WEEKLY BULLETIN | January 6, 2023

Holiday Closings

All City facilities will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

There will be no collections on Monday; all trash and recycling days slide forward one day (Monday collections will occur on Tuesday and so forth), and Friday is the only Special/Bulk collection day.

Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 2023

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a time set aside each year, where we as a country, work together, serving others, to make our communities more equitable. We annually observe this day each year on the third Monday in January. As the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, MLK Day encourages all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

The theme for the City of College Park’s 2023 Tribute to Dr. King is the Urgency of Now: One Community, One Love.



The City of College Park is providing multiple ways our residents can honor Dr. King's legacy on January 16th and throughout the entire month, including:

• The Art, Visual Art, and Essay Competition: This contest is open to students in grades kindergarten through 12th who live in the City of College Park. Students must submit their entry by Monday, January 30, 2023. Winners will receive a monetary award and be recognized in the 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Learn more here.

• Virtual Panel on January 16th: Join our panelists and us for a thought-provoking discussion on Dr. King's teachings and legacy. Registration is free. Join the zoom here.

• Food Drive: Throughout the month of January, the City of College Park will honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with a canned food drive starting Tuesday, January 3rd through Tuesday, Jan. 31. A collection box will be established at the City Hall Building, 7401 Baltimore Avenue. The City will accept your donations of Clean, non-dented canned & boxed non-perishable food items, not past their expiration date to support the College Park Community Food Bank. . No homemade items will be accepted.

• Book Giveaway: As part of our tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the month of January, the City is hosting a book giveaway to engage with the youngest members of our community. The City is giving away free copies of three books that educate and inform about Dr. King’s life and his work toward Civil Rights. City residents have the choice of receiving one copy of one or each of the three books, while supplies last. To request a copy of any of these books, please complete this application and you will be notified when you can pick up your book(s) at City Hall.

The three books are as follows:  

• Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport (grade range: k-3) 
• We March by Shane W. Evans (grade range: 1 –2) 
• The Civil Rights Movement by Jennifer Zieger (grade range: 4-6) 

For more information about activities celebrating Dr. King, visit our website.

FY2024 Budget Feedback Form

Preparation is beginning on the FY2024 Proposed Budget, which will be published in March 2023.

The Mayor & Council invite residents to submit suggestions, requests and/or recommendations that will assist the City in fulfilling its mission – to provide excellent services, transparent and inclusive governance, and advocate for our residents to enhance the quality of life for our diverse community.



Please complete this form by January 31, 2023.

FY2023 Community Services Grant

The Community Service Grants provide partial funding for community-based programs and projects within the City of College Park. The City of College Park believes that supporting community activities enhances the community as a whole. The City will provide grants for programs and activities that promote enhanced community opportunities for its residents. Community Services Grants are only awarded to organizations, not to individuals.

Please complete this form by January 27, 2023.

Curbside Food Scrap Collection

College Park's average weekly food scrap tonnage has increased from 0.5 ton to 1.25 tons since starting curbside collections!

This new voluntary program will divert organic materials, that are not waste, out of our landfill and will reduce harmful greenhouse gases emitted from organic decomposition in landfills, which contributes to climate change. 

Residents can sign up on a rolling basis – join and purchase containers at www.collegeparkmd.gov/curbsidecollectionapp. Once you pick up your containers, your collection will start the following week.

Tips for a successful collection:

•  A contractor is providing the collection service, so it’s best to place your container out before 6:00 a.m. or the night before your scheduled pick-up to avoid a missed collection.
• Your container should be directly in front of your house, and if possible, at the end of your driveway so that it is clearly visible from the street (no alley collections)
• Keep your container away from trash and recycling carts, or other obstacles.
• If you run out of compostable bags, you can use a paper bag, or put food scraps loosely in the container.
• Our contractor, Compost Crew, will send a reminder email the day before your collection. They will also send a notice if your container is not found.
• If you will be away and want to skip a week, please email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov and let us know the week(s) you would like your service suspended.

