Northern Gateway SPACEs Sidewalk and Streetscape Improvements Plan Community Meeting
Langley Park Community Center
1500 Merrimac Drive, Langley Park, MD 20783
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
For more info: Flyer
Preliminary Northern Gateway Wayfinding Systems and Signage Plan Community Meeting
Langley Park Community Center
1500 Merrimac Drive, Langley Park, MD 20783
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
CSTCA has been notified by Councilmember Taveras of the upcoming hearing Liquor License Transfer Request: Siddhartha Maharjan, Owner and Prabjot Batra, Manager; have a Class B+, Beer, Wine and Liquor to be used at RMPB Enterprises, LLC in Gee’s Liquor (3415 52nd Avenue, Cheverly, MD 20781) and to the request a transfer to 1820 University BLVD E, Adelphi, MD 20783 also known as Tick Tock Liquors. The hearing will be held at 9200 Basil Court, Room 410, Largo, Maryland 20774, 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
We are asking all residents for a Call-To-Action to deny this alcoholic beverage license. This business will bring an increase in police calls, loitering and traffic, and a feared resurrected venue that would portend a reversal of positive trends taking place in the neighborhood. Therefore, we are encouraging all residents to sign a petition. Also, come out to the public hearing because, this would affect your community.
If any residents are in need of transportation please contact Councilwoman Taveras’ office at (301) 952-4436 no later than January 22, 2020. They will have (2) locations pick-ups at Rollingcrest Community Center and Langley Park Community Center.
Officers in Attendance: President Marguerite Mickens-Mosley, Vice President Andie Hodge.
Members in attendance about 25. President Mickens-Mosley opened the meeting at 11:00 am by welcoming all present.
Officers Reports:
October 26, 2019 meeting minutes were read and approved. Glenn Kirkland motioned to ratify, Jon Robinson seconded the motion, which passed with no changes. The Treasurer’s report was deferred to the next meeting.
Old Business
President Mickens-Mosley commented as the October minutes were read that some outstanding drainage issues along Cool Spring Road still need to be followed up with the Department of the Environment (DOE). Also noted was that, although Councilwoman Taveras said she had an inquiry and referred the interested party to Mrs. Mickens-Mosley, no one has approached her regarding development of the property at Adelphi and Cool Spring Roads (Cool Spring Forest).
New Business
Election of New Officers: President Mickens-Mosley nominated a slate of officers: Kimberly Crews for President, Cynthia Baur for Vice President, Theodore Hull for Secretary and Andrea Kenner for Treasurer. Johnette Anderson-Kioko moved to accept the slate of officers and Antonio Bruce seconded, with unanimous agreement. Members thanked these community-minded people for stepping up to the leadership of the CSTCA. President-elect Crews suggested other members join their Saturday morning walking group as an option for discussing civic business.
Members also thanked out-going President Mickens-Mosley for her 3-years of service in leading the organization, particularly during the challenging last year. Carol Hurwitch motioned to record these thanks officially in the minutes. Ted Hull seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Community Police Liaison: Corporal Terrance Brown covered some safety issues for our neighborhood and provided his contact information. He noted it helps him greatly to get the job done, if we let him know, in addition to calling 911. He encouraged photos be taken and sent him of problems or concerns, if it can be done safely, and to reach out to him by email Tabrown2@co.pg.md.us and/or call him at work 240-762-1849.
This of time year, it’s especially important to lock cars and make sure security cameras are working. There is more criminal activity outside of the Cool Spring area, but it could spill over. A member suggested tips on security be added to our newsletter, as a neighbor could be encouraged to use better practices. Corporal Brown reminded us of basic good practice of having outdoor flood lights with sensors and to cut back shrubs near doorways. A member raised again the need for speed traps on Cool Spring Road, and it needs to be in the evenings when speeding happens mostly.
Security in parking garages near Prince Georges Plaza is the jurisdiction of the City of Hyattsville, and they can always ask for an assist from the county police. This coordination is what happened during the shooting at Starbucks some months ago. And if a robbery is happening and county police are present, they can step in immediately.
