from the small-fruited Sugar Cherry, Black Plum, Persimmon, Amy’s Apricot, Yellow Pear and Matt’s Wild Cherry to the mediumsized Long Keeper and Early Choice, to such large-fruit favorites as Abraham Lincoln and Mortgage Lifter. An attractive trellis can be placed in the pot to support the more luxuriant growers. Corn stalks, including the gorgeous Glass Gem corn for popping recommended by Herb Hill, easily support Scarlet Runner, Royal Burgundy, or Kentucky Wonder beans. From the colorful bush beans available, Dr. Greengenes favors Tongue of Fire and Purple Royalty. Of course, thanks to tradi-

tional companion planting, flowers and vegetables have been enjoying mutual benefits for some time. Consider growing beans up one of the thickstemmed sunflower varieties cherished by Aunt Sioux, which can take the place of traditional corn stalks as support for the beans. Marigolds, zinnias, nasturtiums, lavender, petunias and other lovely flowering plants are often grown with vegetables to repel nematodes and harmful insects. The HHS seed sale will offer a very wide selection for you to choose among. Last but not least, Wendy Wildflower suggests that you include such beautiful herbs as the blue-flowered borage and purple sage. For convenience, you might consider flower mixtures to attract beneficial insects, such as Bee My Friend (Bee Flower Mix), the Bird Lover's Mix, Beneficial Bug Mix, and Please Don't Flutter By to attract butterflies. Of course, seeds for several varieties of basil, sage and other helpful herbs will be available as well. The HHS hopes to see you on Feb. 7. Miss Floribunda writes about gardening for the Life & Times. You may email her at Floribundav@gmail.com.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2026

Page 8 | HyattsvilleLife.com

NEWS BRIEFS

VISIT STREETCARSUBURBS.NEWS FOR MORE Maryland congressional delegation announces $6.9 million for firefighters, first responders

We did it! Thank you supporters of the Hyattsville Life & Times Thanks to the 250 generous readers who helped us ring in the new year by meeting our year-end goal of raising $20,000 between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025. That money will be matched, thanks to local supporters who created a pool of matching funds, and then matched again by NewsMatch, a national movement to support independent public service journalism. We feel privileged to support Hyattsville residents by providing local news and information, and honored to be entrusted with your donations. We will do our best to use them to strengthen and connect communities in Hyattsville. We ask for your continued support; be it financial, or via news tips, photo submissions, or volunteer writing and reporting.

On Dec. 18, 2025, a group of Maryland senators and representatives announced $6,966,579 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Maryland, including those serving the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department. The congressional delegation said in a joint press release that the funding will enhance departments’ emergency response capabilities through hiring, training and the acquisition of emergency equipment. The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department will receive $516,646 to purchase a new gear washer and dryer and support volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention activities. “We can always count on Maryland’s firefighters and first responders to run towards danger to save others in an emergency. This federal funding will equip our local fire departments with new resources to support them in their lifesaving work, to better protect both themselves and our communities,” said the lawmakers. The delegation included U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S.

FILE PHOTO

Representatives April McClain Delaney, Sarah Elfreth, Andy Harris, Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Kweisi Mfume, Johnny Olszewski and Jamie Raskin. The awards are provided through the Assistance to Firefighters, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response and Fire Prevention and Safety grants programs with funds from fiscal year 2024 annual appropriations.

Federal judge to hold hearing on if Abrego Garcia is being vindictively prosecuted In December 2025, a federal judge canceled an upcoming trial of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Beltsville resident mistakenly deported to an El Salvador prison. The judge then scheduled a hearing on whether the federal prosecution is vindictive in pursuing a human smuggling case against him, according to

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The Associated Press. The Trump administration deported Abrego Garcia in March 2025 to a notorious El Salvador prison due to an “administrative error.” Following public pressure and a court order, the Trump administration brought him back to the U.S. in June 2025, but only after ordering an arrest warrant on human smuggling charges in Tennessee. Abrego Garcia has denied the allegations, arguing that prosecutors are vindictively and selectively targeting him. Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr. wrote in the December 2025 court order that Abrego Garcia had enough evidence to hold a hearing on the topic, scheduled for Jan. 28, as of press time. At that hearing, prosecutors will have to explain their reasoning for charging Abrego Garcia, Crenshaw wrote, and if they fail in that, the charges could be dismissed, according to The AP. A judge initially ordered Abrego Garcia’s removal to El Salvador, based on his illegal entry into the country in 2011 at the age of 16. Ultimately, however, Abrego Garcia was released in October 2019. Another judge ordered a withholding of Abrego Garcia’s removal to El Salvador, finding that he would be in danger from a gang in El Salvador that had targeted his family. Abrego Garcia was allowed to remain in the U.S. and get a work permit, and was not charged with any crime. The first Trump administration did not appeal the withholding of removal at that time.