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

ARPA Mental Health Assistance



The City has established programs to assist businesses, nonprofits, and residents address the negative financial impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Rescue Program Act (ARPA) has provided funds that the City is using for these and many other projects.

College Park residents of all ages may be reimbursed for up to $5,000 per household for mental health services received OR invoices may be paid directly to service providers.

Learn more here.

WSSC Work

WSSC Contractors will be working in the 7400-Block of Dickinson Avenue through Friday 1/20. Please use caution in the work zone.

Road Closure Notification

Please be advised, on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, a 550-ton crane will be set up in front of 4321 Hartwich Road to hoist roofing materials onto the new building's roof. The backup day is Wednesday January 18^th .

The road closure will begin at 2:00 a.m. Tuesday January 17^th and the road will reopen at 8:00 p.m. 

Local Non-Through traffic will be allowed up to the road closure.  

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to City of College Park for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. 



This is the 42 consecutive year that the City has achieved this prestigious award.  

Four Reasons Why College Park is an Exciting Place to Grow

College Park's economy is growing, with exceptional talent retention and talent pipeline growth, and affordable housing. Be a part of our success!

Learn more about College Park at www.collegepark.life.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monthly Public Safety Meeting

January 9, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Virtual

Don't miss our next Public Safety meeting on Monday, January 9 at 7:30pm! Learn how to best protect yourself from cyber and financial crimes with Detective Minnich of the PGPD Financial and Cyber Security Crimes Unit. Join the zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96168994626

Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Panel

January 16, 2023 | 7:00 PM | Virtual

Join the City and our panelists on January 16th, 2023 from 7:00-8:00pm for a thought-provoking discussion on Dr. King's teachings and legacy. Registration is free. Join the zoom here.

For more information about activities celebrating Dr. King, visit our website.

Please note that by participating in City events, you acknowledge and assume all risks and liabilities including possible exposure to illnesses, including but not limited to COVID-19. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Winter Weather Alerts

Be prepared for winter. Visit our website for more information on the steps the City takes when there is a wintery mix in the forecast.

The Department of Public Works plows and treats City maintained streets and City parking lots to clear snow and ice during winter storms. Public Works crews are staffed around the clock during snow emergencies to clear the 51 road miles of City streets. For questions, or to report a City road that hasn't been plowed, please contact the Department at 240-487-3590. 

Updates will be posted on the City’s website, all City social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and emailed (sign up here).  

Water Main Breaks

As it gets cooler, the risk of water main breaks increases. The first step to repairing a water main is YOU! Report it to WSSC Water 301-206-4002; please have the physical address of the water main break available when you call.

Holiday Light Recycling

Holiday string lights, working or non-working, are accepted for recycling at MOM’s Organic Market, 9801 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park. The string lights are collected for recycling beginning in December and continuing through early January.



Please remove lights from bags/packaging and place in designated holiday lights recycling bin located in the lobby when you enter MOM’s Organic Market.

Battery Recycling

During the holidays many batteries are replaced. Please be sure to recycle them properly.

All batteries can and should be recycled. If batteries, especially lithium-based, are thrown into the trash, they can cause a spark that could endanger individuals and surrounding property. Certain types of batteries, such as Nickel Cadmium rechargeable, can contaminate the environment if not properly disposed of. Batteries contain valuable elements and recycling them can reduce the need to mine for virgin materials. Reclaimed materials from recycled batteries can be reused in other products. Consumer awareness is key to changing behavior and ensuring more batteries are recycled the right way and don’t end up in landfills.

MOMs Organic Market and IKEA accept single-use batteries. Home Depot and Lowes accept rechargeable batteries. 

Styrofoam Recycling

A drop-off container is at the entrance to Public Works for block Styrofoam recycling. Only block Styrofoam is accepted in the white cart. No peanuts, cups, plates, or egg cartons are allowed. 

