News & Events



News & Events

Events

Monthly Meetings – Join us at one of our monthly meetings, held from 5:00pm-7:00pm at at the Hyattsville City Hall, Prangley Hall, 4310 Gallatin St., Hyattsville, MD, 20781.

Next Meetings

Monday, April 16
Monday, May 14
Monday, June 11
News

921 bus route service grows
April 10, 2012

Four new shuttle buses have been added to the 921 bus route which takes Annapolis commuters to the New Carrollton Metro Station. Because of New Carrollton’s connection the Metrorail, bus service, MARC, and Amtrak, increasing the bus service should cut down the single vehicle occupancy during peak hours.

Jaywalking, speeding targeted by police in pedestrian-safety mission
March 29, 2012

As a Prince George’s County executive recognized the importance of sidewalk and street lighting fixes to prevent pedestrian fatalities, the county police took to the streets issuing citations and educating drivers and pedestrians on safe driving practices. The county police want to be preventative rather than their previous stance of reactionary and have increased their presence on streets and highways to inform and enforce traffic rules.

Prince George’s joins region in pedestrian-safety campaign
March 22, 2012

After consistently reporting the highest pedestrian fatality rates in Maryland, Prince George’s County has finally joined the Washington area’s Street Smart program, designed to educate residents about safety issues. Cheryl Cort, policy director with the Coalition for Smarter Growth, sites Prince George’s County’s high –speed traffic and wide roads as a dangerous situation for pedestrians. Besides this education campaign, Prince George’s needs to start local initiatives like repairing roads and building sidewalks in order to successfully improve its pedestrian fatalities.

Greenbelt Sector Plan: North Core Concepts and Design
March 14, 2012

The Prince George’s County Planning Department is working on a new plan for the city of Greenbelt, all revolving around the Greenbelt Metro Station. The goal is to encourage transit-oriented development around the Metro station as well as pedestrian-oriented improvements along MD 193. This development is not a new idea considering the County approved a concept site plan a few years ago that included retail, office space, housing, and hotel rooms.

State considers bill to make campuses more pedestrian-friendly
March 14, 2012

State legislatures have proposed a bill that would expect colleges and state facilities to build bike paths and pedestrian walkways on their campuses. Though Senator Jim Rosapepe sites that College Park is well behind most campuses, the University’s master plan already includes the creation of pathways that separate the flow of pedestrians and bicycles and designates $100,000 annually toward efforts to promote biking on campus. Because a bike and pedestrian friendly campus gives the university room for future development projects, the university is committed to reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles as well.

Largo plan aims for growth around Metro station
March 12, 2012

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission has created the Largo Town Center Sector Plan to stimulate redevelopment around the Largo Metro station and the Boulevard at Capital Centre retail complex. This government support is designed to incite the private sector to create the county’s first truly, high-density transit-oriented community. Communities like this one planned for Largo Town Center benefit its members directly by bringing more commercial tax revenue thus lessening the burden of the residential taxpayers and by creating jobs, housing, and services.

Prince George’s delegates approve Pilot tax waiver bill
March 2, 2012

Prince George’s County legislators approved a proposal that will give the county the power to grant property tax exemptions to some economic development projects. These projects include hotels, offices, and retail and mixed use building that will create a considerable number of jobs for the community. The Council agreed the exemption will not apply to developments involving gaming and that potential recipients will have to guarantee the creation of a minimum number of jobs to qualify for approval.

Buy Suitland program encouraging growth in Prince George’s County community
March 2, 2012

In order to revitalize the Suitland community, the “Buy Suitland” program was created to give buyers up to $40,000 from the county to move into a foreclosed home. Residents recognize the best way to revive their community is to get more people to live there – not just come and go for work. The program targets young professionals who can take advantage of the short term incentives and move into an up-and-coming area.

