Public Meetings - Prince Georges County, Maryland

The Prince George's County Council, sitting as the District Council, met on July 14, 2026, for a zoning agenda. The meeting convened at 10:17 a.m. despite the agenda listing a 9:45 a.m. start time. Six members were present at roll call: Vice Chair Eric Olson and Council Members Shayla Adams-Stafford, Edward Burroughs, Thomas Dernoga, Sydney Harrison, and Timothy Adams. Absent were Chair Krystal Oriadha and Council Members Wala Blegay, Wanika Fisher, Danielle Hunter, and Jolene Ivey. The Council approved the previous day's minutes and voted 6-0 to approve the Southern Hills Conceptual Site Plan (CSP-24001) with conditions. No public testimony or discussion was heard on July 14; the item was decided on the record following a July 13, 2026 hearing. Consent Calendar - Approved the District Council minutes dated July 13, 2026 (MINDC 07132026) by a 6-0 vote. The motion was made by Council Member Harrison and seconded by Council Member Burroughs. Absent members did not vote. Zoning Item: CSP-24001 Southern Hills - Applicant Southern Hills LLC requested approval of a Conceptual Site Plan for an 85.4-acre mixed-use development located on the south side of Southern Avenue and the north and south sides of Wheeler Hills Road, in Council District 7. - The proposed development includes 980 multifamily dwelling units, 150 senior housing units, 168 townhouse units, and approximately 45,000 square feet of commercial/retail and medical office space. - The applicant also requested an amendment to the Development District Overlay (D-D-O) Zone use table to permit multifamily and townhouse uses within the Multifamily Medium Density Residential (R-18)/D-D-O and One-Family Detached Residential (R-55)/D-D-O Zones, to be developed according to Mixed Use-Transportation Oriented (M-X-T) Zone regulations. - Prior proceedings: M-NCPPC Technical Staff recommended approval with conditions on April 9, 2026, and the M-NCPPC Planning Board recommended approval with conditions on May 14, 2026. After a July 13, 2026 hearing, the case was referred for document. - Action: Vice Chair Olson moved to adopt the prepared order of approval with conditions, seconded by Council Member Burroughs. The motion carried 6-0, with absent members not voting. Key Outcomes - District Council minutes for July 13, 2026 were approved by a vote of 6-0. - CSP-24001 Southern Hills was approved with conditions by a vote of 6-0. The appeal deadline had been June 18, 2026, and the action deadline was July 20, 2026. - The District Council session adjourned at 10:26 a.m. following a motion by Council Member Burroughs and second by Council Member Dernoga.

The Prince George's County District Council convened on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:28 a.m. (originally scheduled for 10:00 a.m.) with six members present. The meeting addressed one mandatory review case, one new case, and three pending finality items. All votes were unanimous (6-0) with five members absent (Chair Oriadha, Council Members Blegay, Burroughs, Fisher, and Hunter). Consent Calendar - Approval of District Council Minutes (July 6, 2026): Approved unanimously (6-0) via motion by Council Member Dernoga, seconded by Council Member Harrison. Public Comments & Testimony - CSP-24001 Southern Hills: No oral opposition was presented. The applicant's attorney noted minimal community feedback and positive engagement with Council Member Oriadha's office. - ERR-001-2026 Eucharia Ogu: No opposition listed; no public testimony. - SE-23003 Meridian Hill: Opposition listed (Tomeka Pinckney-Jackiewicz et al.) but no testimony was heard as the council waived election to review. - DSP-2026-0004 and DSP-25002: No public testimony. Discussion Items - CSP-24001 Southern Hills (Mandatory Review): Staff overview by Emery Huang described an 85.4-acre site near the Southern Avenue Metro Station, proposing 980 multifamily units, 150 senior units, 168 townhouses, and 45,000 sq ft commercial/retail/medical space. The applicant requested an amendment to the D-D-O Zone use table to permit multifamily and townhouse uses in R-18/D-D-O and R-55/D-D-O zones. The Planning Board approved with conditions, including removal of 17 specimen trees (denying removal of 2 on-site and 3 off-site). Attorney Thomas Haller highlighted 12 years of land assembly, collaboration with WMATA for metro connectivity, and a temporary solar facility on the property. Council Member Adams inquired about community outreach; the applicant reported limited feedback due to the site's isolation. People's Zoning Counsel Stan Brown concurred with the Planning Board's recommendation. The council voted to refer the item to staff for preparation of an approving document with conditions (6-0). - ERR-001-2026 Eucharia Ogu (New Case): The item concerns validation of two permits issued in error (fence in 2018, two-story rear addition in 2021) on a 0.3251-acre property in Temple Hills. No opposition. The council voted to refer to staff for preparation of an approving document (6-0). Key Outcomes - CSP-24001 Southern Hills: Referred to staff for preparation of an order of approval with conditions. (Vote: 6-0) - ERR-001-2026 Eucharia Ogu: Referred to staff for preparation of an order of approval. (Vote: 6-0) - SE-23003 Meridian Hill (Planned Retirement Community – 126 villas): Council waived election to review, allowing the Zoning Hearing Examiner's approval with conditions to become final. (Vote: 6-0; appeal by date: 8/6/2026) - DSP-2026-0004 Capital Plaza Eastern Pad Site (1,910 sq ft restaurant with drive-through): Council waived election to review, allowing the Planning Board's approval with conditions to become final. (Vote: 6-0; appeal by date: 7/24/2026) - DSP-25002 Metro City Phase 1 (72 townhouses, 240 senior multifamily units, 195-bed assisted living facility): Council waived election to review, allowing the Planning Board's approval with conditions to become final. (Vote: 6-0; appeal by date: 7/30/2026) - The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.