Councilwoman’s Office: Renee White updated members for Councilwoman Taveras. She is Deni’s Administrative Aide and can be reached at 301-952-4436.
A hearing on the status of Tik Tok Liquors will be held on January 28th – details will be sent out.
There is an attempt to open another establishment which could include selling alcohol. Members raised concerns about the vacant Golden Bull Restaurant owned by the same jailed individual.
Apparently unrelated new construction is also being framed up behind the Tik Tok building, which had no permit and has been stopped for now. Ms. White emphasized she was able to quickly research and effect the stop, but only because a neighbor acting as eyes and ears, tipped off the councilwoman’s office. It is critical for her job, she noted, that citizens stay engaged, continue to keep an eye out and report what seems unusual going on around them.
Additional concerns: The State Highway Administration (SHA) cleaning up their nearby site after Purple Line construction is done–may be a bike path or sidewalk is being put in there also; when the school construction on Riggs Road is to start.
How “no parking-will tow” signs can be put on a public street for apparent private use, as it the case at townhouses and elsewhere near Bus Boys and Poets in Hyattsville (after multiple calls to various departments, no response given as to why this is legal).
Parking is taking place too close to street corners—should be 25 feet back—and needs to be enforced. Revenue Authority is the enforcement arm and inspectors may still be understaffed. according to Mrs. Mickens-Mosley’s conversation with Inspector McCleran, in some cases the fine is just paid and violation continues.
Adjournment: The official meeting portion adjourned at 12:00 pm with a move to celebrate year-end with holiday cheer. President Mickens-Mosley moved to adjourn and Joel Ryerson seconded, with unanimous agreement. Members enjoyed time catching up with neighbors, eating the tasty potluck, and thanking new the officers for their time, energy and leadership in the community.
Handouts: CSTCA Meeting Agenda December 21, 2019 and Meeting Minutes for October 26, 2019.
MEETING MINUTES
OF THE
COOL SPRING TERRACE CIVIC ASSOCIATION
October 26, 2019
Officers in Attendance: President Marguerite Mickens-Mosley
Members in attendance per sign-in sheet totaled 14; others arrived during the meeting.
President Mickens-Mosley opened the meeting at 11:00 am by welcoming all present.
Officers Reports:
August 24, 2019 meeting minutes were read and approved. Jon Robinson motioned to ratify, Sondra seconded the motion. The Treasurer’s report was deferred to the next meeting, December 21.
Old Business:
President Mickens-Mosley updated members community event cancellations – potluck or block party. Although something she really wanted to accomplish this year, with lack of any other officer involvement this last year, and many unanticipated extra family duties involving much travel,
it became too big a stretch. Members were clear that no apologies were needed—family comes first and they were very grateful for all the accomplishments, regular civic work and meetings
Mrs. Mickens-Mosley has maintained.
Parking and housing code violations that raised at the last meeting were relayed by Mrs. Mickens-Mosley to Inspector McCleran to pursue. She asked that members let her know if there are any more. Officer Musie is covering our area until Officer Brown returns from training. Corporal T has stopped by to say hello and that he thinks of us.
The loose dogs previously reported roaming have been reported to the ASPCA.
Related issue: A wild coyote was seen as recently as the previous night and should be reported to animal control unless you are in imminent danger.
The corner of Adelphi and Cool Spring Roads is being used by the Maryland State Highway administration (SHA) as a staging area for purple line construction—it is their property—
and not a new property construction without community notice.
New Business:
Councilwoman Deni Taveras gave a report of selected county accomplishments/projects.
For more information or concerns, contact her Administrative Aide, Renee White at 301-952-4436.
County projects include:
–Extensive work on the important countywide 2020 Census. Volunteers are needed to be trained and go to churches, supermarkets, senior homes and community centers. This is to make sure the 2020 Census count participation is high and we are not undercounted, affecting the ability to get funding and have it properly allocated.
