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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Joint Public Hearing on Subregion 5 Master Plan Minor Amendment and Sectional Map Amendment - June 9, 2026

County Council & Boards — Tuesday, June 9, 2026

BodyPrince Georges County, Maryland

SessionCounty Council & Boards

DateTuesday, June 9, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 52:47

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:01

Good evening.

0:02

This is the County Council of Prince George's County, Maryland.

0:05

Today is Tuesday, June 9th, 2026.

0:08

We are reconvening.

0:15

And we are reconvening for a joint public hearing on the preliminary minor amendment to the 2013 approved subregion five master plan and proposed sectional map amendment.

0:26

Good evening, everyone.

0:27

On behalf of the Prince George's County Council and the Prince George's County Planning Board of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, I'd like to welcome you to this public hearing on the preliminary minor amendment to the 2013 approved subregion five master plan and proposed sectional map and amendment.

0:45

I'm Eric Olson.

0:46

I'm the Vice Chair of the County Council.

0:48

I'd like to take a moment to ask each of my colleagues to introduce themselves and indicate which council district they serve, and then we'll have the planning board members introduce themselves.

0:57

I'll start to my left with Mr.

0:59

Adams.

1:02

Good evening.

1:03

I'm Timothy J.

1:04

Adams, and I'm the county council member for District 4.

1:08

And good evening.

1:09

Good evening, Danielle Hunter, Councilwoman for District 6.

1:15

Sidney Harrison, Council Member for District 9.

1:21

Jolene Ivey at large.

1:24

Okay, and we'll go to the Planning Board.

1:26

Billy O'Coyer vice planning board.

1:29

Brittany Jenkins, Commissioner Planning Board.

1:32

Laurie Matthews, Commissioner.

1:36

Okay, great.

1:37

The County Council sitting as the district council and the planning board are jointly holding this hearing to obtain public comments on the preliminary minor amendment to the 2013 approved subregion five master plan and proposed sectional map amendment.

1:52

The testimony you will hear and provide tonight is part of an ongoing process that will lead to an amended subregion 5 master plan and sectional map amendment for planning areas 81A, 81B, 83, 84, and 805A.

2:11

The District Council initiated the minor uh amendment to the 2013 approved sub region 5 master plan with concurrent sectional map amendment on April 14th, 2026 through the approval of CR28 2026.

2:25

Notice of today's hearing was mailed in April 2026 to all owners of property for which a change in zoning is proposed.

2:33

Additionally, a legal ad ran in the papers of record further publicizing this hearing.

2:39

The preliminary minor plan amendment and proposed sectional map amendment we are considering this evening modifies recommendations in the 2013 master plan for the development of Brandywine Town Activity Center to encourage transit-oriented development and job growth.

2:55

Other uh recommendations along the Maryland 210 and Livingston Road corridors promote expanded retail offerings and supportive housing.

3:03

In addition, the proposed amendments create a land use pattern that would support the development of a medical innovation campus at the Southern Maryland Med Star Hospital Center.

3:13

The proposed amendments also focus on the preservation of the subregion's rural and agricultural areas and advancements in agri technology and agri tourism.

3:22

When approved, the minor plan amendment, the minor amendment to the approved uh 2013 Sub Region 5 Master Plan will set the stage for long-term redevelopment to revitalize the area, stimulate the economy, and enhance the quality of life for years to come.

3:37

The preliminary minor plan amendment to the 2013 approved subregion 5 master plan is accompanied by a concurrent proposed sectional map amendment, which recommends 15 zoning changes necessary to implement this plan.

3:52

The proposed sectional map amendment will amend the county zoning map for the subregion 5 plan area.

3:59

This preliminary minor amendment to the approved 2013 Sub Region 5 Master Plan was prepared with input gathered from property owners, community and neighborhood representatives, and county, regional, and state agency staff.

4:12

These stakeholders participated in a variety of in-person and virtual meetings to inform and guide the planning department in refining the visions, the vision, goals, policies, and strategies of the minor plan amendment.

4:25

Now let me provide some information regarding the joint public hearing to ensure compliance with the law.