City Tree Programs

Trees provide many benefits such as reduction of cooling and heating costs, interception of rainwater, increasing property values and improving air quality. The City offers a few ways to help. More information is available at www.collegeparkmd.gov/trees. 

REQUESTS FOR STREET TREES: The City has a program that pays for and provides street tree planting in the right-of-way area, which includes the grass strip between the curb and sidewalk. College Park residents interested in requesting a tree can contact Brenda Alexander at 240-487-3590 or horticulturist@collegeparkmd.gov. The location will be inspected to determine if it is suitable.

TREE CANOPY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (TCEP): City of College Park property owners can apply for reimbursement of up to $150.00 annually, for approved tree(s) planted on their residential lot. The completed application should be sent to horticulturist@collegeparkmd.gov for review and approval. Click here for a link to the guidelines and application.

TREE MAINTENANCE The City is responsible for tree maintenance in the rights-of-way, City maintained buildings and parks, and on public property. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

Urban Tree Protection: Ordinance 21-O-09

This Ordinance requires an application to be submitted for approval to obtain a permit to remove or prune a tree on residential land.

Beginning July 1, 2022, trees on residential property within the City of College Park, greater than 36 inches in circumference measured at 4.5 feet above ground level, on which the property owner wants to remove or prune live branches or wood more than 20% will need to submit an application to the Department of Public Works for a tree removal/pruning permit and receive approval prior to beginning planned tree work. A requirement of the tree removal/pruning permit is that urban tree(s) approved for removal are replaced.

You can find the permit application at www.collegeparkmd.gov/TreeRemovalApp

For more information, click here.

Curbside Leaf Collection

All leaves must be prepared correctly for collection. Use paper yard waste bags, the beige yard waste cart, or a personal reusable container with a yellow city yard waste sticker on it; stickers are available for free in the lobby of Davis Hall.

Click here for the January calendar.

TIPS – THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF LEAF COLLECTION!

• Please do not put sticks, branches, or brush in your leaf piles.
• Bagging is not necessary during leaf collection with vacuums. Grass can be included in your leaf piles, but no sticks, branches, vines, or woody materials (as these items require a special collection).
• Rake leaves to the curb but do not put them in the street. Pile leaves away from cars and storm drains as the leaf vacuum cannot reach around cars.
• Remove tree limbs, rocks, trash, and other debris from leaves to be collected. These items damage the equipment and cause delays.
• Noise and dust may be noticeable as dry conditions generate more dust. We apologize for any inconvenience.
• When signs are posted, rake leaves to the curb. To ensure collection, put leaves out by the first day listed. Calendar may show two days in an area, but we only collect once per street per collection cycle.

Yard Waste Preparations

Soft yard waste and woody brush are processed independently into two different end products; therefore, these materials should be prepared separately for collection and further processing.

• Soft yard waste (grass, leaves, flowers, weeds and soft clippings that are less than ½” in diameter) is picked up year-round on your regularly scheduled collection day.

• Woody yard waste (branches, shrubs, brush, and small logs) is collected year-round on Thursday and Friday by appointment only. Please email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov or call 240-487-3590 to schedule a collection.

• No loose brush, branches or yard waste.
• Preparation: bundle and tie with biodegradable material, use paper yard waste bags, the beige yard waste cart, or personal reusable containers* for either type of source separated material. *Personal containers must have a yellow City yard waste sticker; free stickers are available at DPW.
• Separate soft material from woody material. Place each type of source-separated material in a separate container.
• Bundles of woody material must be no more than 4 feet long and comprised of individual branches up to 4 inches in diameter.
• Individual bundles must not exceed 2 feet in diameter or weigh more than 50 pounds and must be tied with biodegradable material.
• Logs must be cut into 12-inch sections and no more than 12 inches in diameter. A maximum of 25 logs will be collected at a scheduled pick up.
• Do not use plastic bags, or the city-issued refuse or recycling carts
• Do not mix lumber, trash, dirt, rocks, or other unacceptable items in with yard waste.
• Place at the curb by 7:00 am
• Material that is oversized and requires the use of a crane will be charged at a cost of $100 per collection, per hour
• Material improperly set out for collection will not be collected. A door hanger error notice will be left informing you of the problem.

