WEEKLY BULLETIN | April 7, 2023

Special Election for Office of the Mayor

On May 6, 2023, the City of College Park will hold a Special Election for the Office of Mayor. The candidates are:

• Bryan Haddad
• S.M. Fazlul Kabir
• Catherine Hope Kennedy
• Denise C. Mitchell

For additional candidacy information, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/elections.

Cast your vote for mayor by:

Early Voting: Tuesday, May 2, 2023 | 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Davis Hall, 9217 51st Avenue, College Park, MD 20740

Election Day: Saturday, May 6, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

City Hall, 7401 Baltimore Avenue, Community Room 1st Floor, College Park, MD 20740

Vote By Mail: Now through April 26, 2023

Qualified voters my download an application from our website, pick up an application from any of or our buildings or call us at 240- 487-3501 and we will mail you an application. Return your completed application to City of College Park, Board of Election Supervisors, P.O. Box 626, College Park, MD 20741, or to one of our secure Ballot Drop Boxes: 

• Davis Hall: 9217 51st Avenue, near the front door of building. 
• Hollywood Shopping Center, on the corner by Mom’s. 
• On Campus: west side of Stamp Student Union on Union Lane, next to the USPS/FedEx Drop Boxes. 
• City Hall: 7401 Baltimore Avenue, on the Yale Avenue entrance side of the building.

We must receive your application by April 26 to allow time to mail your ballot. Starting April 27, you may apply in person for a ballot at 7401 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 201, between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For more information about the Special Election or candidates, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/elections.

Better Bag Ordinance

The City of College Park is pleased to announce the new Better Bag Ordinance to reduce single-use plastic bag waste and litter in our local waterways and tributary system. Passed during the February 14, 2023 Council meeting and effective September 1, 2023, the Better Bag Ordinance will restrict the use of non-reusable plastic bags given or received at the point of purchase by City retailers and restaurants.

This new Ordinance encourages shoppers and patrons to use reusable bags for their groceries and other purchases. As part of the Ordinance, alternative bags like paper bags or reusable bags can be provided, but retailers must charge a minimum of $.10 per bag and may retain the entirety of the fee to cover costs. Restaurant carry-out bags are included in the Ordinance.

There are exemptions to this law, like bulk food, meat, ice, or produce packaging; for a full list of exemptions and more information, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/betterbag.

Celebrating College Park Parade

May 6, 2023 | 10:00 am | Rhode Island Avenue

Join the City of College Park on May 6, 2023 at 10:00am to celebrate our community! Spectators can line up along Rhode Island Avenue to see local groups, organizations, entertainers, performers, and more!

We need you! Register your band, group, club, school, organization, business, classic car, equestrian club, or performer today. The deadline to participate is April 28, 2023. To register (and for rules and regulations), please visit: www.collegeparkmd.gov/paradeentries2023.

Want to volunteer? Sign up today to be notified when volunteer positions become available (including those for SSL hours) at www.collegeparkmd.gov/volunteers. 

Proposed Operating Budget & CIP for FY 2024

The City of College Park’s Proposed Operating Budget for FY2024 is now available. Click here to view.

Print copies are available upon request. Please email financedepartment@collegeparkmd.gov.

52nd Avenue Sidewalk Project

City staff will be presenting sidewalk design concepts for a new sidewalk along 52^nd Avenue between Huron Street and Narragansett Parkway at the April North College Park Community Association Meeting on Thursday 4/13 at 7:30pm. More information is available here.

WSSC Work

Next week, WSSC Contractors will be working in the 4500-Block of Guilford Road and the 7100-Block of Baltimore Avenue. Please use caution in the work zone.

Curbside Food Scrap Collection

Join the City's Curbside Food Scrap Collection program to recycle your food scraps, reduce harmful greenhouse gases generated when food scraps are landfilled, and reduce your contribution to climate change!

City residents can join the program by signing up and purchasing containers at www.collegeparkmd.gov/curbsidecollectionapp. Once you pick up your containers, your collection service will start the following Tuesday.

The tonnage of food scraps collected for composting continues to increase since curbside collections have begun. This demonstrates that as diversion methods are simplified, participation increases. Each of us can make a difference!

Join the program at www.collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps.

Check out the video below for an introduction to the program and other how-to videos.

No Mow April

April 2023

The City of College Park encourages its residents to reduce or refrain from mowing their lawns in support of local pollinators during April! Participating in No Mow April is a small and easy step we can take to help early-season pollinators that are foraging for food sources and habitat.

Please send photos of early-season pollinators observed in your yard to nomowapril@collegeparkmd.gov so the Bee City committee can begin documenting the types of pollinators active during No Mow April. Questions related to pollinators may also be submitted.

There is no registration to participate in No Mow April -- the College Park City Council passed Resolution 22-R-13 to permanently designate April as No Mow Month and waive the tall grass enforcement for College Park residents during April. Signage, denoting participation in No Mow April, is optional, and the City has a limited number of these colorful yard signs available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Connect with the City!

Stay connected with the City of College Park! Follow us on social media for news, updates, and events:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

You can also subscribe to e-news at www.collegeparkmd.gov/CPConnect.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Clean Up Saturdays

April 15*, April 29, May 13

7:30AM - 12:00PM | Public Works

The City of College Park Public Works facility will be open for City residents to drop off bulky trash, white goods, electronics recycling, brush, and yard trim.

Document shredding services will be available to City residents on Saturday, April 15th from 8:00AM to 12:00PM. Bring your old tax records, medical paperwork, or any other confidential information to be shredded.

You must be a resident of the City of College Park and bring proof of City residency to participate, although anyone can buy compost or wood mulch during this event. Bulk trash broughtt on cleanup days does not count toward bulk trash limits, nor are there any fees applied for appliances, televisions, or monitors.

