june2026_collegepark_web

College Park City Councilmembers

push developers on a ordability

By SHARON O’MALLEY

Members of the College Park City Council in May had uncharacteristic run-ins with two developers who, the officials claimed, are not honoring the promises they made during past negotiations with the city.

During a May 12 council meeting, members accused representatives of The Mark, which is slated to replace College Park Towers on Hartwick Road with two student apartment buildings, of pulling a last-minute bait-and-switch by dropping a promised 30% rent discount down to 10%.

The developer pivoted to the lower discount after the city had endorsed

Meet the new restaurants in College Park

By JALEN WADE

Four restaurants have opened in College Park since January in two shared locations. Sister brands Z-Burger and Maman Joon, a Persian fast-casual restaurant, share space at 4200 Hartwick Road on the street level of the Terrapin Row apartment complex. Similarly, Asian fast-casual restaurants Pho District and and Dumpling District are located together

City makes economic progress, P.4

Cameras deter drivers from running stop signs, P.5

Hollywood residents have ideas for planners, P.8

Campus offers summer fun discounts to city residents

By ELIZABETH FARAGI

Summertime in College Park means the University of Maryland’s (UMD) campus is half-empty.

So whether you’re in the mood for a dip in the pool on a hot day or a game of volleyball with a few of your neighbors, that’s the place to go this summer.

The university opens its pool and sports leagues to the public during the summer and offers access and discounts to football and baseball games, theater productions and its libraries year-round.

To qualify for many of the discounts, residents of College Park—even those who did not attend the university—must join the UMD Alumni Association. Prices range from $55 for one year to $850 for a lifetime membership. Residents can apply for membership at https://tinyurl.

com/mr4drnhp.

Here are a few of the on-campus opportunities for College Park residents.

Pool membership

The UMD Recreation and Wellness Outdoor Aquatic Center offers 30% off pool memberships for College Park residents who join the Alumni Association. The Aquatic Center is located next to Eppley Recreation Center at 4128 Valley Drive. Association members pay $360 for a family pool pass, which covers two adults and two children.

To receive the discount, residents must provide proof of residency.

Summer social sports leagues

Anyone can join the leagues’ volleyball, pickleball and badminton teams, but College Park residents get a 50% discount.

The discounted rates per player are $85 for volleyball, $50 for pickleball and $50 for badminton. Proof of residency is required to receive the discounts and no Alumni Association membership is required.

Residents can apply to participate individually or join as a team.

Registration for the leagues closes on June 3. Residents can register at https:// tinyurl.com/3h9w9rrt.

Free baseball games

The Terrapins’ baseball season just ended, but tuck this away for next season: Residents—and any member of the public—can attend weekday baseball games for free.

General admission to home baseball games Monday through Friday is free to SEE SUMMER ON 12 

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

Submission Information

Graduate student apartment building prepares to open

utilities, which are included in the rent.

“It’s an all-in-one price. You know what you’re paying,” he said. “It’s the same price every month, whether the water goes up, the electric goes up, the Wi-Fi changes. You pay the single price. And so that was the goal of this project.”

College Park Here & Now is published monthly. We welcome reader input, tips, articles, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted to sharon@streetcarsuburbs.news

Managing Editor Sharon O’Malley sharon@streetcarsuburbs.news

Associate Editor Jalen Wade jalen@streetcarsuburbs.news

Writers & Contributors

Audrey Bengtson, Elizabeth Faragi

Layout & Design Editors

Valerie Morris, Ashley Perks

Spanish translation by University of Maryland Department of Translation and Interpretation Services

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

Streetcar Suburbs Publishing

Business Manager

Catie Currie Catie@streetcarsuburbs.news

Executive Director Kit Slack Kit@streetcarsuburbs.news

Marketing Director Ashley Perks ashley@streetcarsuburbs.news

Board of Directors

President: Marta McLellan Ross

Secretary: Melanie Dzwonchyk

Treasurer: Joe Murchison

General Counsel: Michael Walls

Nora Eidelman, Merrill Hartson, Alec Lynde, Carter Ross, Tara Susman-Peña

Ex Officios: Joshua Garner, Nigel F. Maynard, Sharon O’Malley, Kit Slack

College Park Here & Now is a member of the National Newspaper Association and the Institute for Nonprofit News.

By JALEN WADE

Discovery House, a new 465-unit apartment building for University of Maryland (UMD) graduate students, is accepting leases from tenants who will occupy the complex starting Aug. 12.

Jeremy Steed, vice president of facilities for Capstone On-Campus Management, which will manage Discovery House, said approximately 200 prospective tenants had already booked their apartments by the time of a soft opening on May 13. The building can accommodate 741 students.

“Working with the university, we surveyed the community [and] found that there was a real demand for graduate housing,” Greg Reaves, CEO of Mosaic Development Partners, the building’s developer, said. “The existing housing was also an issue that was brought to our attention in terms of bringing in new products, something that was a bit more upgraded.”

Reaves added: “We thought that what was really important to graduate students,

Shared working space opens in Discovery District

By JALEN WADE

A 13,980-square-foot shared workspace with 60 offices, two meeting rooms and a training area opened in the Discovery District in January.

Venture X, located at 5825 University Research Court, is “basically a space where people can reserve fractional space,” Moniesha Shorter, the College Park franchise owner, said. “So a business that’s starting off, maybe they just need a professional address and a place to meet with clients. Some clients only need office space a few days a week.”

Shorter said the building has flexible terms that allow clients to reserve space by the hour, day, week or month. Most clients use the offices when they have inperson meetings or need a quiet place to work, she said.

Some virtual clients rent just the address and receive their mail there, and some use the virtual receptionist and phone answering service.

and really all students today, is privacy. And so this project really does focus on both intimacy and privacy of … graduate students.”

Apartment sizes range from studios renting for $1,790 per month to fivebedroom, three-bathroom units for $995 per tenant each month. One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units with separate bathrooms for each tenant are also available.

But graduate students have complained that the price points at Discovery House, located at 4646 Graduate Way near the College Park/University of Maryland Metro station, are too high.

Reaves said rents at Discovery House are below market price.

“What we were charged with is making sure that this building was built at a cost where they can price it where it’s below the market … in the College Park community,” Reaves said. “And we do know that the offering here is below market.”

Reaves noted that Discovery House tenants will not have to pay for Wi-Fi or

“I think, increasingly, long-term leases are less favorable,” Shorter said. “Because if you’re a small business, you can’t really predict what your business is going to be like, and so this gives them an opportunity to reserve space.”

The business, which shares a building with a number of tech and research companies, has five tenants so far.

Jaye Wilson, CEO of Melinated Moms, a business that caters to women of color by offering programs related to health, fitness, emotional support and career development, operates out of Venture X.

Wilson, who also does business consulting, said she uses the space primarily for meetings and networking.

“It gives me that feeling that I’m not alone,” Wilson, who recently moved from Trenton, N.J., said. “Working from home is convenient, but after a while,you kind of get lazy, you don’t want to get dressed, you don’t want to do all those things. So this actually makes me excited to get up and get to work.”

Wilson said she tried working from Venture X’s Columbia location but signed up in College Park when it opened because it is close to her home.

She said the building’s proximity to the University of Maryland (UMD) was another reason, as the location offers opportunities for networking.

She said the price to rent her private office is affordable.

Christopher Mason, Capstone On-Campus Management’s director of affiliated housing, explained that the building’s amenities make it worth its price. He named fully furnished apartments, in-unit washers and dryers, indoor bike storage, outdoor courtyards and dedicated study lounges among the features. In addition, he said tenants of Discovery House do not pay security deposits and can walk to the Metro.

“I know a constant debate within the university, as well as the City of College Park itself, in regards to students, is affordability,” Reaves added.

According to e Diamondback, UMD’s student newspaper, this complex will double the amount of dedicated graduate housing.

College Park City Councilmember Kelly Jordan (District 2), who attended the soft opening, said she is excited about Discovery House.

“It’s going to be a really nice place to really focus and work together collaboratively with other students,” Jordan said.

Prices range from $29 a day to use a shared space to $1,595 a month for a dedicated, lockable office for a team of three. Virtual clients pay $49 a month to use the business address and another $30 for mail service.

Venture X is a chain with offices in 17 states and eight countries.

Shorter said she located her franchise in College Park because it is home to UMD and the Discovery District and is a hub of entrepreneurship.

“We were very intentional about making our home here,” Shorter said. “Because the Discovery District really sits at the intersection of research, innovation, entrepreneurship and culture, and so we definitely want to amplify entrepreneurship here.”

According to Shorter, the space can serve a variety of tenants, ranging from traveling businesspeople to those in real estate to large companies whose workforce has outgrown their headquarters.

Michael Williams, head of economic development for the City of College Park, said he anticipates Venture X will draw businesses to the city.

“I would say we’ve had merchants and business people looking around for office space to do business and wanting to be accessible to College Park,” Williams said. “I look forward to perhaps a big name coming out of that concept and being able to expand his, her or their businesses here in College Park.”

