Hyattsville City Council Regular Meeting – May 11, 2026

The Hyattsville City Council met virtually on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM. All council members were present except Edouard Haba (Ward 4). The meeting covered community concerns over an ICE expansion near the Plaza at Prince George’s, a presentation from the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA), the adoption of several proclamations, the approval of consent items, and the unanimous approval of a $65,000 full-time community services caseworker in the FY27 budget. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Justine Hayward (Ward 3) expressed deep concern and disappointment regarding the lack of communication from the Council about the ICE expansion. She urged the Council to improve public messaging and engage with county and state partners to support the immigrant community.
• Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) thanked the Police Department and the Department of Public Works for their hard work and service.
• Daniel Broder (Ward 2) spoke in support of implementing ranked choice voting in Hyattsville and voiced his opposition to the city’s contract with Flock Safety, citing the company’s cooperation with ICE and data privacy concerns.

City Administrator Update

City Administrator Tracey Douglas provided updates on street improvement projects, community programming, and the city website. She recognized National Police Week and National Public Works Week, and highlighted a senior legal clinic that provided $63,000 in pro bono services. The city launched a new podcast, “Hyattsville Happenings.”

Project Updates (Hal Metzler, Acting DPW Director):

• Teen Center: Final use and occupancy received.
• 3505 Hamilton St (Police/Public Safety Building): Temporary use and occupancy received; moving to installation phase.
• The Spot: Permit under revision; construction to begin after Trolley Trail Day (June 13).
• Garage Entrance: Final paving and crosswalk painting underway; opening expected within days.
• Ager Road/Nixon Street: Traffic signal installed and awaiting power activation.

ICE Expansion Discussion: Staff reported no new information on the expansion. Council President Joseph Solomon noted that the County Executive signed an executive order placing a temporary moratorium on use and occupancy permits for immigration detention infrastructure.

Presentations

2026-246 Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA) Presentation Valerie Woodall, Associate Director of ATHA, presented on the organization’s initiatives, including the 5th Annual Trolley Trail Day on June 13, 2026, which will feature activity hubs in Hyattsville (The Spot and Melrose Skate Park), North Brentwood, Brentwood, and Mount Rainier. She also discussed the “We the People” block party on May 30, the Historic Hyattsville Public Art Tour, and efforts to study extending the Trolley Trail down Route 1 to Mount Rainier. Councilmembers thanked her and inquired about programming beyond the trolley trail corridor.

Proclamations (Adopted Unanimously)

• Correction noted: The Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation was corrected during the meeting to designate May (the agenda had listed April).
• Adopted: Jewish American Heritage Month (May), Mental Health Awareness Month (May), National Public Works Week (May 17–23), National Peace Officers Memorial Day & National Police Week (May 10–16), and a proclamation honoring Reverend Dr. Yvonne Penn-Wallace for her years of community service.

Consent Calendar

Approved unanimously (10-0):

• Disbursements: $500 (Mayoral) for Trolley Trail event; $700 (Mayoral) for Summer Soccer Kick-off Watch Party; $250 (Ward 2) for Elementary School PTA Pride event; $250 (Ward 5) for Elementary School PTA Pride event; $250 (Ward 5) for 988 signs; $250 (Ward 5) to Ben Angeloni for a Pride event; $850 (Ward 5) for Ward 5 Budget and BBQ.
• MOU: Authorized the City Administrator to execute an MOU with MD Transit Administration Police, New Carrollton PD, Riverdale Park PD, and HPD for Purple Line policing.
• Change Orders: Authorized increases to contracts with Adirondack Tree Experts ($55,000), Environmental Quality Resources ($22,000 annually), and Professional Lawn Maintenance Services ($46,000 annually).

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: The Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Susan Zahran (Ward 1) to the Code Compliance Advisory Committee for a term ending May 11, 2028.
• Action Item – Community Services Caseworker (2026-243): The Council unanimously approved a motion to include $65,000 in the FY27 Budget to fund a full-time caseworker in the Department of Community Services. Director Sandra Shephard described the role as providing short-term wraparound case management and referrals for residents facing eviction, homelessness, and mental health crises. The position originated from discussions surrounding a prior $100,000 emergency relief fund for immigrants. Councilmembers credited motion makers Vice President Redmond, Councilmember Dhokai, Council President Solomon, and Councilmember Lee for bringing the initiative forward.
• Mayor’s Comment: Mayor Croslin expressed support for the caseworker but suggested the city may eventually need to consider a future tax rate adjustment to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, citing a recent tax increase in Bowie.