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HyattsvilleLife.com | Page 9

WRAP-UP FROM PAGE 2

Building up

These utility poles at the corner of Gallatin Street and 42nd Avenue, and others like them, make many local sidewalks inaccessible to people with disabilities. PAUL RUFFINS

SCIENCE FROM PAGE 4

to improve accessibility, while maintaining the safety and reliability of the electric system. In cases where relocation is not practical due to construction complexities, we explore alternatives such as sidewalk modifications to meet ADA requirements.” Wilson also said, “No requests have been made for these specific locations.” This is significant because, according to Rubinstein, enforcement of the ADA is complaint driven. In general, this means that, although something may be out of compliance, remediation won’t occur until someone actually files a complaint or lawsuit. What adaptations prevent utility poles from blocking sidewalks? At one point in the 3800 block of Rhode Island Avenue, the sidewalk makes a half circle around a utility pole. Another pole in the 4300 block has two long extensions at the top, allowing the overhead electrical wires to continue in a straight line, while the pole is offset several feet to clear the sidewalk. However, these types of “easy” solutions are only possible when there is enough space separating a new or existing building from the curb. How about undergrounding all the city’s power lines? The process might be so expensive and dis-

ruptive that it’s not feasible. Burying the lines in the street would also disrupt traffic for years, and burying them in the planting strip would threaten the community’s beloved tree canopy. Burying the lines might even be considered wasteful or counterproductive now that Pepco has invested millions of dollars to improve its reliability as a condition of its 2014 merger with Exelon. According to Pepco representative Wilson, 2024 was Pepco’s most reliable year on record, with outages reduced by about 57% over the past 10 years; when outages did occur, the average restoration time was only 39 minutes. “Removing or relocating one or even a few utility poles can sometimes be a very complicated process, depending on the circumstances,” Rubinstein said. “Ensuring safe and accessible sidewalks typically requires a city to work with utility companies and the community to develop a coordinated plan for proper modifications, repairs and maintenance that meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities.” Paul Ruﬃns is a citizen scientist and a professor of curiosity.

2025 Hyattsville Community Foundation News

A plethora of people and groups strengthened our local communities during the year. The L&T’s new managing editor, Nigel F. Maynard, embarked on a makers series about area creators and artisans, including woodworker Blake Sloan, weaver Joe Buriel, and potter and ceramicist John Wissinger. Other resident profiles included 111-year-old Dorothy Mimms, Hyattsville Elementary PTA leader Jamie McGonnigal, former fire chief Donald ‘Doc’ Moltrop and author of The Dignity of Dependence, Leah Libresco Sargeant. In February, the county ARC’s Ready 4 Advocacy program prepped young disability advocates for Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature in Annapolis — and beyond. We spotlighted the city’s Youth Advisory Council twice, including their efforts to shore up teenagers’ mental health. This summer, we put out a guide for seniors retiring to Hyattsville and looking to connect and build up their own networks. In November, we featured “Therapy Through Art,” profiling a program that connected high school seniors and senior citizens. The four-week art program saw two student artists guiding senior residents of Friendship Arms apartments as they explored various art styles together.

Breaking news in 2026? What will we follow and break down for you in 2026? The new capabilities and total cost of the Hyattsville Police and Public Safety building when it opens at 3505 Hamilton Street? The implementation and impact of stop sign cameras? Continuing ICE activity — and whether ICE finds more office space in the

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Thanks for your support! Hyattsville area for deportation lawyers? The completed transformation of city council chambers to accommodate hybrid meetings? The city’s completed purchase ( from Werrlein Properties) of parkland adjoining Driskell Park? If you’d like to further build us up here at the L&T so that we can bring you more breaking news, analyses and profiles, please consider supporting the paper with a donation at StreetcarSuburbs.News/Donate. We’d also welcome your letters, story ideas, photos, volunteer reporting and opinions on topics of local interest. Happy New Year — and may 2026 go easier on us all! Heather Wright is the associate editor of the Life & Times.