GET READY FOR THE JUNE 23 ELECTION

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StreetcarSuburbs.News PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD

The College Park Here & Now's online guide has all the info you need on how and where to vote, and who will be on your ballot.

Scan the QR code to find candidate statements, information on campaign finance, and select coverage of key local races, all in one place!

DEMOCRATIC SAMPLE BALLOT

JUNE 23

n Wes Moore/Aruna Miller __

n Brooke Elizabeth Lierman __ GOVERNOR/ LT. GOVERNOR

IN CONGRESS

n Glenn F. Ivey __

n Jim Rosapepe __ __

n Mary Lehman

n Joseline Peña-Melnyk

n Ben Barnes __

COUNTY EXECUTIVE

n Aisha Braveboy __ __

COUNTY COUNCIL AT LARGE

n Jolene Ivey

n Jeana Jacobs __ __ __ __

n LaKeecia Allen

n Scott M. Carrington

n Ada Elizabeth Clark-Edwards

n Stacey Cobb Smith

n Althea Stewart Jones

n Donnaka Varner Lewis

n Michael Ray Pearson

n Joseph C. Ruddy, III

n Todd Steuart

FYI: Circled red names are the key competitive races JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

Michelle García

DEMOCRAT FOR COUNTY COUNCIL

Michelle García has worked for the families of this community for many years, first as Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk’s chief of staff, then as Community Liaison for the whole 21st District Democratic Team, and in recent years as County Councilman Tom Dernoga’s chief of staff. She refuses to accept corporate money for her campaign.

n Mahasin El Amin __

REGISTER OF WILLS

n Jocelyn Route __ CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

JUDGE OF THE ORPHANS’ COURT

n Wendy A. Cartwright

n Jason A. DeLoach

n Athena Malloy Groves __

COUNTY COUNCIL District 1

n MICHELLE GARCÍA __

Jessy Mejia Terry

DEMOCRAT FOR CENTRAL COMMITTEE

COUNTY COUNCIL District 3

n Eric C. Olson __

DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE

n Andrew Fellows

n Dennis Grant

n JESSY MEJIA TERRY __ __ __

CENTRAL COMMITTEE AT-LARGE

n Danielle Delgado-District 21

n Nathaniel Morgan-District 22

n Sylvia Johnson-District 23

n Richard Dickens-District 24

n Rasheim Wright-District 25

n Lamont Bunyon-District 27

n Sarahita Wyatt-Pasige -District 47 __ __

A 26-year resident of the 21st District, Jessy Mejia Terry worked in Democratic politics and for progressive causes for years. She is running for the Democratic Central Committee to ensure our Party prioritizes affordability and community building — and does everything it can to win the 2026 and 2028 elections.

you want to help us, e-mail us at contact@michellejgarcia.com, call us at (301) 642-0410, or visit our websites, 21stdistrictdelegation.com or michellejgarcia.com or scan the QR code.

City reports $600M in retail sales

BY ELIZABETH FARAGI and SHARON O’MALLEY

College Park’s economy grew on multiple fronts in 2025, with hundreds of new jobs, tens of millions of dollars in commercial property deals and a wave of new businesses.

But the shadow of mass federal layoffs hung over that progress, according to Economic Development Director Michael Williams, who presented his annual report to the City Council on April 21.

Williams called 2025 “robust”

and noted that the first quarter of 2026 looked promising.

“We have a lot of developments that were offline that are coming online, and we wanted to highlight what the value would be to the city,” Williams said.

Williams noted that the city is pressing its identity as “the Capital of Quantum”—a nod to the quantum computing industry taking root locally—but faces a lingering concern over federal workforce downsizing.Williams cited U.S. Census Bureau data, saying 1,116 full-time federal

employees live in College Park, excluding contractors.

“Undoubtedly, the mass federal government layoffs have affected our community,” Williams said, adding that the city secured emergency funding for affected residents.

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The city also partnered with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, on which Councilmember Denise Mitchell (District 4) serves as an officer, on an AI job search tool called Talent Capital. Williams explained that the tool curates regional employment listings across the DMV for displaced federal workers.

Of the four federal facilities in or near the city, the USDA Riverdale campus on River Road is closed and vacant under General Services Administration (GSA) control. “We have no information on any pending GSA transactions,” Williams said.

Before the layoffs, Williams reported, College Park hit $600 million in annual retail sales, driven by auto, grocery and lodging receipts.

“The sports teams didn’t do as well this past year, so we didn’t have the traffic coming in that we did the year before when we played Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan,” Williams explained.

dress that corridor and revitalize the area,” Williams said.

In North College Park, Shahid Hafeez purchased the Apple Tree Child Care Center property in November 2025. Williams praised the move, noting that many local merchants do not own their buildings.

“A big shout out to him. He’s been a good partner of ours,” Williams said.

High sales were boosted by weekday traffic on Route 1 heading toward Route 193, which averaged 44,631 vehicles last year. Williams noted a slight traffic decline from 2024, citing a shift in university athletics.

The year’s biggest real estate transactions were concentrated on the old Stone Straw building site in North College Park, which added two new industrial tenants, as well as deals in Berwyn and downtown.

In Berwyn, Nomie Hamid, owner of Virtual X Kitchen and Krazi Kebob, acquired three Jenkins Estate properties.

“This acquisition opens a meaningful opportunity to ad-

Downtown, the former MilkBoy ArtHouse sold for $3.2 million. The 14,000-square-foot space is being developed as a dessert, bubble tea and café concept featuring performance and gaming spaces.

While dozens of new businesses brought the city’s total to approximately 500 in 2025, Williams said his team’s immediate challenge is filling the 32,000-square-foot space left vacant by Shoppers Food Warehouse, which closed Nov. 8. “We’re getting there for Shoppers,” he said. “Filling it is my No. 1 priority right now.”

Cameras deter drivers from running stop signs

By SHARON O’MALLEY

The number of drivers who run stop signs has declined since the city installed cameras at five intersections in February and started issuing tickets in mid-March.

At one of the intersections— College and Yale avenues—violations have dropped by approximately 68% since the cameras were installed, according to Jatinder Khokhar, the city’s public services director, who spoke at a May 5 College Park City Council meeting.

“To see a 68% decrease in one location is just—it’s phenomenal,” Mayor Pro Tem Maria Mackie (District 4) said. “It shows that people are paying attention.”

Councilmember Ray Ranker (District 3) noted that such attention can translate into protecting pedestrians and preventing accidents.

“We have to look at the compliance rate,” Ranker said. “If the compliance is up, the neighborhoods are safer.”

At that intersection, the AIpowered cameras detected 31,451 drivers who did not stop at the stop signs from Feb. 15 to March 15, when violators received warnings instead of fines, according to Deputy City Manager Michelle Bailey Hedgepeth, who presented the statistics to the council.

She said that intersection generated approximately 29% of all citations since the cameras came online.

Still, not all drivers who did not come to a complete stop got tickets, Hedgepeth said.

Data presented at Tuesday’s city council meeting showed that during the first month of ticketing, police officers who examined the AI data tossed out 3,900 potential violations. The high rejection rate led city staff to adjust the cameras’ algorithm to ensure only high-risk drivers are penalized.

“This is always monitored directly by an officer,” Hedgepeth said. “Every single violation is looked at by the officers. After that, we decided that we would look at why … the rejection was so high. And we ended up looking at the format and the speed that people were going.”

The rejections centered largely on the “stutter stop”—a driver who slows significantly but fails to come to a multi-second halt. Hedgepeth acknowledged that while many drivers were taught to count to three before moving through a stop sign, the law is more focused on the movement of the vehicle.

“The one interesting part about stop sign cameras is that you kind of think of it that you have

CAMERA LOCATIONS

• Edgewood Road & 52nd Place

• College Avenue & Yale Avenue

• St. Andrews Place & Davidson Street

• Rhode Island Avenue & Lakeland Road

• Calvert Road & Rhode Island Avenue

to stop,” she said. “You got to go, ‘One, Mississippi, two, Mississippi, three, Mississippi.’ That’s what I do because I don’t want to get a ticket. But it’s really the fact that the wheels must stop. It can be, like, one second, but as long as the wheels stop, you have … been able to stop.”

Khokhar explained that the officers review footage through a lens of real-world fairness.

He said the officers told him, “If I won’t give this person a ticket if I’m sitting in my car parked right next to it, then I’m just not going to do [it] by seeing the video.”

The AI system was flagging anyone who rolled through a stop sign, even at speeds as slow as a fraction of one mile per hour, even though those inching forward at 0.1 through 5 mph are considered low-level violators.

By adjusting the algorithm threshold by “less than a mile,” the city saw total violations drop from 12,000 during the February warning period to fewer than 6,000 in late April, Hedgepeth said.

Still, she emphasized that even a few miles per hour can mean the difference between a minor accident and a tragedy.

“At a speed of three or four miles per hour, you’re less likely to have a severe injury,” she said. “And that’s what we want to do, is to reduce injuries of our residents and our students here.”

Officials noted that the most dangerous behaviors—drivers blowing through intersections at speeds greater than 12 mph—are also on the decline.