4:30

If you intend to speak tonight in favor of an intensification of zoning and you did not file the affidavit form, you will not be permitted to speak on this issue.

4:41

However, you still have an opportunity to complete and submit an affidavit and submit your request or testimony in writing and file it with the clerk of the council prior to the close of the record on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, 15 days after the hearing.

4:57

Your testimony will then be considered as part of the record.

5:01

Affidavits that have already been submitted and are and are still valid and do not need to be resubmitted.

5:08

If you wish to submit written remarks to supplement testimony you may give tonight or prefer submitting uh written comments, please submit your comments via the council's e-comment portal, email address, or fax number found in the legal notice and on today's agenda.

5:26

Testimony and comments will not be accepted via social media, U.S.

5:31

mail, or by telephone or voicemail message.

5:36

To allow everyone a chance to speak, we are requesting that comments be limited to two minutes per speaker.

5:41

A timer will be set once you begin to speak, and you will be notified at one minute before the allotted time has elapsed, and then will be stopped once no time remains.

5:52

Your cooperation in immediately concluding your comments is appreciated.

5:56

You are also encouraged to submit your comments in writing.

5:59

At the end of this hearing, the record will be held open for 15 days, which will conclude at the close of business, 5 p.m.

6:07

on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026.

6:10

This 15-day period provides an opportunity for written comments to be submitted into the record and officially considered as part of this hearing.

6:18

Following the close of the record, the planning board will conduct a work session to review testimony submitted for the record.

6:25

The planning board will then take one of the following actions on the minor plan amendment.

6:30

Adopt the minor plan amendment as drafted, adopt the minor plan amendment with amendments based on the record of testimony submitted by the close of the public record for this public hearing, remand the minor plan amendment back to the planning director for further analysis based on public testimony, or disapprove the minor plan amendment.

6:51

If the planning board adopts the minor plan amendment with or without amendments, it will then take one of the following actions on the proposed sectional map amendment.

7:00

Endorse the sectional map amendment, endorse the sectional map amendment with amendments based on the record of testimony submitted by the close of the public record for this public hearing, or recommend disapproval of the sectional map amendment.

7:13

If the planning board disapproves the plan, it cannot recommend approval of the sectional map amendment because the sectional map amendment must be based on the plan.

7:22

Once the planning board has adopted the minor plan amendment and endorsed the sectional map amendment, they will transmit both to the county council.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Zoning And Land Use█████████████████████████████████████████████57%

Public Engagement███████████████19%

Affordable Housing██████████13%

Procedural█████6%

Economic Development██3%

Transportation Safety██2%

Summary of Proceedings

Joint Public Hearing on Subregion 5 Master Plan Minor Amendment and Sectional Map Amendment

Overview

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the Prince George's County Council, sitting as the District Council, and the Prince George's County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) held a joint public hearing to receive public testimony on CR-028-2026. The hearing concerned a preliminary minor amendment to the 2013 approved Subregion 5 Master Plan and a concurrent proposed Sectional Map Amendment (SMA). The meeting was convened at 6:11 PM by Vice Chair Eric Olson (District 3) and adjourned at 7:04 PM. Seven council members were present; Chair Krystal Oriadha and two other members were absent. The hearing was held to gather input on proposed changes to the Brandywine Town Activity Center, the Maryland 210 and Livingston Road corridors, and the MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital area, with the goal of encouraging transit-oriented development, job growth, and expanded retail while preserving rural and agricultural areas.

