WEEKLY BULLETIN | March 10, 2023 | |
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Notice of 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. Candidacy information has been posted on the City website.
If you are thinking about running for office, please note the following: At the time of taking office, the Mayor must be 18 years old. To qualify as a candidate, the individual must be a citizen of the United States, must be a current registered voter in the City, and must have been domiciled in the City for at least one year immediately preceding the date of qualification. The Board of Election Supervisor may request proof that a candidate meets the domicile requirement. The Mayor must continuously reside in the City until the term expires after the November General Election.
The City of College Park uses a petition process to qualify candidates for elected office. In a Special Election, candidates for the office of Mayor must collect 15 signatures of qualified voters from each Council district. Please note: Council Districts have changed since the last City Election. See new map here.
A Candidate Guide and required forms are posted on our website. You may also make an appointment with the City Clerk’s office to pick up a hard copy of the Candidate Guide and forms. All candidacy forms (petitions and other required forms) must be returned by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023.
Click here for additional candidacy information or visit the Election page on our website.
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
Information about vote by mail will be available soon.
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Summer Camp Scholarships for City Youth
The City of College Park’s annual summer camp scholarship applications are now open!
Youth (rising K-12) who reside in the City of College Park are eligible to apply. Scholarships are granted up to a maximum of $400 per student. Students are eligible to receive a scholarship for one camp session only. Priority is given to youth who did not receive a City of College Park scholarship in previous years. In the past two years, the City extended the use of the scholarship to include camps hosted by Prince George’s County Department of Parks & Recreation and Prince George’s Community College. The option is available again for summer 2023.
Scholarship applications are due by Friday, April 14, 2023 at 5:00pm.
Click here for more information and to apply.
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Photo credit: TerpQuest Camp | |
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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.
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MDOT SHA Upcoming Project Activity Notice
Where: 9020 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740 (Holiday Inn Express & Suites, College Park University Area)
When: On or about March 10th, 2023
Upcoming Activity: Excavation and construction of retaining wall. Crews will close off affected parking spaces at Holiday Inn. Lanes will be shifted northbound and southbound along Baltimore Avenue. Concrete island at Holiday Inn driveway will be removed. Work includes excavation, shoring, and concrete pours for foundation and wall segments. Work will take approximately three months to complete.
Approved Work Times for This Activity: Weekdays, 8 A.M. to 4:30 P. M.
Equipment used for construction may be disruptive. Pedestrians and motorists should travel undistracted through all work zones and motorists should obey all posted speed limits.
For more information about this project, please contact Mr. Mario Minoglio, MDOT SHA Project Engineer, at (443)-996-4033.
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Livable Community Action Plan Feedback
Feedback requested!
The Senior Advisory Committee and City staff worked with consultants through a grant from M-NCPPC. The consultants drafted an age-friendly livability action plan, based on AARP’s five domains of livability, which encompasses all residents of the College Park community, regardless of age. The Committee is collecting feedback on the Action Plan.
To review the action plan visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/livablecommunity.
Click the link to view the entire action plan on the right-hand side of the page. Comments and feedback may be emailed to: livablecommunity@collegeparkmd.gov
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WSSC Work
Next week, WSSC Contractors will be working in the 4500-Block of Amherst Road, the 4500-Block of Guilford Road, and the 7100-Block of Baltimore Avenue. Please use caution in the work zones.
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Road Closure Notice
Knox Road will be closed just west of Baltimore Avenue on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 4:00am to 7:00pm to allow for the removal of a tower crane. The rain date is Sunday, March 19. Local traffic will be allowed on Knox Road up to the road closure. Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic and pedestrians.
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Women's History Month
Since 1911, International Women's Day has been commemorated on March 8th. In March of 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation and declared the week of March 8 as "Women's History Week." After being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress expanded the week into a month in 1987 and designated March as "Women's History Month."
While many achievements have been accomplished with the support of women worldwide, women have historically been discriminated against because of their gender. The holiday celebrates women's contributions throughout history to break down barriers of sexism. This year, we specifically celebrate "women who tell our stories" and honor those whose words and actions empower women.
All month long, the City of College Park City Councilwomen will share their stories and reflections on women's empowerment. Follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to hear their stories!
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Curbside Food Scrap Collection
Join the City's Curbside Food Scrap Collection program to recycle your food scraps and reduce harmful greenhouse gases that contribute 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 week.
The tonnage of food scraps collected for composting has significantly increased 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.
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Check out the video below for an introduction to the program and other how-to videos. | |
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Calling all who like to make College Park an even better place to live!
The City of College Park is constantly putting on events for our residents to participate in, get to know one another, experience a new activity or clean up our beautiful city. We could use your help to make these events successful.
Whether it’s the Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza, the Winter Wonderland in December, or assisting with our concert series on Friday nights throughout the summer, we have a job for you. Be a part of making College Park warm and welcoming by volunteering for city events.
The City has a new volunteer app that will make you aware when we post the need for volunteer support. Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/Volunteers to sign up to be a volunteer! You’ll be notified when we need your help and you can sign up from your phone.
Middle and high school or college students are also encouraged to sign up for student service learning hours.