“The number of high-level violations has decreased significantly,” Hedgepeth said. “It’s almost, like, less than a third.”

Data from the first 30 days of camera enforcement indicates that the majority of those ticketed do not live in College Park. In fact, residents accounted for 17% of citations, while 39% of violators live in nearby jurisdictions and 44% are from out of state.

“People who tend to run stop signs are people that are maybe running through your neighborhoods or might be using [local roads] as cut-throughs,” Hedgepeth told the council. “The Waze users go through your streets and blow through a stop sign.”

Khokhar said the data will show where risky behavior is dropping and could indicate that it’s time to relocate cameras to other intersections throughout the city.

“People will learn what is a risky behavior versus a non-risky behavior,” he said. “We can switch off one location, you know, if we think

compliance has been achieved.” College Park also has speed cameras along six major stretches of roads throughout the city. Hedgepeth advised councilmembers that they could pass an ordinance to add cameras to red lights to catch drivers who run through them without stopping.

Hedgepeth noted that cameras are a way for the city to keep its streets safe.

“Our goal is to have zero citations,” Hedgepeth told the council. “If we have zero citations, then we have 100 percent compliance. And that means our streets are safe.”

Every Child Deserves a Voice

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) stands up for youth who have been abused and neglected. Be the voice in court for a child who has no one else. Legal experience not required — just a heart and a few hours per month. We provide all the training! Scan for upcoming info sessions

COLLEGE PARK COMMUNITY CALENDAR JUNE

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

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

Please send notices of events taking place between July 1-30 to jalen@streetcarsuburbs.news by June 20.

JUNE 1

Adult Broadway Jazz Intensive. Join Elta Goldstein for a week of dancing to your favorite show

tunes! This Adult Broadway Jazz Intensive is an all-levels class, where students will practice jazz dance technique and learn choreography to perform in an informal showcase at the end of the week. $50. 7-8:30 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/5d9eh4t2.

JUNE 4

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

JUNE 5

SPARK! Lounge Pre-Concert Conversation with Viet Cuong. Director of NOI+F Richard Scerbo moderates a conversation with composer Viet Cuong about his creative process ahead of the NOI Philharmonic’s concert (below). Free. 6:30 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/2u2vd8zf.

Take the Reins: Chamber Orchestra Concert. The NOI Philharmonic sets its own pace with a wide-ranging, self-conducted program of innovative selections from international composers. $25. 7:30 p.m. Dekelboum Concert Hall (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/2u4362b3.

Teen Summer Shakespeare Intensive. The program runs with the support of the College Park Arts Exchange and is intended as a learning-through-experience opportunity for teenage actors and technicians who will work to put together a fully staged production. Free. 11 a.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/53smemcp.

JUNE 6

Herbal Infused Oils & Salves.

In this class, you will learn to create custom herbal infused oils that can then be used as a body oil or be made into salves. $39.19. Noon. Smile Herb Shop (4908 Berwyn Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/2r86n648.

Peleggi Conducts Respighi’s Roman Trilogy. Valentina Peleggi leads the NOI Philharmonic on a sonic journey through the city of Rome. Price Point 1: $25, Point 2: $35, Point 3: $45 + $5 booking fee. 7:30 p.m. Dekelboum Concert Hall ( 8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/3jky2x46.

Sunshine Concert For Children. Musicians include Eric Maring “Mr. M” along with others. Bring your voices and families and be a part of this always memorable, heart-warming community event. Free. 5 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/4zvh2fsk.

JUNE 9

College Park Arts ExchangeArt Club. Spend your evening creating art with neighbors. Bring your own art project and materials. This is not an art class, but each meeting will begin with a group warmup. Adults

only. Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/478zjxbv.

JUNE 11

College Park Community Library Book Club. Meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m., at the College Park Community Library (9704 Rhode Island Ave.). June 11: “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner. July 9: “The Measure: A Novel” by Nikki Erlick.

JUNE

12

Creative Writing Workshop. Learn practical strategies to enhance creative writing. $10. 6:30-8 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/4zvh2fsk.

Friday Night Live! College Park’s summer music series. Featuring rock band Dead Flowers. Free parking at the downtown College Park parking garage. 6:30-8:30 p.m. City Hall Plaza (7401 Baltimore Ave.).

JUNE 13

Hay esperanza y ayuda para las familias y amistades de los alcohólicos en Al-Anon.

Grupos Familiares Al-Anon, llamen al 1-888-425-2666 (1-888-4AL-ANON) Al-Anon.org

Trolley Trail Day. Join the communities of College Park, Riverdale Park, Hyattsville, North Brentwood, Brentwood and Mount Rainier for a full day of activities to celebrate the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail (4666 Rhode Island Ave.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/y9sy5nh2.

Night at the Museum Rock Concert. Close out Trolley Trail Day with an epic museum concert featuring high-energy performances and a special SEE CALENDAR ON 13 

Because she’s fighting for union families–on the job and at

Michelle grew up in a union family. Her sister is a union member, and her father and daughter were union members, as well. She’s seen up close what labor unions mean to everyone in the family — job security, good pay, pensions, and dignity.

With Trump and his billionaire buddies raising gas prices, DOGING federal employees, and attacking Social Security, we need strong unions to stand up for us. That’s why Michelle stands with labor. From protecting collective bargaining rights and pensions, to fighting wage theft and union busting, she’s with us.

Delegate Mary Lehman

“I’ve worked with Michelle for many years, fighting for working families. With Trump’s attacks on us, her values, grit, and courage are more important than ever. I’m voting for her and hope you will too.”

Residents weigh in on Hollywood upgrades

By AUDREY BENGTSON

Residents of College Park’s Hollywood neighborhood told county planners on May 9 they would like to see more public art, new gathering spaces and safer streets in their community.

Twenty residents voted on ways the county could improve public spaces during the first-ever Hollywood Placemaking Initiative Community Vision Walk.

The event brought together residents, planners, officials and community leaders to walk through the neighborhood and discuss ideas for development projects up and down Rhode Island Avenue.

“We look at residents as the experts of their community, so they know best,” David Moore, a planner for the Prince George’s County Planning Department, said. “We don’t live here, so it’s really important that we incorporate feedback from people who use these spaces every day, to make sure that their voices are accounted for and heard.”

During the two-hour walk, participants stopped at areas the

county has named “opportunity sites,” which included bus stops, parking lots, crosswalks and plazas from the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and Muskogee Street to Rhode Island Avenue and Edgewood Road.

Residents filled out packets with their ideas and notes for each spot and used stickers to vote for three types of improvements they most want to see. Their options were: public art, enhanced gathering spaces, green infrastructure, traffic calming,

branding and wayfinding, and programming.

The top vote-getters were traffic calming, enhanced gathering spaces and green infrastructure.

College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir attended the walk to hear ideas and discuss the future of the neighborhood.

“The walk created a collaborative environment where neighbors could exchange perspectives while directly observing opportunities and challenges within the area,” Kabir said.

Mariam Kamel, a College Park resident of two years, said she wants more spaces that bring people together. She voted for programming, enhanced gathering spaces and traffic calming.

“I just want to see people get out of their homes and come together,” she said. “I want to see community members that I’ve just never met in my life. I want to see them out and about.”

Another resident, Nora Eidelman, has lived in College Park since 2013 and voted for public art, enhanced gathering spaces and programming. She said gathering places can make a neighborhood feel more connected.

“It creates community, a place where you can go with your family, but you can also meet your neighbors,” she said.

Kendra McAbee, the communications and outreach manager for the College Park City-University Partnership, said the community should prioritize art. She also voted for enhanced gathering spaces and traffic calming.

“I love public art. I can’t get enough of it,” she said. “I really would love to see the spaces in

the Hollywood streetscape activated with people.”

Some voiced concerns about pedestrian and transit safety during the walk, especially when it comes to crosswalks and bus stops. McAbee said some drivers failed to notice pedestrians and cyclists during the event itself.

“I think that just showed us there’s a little bit more work to do,” she said.

Kabir said the city already put $3 million into the Hollywood Commercial District Streetscape Project from 2021 to 2023, but noted that the area still needs upgrades.

According to county planners Moore and Sam McCrory, this walk was the first step of a larger community engagement process that will continue throughout the summer and could produce a development plan for Hollywood by fall.

“We plan on being involved in the community over the summer at the Hollywood Farmers Market, being at the North College Park Community Association meetings, doing some online engagement … [going to] Trolley Trail Day,” McCrory said.

COLLEGE PARK POST

National Public Works Week

Recognizing the people who keep College Park running year-round

The City of College Park recently recognized National Public Works Week, observed May 17–23, 2026, honoring the dedicated Public Works employees who help maintain the safety, cleanliness, and quality of life throughout the community each and every day.

This year’s national theme, “People, Purpose, Presence,” highlights the essential role public works professionals play in supporting neighborhoods, infrastructure, and public spaces across the City. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, Public Works staff contribute daily to the essential services residents rely on year-round.