Rabies & Microchip Clinic

April 16 | 10:00AM - 2:00PM | Davis Hall

The City's Animal Control and Animal Welfare Committee are hosting a Rabies and Microchip Clinic for City pets on April 16, 2023 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Appointments are required - slots are individual, you can only register one animal per spot. Appointments are in 10 minute slots, and space is limited. All animals MUST be leashed or properly confined to a carrier. No walk-ins.

City residents must be able to provide proof of residence to obtain free services.

Services will be discounted for non-residents as follows (exact cash or check only):

• Rabies vaccine, $10.00 For 1 year or 3-year Rabies vaccines, the pet owner must have a current signed rabies certificate (1- or 3-year), and vaccines will be given at the discretion of the veterinarian.
• Microchipping, $20.00

Please come no earlier than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Please remain in the vehicle with your pets, and wait to be called for your appointment.

Vine Removal Workshop

April 22, 2023 | 10:30AM - 12:30PM

Muskogee Playground

Join the Tree and Landscape Board for a hands-on lesson in vine Removal!

All are welcome. Bring your favorite hand pruners, and wear long sleeves and pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes.

For more information, contact arborist@collegeparkmd.gov or call 240-487-3595.

Arbor Day

April 28, 2023

6:00PM | Narragansett Parkway and 52nd Ave.

The Tree and Landscape Board and the North College Park Civic Association are hosting the annual Arbor Day Tree Planting on Friday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Narragansett Parkway and 52^nd Avenue. A native Scrub Pine will be planted.

Friday Night LIVE!

May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8

6:30 - 8:30PM | City Hall Plaza

The City of College Park is hosting a series of concerts over the summer and you are invited!

Join us on the plaza at the City Hall building on select Fridays for Friday Night LIVE!  The events will feature a variety of musical genres and performers and will include something for everyone, music, food, beer, and entertainment.  There will be children’s performers, a bounce house, kids activities and arts and crafts.  

All concerts will be held at City Hall Plaza (7401 Baltimore Avenue) between May -September from 6:30 to 8:30PM.  Parking will be offered for free at the Downtown College Park parking garage at the corner of Yale and Knox.  Local food and beer will be available for purchase during the event! 

Celebrating College Park Parade

May 6, 2023 | 10:00 am | Rhode Island Avenue

Join the City of College Park on May 6, 2023 at 10:00am to celebrate our community! Spectators can line up along Rhode Island Avenue to see local groups, organizations, entertainers, performers, and more!

We need you! Register your band, group, club, school, organization, business, classic car, equestrian club, or performer today. The deadline to participate is April 28, 2023. To register (and for rules and regulations), please visit: www.collegeparkmd.gov/paradeentries2023.

Want to volunteer? Sign up today to be notified when volunteer positions become available (including those for SSL hours) at www.collegeparkmd.gov/volunteers. 

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Compost and Wood Mulch Deliveries

Delivery is available for an additional fee, or material may be picked up Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Department of Public Works.

Click here to place an order.

Department of Public Services

Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity

March 24 - March 30

3/24 Contract officer conducted stop sign enforcement in the 9200 block of Saint Andrews Place. 3 citations and 4 warnings were issued.

3/25 Contract officer attempted to stop a dirt bike at Baltimore Avenue and Guilford Road. The driver refused to pull over and fled the scene.

3/25 Contract officer recovered a reported stolen vehicle in the 9900 block of 51^st Terrance. Vehicle was impounded for safe keeping.

3/26 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Saint Andrews Place at Duke Street. 16 warning citations were issued.

3/28 Contract officer was informed of an intoxicated driver. A lookout was broadcast and within minutes the driver wrecked his vehicle to the rear of UMPD Headquarters. The driver was placed under arrest by UMPD for DUI.

3/29 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at Baltimore Avenue and Cherokee Street. The driver was issued 5 warnings and 2 SERO’s.

3/30 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at University Blvd./Metzerott Road. The driver was issued 5 warnings and 2 SERO’s.

3/30 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at University Blvd./Metzerott Road. The driver was issued 1 citation and 3 warnings.

3/30 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at University Blvd./Metzerott Road. The driver was issued 1 citation and 3 warnings.

3/30 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at University Blvd./Baltimore Avenue. The driver was issued 1 warning.

3 /30 Contract officers issued 3 parking citations near Apache Street and Rhode Island Avenue.

March 27 to April 2, 2023: 

There were no municipal infractions issued for the Noise Ordinance, for Article I, 141-1 Danger to Public Safety/Health or Article II, 141-13 Unruly Social Gatherings.

Statistical Data and issued

(3/24-3/30):

MD State Citations: 27

Warnings: 85

Equipment Repair Orders: 11

Distracted Driving Citations: 0

Parking Citations: 3

Field Observation Report: 1

Youth Field Observation Report: 0

Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 0

Civil Citation: 0

Criminal Arrests: 0

DWS Arrest: 0

DWI Arrest: 0

Warrant Arrest: 0

Premise Checks: 12

Referral Student Code of Conduct: 0

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Warnings: 0

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Citations: 0

Zone 2/Berwyn-Lakeland Pedestrian Warnings: 0

Zone 2/ Berwyn-Lakeland Pedestrian Citations: 0

Zone 3/North College Park Pedestrian Warnings: 0

Zone 3/North College Park Pedestrian Citations: 0

Loud Exhaust Enforcement Stats:

Citations: 2

Warnings: 17

SERO's: 4

Monthly Public Safety Maps



For monthly Prince George's County Police public safety maps and statistical data for the City of College Park, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/publicsafety.

Community Meetings

Note: These are not City meetings but have City staff or Contract Police as a host.