Joint Public Hearing on Subregion 1 Master Plan Minor Amendment and Sectional Map Amendment

On Monday, June 8, 2026, the Prince George's County Council, sitting as the District Council, and the Prince George's County Planning Board held a joint public hearing regarding a preliminary minor amendment to the 2010 approved Subregion 1 Master Plan and a proposed Sectional Map Amendment (CR-027-2026). The hearing was convened by Vice Chair Eric Olson at 6:09 p.m. and adjourned at 6:58 p.m. Six council members were present (Olson, Adams, Dernoga, Harrison, Ivey, Hunter) along with four planning board members. The purpose was to receive public testimony on amendments focused on transit-oriented development, mixed-use development, industrial flex space, connectivity, and preservation of parks and open space in Planning Areas 60, 61, 62, and 64, specifically around the Cantera Town Center and the Muirkirk-Marc Station Neighborhood Center. The record was held open until Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. for written comments.

Staff Presentation

Elena Perry, Project Manager, and Hannah Menard, Deputy Project Manager, delivered a presentation outlining the project overview, community engagement results (including a town hall, listening session, online survey, and open house), market study findings, key text changes to the plan, and proposed rezonings. Key updates included aligning the plan with Plan 2035, updating transportation and infrastructure references, adding school capacity data, and proposing 10 zoning changes to implement the plan. The presentation emphasized community preferences for mixed-use at Cantera East, a mix of industrial and residential at Cantera South, improved traffic management, green corridors, and additional recreational amenities.

Public Comments & Testimony

Nine individuals provided oral testimony. Positions are summarized below:

• Mary Cook (25-year resident): Expressed support for infrastructure improvements (public safety, schools, transportation, green areas) before additional housing, citing the concept "Better, Not Bigger." She did not oppose the amendment but urged prioritizing infrastructure.
• Russ Shipley (representing PCM Services): Requested expanding the study area boundary by 5.8 acres to include a parcel south of Virginia Manor Road to facilitate industrial development, which would save his client nearly $400,000.
• J.B. Deerin (co-founder, PCM Services): Supported the amendment but requested inclusion of a specific 5.8-acre parcel to allow his company to remain in Prince George's County and avoid splitting operations, preserving 200 jobs (69% county residents). He noted the difficulty in finding suitable contractor space.
• Mercey Ogutu (7-year resident, District 1): Expressed support for CR-027-2026 and recommended expanding transit connections (pedestrian, bike, and regional transit) between Cantera, Laurel, and the Muirkirk-Marc Station to improve mobility and equity.
• Dean Lauren (67-year Beltsville resident, small agricultural business): Opposed the amendment, arguing that the state and county are insolvent and bankrupt, with overstated property tax bases and bond ratings. He claimed all development plans are "dead on arrival" without proper audits and called for agricultural use designation.
• Chris Hatcher (representing Cantera Realty, owner/developer of Cantera): Expressed strong support for the plan, commended the community outreach, and stated he would submit written testimony. He noted the plan focuses on the 1,300-acre Cantera master-planned community.
• Oscar Gregory (longtime Beltsville/College Park resident): Commended the proposal to designate the former Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church property (historically significant, first integrated cemetery) as open space. However, he expressed concern that community engagement underrepresented Beltsville residents, who should have a greater voice.
• Darwin Romero (Laurel resident and candidate for County Council District 1): Expressed concern about the proposed rezoning of approximately 306 acres owned by Cantera Associates (from residential rural to industrial employment) and other changes affecting the Spignal Farm and BAPS temple properties. He called for transparency and a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, asking how many housing units would be lost and how the county would replace them.
• Michaela Bowen Longino (lifelong Beltsville resident): Recommended upgrades to transit service, specifically an express or bus rapid transit (BRT) line along Route 1 from Laurel to College Park (similar to the P1X bus) and along MD 200 to connect to Cantera. She also cautioned about weakening energy efficiency standards by removing the LEAD reference; she planned to submit detailed written comments.

Key Outcomes

• The public hearing was held and the record was closed for oral testimony. Written comments may be submitted until the close of business on June 23, 2026.
• No council or board members asked questions or discussed the proposal during the hearing, consistent with the hearing's purpose to listen.
• The Planning Board will hold a work session to review testimony and will either adopt the minor plan amendment as drafted, with amendments, remand it, or disapprove it by September 3, 2026. If adopted, the Board will also endorse or recommend disapproval of the Sectional Map Amendment.
• The District Council will hold a work session and take final action on the plan in fall 2026 (expected October).
• The meeting adjourned by a unanimous vote (motion by Council Member Harrison, second by Council Member Ivey).