The City’s Public Works Department manages a wide range of important services, including refuse and recycling collection, tree and landscape maintenance, engineering services, playground upkeep, invasive species management, facility maintenance, and snow and ice removal. Their ongoing efforts help create cleaner, safer, and more sustainable neighborhoods for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The Mayor and Council officially proclaimed National Public Works Week in recognition of the department’s continued service, professionalism, and dedication to the community.

The observance also serves as an opportunity to thank the hardworking men and women whose efforts directly support the comfort, livability, and overall well-being of College Park.

As summer begins and residents continue enjoying parks, neighborhoods, and City services throughout the season, the City extends its sincere appreciation to the Public Works Department for the important work they do each day to help keep College Park running smoothly and efficiently.

To learn more about the City’s Public Works Department and available services, visit: collegeparkmd.gov/Public-Works.

Berwyn Community Exploration Walk

Help shape the future of a unique community open space

The City of College Park invites residents and community members to take part in the Berwyn Community Exploration Walk, an opportunity to explore one of the City’s unique open spaces and share ideas for its future.

Located behind the Trolley Trail Permaculture Garden, the site features a marked loop trail with designated observation points throughout the property. Participants are encouraged to walk the trail, experience the landscape firsthand, and reflect on what makes the space meaningful to the community.

As visitors explore the site, they are invited to share feedback about the area’s character, opportunities, and potential future uses. Input gathered through the exploration walk and survey will help guide future discussions and long-term planning for the property.

At this stage, no formal concepts or designs have been developed. Instead, the City is focused on learning how residents currently experience the space and what features they value most.

The site’s natural setting offers a unique opportunity to slow down, explore the landscape, and consider how open spaces can support community connection, outdoor recreation, and environmental appreciation.

Residents are encouraged to visit the site at their own pace, observe the environment, and participate in the ongoing conversation about the future of this community space. The City looks forward to hearing perspectives from residents of all ages and backgrounds.

The City of College Park remains committed to community engagement and creating opportunities for residents to participate in future planning.

Fall Prevention Kits Available

Helping College Park seniors stay safe at home

The College Park Senior Advisory Committee has launched a Fall Prevention Campaign to help reduce the risk of falls among older adults and promote safer home environments for seniors throughout the community. Falls remain one of the most common health risks facing older adults, but many falls can be prevented through simple home safety improvements, increased awareness, and access to helpful resources, educational materials, and support services.

As part of the campaign, Fall Prevention Kits will be distributed to eligible College Park residents age 62 and older during the month of June. Each kit includes doublesided rug tape, non-slip bathtub treads, motion sensor night lights, and educational materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focused on reducing fall risks and improving home safety for older adults. These simple tools can help seniors create safer living spaces and reduce common household hazards.

Kits will be distributed at several events throughout June, including June 3 at the College Park Woods Clubhouse, June 12 at the Branchville Volunteer Fire Department, June 16 at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and June 27 at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market. Select events will also

feature speakers sharing home safety and fall prevention tips. Proof of age and City residency is required to receive a kit.

The Fall Prevention Campaign reflects the City’s continued commitment to supporting healthy aging and helping seniors maintain safe, active, and independent living environments. Events and programs like these help connect residents with practical tools, educational materials, and community support focused on improving quality of life and long-term wellbeing for older adults throughout College Park.

Whether attending to receive a kit, learn more about home safety, or connect with others in the community, residents are encouraged to participate and take part in this important community initiative focused on senior wellness, home safety, and fall prevention awareness. Community members and caregivers are also encouraged to help spread awareness about the importance of fall prevention for older adults.

Brought to you by the College Park Senior Advisory Committee. For more information, volunteer opportunities, or program involvement, please call 240487-3614 or email seniors@ collegeparkmd.gov.

Celebrating Pride Month

Music, community, and celebration at City Hall

The City of College Park is proud to celebrate Pride Month this June with a special Pride Edition of Friday Night LIVE! Join us on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 6:00–8:30 PM at City Hall (7401 Baltimore Avenue) for an evening of music, community, and celebration.

This free event will feature live music from crowd-favorite band Dead Flowers, bringing an energetic performance to kick off the summer evening. Residents and visitors are invited to come together to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and community spirit in a welcoming environment for all.

In addition to live music, attendees can enjoy activities and entertainment throughout

the evening, along with food and beverages available for purchase. Special Pride-themed giveaways, including pins, stickers, and more, will be available while supplies last.

Friday Night LIVE! Pride Edition reflects the City’s continued commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community where everyone feels celebrated and supported. Whether attending with friends, family, or neighbors, this event offers a fun opportunity to connect and celebrate together.

Free parking is available at the Downtown Parking Garage at the corner of Yale Avenue and Knox Road. Join us for an evening of music, celebration, and Pride in College Park.

RESIDENT GUIDE RESIDENT GUIDE

PRIDE MONTH

Resident Guide Now Available

Your guide to College Park resources

for residents to access easily.

The City of College Park’s Spring/ Summer 2026 Resident Guide is now available in both English and Spanish. This helpful publication serves as a quick reference for residents, featuring important information about City services, seasonal programs, community resources, and upcoming events throughout College Park.

Inside the guide, residents can find information about transportation, refuse and recycling collection schedules, parking, public safety resources, grants and programs, neighborhood services, and much more. Whether you are new to the community or have lived in College Park for years, the Resident Guide is designed to help residents stay informed and connected year-round.

The guide also includes local event information, City announcements, and helpful contacts for a variety of services and programs. As part of the City’s continued commitment to accessibility and community outreach, the Resident Guide is available online and in print

College Park is home to 17 unique neighborhoods and a wide variety of community programs, services, and events throughout the year. The Resident Guide brings this information together in one convenient publication, helping residents stay informed about opportunities, resources, important seasonal updates, and community happenings throughout the City.

Residents can also learn more about City departments, neighborhood resources, community initiatives, and upcoming programs available throughout the season. The guide is designed to be a practical and reliable resource for residents and families across the community.

Residents are encouraged to explore the newest edition and keep it handy as a year-round reference for City news and information. Printed copies are available at City Hall, and the digital version can be viewed online at collegeparkmd.gov/ residentguide.

City Announcements

More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov

JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY

CLOSURE NOTICE

All City of College Park offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a time to recognize freedom, history, and reflection within communities across the nation.

Special collections for brush and bulky items will only be scheduled for Friday, June 20, during this holiday week. Residents must schedule a pickup before placing items at the curb.

Call 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov to schedule a pickup or learn more about holiday collection services.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNITY MEETING

Monday, June 1, 2026 | Hybrid

The City of College Park encourages residents to participate in the upcoming Public Safety Community Meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026. These meetings provide an opportunity for community members to stay informed about current public safety initiatives, receive updates on ongoing efforts, and share feedback regarding neighborhood concerns and community safety matters affecting the City.

City staff and representatives will be available to provide information, discuss ongoing projects and initiatives, and answer questions from residents. These meetings also help strengthen communication between the City and community members while encouraging resident engagement and participation in public safety discussions.

Additional details, including meeting time and participation options, will be posted on the City’s website. Residents are encouraged to attend, stay engaged, and take part in the community discussion.

TEEN TIME 2026

Wednesdays in July | 4912 Nantucket Road

The City of College Park Department of Youth & Family

Services invites local youth to participate in Teen Time 2026 this July. The program provides a welcoming space for teens to connect with others, enjoy activities, and build friendships in a supportive and relaxed environment.

Participants will enjoy games, art activities, movies, music, peer interaction, and light snacks throughout the program. Sessions will be divided into two age groups: ages 11–13 from 5:00–6:15 PM and ages 14–17 from 6:30–7:45 PM on Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Space is limited, and registration is required by June 24, 2026. Participants must be residents of Prince George’s County.

For more information or to register, call Youth & Family Services at 240-487-3550 or email: families@collegepark md.gov

SUMMER

READING CAMP

Monday–Friday, July 7–23 | University of Maryland

The City of College Park Department of Youth, Family & Senior Services invites students to participate in the 2026 Summer Reading Camp. This program provides a fun and supportive learning environment designed to help students strengthen reading skills, build confidence, and stay engaged throughout the summer.

Participants will focus on phonics, spelling, reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing through engaging lessons and small group instruction. The program is open to students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade during the 2025–2026 school year and will be held Monday through Friday from July 7–23, 2026, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at the University of Maryland, College Park campus. Building information will be announced at a later date.

Registration is required by June 1, 2026. For more information or to register, visit collegeparkmd. gov/readingcamp26 or contact Youth, Family & Senior Services at 240-487-3550 or email: lmoore@ collegeparkmd.gov.

CBE Tip of the Month

Rainfall can be unpredictable during the summer months but your garden’s access to water does not have to be. One simple way residents can conserve water and support healthy gardens is by using a rain barrel to collect and reuse rainwater.

Using a rain barrel is an easy and environmentally friendly way to make the most of natural rainfall while reducing outdoor water usage throughout the season. Stored rainwater can help keep flowers, plants, and gardens healthy during dry or unpredictable summer weather conditions outdoors.