Public Comments & Testimony

Norman Rivera (land use attorney, representing Workhorse Residential): Expressed support for the amendment, emphasizing the need for active adult housing and planned retirement communities. He noted ongoing work with staff and Council Member Harrison to advance the vision.
Frank Fannon (property owner, ~44 acres near Livingston Road and 210): Urged consideration of his property for entry-level and senior housing through resubdivision with small lots or attached products. He pledged to submit detailed concepts before the record closed.
Sheri Gomez (property owner affected by proposed zoning change): Opposed the change from Residential Rural to Commercial General Office zoning, citing concerns about traffic, noise, property values, and the rural character of the community.
Taylor Frazier McCollum (resident): Criticized the plan for inadequate community outreach (only 40 survey respondents) and insufficient school capacity. She also raised concerns about potential data center development at Hyde Field and urged slower, more inclusive planning.
Peter Goldsmith (attorney for Frank Fannon): Supported the plan's goal of missing middle housing and described preliminary discussions with staff about cottage cluster housing on the Fannon properties.
Judith Allen-Leventhal (resident, Accokeek): Questioned the justification for changing zoning in the ZC-2 area (Livingston Road, Pine Drive, Beretta Drive), noting that existing single-family homes would become non-conforming. She also requested that the SMA address pedestrian safety on Livingston Road (MD 373) and coordinate with the Accokeek Gateway Project.
Edward Gibbs (attorney for Bass Properties LLC and 9500 Allentown Road LLC): Expressed support for the plan's recommendation to consolidate zoning for four parcels in the 9500 block of Allentown Road, Fort Washington, where a gas station and lumber yard exist.
Daniel Donahue (resident, Accokeek): Opposed the amendments, arguing that the road network cannot support growth, that the county's permit process is burdensome, and that the plan fails to address water supply. He also noted that Accokeek was not listed as a location for viewing the plan documents.
Tom Mateya (consultant for Parker family): Requested that the Parker family's property be rezoned to RSF-95, stating that the current AR zone is not feasible for farming or economical development, and that surrounding properties have already been developed similarly.
Scooter Monroe (founder, Workhorse Residential): Expressed general support for the plan, committing to partner with the council and community to bring investment to the county, despite challenges faced by developers.
Michael Leventhal (resident, Accokeek): Opposed changes for Accokeek, stating that community meetings did not show support for greater density or commercial uses in semi-rural areas. He argued that the planning process consistently ignores resident desires to preserve rural character.
Jessica Brown (resident, Clinton, transportation engineer): Supported transit-oriented development along the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit corridor but cautioned that upzoning without major infrastructure improvements—especially robust transit and active transportation—would be unwise. She advocated for preserving green spaces, agro-tourism, and trails.
Paula McNeil (resident, Clinton Heights): Opposed the plan, citing traffic congestion, declining quality of life, and concern that her home (zoned non-conforming) would lose value, undermining her plans for a future care home.
Caroline Alvarez Escobar (resident, behind MedStar Hospital): Strongly opposed the expansion, citing inadequate hospital administration, stormwater runoff issues, and the availability of undeveloped land on the hospital campus. She also expressed frustration with insufficient advance notice and low council attendance.

Discussion Items

Staff Presentation (Korey Arsenault, M-NCPPC Project Manager): Provided a detailed overview of the minor plan amendment, including project history, community engagement (listening sessions in November/December 2025, an online survey with ~40 responses), market study findings, and proposed zoning changes. The presentation focused on three strategic areas: Brandywine Town Center (transit-oriented mixed-use), Maryland 210 corridor (job growth and retail), and MedStar Hospital area (medical innovation district). Fifteen zoning changes were proposed, primarily along the Maryland 210 and Maryland 5 corridors. Staff emphasized that the plan would protect rural and agricultural areas while directing growth to appropriate nodes.