Based on recommendations from the foundation’s Board of Advisors, a total of $3,875 was awarded to three not for profit organizations in 2025. The recipients are listed below along with their awarded grant amounts and funded purpose:

Hyattsville Aging in Place, $1500 for staff salary assistance Pyramid Atlantic Inc., $875 for offset classroom table construction cost St. Joseph’s House, $1500 to support Sensory Center project The HCF welcomes financial gifts which can be processed by credit card at the following website: www.thecommunityfoundation.org. Please be sure to select Hyattsville Community Foundation from the dropdown menu at “What would you like your donation to support?” The HCF also welcomes checks made payable to Hyattsville Community Foundation and mailed to: The Greater Washington Community Foundation, P.O. Box 49010, Baltimore, Md. 21297-4910. All financial gifts are fully deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For any questions about the foundation, contact HCF President Tom Slezak at 301-422-8563 or email slezaktj@gmail.com.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2026

Page 10 | HyattsvilleLife.com

FOOD AID FROM PAGE 1

UNSPLASH

WATER

Tips for lowering your water bill

FROM PAGE 1

more than the prior year. The FY 2027 budget is expected to increase as well. A WSSC representative said the increases are based on the rising cost of chemicals, heat, light and power, a wastewater treatment facility and health insurance. “When you have utilities, water utilities, electricity utilities, gas utilities, all these public entities can’t just set prices any way they want,” Louis Preonas, an assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics at the University of Maryland, said. “You know, we've had to upgrade this treatment thing. … We had some storms that caused some damage. We have to fix it. So we're actually kind of not making any money this year, and we need to be able to raise prices to cover those costs.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 15% of a household’s water use goes to lawns and gardens. As water prices increase, consumer advocates and others offer tips for lowering your water bill: • Ask for help. WSSC has a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) that offers financial assistance to homeowners. In addition, the utility’s Get Current program for lower-income residents and federal employees affected by the government shutdown will forgive up to 50% of past-due water bills through January. • Repair leaky faucets. A CAP Leak Repair Program will help customers save money and conserve water by identifying and repairing leaking plumbing fixtures. Eligible customers can receive up to $9,000 per year in plumbing repair services. • Sweep driveways instead of cleaning them with a hose. • Turn off the faucet while shaving and brushing your teeth to save 200-plus gallons of water a month. • Install WaterSense-labeled showerheads, which can save up to 2,700 gallons of water each year. • Skip the bathtub. A five-minute shower uses 10 to 20 gallons of water, while a bath uses 70. • Run the dishwasher — when it’s full. Hand-washing the dishes can use 20-plus gallons of water, compared with the dishwasher, which uses three to six gallons.

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can tell people are afraid.” City officials say they are seeing similar reactions from residents who rely on the municipal assistance programs, prompting the city to adapt. “Because of ICE, we have had a lot of families who actually send private messages to us to see if we can actually make deliveries to their homes,” said Sandra Shephard, director of the city’s Community Services and Programs. Harding joined the United Methodist Church in 1998 and now helps operate the ministry, which provides meals to people experiencing homelessness across Hyattsville. Every Tuesday, the ministry, now in its fourth year, prepares bag lunches, each of which includes a sandwich, a bottle of water, fruit, chips and cookies. Volunteers load the meals onto the church’s unmarked van and drive to locations where day laborers and others in need typically gather. The decline in those seeking assistance has been sharp in some areas, Harding said. At a stop on East-West Highway, volunteers used to distribute at least 20 lunches. On their most recent visit, they gave away four, Harding said. “Now those guys are hiding … they’re scared,” said Donnalee Sanderson, the Methodist church secretary. The ministry continues to visit other locations, though turnout has continued to decline. “People are reluctant to even speak, because they’re not sure who they’re talking to,” Harding said, noting that the church’s pastor accompanies volunteers and tries to engage with recipients, but many remain wary. The city’s produce distribution program, hosted the third Tuesday of each month at First United Methodist Church, at 6201 Belcrest Road, typically serves an average of more than 400 people, Shephard said. The program, open to all community