Even after periods of drought, a single rainfall can quickly fill a barrel and provide several days of water for gardens and landscaping. Collecting rainwater can also help reduce stormwater runoff and encourage more sustainable practices at home.

The City of College Park offers 50-gallon rain barrels for $86.39, and eligible Prince George’s County residents may qualify for the Rain Check Rebate Program, which can cover the full cost of the barrel.

As gardens continue to bloom throughout the summer, rain barrels offer a practical and sustainable way to keep plants healthy while helping conserve valuable water resources and supporting greener, more resilient neighborhoods.

Learn more about the Rain Check Rebate Program and available water conservation resources at: www.cbtrust.org/grants/princegeorges.

Brought to you by the City of College Park Department of Public Works. For more information, call 240487-3590 or email publicworks@ collegeparkmd.gov.

City installs chip readers for lost pets

By AUDREY BENGTSON

College Park installed two selfservice pet microchip scanning stations in March to help residents quickly reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners.

The stations, located outside City Hall on Yale Avenue and the Davis Hall Public Works facility on 51st Avenue, are available at all times for residents who find lost animals.

“It seems a good majority of the conversations on Nextdoor are lost pets or found pets,” College Park City Councilmember Alan Hew (District 1) said. “A lot of times these pets are found on the weekend, and the city and the county don’t have personnel on staff … so there are delays.”

The city used leftover funds from its defunct Animal Welfare Committee to install the scanners without affecting the city budget, according to Hew.

“I was so excited to hear about it, because it’s just so much more convenient,” Jessika Alvarado, a College Park resident, local cat rescuer and pet owner, said.

Residents who find a dog or cat can bring the animal to

one of the self-service stations and use a handheld scanner attached to the unit. Residents pass the scanner over the neck and back of the animal in order to detect a microchip, which has a unique identification number.

“So you hold the scanner to the cat … and if there’s a chip there, the number appears,”

Stephanie Stullich, a former city councilmember, local cat rescuer and pet owner, said.

Microchips are tiny devices containing radio frequencies implanted by veterinarians that have an identification number linked to the owner’s contact information. But the system only works if the chip is registered.

“If it’s not registered, it doesn’t do any good at all,” Stullich said. If a chip is detected, a digital number will appear on the scanner. Then, the person with the pet uses a phone camera to scan a QR code on the scanner station. A link will appear on the phone that takes the user to the website of the American Animal Hospital Association, a registry where veterinarians register microchip ID numbers. From there, contact informa-

tion for the registry where the dog or cat is identified appears on the phone and the person who found the animal can reach out. Then, the registry will contact the pet’s owner.

According to the College Park Animal Hospital, one in three pets gets lost over the course of their lifetime and, without identification, 90% of them are never returned to their homes.

The City of College Park holds occasional clinics at which veterinarians will chip and register pets for $50.

The stations are intended for both dogs and cats; however, Stullich noted that dogs are easier to bring to the locations, while cats may need to be trapped to get them there.

Hew said the scanners add convenience and reduce delays, especially if animals are found at night or on the weekends. Previously, residents often had to wait for animal control officers or veterinarians to scan the pet.

“This just puts that tool in everybody’s hands,” Stullich said. The scanners may help reduce stress for animals by reducing shelter stays, Hew said. Instead of waiting days for a shelter to

identify the owner, residents can reconnect with their lost pets more quickly.

Alvarado said she once lost her friend’s dog while dog-sitting, and that a scanner would have been helpful at the time.

“It was the most stressful experience of my life,” she said.

“People love their pets. … If it

does get lost, that can be devastating,” Stullich said. “This is a tool that can help those lost pets get back to their families.” Hew said the city might install additional scanners if the two originals get a lot of use. “It was an easy thing they could do to serve the community better,” Hew said.

RESTAURANTS

at 8300 Baltimore Ave. beneath the University View apartment building.

All four opened this spring.

“It’s kind of like having a roommate, you know?” Rehanna Barre, the city’s economic development coordinator, said. “You can split the rent, you can split utilities, you can split all these sorts of things, and maximize the space that you have.”

Last year, more than a dozen eateries opened in the city, according to College Park’s annual economic development report.

Barre said one of the reasons fewer businesses have opened so far this year is a lack of space in the city.

“We don’t have a lot of space downtown left that is vacant,” Barre said. “And that’s where most people want to be when they want to move to College Park.”

Maman Joon and Z-Burger opened their doors in March. Although they share a space, they have different menus.

Maman Joon is a Persian kebob restaurant that also serves falafel, combo food platters and vegetable stew. Side dishes include grilled tomatoes, yogurt and basmati rice.

The chain has eight other locations in the DMV, including three in Montgomery County.

Bikash Saha, the franchise co-owner for Maman Joon and Z-Burger, said he opened a location in College Park because of the University of Maryland’s strong Middle Eastern population of students.

“There’s a lot of people from the Middle East,” Saha said, “India, Pakistan and all those places who could actually enjoy a kebob type of cuisine.”

Saha said Maman Joon’s prices are affordable for college students. Entrees range from $15.95 for a falafel platter to $27.95 for a chicken and lamb kabob combo.

Maman Joons shares space with

Z-Burger in a single location.

Z-Burger serves burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, fries and onion rings, along with milkshakes in 75 flavors.

Saha said the two restaurants complement each other.

“So kids, all those college students, they all go around in places as friends,” Saha said. “ If the two or three of them are [eating] together, then all three probably will not want only ZBurger or only Maman Joons.”

In April, Dumpling District, a Chinese restaurant, and Pho District, which serves Vietnamese cuisine, opened as part of a dual-brand partnership in the building formerly occupied by Shanghai Tokyo.

Dumpling District oper-

ates more than 10 locations across the DMV. Pho District has stores in Glen Burnie and Germantown, as well as in the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Northern Virginia. Pho District serves pho, rice dishes and other Vietnamese meals. Dumpling District has dumplings, soups and noodle dishes.

Within 10 months, an Ethiopian coffee shop, Black Lion Café Coffee & Pastry, is scheduled to open in College Park. The store, which serves coffee, smoothies and frappes, has locations in Silver Spring and Rockville, and will locate at Union on Knox.

Simon Hoagos, manager of the Silver Spring location, said the College Park cafe will have its own menu.

Michael Williams, the city’s director of economic development, said Black Lion is taking over the spot once occupied by Compass Coffee, which closed in February.

Other restaurants that closed this year include Peter Chang Kitchen & Bar, which closed on May 18 less than a year after it opened, Ritchie’s Colombian Restaurant and Northwest Chinese Food. These restaurants closed because of upcoming construction of a student apartment building.

COMINGS & GOINGS

Eateries are not the only new businesses that have opened in College Park this year.

Venture X, a 13,980-squarefoot shared workspace with 60 offices, two meeting rooms and a training area, opened in January at 5825 University Research Court.

(See related story, Page 2.)

Hotworx, a gym, uses virtual trainers to create what the company calls “a 3D environment” that includes yoga, biking, weights and saunas. Hotworx is selling memberships and is set to open later this year at 4409 Hartwick Road.

In addition, Williams said the city is trying to fill the space in College Park Marketplace on Cherry Hill Road that Shoppers Food Warehouse left last year.

“The challenge with that is it’s 32,000 square feet,” Williams said. “And you don’t want to chop that space up. You want another grocery store chain that can fit that space and work it.”

Education & Youth Opportunity ducation

Prioritizing schools, after-school prog rams, and access to quality education

“Ever y child deser ves a quality education I will support investing in schools, teachers, and programs that prepare our kids for the future ”

Economic Development & Jobs conomic

Supporting local jobs, small businesses, and creating economic opportunities for all

“I will create opportunities in every community so families can thrive without leaving the county.”

Overdevelopment & Infrastructure ve d velop ent

Preserving our communities and supporting smart growth for future generations

“We must slow reckless overdevelopment and ensure growth respects our communities, schools, roads, and quality of life ”

Public Safety & Justice Reform ic

Ensuring neighborhoods are safe while promoting fair policing and a transparent justice system

“I understand the impact of injustice will fight for a fair justice system that works for ever yone. ”

the project to Prince George’s County zoning officials. College Park and most other cities in the county have no zoning authority but can recommend which action they want the county to take when it comes to local development.

“You got our endorsement on these conditions,” Councilmember Ray Ranker (District 3) warned the developer. “You took it, you got through the [Prince George’s County] zoning amendments, and then all of a sudden you said no. … To the public and to this body, that looks like a switcheroo.”

“The motion was clear, in public, 30% off of 10% of the [beds],” Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1) added. “I decided last time to agree but I understood that you were working in good faith. You have a unanimous discontent on this side of the table ... and from residents.”

The project involves tearing down College Park Towers, a 64-year-old condominium building, and replacing it with two new luxury high-rises. The new complex will have roughly 601 units and 2,000-plus beds and include a pool, interior courtyards and other amenities.