Economic fund plan to get under way soon, with hopes of recovering from ‘lost decade of economic growth’
February 27, 2012

Prince George’s County leaders have created the Economic Development Incentive Fund, a $50 million multi-year plan to increase the County’s commercial tax base by giving loans to small and medium sized businesses. Officials feel they need to invest more in the commercial sector to increase the number of available jobs in order to keep up with the growing population of the county, the majority of who are currently leaving the county for their jobs. Priorities for the loan will be given to small businesses, transit oriented development, companies that hire locally, and businesses that will add more jobs to the County.

Morgan Boulevard Metro is the best site for the FBI
February 14, 2012

The Morgan Boulevard metro station, one of Prince George County’s most underutilized stations, is an ideal candidate for the FBI’s relocation. It is within a mile of the Capital Beltway and has space for the proposed new hospital complex as well as the FBI building across Central Avenue. Developers envision a pedestrian walkway from the station to the FBI with a Main Street feel lined with storefronts which would allow the community as a whole to benefit from the revitalization for the area.

Feds to help Prince George’s revamp its housing programs
February 12, 2012

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing Prince George County with specialists to facilitate a massive improvement in the management of their housing programs and other community revitalization efforts. An audit conducted last year uncovered that the county’s housing agency lacked trained staff and a long-term housing policy which allowed for millions of dollars to be granted to developers who did not meet any sort of formal criteria. County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) considers these efforts a priority and hopes Prince George County will join the ranks of Houston, New Orleans, and the District that are undertaking similar efforts.

Prince George’s County Leaders Want New FBI Headquarters
January 10, 2012

The FBI is exploring its options regarding the J. Edgar Hoover Building on Pennsylvania Ave. NW, an outdated building. Prince George’s County leaders are attempting to lure the FBI to near one of its underutilized Metro stations. Poorly designed federal offices like the Suitland Census Bureau and New Carrollton’s IRS illustrate the need for a new approach to integrating federal buildings into their surroundings to create truly transit-oriented, mixed use places.

Pr. George’s Co. executive wants growth near Metro stations
December 16, 2011

County Executive Rushern Baker declares Metro-centric development an economic priority, citing a high population of Federal commuters.

Guest column: Dispelling your fears
December 6, 2011

A local University of Maryland sophomore speaks up about who will benefit from the Purple Line, and in turn shares his cultural perspective of what it means to be a Prince George’s resident.

The next FBI headquarters
November 19, 2011

Citing fractured real estate and antiquated architecture, officials are visualizing a new home for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Possible plans to modernize the 100 year old institution may include a government “campus” near the Greenbelt metro station, hoping to incite regional economic and transportation development.

Bowie State partners best use for MARC station site, panel says
November 3, 2011

Initial plans for the Bowie MARC station, which includes mixed-use and transit-oriented development, are being reconsidered to integrate Bowie State University facilities. Planners from the Urban Land Institute in Washington concluded that local University-oriented businesses would be more appropriate for the site, with mixed residential development to follow suit.

Purple Line developers eager to begin engineering phase
November 3, 2011

Following an open house community meeting last week, Purple Line project leaders look forward to the transition from planning to preliminary engineering. Coupling the input from county residents with newly acquired support from the Federal Transportation Administration, the county’s light rail project begins outlining its goals.

Hyattsville: A Softer Side
November 3, 2011

With its newfound residents and commercial opportunities, the township of Hyattsville is using smart growth initiatives to change its long-standing character. The makeover includes integration with regional transit and a more welcoming atmosphere, but not at the expense of its historic vibe.

MTA: Purple Line Means Faster Travel Times, Less Traffic Congestion
November 2, 2011

College Park residents and University students weigh in on the Purple Line project in the first of a series of community open houses hosted by the Maryland Transit Authority.

Hyattsville goals updated to add parks, aid pedestrians
October 27, 2011

The town of West Hyattsville updates its $1 billion plan to revitalize neighborhoods with plans to develop sustainable infrastructure. Changes include strategic pedestrian-friendly planning, better inclusion of historic districts, and rehabilitation of the Hyattsville Metro station.

Purple Line Passes Another Critical Hurdle
October 7, 2011

In the latest development of the Bethesda – New Carrollton rail project, the new Purple Line receives its approval for preliminary engineering from the Federal Transit Administration, while the officials continue to stress the proposal’s benefits.