—Partnership with Habitat for Humanity to buy up vacant homes and provide to those in need according to income. Have purchased villas in Langley Park to revitalize. CSTCA will consider bringing their local contact to a future meeting on this useful project.
—Animal ordinance is new for dangerous and vicious animals; voted for pit bull ban.
—Residential parking concerns can now be addressed by county council resolution for number of permits allowed by household.
–$50,000 appropriated for Cool Spring area to analyze flooding, drainage cleaned out –may also need to meet with DOE.
–DPWT has a Vision Zero proposal to promote survival, prevent pedestrian and cyclist deaths/ injuries. New Hampshire Avenue and University Blvd has the highest pedestrian deaths in the county.
–Will review at a future meeting the State of the District—$10 billion being invested.
–Met with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks on Ms. Taveras vision of how the county can grow.
All revitalization and tax credit bills were passed with her support. The Tik Tok building/lot transformation and lots at New Hampshire and University are on Ms. Taveras’ “wish list.” Transforming East-West Highway strip mall with $350,000. Keeping same residents and rents beautifying with mural. Art pieces to be at WAWA and bus stations. Discussed a Welcome sign
in Cool Spring/Adelphi area and other Northern Gateway/Carroll Highlands activity.
—Development and schools: Development Hyattsville over $55 billion. 50% of residents are foreign born. Want to increase household average /median income and investment in this area as in Arts District. $10 billion in projects…3 at $1 billion each in Hyatttsville/elsewhere related to the Purple Line. Properties being developed without county money.
Schooling in trailers and such crowding a major longstanding problem. (Some members pointed out limits to growth-see following section on Q&A/Discussion.) Two (2) new schools being constructed and others expanding in Hyattsville. High Point, Adelphi Elementary/Cool Spring, others mentioned
as expanding (8 new)county-wide. Traffic will be “special” on Riggs Road during construction.
–The need for bus drivers was noted—there is a shortage.
–$8 million being invested in 3 community centers in Northern Gateway. A library was started
at Langley Park and Merrimac. Building includes commercial office space and commercial kitchen
as incubator/ training center.
–“Dream wish list” includes buying buildings to keep artists in studios, and the Metzrott corner church building to keep international counseling, PGPCS, ESL, etc. resources in the community.
–An inquiry to develop the ‘Cool Spring Forest’ area came into the Councilwoman’s office again
and she referred them to President Mickens. She noted the new owner knows her commitment
and that’s why she sent the inquiry to us.
Discussion with Councilwoman Deni Taveras – Members were:
–Frustrated with speed of and lack of response on service calls for gang activity seen on trees in the Northwest Branch stream valley park—also for property/trash code violations. Gaps ability to access, in follow-up and continuity, with same issues never resolved or hear back.
–Concerned about why it was necessary to build houses and apartments still for families when schools were overcrowded and tax base low. Proposed accommodating more businesses instead
to reduce congestion, need for more taxpayer investment and raise the tax revenues.
–Very interested in having the Councilwoman open a conversation with the county and/or the owner of the acres of forested area near the end of Cool Spring Road and Adelphi Road (Cool Spring Forest). (There is a new owner/partnership for this private land this community has fought for decades to preserve as currently zoned low-density or undeveloped green space.) Members do not want development there but to keep it natural open space. Habitat for red tailed hawks and other wildlife, an amenity for the community — something naturally wild for children and family to experience close to home, aesthetically pleasing/calming to the human spirit–especially as we live in an urban area.
–Appreciative of the transformation and beautification efforts seen nearby and glad some coming
to our area. Various specific ideas were discussed for overcoming years of neglect regarding renovation/placement of malls, libraries, bus centers and shelters, and banners/signage.
New Business
The next meeting on December 21 will be our year-end potluck and new officer election.
Discussion ensued about why the civic association is important and whether / how to structure leadership and activities in the next term differently to improve participation. By-Laws would have
to be changed if a major restructure of leadership is desired. A leadership structure review/proposal is to be considered to be done the next year.
Kim Crews offered to coordinate bulk trash pick-up and the Spring April Green Up.