The confrontation centered on an April 2025 agreement between the city and the developer’s representatives, who had agreed to set aside 10% of the complex’s more than 2,000 beds for a 30% rent discount with preference for Pell Grant recipients and veterans. The city agreed that the developer could restrict the discounts to beds in four-bedroom, two-

“You got our endorsement on these conditions. You took it, you got through the [Prince George’s County] zoning amendments, and then all of a sudden you said no. … To the public and to this body, that looks like a switcheroo.”

Councilmember Ray Ranker District 3

bath units, which come with the lowest rents.

Councilmembers said they endorsed the developer’s request for a zoning exception based on that agreement.

But developers said at the May 12 city council meeting that they had received an email from the city before the county’s ruling asking that the discount be dispersed among all unit types, not just the cheapest ones. In response, the developer lowered the discount from 30% to 10%.

City Manager Kenny Young disputed that defense. He clarified that staff merely asked to distribute the discount to beds in all unit sizes, but never authorized cutting the 30% discount rate down to 10%.

In response, the developer’s lawyer, Chris Hatcher, asked for room to negotiate how the 30% discount fits the building’s layout.

“30% reduction, let’s do it,”

Hatcher said, but added, “To the extent we’re talking about something other than these [four-bedroom] options, we’re going to have to look at it because these are new details for us.”

Hatcher continued: “I’m not

expressing resistance to the level of affordability. … We have the commitment, we want to do it. We just want some flexibility.”

The developers were scheduled to appear before the city council again on May 19, but the council rescheduled it for June 2.

In a separate discussion over the course of two meetings, the city council debated for nearly four hours before agreeing on May 19 to send a letter of support to county planners on behalf of a different developer with plans to build an apartment complex at the corner of Route 1 and Cherokee Street.

The developer, who said he plans to build a 243-unit multifamily apartment complex targeted at working professionals, families and University of Maryland faculty, is asking the county for a massive tax break through a program called Payment In Lieu of Taxes, or PILOT.

Without county assistance, developer Chris Lessard, the founder and managing member of Metropolitan Development Group, told the council he cannot afford to build the complex. Lessard said his com-

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pany intends to invest $30 million of its own money into the project.

He did not ask the city for money. Economic Development Director Michael Williams said at the meetings that the company does not qualify for city tax breaks.

While the county—not the city—can approve the county tax abatement, county authorities rely on input from local officials when considering requests from developers.

The site of the project, known as The Boulevard, at 9091 Baltimore Ave., has sat vacant for nearly two decades. While townhouses at the rear of the property were completed years ago, the highly visible corner at Cherokee Street has remained empty.

City Councilmember Alan Hew (District 1) aggressively opposed the project, criticizing

its lack of ground-floor retail space. Hew noted that under a previous site plan—approved before parts of the property were sold to two separate developers, including Lessard’s company—the community was promised more than 40,000 square feet of retail on the street level across the complex.

Hew argued that North College Park lacks walkable retail options and objected that the proposed commercial space for the new apartment building is less than 4,000 square feet.

“This is a joke,” he said of the developer’s request for a letter of support before he voted against it.

The council ultimately agreed to send the letter, with a laundry list of conditions, including a set-aside for affordable apartments, reserved parking spaces and stormwater runoff control.

anyone who wants to attend. No proof of residency or UMD association is required. Games are held at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium, located at 4122 Fieldhouse Drive.

Football game discounts

College Park residents can buy discounted season tickets to UMD football games at https:// tinyurl.com/44fjxje5.

With the discount, upperlevel tickets are $75 and lowerlevel seats are $115, compared with $130 and $210. Proof of

residency is required to get the discount, but no Alumni Association membership is required.

Tickets usually sell out before the season begins in September.

Theater tickets

Residents can buy discounted tickets to a variety of performances at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, located at 8270 Alumni Drive.

Residents can qualify for discounts on musicals, plays, orchestra performances and other theatrical works by joining the Alumni Association. Discounts vary by performance.

RecWell membership

Residents who join the Alumni Association can buy a membership to the university’s Recreation & Wellness facility (RecWell), which offers group exercise classes, adventure trips, fitness assessments, personal training and swim lessons, among other activities.

Most classes and other activities charge an additional fee, including some that offer discounts to RecWell members.

A full list of benefits can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ ytbz6n6x.

Libraries

The university’s eight libraries—six of them on the College Park campus—have a community borrowers program, which allows residents to borrow materials with a 56-day loan period.

UMD Alumni Association members can join the program for $25 per year. Community members and College Park residents who are not association members can join for $50 per year. Membership must be renewed yearly.

Residents can apply to join at https://tinyurl.com/52f6h7z7.

CALENDAR

one-night collaboration between Laundry World and the College Park Chorale. 5-8 p.m. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/2mbcupn6.

David Alan Miller Conducts Lincoln-DeCusatis, Nielsen & Strauss | NOI Philharmonic Champion of American music

David Alan Miller leads the NOI Philharmonic in a provocative and contemplative program.

Price Point 1: $25, Point 2: $35, Point 3: $45 + $5 booking fee. 7:30 p.m. Dekelboum Concert Hall ( 8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/aen96wzm.

JUNE 14

National History Day Ice Cream

Social. Celebrate National History Day and cool off at the College Park Aviation Museum with free scoops for kids. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/3keswjd5.

JUNE 16

Book Club on Zoom. Book

club with a focus on female writers. This month’s book is “American Queenmaker: How Missy Meloney Brought Women into Politics,” by Julie Des Jardins. Free. 7-8 p.m. College Park Community Library (9704 Rhode Island Ave.). For more information, visit https://tinyurl. com/46vd5jz9.

JUNE 27

Runway Rhythms Summer Music Series. Soak up the sounds of summer as local musicians The Coast bring the museum courtyard to life. Pack a picnic, spread out on a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy great tunes and snappy beats. Rotating food trucks will be on-site with tasty bites for purchase. Free. 11 a.m.-noon. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/n34swbpc.

JUNE 28

Maryland History Day Showcase. Step into a whirlwind of creativity and history as award-winning Maryland History Day projects take over the museum. Free. 2-4 p.m. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/9kksw8jc.

Residentes opinan sobre mejoras para el vecindario de Hollywood

Por AUDREY BENGTSON

El pasado 9 de mayo, los residentes del vecindario de Hollywood, en College Park, expresaron a los urbanistas del condado que les gustaría ver más arte público, nuevos espacios de encuentro y calles más seguras para la comunidad.

Veinte residentes votaron sobre posibles mejoras para los espacios públicos durante la primera Hollywood Placemaking Initiative Community Vision Walk. El evento reunió a residentes, urbanistas, funcionarios y líderes comunitarios para recorrer el vecindario de Hollywood y dialogar sobre posibles proyectos de desarrollo a lo largo de Rhode Island Avenue.

“Consideramos a los residentes como los expertos de su comunidad, por lo que son quienes mejor la conocen”, afirmó David Moore, urbanista del Departamento de Planificación del Condado de Prince George. “Nosotros no vivimos aquí, así que es muy importante que incorporemos la retroalimentación de las personas que utilizan estos espacios todos los días, para garantizar que sus voces se tienen en cuenta y son escuchadas”.

Durante la caminata de dos horas, los participantes se detuvieron en las áreas que el condado ha denominado “lugares de oportunidad”, entre ellos paradas de autobús, estacionamientos, cruces peatonales y plazas ubicadas entre la intersección de Rhode Island Avenue con Musk-

ogee Street y Rhode Island Avenue con Edgewood Road. Los residentes completaron formularios con sus ideas y observaciones para cada plaza y usaron adhesivos (stickers) para votar por las tres mejoras que más les interesaba ver. Las opciones incluían: arte público, mejora de espacios de encuentro, infraestructura verde, medidas de reducción del tráfico, identidad visual y señalización y programación comunitaria.

Las opciones más votadas fueron las medidas para calmar el tráfico, los espacios de encuentro mejorados y la infraestructura verde.

El alcalde de College Park, Fazlul Kabir, asistió a la caminata para escuchar ideas y conversar sobre el futuro del vecindario.

“La caminata creó un ambiente colaborativo donde los vecinos podían intercambiar perspectivas mientras observaban directamente las oportunidades y desafíos dentro de la zona”, dijo Kabir.

Marim Kamel, residente de College Park desde hace dos años, mencionó que le gustaría contar con más espacios que unan a las personas. Votó a favor de la programación comunitaria, la mejora de los espacios de encuentro y las medidas de pacificación del tráfico.

“Solo quiero ver a la gente salir de sus casas y reunirse”, dijo.

“Quiero conocer a miembros de la comunidad que nunca he visto antes. Quiero verlos participando allí”.

La policía presenta 66 cargos contra sospechoso de tiroteo

Por SHARON O’MALLEY

Un hombre de Glen Burnie, a quien la policía imputó 66 cargos tras una serie de tiroteos locales que dejaron heridas a dos personas el pasado 15 de mayo, pasó 36 años en prisión por el asesinato de un empleado de

Radio Shack en Beltsville, cometido en 1983.