New Carrollton to become home base for DHCD
September 29, 2011

County Executive Rushern Baker announced that New Carrollton will become the new home to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, a move that will create hundreds of jobs and continue the push for transit-oriented development in the county.

Prince George’s County Council supports revised economic incentive fund
September 21, 2011

In response to the successful passing of Executive Baker’s Economic Development Incentive Fund, Council members express their voting rationales and highlight the bill’s final amendments.

Bill to create economic development fund in Prince George’s advances
September 21, 2011

Executive Baker and County Council members have agreed on expenditure review terms for the proposed Economic Development Incentive Fund. Under the initiative, the County would provide loans to fund a variety of local projects. These loans are subject to the Council’s review, albeit limited.

A push for smarter building around region’s Metro stations
September 20, 2011

Governor O’Malley asserts his plan to take advantage of the area’s under-developed Metro facilities, and outlines in detail the future of New Carrollton.

Md. Gov. O’Malley makes transit development announcement in Prince George’s County
September 19, 2011

In one of the County’s largest breakthroughs in transit-oriented-development, Governor O’Malley plans to bring the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to New Carrollton. O’Malley cites the Department’s employee base as a primary factor in moving the state agency.

Pedestrian, student safety measures funded in Cheverly, New Carrollton
September 15, 2011

Local schools will receive a pedestrian safety overhaul with the help of a Federal DOT funding. In addition to sidewalk construction, bicycle rack installation and more sophisticated speed monitoring, the grant will help promote pedestrian and bicycle safety programs to foster daily use.

Hyattsville City Council Approves Support Of Route One Market Study
September 13, 2011

Community legislatures agree to jointly fund a study of the shared Route One corridor. Although some City Councils have limited contributions, this marks an unprecedented effort of local governments to collaboratively analyze land-use plans.

A New Route 1: With completion of new highrises, Route 1 evolves from old self
September 13, 2011

The new plans for upward development in College Park make the university-town more practical for resident students, as well as plant the seeds for smarter growth in Prince George’s County. By increasing pedestrian amenities and eliminating single-story establishments, College Park is making better use of its public space in a modern age.

U.S. House committee lops transportation money, but senators say cuts won’t stick
September 12, 2011

The Federal transportation budget is under fire from Congress in a plan that would hamper regional employment initiatives. Despite the House’s conservative draft, a rejection from the Senate is anticipated. In response to Senator Mikulski’s (D-Maryland) preservation efforts, NTSB’s funding requirements for Washington Metro remain intact.

Potential federal transportation cuts could put jobs, projects at risk
September 9, 2011

The expiration of the Federal gas tax – which funds half of Maryland’s mass-transit projects – threatens program continuation. The once-unanimous issue turns partisan as renewal or extension of the tax remains on the table.

Nearly a decade later, second phase of changes to Oxon Hill Road nears
August 18, 2011

The move to preserve the 8.5 mile county highway may come to fruition by the Spring of 2012. Residents invoke safety and historic character in their concern for maintaining the local route.

New hospital a prime opportunity for TOD in Prince George’s
August 9, 2011

A partnership agreement for a new medical center in Prince George’s County creates discussion of smart growth. The hospital’s proposed land requirements bring-about questions of its proximity to local transit, and how it could be better incorporated with the County’s under-utilized Metro stations.

Greenbelt community participates in thinking up green vision for city’s future
August 4, 2011

Proactive citizens weigh-in their ideas for reclaiming Greenbelt’s walkability. In addition to planting greenery, the community devises better ways to integrate local transit methods.

Transit-oriented projects put Prince George’s County on the right track
July 28, 2011

A local Prince George’s County resident expresses gratitude for County Executive Baker’s prioritization of transit-oriented development around Prince George’s 15 metro stations, and briefly outlines the comprehensive outlook for the County.

Prince George’s council votes to limit new homes in Brandywine area
July 12, 2011

In an effort to keep residential construction from exceeding road maintenance, the Council votes to restrain development in lieu of ill-met funding standards.