members in need without registration, is run through a contract with Capital Area Food Bank and provides fresh produce, eggs and meat. The city now offers both individual appointments and traditional distribution events for items such as diapers and produce, Shephard said. The stepped-up ICE activity is seen across Maryland, published news reports and ICE news releases show. ICE arrests statewide increased from an average of 3.7 arrests a day in 2024 to 9.8 a day through June of this year, according to a Maryland Matters report. The composition of ICE arrests has tipped since 2024, when 43% of those arrested in Maryland had no criminal convictions. That figure rose to 60% in 2025, according to an analysis by The Baltimore Banner. ICE did not reply to Life & Times’ email inquiries seeking comment. Laura Usher, co-leader of Indivisible Route 1 Corridor, which describes itself as a progressive, grassroots organization, said fear of ICE agents extends beyond those participating in church and city outreach programs. “I do think there are a lot of people who are scared to even — never mind participating in community programs — they’re scared to go to the grocery store, go to school, go to church,” she said. Ryan Ross and Zaka Hossein are graduate journalism students at the University of Maryland. For the full article, visit HyattsvilleLife.com.

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HyattsvilleLife.com | Page 11

DJ 2-Tone Jones, Anthony Mims and Black Wilson are three of the four owners (along with DJ Iran) of Fireplace Records. FAITH WILSON

RECORDS FROM PAGE 1

inventory extends to CDs, VHS tapes, comic books, magazines and other rare media. Genres range from hip-hop, R&B, jazz and gospel to rock, funk, reggae and pop. Once a salon, the space now bursts with color and musical history. The walls are lined with striking album art that bridges generations, featuring SZA’s “Ctrl,” Outkast’s “Stankonia” and Bob Marley’s “Uprising.” “Letting the other generations hear what we listened to is a good thing, and it keeps the good music coming,” Mims said. Shelves are also stocked with albums by Big Pun, Madonna, Jay-Z, Bob Dylan and Bruno Mars, in a vibrant mosaic. The owners recalled a time when vinyl was accessible at everyday spots like Kemp Mill Records, The Wiz and Tower Records. “After 2000, they didn’t print a lot of vinyl for artists,” Mims noted. Fireplace Records aims to restore that sense of access and discovery for Hyattsville residents and the greater DMV. Wilson, a native Washingtonian, is committed to meeting the demands of the community.

“Whatever the community and customers want, we’ll seek it out,” he said. “If we don’t have it, we’ll get it.” The shop’s organization system reflects the owners’ dedication to record culture. Each vinyl is labeled to reflect its condition: EX (excellent), NM (near mint), or VG+ (very good plus). Arranged alphabetically and by genre, each Sharpielabeled crate adds to the nostalgic record-hunting experience. For the owners, it’s about the fun of connecting with customers. Both Wilson and Mims take pride in guiding new listeners toward different pressings and artists, while also helping seasoned collectors track down a record. Looking ahead, Jones envisions Fireplace Records as a lasting neighborhood hub that will “reintroduce that culture of a traditional record shop — where people come weekly to find community, have a hangout space and explore music.” In spring 2026, Fireplace Records will relocate to the second floor of the same building to accommodate its growing collection and customer base.

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HyattsvilleLife.com

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2026

Hyattsville Elementary School Winter Market helps kids help Santa By KIT SLACK

n Dec. 19, 2025, kids got their holiday shopping done, thanks to the Hyattsville Elementary School PTA, which hosted its second annual winter market on the half-day before students headed off for two weeks of winter break. “It’s been a uniquely difficult year for so many of our families,” wrote PTA President Jamie McGonnigal in an email promoting the event, “and we want to bring a little light and kindness to the season. The market gives every student a chance to feel the spirit of giving and to pick out special gifts for their loved ones.” Every child at the school received five Pride Bucks, a currency that works only at the elementary school’s winter market. Regular money is not accepted. Businesses and community members donated the market’s inventory. Donors included Baltimore-based Smidgen Games and Mount Royal Soap, as well as larger brands including Bombas, Blue Q and Letterfolk. According to 2025 state data, 64% of students at Hyattsville Elementary qualify for free and reduced price meals because of limited family income.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMIE MCGONNIGAL