Carol Hurwitch and Andrea Kenner agreed to research and install a Little Library.
Handouts
CSTCA: Meeting Agenda for October 26, 2019 and Meeting Minutes for August 22, 2019
Prince Georges County: 2020 Census Frequently Asked Questions
District 2: Senior Fall Fling – November 14th, 11am-2pm and
Seniors Paint and Pastries – October 4, 7, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15 – with Art Works Now
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.
COOL SPRING TERRACE CIVIC ASSOCIATION (CSTCA)
June 22, 2019
MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE
For more news, visit our website at: https://coolspringterrace.wordpress.com/
NEXT GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
SATURDAY, June 22, 2019
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
CHRIST SCIENCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
8300 ADELPHI ROAD
The June General Membership Meeting will be at 11:00 a.m. at 8300 Adelphi Road, Adelphi.
Guest Presenters: Senator Jim Rosapepe as well a Representative from the office of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. As per usual, our District Councilmember Deni Taveras will also be in attendance.
NOTES
Membership Dues: Annual dues for 2019 ($10) are still being collected. If you have not paid your 2019 dues and would like to, please contact President Mickens-Mosley).
Want bulk trash items picked up? Items such as washing machines, dryers, furniture, hot water heaters, and other large items are collected by appointment only. Contact Bulky Trash at (301) 952-7600, Mon. – Fri. between 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to schedule a pickup. It can also be done via email: BulkyTrash@co.pg.md.us or the CountyClick 311 website (http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov/). Give the following info: Name, address, phone number, and a list of items for collection. CountyClick 311 should also be used to report residential code violations and parking violations. IF YOU SEE BULK ITEMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN COLLECTED, PLEASE REPORT IT. LET’S KEEP OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN.
CSTCA Walking Group: The Walking Group still meets and walks every Saturday morning at 7:30 am at the Northwest Branch Trail – Cool Spring Rd Entrance. All are welcome!
Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting
Date: April 27, 2019
Officers in Attendance: President Marguerite Mickens-Mosley, Past President Ted Hull taking meeting minutes.
Also, in attendance: Council Member Deni Tavares, Inspector David McLaurin, Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE)
Members in Attendance: Approximately 20
President’s Welcome – Marguerite Mickens-Mosley – The meeting was called to order at 11:07 a.m. with President Mickens-Mosley presiding.
Reading of the December Minutes: President Mickens-Mosley reviewed the February minutes and they were approved without revision.Treasury report – President Mickens-Mosley reported an expenditure for three meeting announcement signs of $130. The current balance is $1,340.00. The Association is accepting dues for 2019. Checks (in the amount of $10) can be mailed to Treasurer, Anika Halota, 3305 Cool Spring Road. Please do not leave cash.
Guest Presenter: Inspector David McLaurin, Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) providing a brief overview.After hearing several member concerns, Inspector McLaurin requested that property complaints be submitted to President Mickens-Mosley, who will compile them into a single list and report to him. He will follow-up on those complaints and report back to President Mickens-Mosley.
COPs Report: In the absence of Officer Musse, President Mickens-Mosley read items from the report he submitted to her. None of the reported incidents occurred in the immediate Cool Spring Terrace neighborhood. The incidents largely occurred in the University Boulevard commercial district.
New Business & Old Business
Old Business: President Mickens-Mosley reported on the status of the following items:
Meeting Announcement Signs: President Mickens-Mosley reported that three signs were purchased for posting in the community. Additional signs will be purchased taking into account member suggestions on greater contrast between the background and lettering on future signs to improve readability.
Environment Crimes Unit: President Mickens-Mosley reported on the walk through by the Environmental Crimes Unit (ECU) to Cool Spring Road on March 13, 2019. The ECU is still in the process of evaluating dumping problem areas for installation of cameras. If dumping is seen in process, please report details to 311. Councilwoman Taveras later noted that the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) will aid in surveillance of problem dumping areas.