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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 needed 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.
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Tips for Tire and Wheel Theft Prevention
Buy Lug Nut Locks
This solution involves replacing one of the lug nuts on each wheel with a lock, which requires a special tool to remove. For extra protection, you can buy lock kits for all of the lug nuts on your wheels. Just don’t lose the key, which you’ll need to remove the wheel should you have to change a flat tire.
Install an Alarm with a Sensor
Unlike standard car alarms, which alert you when your car has been broken into, alarms with sensors can detect a tilt or angle change if thieves try to jack up your vehicle.
Park in Secure, Well-Lit Areas
Thieves almost always strike at night, staking out areas where they’re less likely to be discovered, like a dark street without lights. Stay in areas where there’s more traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, and where there are security cameras, if possible. If you’re parking somewhere overnight, make sure your car is visible.
Turn Your Wheels
When you park your car, turn the wheels to a 45-degree angle. This will make it difficult for a thief to get the lug nuts off because the inner fender will likely be in the way.
Park Close To the Curb
When parallel parking on the street, park as close as you can to the curb. The closer your vehicle is, the more difficult it will be for a thief to put a jack underneath your car. While the street side of your car will still be exposed, at least the tires on the curbside of your car will be better protected.
Prevent Auto Theft
This should seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to fall into the habit of leaving your car unlocked as you drive or park in a relatively safe area.
Avoid Storing Valuables inside your Vehicle
Never keep valuables in your vehicle. This is an easy way to become a target of crime. In addition to the increased risk of a stolen vehicle, many criminals may break the window and steal your valuables. Your car may be left behind in this scenario, but you’ll still need to deal with a broken window and lost valuables. Usually, storing items in the trunk is safer than leaving them in plain sight.
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Connect with the City!
Stay connected with the City of College Park! Follow us on social media for news, updates, and events:
You can also subscribe to e-news at www.collegeparkmd.gov/CPConnect.
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Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza
March 25, 2023 | 10:00 am | Duvall Field
Come and join in on the fun at Duvall Field from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 25 for a morning of egg hunting, live music, hot cocoa, coffee, and prizes at the City's Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza!
Egg hunts are designed for children up to 10-years of age and will be organized by age groups. There will be two egg hunting times to choose from: 10:30 a.m or 11:30 a.m. As this is a ticketed event, please make sure to register at CollegeParkEggHunt2023.eventbrite.com.
Get your picture taken with the bunny of the hour, Peter Cottontail, sit and enjoy a kids concert, or make a craft. Volunteers will be on hand to help.
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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.
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Berwyn Permaculture Garden Cleanup Event
March 25, 2023 | 9 AM-Noon | Rhode Island Ave. & Tecumseh St.
Join the Berwyn District Civic Association and City of College Park's Committee for a Better Environment for a spring cleanup of our beautiful permaculture garden!
The City of College Park will provide all the tools and materials for the cleanup. There will be refreshments, such as donuts and coffee.
Please complete the volunteer RSVP here.
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Department of Public Works | |
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Items available to purchase from the Department:
Call 240-487-3590 for more information, or visit: www.collegeparkmd.gov/products.
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For any information related to refuse, recycling, or other Public Works related items, contact the Department at: 240-487-3590 or publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov.
For a list of changes to Special Collection Pickups, including Yard Waste and for information about the Bulk Trash Changes, please visit: www.collegeparkmd.gov/specialcollections.
The Department is located at 9217 51st Ave. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reminders:
Soft & Woody Yard Waste
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. Learn more here.
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. You can find the permit application at www.collegeparkmd.gov/TreeRemovalApp
For more information, click here.
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Compost and Wood Mulch Deliveries Resume March 1
Deliveries for Smartleaf® Compost and wood mulch begin March 1.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Department of Public Services | |
Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity | |
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2/25 Contract officer conduct a traffic stop for loud exhaust at University Blvd./Rhode Island Avenue. The
driver was issued 2 citations and 1 warning.
2/25 Contract officer conducted stop sign enforcement at Guildford Road and Harvard Road. 5 warnings were issued.
2/26 Contract officer conducted stop sign enforcement. In the 5000 block of Berwyn Road. 6 warnings were issued.
2/26 Contract officer/beat officer recovered a stolen vehicle (reported stolen in Baltimore City) on a LoJack hit in the 4900 block of Niagara Road.
2/28 Contract officer conduct a traffic stop for loud exhaust at University Blvd./Rhode Island Avenue. The
driver was issued 6 warnings.
February 27 to March 5 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
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Statistical Data and issued
(2/24 - 3/2):
MD State Citations: 9
Warnings: 52
Equipment Repair Orders: 7
Distracted Driving Citations: 0
Parking Citations: 0
Field Observation Report: 0
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: 9
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: 7
SERO's: 0
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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.
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Community Meetings
Note: These are not City meetings but have City staff or Contract Police as a host.
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PGPD District 1 Coffee Club:
Webinar (every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.)
Join by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83396094990?pwd=WjJVYXZlL2ZxZWFiMTYwYVdqL3hnQT09
Join by phone: 978- 990-5399, Meeting ID: 833 9609 4990, Password: 720306
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