Larry James Simpson, de 68 años, enfrenta cargos por 16 delitos de intento de asesinato en primer grado, 16 cargos por intento de asesinato en segundo grado y una serie de otros

Otra residente, Nora Eidelman, quien vive en College Park desde 2013, votó a favor del arte público, la mejora de los espacios de encuentro y la programación comunitaria. Señaló que estos lugares ayudan a que el vecindario se sienta más conectado.

“Genera comunidad, un lugar al que puedes ir con tu familia, pero también puedes conocer a tus vecinos”, afirmó.

Kendra McAbee, directora de comunicación y divulgación de la Alianza College Park City-University, señaló que la comunidad debería priorizar el arte público. También votó por la mejora de los espacios de encuentro y medidas para reducir el tráfico.

“Me encanta el arte público. Nunca es suficiente”, expresó.

“Me encantaría ver los espacios del paisaje urbano de Hollywood activo y con personas”.

Durante la caminata, algunos expresaron su preocupación por la seguridad peatonal y el transporte público, especialmente en lo que respecta a pasos de peatones y paradas de autobús.

McAbee indicó que algunos conductores no se percataron de la presencia de peatones y ciclistas durante el propio evento.

“Creo que eso nos ha demostrado que todavía queda trabajo por hacer”, señaló.

Kabir dijo que la ciudad ya ha invertido 3 millones de dólares en el Proyecto Hollywood

Streetscape entre 2021 y 2023, pero señaló que la zona aún necesita mejoras.

Según los urbanistas del condado, Moore y Sam McCrory, esta caminata fue el primer paso de un proceso más amplio de participación comunitaria que continuará durante todo el verano y podría dar lugar a un plan de desarrollo para Hollywood en otoño.

“Planeamos seguir involucrados con la comunidad durante el verano en el Hollywood Farmers Market, asistir a las reuniones de la Asociación Comunitaria de North College Park, realizar algunas actividades de participación en línea ... [y acudir al] Trolley Trail Day”, afirmó McCrory.

La ciudad instala lectores de chips para mascotas perdidas

Por AUDREY BENGTSON

College Park instaló el pasado marzo dos estaciones de autoservicio para escanear microchips de mascotas, con el fin de ayudar a los residentes a reunir rápidamente a perros y gatos perdidos con sus dueños.

Las estaciones, ubicadas

frente al Concejo en Yale Avenue y en las instalaciones de Davis Hall Public Works en la 51st Avenue, están disponibles en todo momento para los residentes que encuentren animales perdidos.

“Parece que la mayoría de las publicaciones en Nextdoor son sobre mascotas perdidas

delitos relacionados con el tiroteo ocurrido en mayo.

Simpson permanece detenido sin derecho a fianza después de renunciar a su derecho a una audiencia de revisión de fianza el 18 de mayo.

Según un comunicado de prensa de la Policía del Condado de Prince George (PGPD), los detectives buscan testigos que tengan información sobre la ola de incidentes, la cual aparentemente comenzó en College Park, luego se trasladó a Riverdale y terminó en Greenbelt el viernes por la tarde.

La policía informó que los oficiales recibieron una llamada sobre un hombre que estaba “apuntando con un arma larga” desde la ventana de un automóvil en la cuadra 5100 de Pierce Avenue, en College Park. Los testigos le dijeron a la policía que el hombre armado efectuó varios disparos, pero no hirió a nadie.

Desde allí, según la policía, Simpson disparó contra un automóvil en Riverdale Road, cerca de Baltimore-Washington Parkway, en Riverdale. La bala no alcanzó al conductor de 64 años, pero destrozó una ventana y causó heridas en la cabeza de la víctima.

Minutos después, según informó la policía, el auto de Simpson volcó tras chocar con otro vehículo en la intersección de la 67.ª Avenida y Patterson Street, en Riverdale. Allí, Simpson robó un Nissan a mano armada y disparó contra al menos cuatro personas, hiriendo a un hombre

que resultó en estado crítico.

La policía dijo que se espera que la víctima sobreviva.

Luego, Simpson robó un Toyota en la intersección de Kenilworth Avenue y Good Luck Road, en Riverdale, y le disparó al conductor, quien resultó ileso, según el comunicado de prensa.

La policía informó que detuvo a Simpson en la cuadra 9000 de Edmonston Road, en Greenbelt, después de que este intentara robar un tercer vehículo y disparara hacia un agente del PGPD que se encontraba fuera de servicio y le había estado siguiendo la pista. El agente resultó ileso.

La policía informó que recuperó un rifle estilo AR-15 en ese lugar.

El presunto tirador fue atendido en el hospital por heridas que, según la policía, probablemente sufrió cuando chocó su automóvil en Riverdale.

Los registros judiciales y los reportes de los medios de comunicación revelan que, hace casi cuatro décadas, Simpson fue declarado culpable por el asesinato de John Parker, un residente de Virginia de 21 años que trabajaba en una tienda de electrónicos en 1983. Cuando los detectives vincularon inicialmente a Simpson con el homicidio, este ya se encontraba encarcelado por cargos distintos, acusado de haber disparado contra agentes de policía en el Distrito.

Aunque había sido condenado a cadena perpetua por más de 40 años, fue puesto en libertad en 2023.

¡Ayúdanos

o encontradas”, mencionó Alan Hew, concejal de la ciudad de College Park (Distrito 1). “Muchas veces estas mascotas aparecen durante los fines de semana, y ni la ciudad ni el condado cuentan con personal disponible... así que hay demoras”.

Según Hew, la ciudad utilizó los fondos que sobraron de su desaparecido Comité de Bienestar Animal para instalar los escáneres sin afectar el presupuesto municipal.

“Me emocioné mucho al escuchar esto, porque es muchísimo más conveniente”, dijo Jessika Alvarado, residente de College Park, rescatista local de gatos y dueña de mascotas.

Las personas que encuentren un perro o gato pueden llevarlo a una de las estaciones de autoservicio y utilizar un escáner portátil conectado a la unidad. Deben pasar el escáner por encima del cuello y la espalda del animal para detectar el microchip, el cual contiene un número único de identificación.

“Solo debes sostener el escáner sobre el gato... y si tiene un chip, aparecerá el número”, explicó Stephanie Stullich, exconcejala, rescatista local de gatos y dueña de mascotas. Los microchips son pequeños dispositivos que contienen radiofrecuencias implantadas por veterinarios y que tienen un número de identificación vinculado a la

información de contacto del propietario. Sin embargo, el sistema solo funciona si el chip está registrado.

“Si no está registrado, no sirve de nada”, afirmó Stullich. Si se detecta un chip, un número digital aparecerá en el escáner. Luego, la persona con la mascota utiliza la cámara de su teléfono para escanear un código QR ubicado en la estación. Luego, un enlace dirigirá al usuario a la página web de la American Animal Hospital Association, un registro donde los veterinarios inscriben los números de identificación del microchip.

A partir de ahí, encontrará en el teléfono la información de contacto del registro en el que está inscrito el perro o el gato, y la persona que ha encontrado al animal podrá ponerse en contacto. Luego, el registro se pondrá en contacto con el dueño de la mascota.

Según College Park Animal Hospital, una de cada tres mascotas se pierde a lo largo de su vida y, sin identificación, el 90 % nunca regresa a sus hogares.

La ciudad de College Park organiza ocasionalmente clínicas en las que los veterinarios implantan y registran microchips en las mascotas por un costo de 50 dólares. Las estaciones están diseñadas tanto para perros como para gatos; sin embargo, Stullich señaló que los perros son más fáciles de llevar a las estaciones, mientras que los gatos necesitan ser atrapados para

llevarlos hasta allí.

Hew explicó que los escáneres aportan comodidad y reducen las demoras, sobre todo si los animales son encontrados en la noche o los fines de semana. Antes, los residentes solían esperar a que los agentes de control animal o los veterinarios escanearan a la mascota.

“Esto simplemente pone esa herramienta en manos de todos”, afirmó Stullich.

Hew añadió que los escáneres podrían ayudar a reducir el estrés de los animales al disminuir el tiempo que pasan en los refugios. En lugar de esperar días para que un refugio identifique al dueño, los residentes pueden reunirse con sus mascotas perdidas de manera más rápida.

Alvarado expresó que una vez perdió al perro de su amiga mientras lo cuidaba y que un escáner le habría sido útil en ese momento.

“Fue la experiencia más estresante de mi vida”, dijo.

“La gente ama a sus mascotas. … Si se pierden, puede ser devastador”, dijo Stullich.

“Esta es una herramienta que puede ayudar a que esas mascotas perdidas puedan regresar con sus familias”. Hew señaló que la ciudad podría instalar escáneres adicionales si las dos estaciones originales tienen una alta demanda de uso.

“Era algo sencillo que se podía hacer para prestar un mejor servicio a la comunidad”, afirmó Hew.

a que sigan llegando noticias en español a Hyattsville/College Park!

Buscamos voluntarios emprendedores para formar parte de nuestra junta directiva, que hablen español con fluidez y estén dispuestos a ayudarnos a generar ingresos para apoyar las noticias en español en nuestra ciudad. También buscamos escritores voluntarios y esperamos poder contratar pronto a un organizador comunitario. Si está interesado en alguno de estos puestos, póngase en contacto con nosotros: kit@streetcarsuburbs.news.

