WEEKLY BULLETIN | March 3, 2023

Statement from Denise Mitchell, Mayor Pro Tem

March 2, 2023- Today has been a very difficult day for the residents, staff and elected officials in College Park. Like our community, we are shocked and disturbed by the arrest and charges filed against the former mayor. As this is an on-going and active investigation, the City will respect the judicial process and cooperate fully with the investigation.



While we continue to process everything that has happened today, City services and work cannot and will not stop. It is vital for our community and our residents to know that City services will continue to operate, uninterrupted.

The City’s Board of Election Supervisors will meet tomorrow to discuss the Special Election that will need to be held to fill the vacant Mayor’s seat, and we will update our community with this information next week. In the meantime, I encourage all residents to stay tuned to the City’s website and to like, follow and subscribe to City emails and official social media channels.

I thank our community for their support, and our staff for maintaining excellent City services today and every day. Thank you.



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For all City statements, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov.

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.

Photo credit: TerpQuest Camp

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.

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

PGPD Providing a Limited Number Steering Wheel Locks for Kia and Hyundai Owners

Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) has received a limited number of “The Club” steering wheel locks. Due to the recent increase in thefts of Kias and Hyundais with key start ignition, PGPD is offering these locks to those owners on first come, first serve basis. There are 7 of these available for free to College Park residents.

If interested, contact Cpl. Nunez at jbnunez@co.pg.md.us for more information and installation. 

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!

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.

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

Asplundh Tree Pruning

Asplundh plans to begin tree pruning the week of March 6

Tree pruning near the PEPCO electrical power lines is scheduled to begin to improve clearance and remove tree branches near the lines that may interfere with planned system upgrades. The tree pruning work is scheduled to begin the week of March 6. The planned work area includes Guilford Drive, Guilford Road, the Trolley Trail along Rhode Island Avenue between Calvert Road and Riverdale Park, Amherst Road between Rhode Island Avenue and US Route 1, and Calvert Road from Rhode Island Avenue to Columbia Avenue.



Why are they doing this?

PEPCO is planning a construction project to upgrade a portion of its electrical system to improve reliability, which includes replacing cross-arms, insulators, and electrical line. Electrical system upgrades will occur after the tree pruning work is complete. During the planned system upgrade, including the tree pruning work, there will be work trucks on the trolley trail.

Become a City Volunteer

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.  

Tips for Crime 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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

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.

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.

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. 

Department of Public Services

Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity

February 17 - February 23

2/17 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at University Blvd./Golf Course Drive. The driver was issued 2 citations and 2 warnings.

2/17 Contract officer conduct a traffic stop for loud exhaust at University Blvd./Metzerott Road. The driver was issued 2 citations and 2 warnings.

2/19 Contract officer conduct a traffic stop for loud exhaust at Baltimore Avenue/47^th Avenue. The driver was issued 2 warnings.

2/19 Contract officer conduct a traffic stop for loud exhaust at College Avenue/Yale Avenue. The driver was issued 2 citations.

2/20 Contract officer responded to the 4700 block of Knox Road for the activation of a burglary alarm. Window was left unsured.

2/21 Contract officers observed 2 occupied vehicles at the park smoking marijuana and playing music. 2 separate traffic stops were conducted at Iroquois Street / 52^nd Avenue with one vehicle impounded for a traffic violation. This enforcement was related to a citizen’s complaint regarding individuals smoking marijuana at the park.

Statistical Data and issued

(2/17 - 2/23):

MD State Citations: 20

Warnings: 53

Equipment Repair Orders: 1

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: 16

Referral Student Code of Conduct: 0

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Warnings: 2

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: 6

Warnings: 6

SERO's: 0

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.