On July 7, 2026, the Prince George's County Council sat as the Committee of the Whole in the Council Hearing Room at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, Largo, Maryland. The agenda was posted for 10:30 a.m., but the meeting was convened at 11:59 a.m. with 11 members present. It recessed at 1:42 p.m., reconvened at 2:30 p.m., and adjourned at 3:20 p.m. The session included a lengthy public hearing and debate on CR-066-2026, a two-year hyperscale data center moratorium, followed by a historic site designation, the Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment, Board of Education financial matters, and several routine resolutions. Public Comments & Testimony - Several speakers opposed the two-year moratorium or urged a shorter pause. Alexander Austin, President and CEO of the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, speaking for more than 850 businesses, asked the council to limit any moratorium to six months and to wait for the Maryland General Assembly study expected in December. Tamia James, Sherry Lewis, Jermaine Hargraves, Claude Rucker, and Diedre Roy presented 'facts' supporting data center development, including roughly 2,400 total jobs annually during construction, several hundred direct operational jobs, tens of millions of dollars in county tax revenue, Loudoun County's $875 million in data center tax revenue in 2024 (38% of its county budget from 3% of its land), and the claim that all U.S. data centers use less than 1% of national water consumption. - Labor representatives opposed the moratorium. Mike Dempsey of the Prince George's County Union Carpenters asked that data center construction proceed with union labor and project labor agreements. Victoria Leonard of the Baltimore-D.C. Building Trades, representing 28 affiliates, said the two-year moratorium was not necessary because the data center task force had already delivered a report. Don Slaiman of IBEW Local 26 opposed the word 'moratorium,' saying it hurts union businesses; he cited Local 26's growth from 9,000 to 17,000 members in eight years, an increase from 14 million to 28 million hours worked, and more than 33 million hours expected this year, with apprentices starting at $27 per hour and journeymen at $62 per hour plus $30 in benefits. - Many speakers supported the moratorium or asked for stronger action. Jon Robinson, representing himself, advocated banning hyperscale generative AI data centers and called them an existential threat. Greg Smith, a board member of Sustainable Hyattsville, supported expanding the moratorium to all land use approvals and permitting; he cited PJM warnings of possible rolling blackouts or brownouts by June 2027 and a PJM letter stating that 94% of projected energy demand growth from 2024 to 2030 would be driven by data centers. Herb Jones of the South County Environmental Justice Coalition wholeheartedly supported CR-066-2026 and a two-year pause, saying utility bills would rise and that PJM and NERC should be included in stakeholder talks. Taylor Frazier McCollum of the No Land Over Data Center movement opposed hyperscale centers, cited Virginia's $1.9 billion loss to data center incentives, and said 24,000 people had signed her petition. Claire Flintoff, a lifelong Cheverly resident, urged adoption of the resolution as a first step but flagged that Draft 1 language did not match the fiscal and summary background; Chair Oriadha responded that Draft 2 contained the clarification. Dan Smith of Cheverly supported Draft 2 and favored smaller, targeted data centers over hyperscale facilities. Kathy Bartolomeo of Greenbelt supported CR-066-2026, raising PFAS, drought, grid reliability, and climate concerns. Julie Therrett of Greenbelt supported a moratorium on AI data centers. Beth Landry of CCAN Action Fund supported the moratorium and signed onto amendments from local organizations; she estimated a proposed 820 MW project could produce about 1.6 million metric tons of CO2 per year, roughly 15% of the county's 2015 emissions level of 9.9 million metric tons. Nirvan Sengupta spoke for residents and the natural environment against higher utility costs and pollution. Reginald Martin supported CR-066-2026 and said the people should decide. Discussion Items CR-066-2026: Temporary Moratorium on Hyperscale Data Center Operation Chair Oriadha moved CR-066-2026 ahead of the posted agenda order. The resolution, sponsored by Chair Oriadha and Council Member Dernoga, would establish a two-year moratorium on the operation of hyperscale qualified data centers. Staff Director