La estación de Metro de College Park acepta pagos sin contacto

Por SHARON O’MALLEY

El 30 de abril, la estación de Metro College Park-University of Maryland se convirtió en la séptima del sistema de metro en permitir a los usuarios acercar una tarjeta de crédito o un teléfono —en lugar de una tarjeta SmarTrip— para salir del garaje o del estacionamiento. El método de pago sin contacto, que Metro presentó en una ceremonia en la estación, permite a los usuarios acercar una tarjeta de crédito o débito, o una aplicación de pago móvil, al pagar el estacionamiento. En la estación de College Park, los usuarios y no usuarios pagan una tarifa fija de 4,95 dólares al día de lunes a viernes. El estacionamiento es gratuito los fines de semana y los días festivos federales.

El director general y presidente de Metro, Randy Clarke, declaró en un comunicado de prensa que, al ampliar el siste-

Funcionarios de la ciudad asisten a una ceremonia para ayudar a Metro a anunciar que los usuarios pueden acercar sus tarjetas de crédito y aplicaciones de pago para pagar el estacionamiento en la estación College Park-University of Maryland. En la imagen, de izquierda a derecha: los concejales del Distrito 1, Jacob Hernandez y Alan Hew; el alcalde Fazlul Kabir; y el director ejecutivo de Metro, Randy Clarke CORTESÍA DE LA AUTORIDAD DE TRÁNSITO DEL ÁREA METROPOLITANA DE WASHINGTON

ma Tap. Ride. Go., el programa está “construyendo una experiencia más rápida y flexible” en todo el sistema de 98 estaciones.

Desde mayo de 2025, Metro permite el acceso y la salida de

todas las estaciones mediante el pago sin contacto (toque) con tarjetas de crédito o teléfonos móviles. Esta actualización extiende la funcionalidad a los estacionamientos cubiertos y al aire libre. El sistema acepta las

principales tarjetas de crédito, así como Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay y Garmin Pay.

Las estaciones de pago en los estacionamientos y garajes del programa Tap. Ride. Go. ofrecen tres maneras de utilizar las tarjetas: deslizar, insertar o acercar.

El lector Tap. Ride. Go. muestra un objetivo circular para acercar la tarjeta. El antiguo lector de banda magnética continúa funcionando, pero no acepta pagos por aproximación. La mayoría de los lectores detectan la información de la tarjeta cuando el usuario la acerca a unas pocas pulgadas del objetivo, sin necesidad de tocarlo directamente.

Los usuarios pueden seguir comprando y utilizando tarjetas SmarTrip. De hecho, los viajeros cuyos empleadores pagan automáticamente las tarifas del Metro tienen que hacerlo.

Además, las personas de 65 años o más que aprovechan las tarifas reducidas del metro para adultos mayores deben utilizar tarjetas Senior SmarTrip y no tarjetas de crédito. Los usuarios pueden registrarse

en el programa para personas mayores de forma presencial en seis bibliotecas del condado, incluidas las ubicadas en Greenbelt y Hyattsville.

En los días de partido de la Universidad de Maryland en el estadio SECU del campus, las personas que no usan Metro pagan 15 dólares para estacionar en la estación de College Park. Los usuarios que viajan a College Park desde Greenbelt, West Hyattsville o Hyattsville Crossing también pagan 15 dólares. La tarifa de 4,95 dólares solo se aplica a pasajeros cuyo viaje se origina en Fort Totten o en una estación más al sur. Metro ha dicho que irá introduciendo su programa Tap. Ride. Go. de forma gradual para todas las estaciones.

El alcalde de College Park, Fazlul Kabir, quien habló en la ceremonia del 30 de abril, dijo que College Park “ha sido durante mucho tiempo un lugar donde el transporte, la tecnología y la comunidad se cruzan”. Explicó que el programa Tap. Ride. Go. facilitará el uso de la estación de metro de College Park y creará “una experiencia más moderna y fácil de usar”.

Conectando a

Las cámaras disuaden a los conductores de ignorar las señales de stop

Por SHARON O’MALLEY

El número de conductores que ignoran las señales de stop ha disminuido desde que la ciudad instaló cámaras en cinco intersecciones en febrero y comenzó a emitir multas a mediados de marzo.

En una de las intersecciones —College y Yale Avenues— las infracciones han disminuido aproximadamente 68% desde la instalación de las cámaras, según informó Jatinder Khokhar, director de servicios públicos de la ciudad, durante una reunión del Concejo Municipal de College Park el pasado 5 de mayo.

“Ver una disminución de 68% en una sola ubicación es fenomenal”, afirmó la alcaldesa interina Maria Mackie (Distrito 4). “Demuestra que la gente está prestando atención”.

El concejal Ray Ranker (Distrito 3) señaló que esa atención puede traducirse en una mayor protección para los peatones y en la prevención de accidentes.

“Tenemos que observar la tasa de cumplimiento”, expresó Ranker. “Si el cumplimiento aumenta, los vecindarios serán más seguros”.

En esa intersección, las cámaras impulsadas por inteligencia artificial detectaron a 31,451 conductores que no se detuvieron en las señales de stop entre el 15 de febrero y el 15 de marzo, periodo en el que los infractores recibieron advertencias en lugar de multas, según explicó la subdirectora municipal Michelle Bailey Hedgepeth, quien presentó las estadísticas ante el Concejo.

Hedgepeth mencionó que esa intersección generó aproximadamente 29% de todas las multas desde que las cámaras se activaron.

Aun así, no todos los conductores que no se detuvieron por completo recibieron multas, aclaró Hedgepeth.

Los datos presentados en la reunión del concejo del martes mostraron que, durante el primer mes de emisión de multas, los oficiales de policía examinaron los datos generados por la inteligencia artificial y descartaron 3,900 posibles infracciones. La alta tasa de rechazos llevó al personal municipal a ajustar el algoritmo de las cámaras para garantizar que solo se sancione a los conductores de alto riesgo.

“Esto siempre es supervisado directamente por un oficial”, mencionó Hedgepeth. “Cada una de las infracciones es revisada por los agentes. Después de eso, decidimos analizar por qué... el índice de rechazo era tan alto. Y al final terminamos revisando el formato y la velocidad en la que se movía la gente”. Los rechazos se centraron, en gran medida, en la “stutter stop”: aquella en la que el conductor reduce la velocidad de forma significativa, pero no llega a detenerse por completo durante varios segundos. Hedgepeth reconoció que, si bien a muchos conductores se les enseñó a contar hasta tres antes de reanudar la marcha ante una señal de stop, la ley se centra más en el movimiento del vehículo.

“La parte interesante sobre las cámaras en señales de stop es que piensas que tienes que parar completamente”, dijo. “Debes decir: ‘Uno, Mississippi; dos, Mississippi; tres, Mississippi’. Hago esto porque no quiero recibir una multa. Pero, en realidad, es el hecho de que las ruedas se detengan. Puede ser solo un segundo, pero mientras las ruedas paren, se considera que

sí se detuvo”.

Khokhar explicó que los oficiales revisan las imágenes desde una perspectiva de justicia.

Según indicó, los agentes le dijeron: “Si no le pongo una multa a esta persona estando sentado en mi auto, estacionado justo al lado, tampoco se la voy a poner viendo el video”.

El sistema de inteligencia artificial estaba marcando a cualquiera que pasara una señal de stop, incluso a velocidades tan bajas como una fracción de una milla por hora, aunque quienes avanzaban lentamente entre 0,1 y 5 mph se consideran infractores de bajo nivel.

Al ajustar el umbral del algoritmo en “menos de una milla”, la ciudad vio disminuir el total de infracciones de 12,000 durante el período de advertencias en febrero a menos de 6,000 a finales de abril, según Hedgepeth.

Aun así, enfatizó que incluso unas pocas millas por hora pueden marcar la diferencia entre un accidente menor y una tragedia.

“A una velocidad de tres o cuatro millas por hora, es menos probable sufrir lesiones graves”, dijo. “Y eso es lo que queremos

hacer: reducir las lesiones de nuestros residentes y estudiantes”.

Las autoridades señalaron que los comportamientos más peligrosos —conductores que atraviesan las intersecciones a velocidades superiores a 12 mph— también están disminuyendo.

“El número de infracciones de alto nivel ha disminuido significativamente”, afirmó Hedgepeth. “Es casi menos de un tercio”. Los datos correspondientes a los primeros 30 días de control mediante cámaras indican que la mayoría de las personas multadas no viven en College Park. De hecho, los residentes representaron 17% de las citaciones, mientras que 39% de los infractores reside en jurisdicciones cercanas y 44% proviene de otros estados.

“Las personas que suelen ignorar las señales de stop son las que quizá están atravesando sus vecindarios o que utilizan las calles locales como rutas alternativas”, manifestó Hedgepeth al concejo. “Los usuarios de Waze recorren sus calles y se saltan las señales de stop sin detenerse”.