Pr. George’s Baker wants to fill 3 jobs crucial to development in wake of pay-to-play scandal
July 11, 2011

Executive Baker holds high expectations of his nominees for key local officials. He expresses that their ability to address transit-oriented development, affordable housing and government efficiencies are essential to the mending of inter-agency relationships.

University of Maryland drops opposition to central campus route for Purple Line
June 1, 2011

“University of Maryland officials have dropped their long-held opposition to running Purple Line light rail trains through the heart of the College Park campus, giving a major boost to the project as Maryland transit officials seek federal funding for its construction.”

Transit Hub in Maryland Gets a Second Chance
May 31, 2011

The New York Times highlights the development opportunities at the New Carrollton Metro station in Prince George’s County and touches on a new revitalization effort surrounding the station.

Prince George’s making some strides in becoming green
April 27, 2011

The Prince George’s County Council makes efforts for the county to go green, starting with incentives for schools and businesses.

Bowie State MARC Station Targeted for Development
April 21, 2011

“Plans to develop the area around the Bowie State University MARC train station are progressing as Prince George’s County officials have applied some pressure.”

Prince George’s lobbies for federal leases
April 17, 2011

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker “wants to help the developers who have begun investing in land around the county’s 15 Metro stations turn those areas into the type of transit-oriented, walkable communities that all the region’s other jurisdictions have built in recent years.”

Forum explores outlook for ‘smart growth’ in Prince George’s
April 8, 2011

“More than 200 residents, planners and government officials met at the Maryland Forward forum on “smart growth,” an urban planning philosophy that focuses on creating walkable neighborhoods where people can live, work, shop and play. It was one in a series of meetings established by O’Malley to gather public comment about such issues as the economy, education, public safety and smart growth.”

Metro board selects team for development near New Carrollton Station
March 24, 2011

“The Metro Board of Directors selected Forest City Enterprises and Urban Atlantic on Thursday to develop 39 acres near the New Carrollton Metro station, moving Prince George’s County a crucial step closer to creating its first significant transit-oriented development.”

Prince George’s creating incentive fund to lure developers
March 19, 2011

Prince George’s County officials are proposing a new $50 million economic development fund that would entice builders who will bring new jobs and increase the suburban county’s tax base.

In Prince George’s, $50 million fund proposed to spur jobs, development
March 18, 2011

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker has proposed a $50 million fund designed to create jobs and increase the county’s commercial tax base.

Admin. shift may signal new era for rail plans
March 6, 2011

“Advocates for the Purple Line running on Campus Drive may have lost one of their largest opponents, as the bulk of the university’s new administration has backed off their predecessors’ objections to the light-rail line.”

Montgomery and Prince George’s executives, Washington mayor to discuss regional issues
February 18, 2011

Decision makers from multiple jurisdictions joined together to discuss connectivity throughout the region now and in the future.

Prince George’s TOD is big business opportunity
February 14, 2011

Coverage of Coalition for Smarter Growth and Envision Prince George’s forum on TOD in Prince George’s County. Presentations by Shyam Kannan of Robert Charles Lesser & Co. and Councilmember Mel Franklin.

Team selected to lead redevelopment at New Carrollton Metro station, sources say
February 7, 2011

Metro and the state of Maryland have selected a team led by Forest City Washington to develop 39 acres in New Carrollton into what is expected to be Prince George’s County’s largest project since National Harbor, said sources familiar with the selection.

Maryland governor’s race could determine Purple Line
October 7, 2010

Maryland voters’ choice of governor could determine whether passengers on a future Purple Line will ride trains or buses, a decision that comes at a critical time for a project about to begin competing for federal money.

Lead in smart growth; don’t just talk
September 2, 2010

Karren Pope-Onwukwe discusses Prince George’s ACT’s recently released 2010 Smart Growth Platform, urging leaders to take action for transit-oriented development around the county.

O’Malley Supports Purple Line
August 11, 2010

O’Malley promotes Purple Line in Bethesda Metro.

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