Key Outcomes

Public hearing held as noticed. The record will remain open until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, for written testimony via eComment portal, email, or fax.
No votes were taken on the plan or SMA. The hearing was solely for receiving public input.
Next steps: The Planning Board will conduct a work session and take action on the minor plan amendment (adopt, adopt with amendments, remand, or disapprove) in September 2026. If adopted, the Planning Board will then endorse or recommend disapproval of the SMA. The District Council will hold a work session and take final action in October 2026.
The meeting was adjourned by a motion from Council Member Ivey, seconded by Council Member Harrison, with unanimous approval.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. This is the County Council of Prince George's County, Maryland. Today is Tuesday, June 9th, 2026. We are reconvening. And we are reconvening for a joint public hearing on the preliminary minor amendment to the 2013 approved subregion five master plan and proposed sectional map amendment. Good evening, everyone. On behalf of the Prince George's County Council and the Prince George's County Planning Board of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, I'd like to welcome you to this public hearing on the preliminary minor amendment to the 2013 approved subregion five master plan and proposed sectional map and amendment. I'm Eric Olson. I'm the Vice Chair of the County Council. I'd like to take a moment to ask each of my colleagues to introduce themselves and indicate which council district they serve, and then we'll have the planning board members introduce themselves. I'll start to my left with Mr. Adams. Good evening. I'm Timothy J. Adams, and I'm the county council member for District 4. And good evening. Good evening, Danielle Hunter, Councilwoman for District 6. Sidney Harrison, Council Member for District 9. Jolene Ivey at large. Okay, and we'll go to the Planning Board. Billy O'Coyer vice planning board. Brittany Jenkins, Commissioner Planning Board. Laurie Matthews, Commissioner. Okay, great. The County Council sitting as the district council and the planning board are jointly holding this hearing to obtain public comments on the preliminary minor amendment to the 2013 approved subregion five master plan and proposed sectional map amendment. The testimony you will hear and provide tonight is part of an ongoing process that will lead to an amended subregion 5 master plan and sectional map amendment for planning areas 81A, 81B, 83, 84, and 805A. The District Council initiated the minor uh amendment to the 2013 approved sub region 5 master plan with concurrent sectional map amendment on April 14th, 2026 through the approval of CR28 2026. Notice of today's hearing was mailed in April 2026 to all owners of property for which a change in zoning is proposed. Additionally, a legal ad ran in the papers of record further publicizing this hearing. The preliminary minor plan amendment and proposed sectional map amendment we are considering this evening modifies recommendations in the 2013 master plan for the development of Brandywine Town Activity Center to encourage transit-oriented development and job growth. Other uh recommendations along the Maryland 210 and Livingston Road corridors promote expanded retail offerings and supportive housing. In addition, the proposed amendments create a land use pattern that would support the development of a medical innovation campus at the Southern Maryland Med Star Hospital Center. The proposed amendments also focus on the preservation of the subregion's rural and agricultural areas and advancements in agri technology and agri tourism. When approved, the minor plan amendment, the minor amendment to the approved uh 2013 Sub Region 5 Master Plan will set the stage for long-term redevelopment to revitalize the area, stimulate the economy, and enhance the quality of life for years to come. The preliminary minor plan amendment to the 2013 approved subregion 5 master plan is accompanied by a concurrent proposed sectional map amendment, which recommends 15 zoning changes necessary to implement this plan. The proposed sectional map amendment will amend the county zoning map for the subregion 5 plan area. This preliminary minor amendment to the approved 2013 Sub Region 5 Master Plan was prepared with input gathered from property owners, community and neighborhood representatives, and county, regional, and state agency staff. These stakeholders participated in a variety of in-person and virtual meetings to inform and guide the planning department in refining the visions, the vision, goals, policies, and strategies of the minor plan amendment. Now let me provide some information regarding the joint public hearing to ensure compliance with the law. If you intend to speak tonight in favor of an intensification of zoning and you did not file the affidavit form, you will not be permitted to speak on this issue. However, you still have an opportunity to complete and submit an affidavit and submit your request or testimony in writing and file it with the clerk of the council prior to the close of the record on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, 15 days after the hearing. Your testimony will then be considered as part of the record. Affidavits that have already been submitted and are and are still valid and do not need to be resubmitted. If you wish to submit written remarks to supplement testimony you may give tonight or prefer submitting uh written comments, please submit your comments via the council's e-comment portal, email address, or fax number found in the legal notice and on today's agenda. Testimony and comments will not be accepted via social media, U.S. mail, or by telephone or voicemail message. To allow everyone a chance to speak, we are requesting that comments be limited to two minutes per speaker. A timer will be set once you begin to speak, and you will be notified at one minute before the allotted time has elapsed, and then will be stopped once no time remains. Your cooperation in immediately concluding your comments is appreciated. You are also encouraged to submit your comments in writing.

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