SmartLeaf Compost and Wood Mulch

Compost is $28.00 per cubic yard, and wood mulch is $12.00 per cubic yard. Material may be picked up Mon.-Fri. between 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Deliveries are finished for the season, but material is available year-round (while supplies last) at the Department of Public Works, 9217 51st Avenue, College Park, MD 20740.

For more information on compost click here, or wood mulch click here. For further questions, please call 240-487-3593.

For more information about purchasing Compost or Wood Mulch please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/gardens.

Department of Public Services

Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity

December 16 - December 22, 2022

12/16 Contract officer responded to a call for service for a single vehicle motor vehicle accident in the 9100 block of Baltimore Avenue. Officer arrived on the scene and a citizen advised the vehicle fled the area. A short time later, a citizen called 911 and reported the vehicle was in the 4700 block of Cherokee Street. Officer arrived on the scene and discovered the vehicle unoccupied. During an impound inventory the officer located a Glock accessories packaging on the floorboard. The vehicle was not registered through MVA. While waiting for a tow truck a citizen advised the officer that a suspicious male was in the laundry room. The male was patted down for officers’ safety and suspected marijuana was located. Keys to the vehicle involved in the accident were located near the water heater. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to DOC for processing.

12/16 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop at Rhode Island Avenue and Indian Lane. The driver was placed under arrest for possession of a .380 handgun and CDS paraphilia. 

12/17 Contract officers responded to a call for service for a fight in the 7300 block of Baltimore Avenue. Multiple citizens advised the officer that the male subject was attempting to fight several patrons inside the t/a. The officer approached the male as he talked incoherent and started to yell at the officer. The officer asked the male to leave they threw a book at the officer in which it struck the officer on the head. The male was arrested and transported to Laurel regional Hospital for an EPS.

12/20 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Hollywood Road and Baltimore Avenue. 6 warning citations were issued.

12/20 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Hollywood Road and Rhode Island Avenue. 2 warning citations were issued.

12/20 Contract officer issued 2 parking citations to a vehicle in the 6800 block of Dartmouth Avenue.

Statistical Data and issued

(12/16-12/22):

MD State Citations: 38

Warnings: 75

Equipment Repair Orders: 5

Distracted Driving Citations: 0

Parking Citations: 0

Field Observation Report: 1

Youth Field Observation Report: 0

Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 0

Civil Citation: 0

Criminal Arrests: 3

DWS Arrest: 0

DWI Arrest: 0

Warrant Arrest: 1

Premise Checks: 8

Referral Student Code of Conduct: 5

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: 0

Warnings: 0

SERO's: 0

Year to date Statistics (starting 4/19/21):

Citations: 602

Warnings: 156

SERO's: 146

December 23 - December 29, 2022

12/23 Contract officer responded to a call for service for the activation of a hold up alarm in the 7400 block of  Baltimore Avenue. False alarm-no issues.

12/27 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop (truck inspection) at Baltimore Avenue and Cherry Hill Road. The vehicle was taken out of service (O.O.S) for no rear lights. 

12/27 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at 9200 51^st Avenue. 2 warning citations were issued.

12/28 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop (truck inspection) at Baltimore Avenue and Indian Lane. The vehicle was taken out of service (O.O.S) for steering issues. 

12/29 Contract officer responded to a call for service for a breaking and entering in progress in the 8700 block of 48^th Avenue. No crime was committed.

Statistical Data and issued

(12/23-12/29):

MD State Citations: 8

Warnings: 36

Equipment Repair Orders: 4

Distracted Driving Citations: 0

Parking Citations: 0

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: 11

Referral Student Code of Conduct: 0

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Warnings: 8

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: 0

Warnings: 0

SERO's: 0

Year to date Statistics (starting 4/19/21):

Citations: 602

Warnings: 156

SERO's: 146

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.