Purple Line: Member Jon Robinson noted receiving a survey from President Mosley on the Purple Line. He encouraged people to complete the survey and share their views of the Purple Line. President Mickens-Mosley added that she was made aware of an issue with the water and sewer lines in Bethesda that is stopping Purple Line construction in that area. In addition, Purple Line construction vehicles continue to be seen using Cool Spring Rd as a cut through to reach job sites.
Parking in Hyattsville: Councilwoman Taveras reported that the parking issue brought up at the February meeting concerned parking on private property. The City of Hyattsville is looking to build a public garage. Yet still does not address the concerns of members receiving tickets due to “private” no parking signs on public streets. New Business
8th Precinct Meeting: President Mickens-Mosley reported on a meeting of the 8th Precinct Civic Association presidents and the County Executive Angela Alsobrooks on April 16, 2019. President Mickens-Mosley reported that she and other associations submitted a list of the top concerns to District 2 liaison David Smith (dsmith1@co.pg.md.us) of the Office of Community Relations. At the meeting, the County Executive reported on her top issues: money for schools; establishing a senior mobile pantry; increase dumping fines; build an outdoor amphitheater; and add food waste pickup to the trash pickup schedule (tentatively planned to begin in Oct. 2019).
Bus Stop at Riggs Rd and Quebec St: A visitor requested assistance with obtaining a bus shelter and trash receptacle for the bus stop at Riggs Rd and Quebec St. She was referred to Councilwoman Taveras’ office.
The Bus: President Mickens-Mosley reported that the Transit Vision Plan is still in the discussion phase. Anita Shelby is the contact.
Meeting Flyers: Member Carol Hurwitch is unable to photocopy and distribute the flyers to block captains in advance of the June 22nd meeting requested a volunteer to copy and distribute the flyer to the block captains. President Mosley stated if no one volunteered, she would assume the responsibility.
Councilwoman Taveras reported on the priorities for the $4.2 billion county budget. This is a 3 percent increase over the previous budget. The budget includes $2.1 billion for education and $794 million for public safety. Among the new positions approved are 100 new police, 22 new 311 call takers, and 15 new DPIE enforcement officers. DPWT will get 5 new bulk trash vehicles, which should decrease wait time for bulky trash pickups. The parkland acquisition budget does not include funds to acquire Cool Spring Forest as open space.
School Construction: Councilwoman Taveras reviewed the need for new school construction in the northern Prince George’s county area. A Town Hall is scheduled for April 30, 6:30 PM, at Buck Lodge Middle School.
She also requested a presence at two upcoming County Council public hearings on April 29 and May 7, 7 PM, on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the schools. She hopes that hearing from the public on the importance of these schools to the local area will move the construction up on the CIP schedule. She is hoping to secure funding to add an access road to the new school sites from Metzerott Road.
Councilwoman Taveras reported that the County received $15 million for new school construction. The County will use Public Private Partnership (P3) approach to the construction, with an annual mortgage payment for the 5 schools for 30 years. The County did not receive additional funding to support the construction of a total of 18 needed schools.
Councilwoman Taveras reported on her priorities for the upcoming Legislative Agenda. The 20 bills she is sponsoring include: Racial Equity in Policing (cameras, sanctuary cities, gang database administration); Residential Parking Program; Legacy Task Force; Human Trafficking; Establish a Set Budget for the Council on Arts and Humanities; Domestic Violence Resolution; Tenant Rental Survey; Economic Development Incentives; and Food Options for Urban Farms.
District 2 liaison David Smith (dsmith1@co.pg.md.us) of the Office of Community Relations, Office of the County Executive, introduced himself to the CSTCA.
Motion to Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:10 p.m.
Next meeting will be held on June 22, 2019
Greetings All!
Not much to report this week. A reminder of our upcoming June Membership Meeting. Minutes from our April membership meeting, and a Purple Line Update.
JUNE CSTCA MEETING NOTICE: SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 8300 Adelphi Road, Christ Scientist Church (flyer attached)
CSTCA April Meeting Minutes:
PURPLE LINE:
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Have a good evening and better weekend!