Rana Hightower provided the overview, noting that the Planning Department submitted comments and requested an amendment. Legislative Attorney Josh Hamlin presented Draft 2, which would largely track the earlier pause in CR-098-2025 for two years, add detailed site plan approvals, and terminate automatically if the council enacts comprehensive data center legislation. Devin Martin, Deputy Chief of Staff to County Executive Aisha Braveboy, said the executive had signed her third executive order holding data center permits through September 30, 2026, and asked for more time for a collaborative stakeholder process. County Attorney Anthony Jones, co-chair of the data center task force, explained that Executive Order 15-2026 stops DPI from processing existing permits such as the Landover Mall application, while CR-066-2026 would stop the Planning Department from accepting, processing, reviewing, and approving new preliminary plans of subdivision for future data center applications. During debate, Council Member Blegay strongly supported the moratorium, citing unanswered water and grid questions, national and state actions, and her surveys showing nearly 80% resident opposition. Vice Chair Olson called Draft 2 a smart, judicious pause. Chair Oriadha described the issue as a moral and equity issue for the county. Council Member Harrison questioned whether two years was the right timeline, proposed considering a one-year pause, and noted that neighboring jurisdictions with over 200 data centers derive more than 42% of their local tax base from such facilities. Council Member Adams also thought two years was too long and wanted more economic-impact analysis. Council Member Fisher moved to hold the bill, saying members needed more time and noting that an executive order moratorium was already in place until September; the hold motion failed. Council Member Adams-Stafford supported the moratorium but said the county needed real regulation and asked colleagues to support her forthcoming data center regulation bill. The final vote recommended Draft 2 favorably with amendments. TA-1-2026: Weinstein House/Harry's Market Historic Site Designation Tom Gross of the Historic Preservation Section presented the proposed designation of the Weinstein House/Harry's Market at 4221 31st Street, Mount Rainier (Documented Property 68-074-05), a mixed-use complex built in two phases circa 1921-1924. Staff found that the property meets four of the nine historic site designation criteria under Section 29-104A. The Historic Preservation Commission recommended designation on February 17, 2026; a joint public hearing was held on May 4, 2026; and the Planning Board voted 3-0 on June 11, 2026, to recommend designation. Council Member Ivey moved to refer the transcript analysis for preparation of a resolution, noting that she had taken her oldest sons to the store when she lived in Mount Rainier. The motion carried 6-0. TA-2-2026: Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment Bill Skibinski and Elena Perry of M-NCPPC presented the preliminary Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan and proposed Sectional Map Amendment (CR-053-2023). The process began May 30, 2023. After the March 10, 2026 joint public hearing and the March 25 close of record, the Planning Board adopted the plan and endorsed the SMA on May 28, 2026. The presentation reported 25 oral testimony speakers, including 18 in support; 79 written submissions plus two late submissions; and 42 total expressions of support. For the SMA, there were 15 submissions: 3 supportive or neutral, 10 opposing specific zoning changes, and 2 requesting new zoning changes. The Planning Board accepted both late exhibits, including a request to rezone the Addison Station Brownfield property from RSFA to LTOE. The presentation noted a district council action deadline of September 22, 2026, but later referenced September 24, 2026; that discrepancy was not resolved on the record. The plan revisions highlighted by staff included removing the proposed amphitheater at Morgan Boulevard Metro Station after County Executive comments and replacing it with an enhanced public plaza; retaining the Rolling Ridge neighborhood rezoning to LTOE despite resident concerns about nonconforming homes and displacement; formalizing the Blue Line Corridor Coalition's role in implementation; encouraging coordinated development of the Northwest Stadium property and the adjacent Gray Lot; supporting a state transit-oriented development designation for the corridor; expanding economic development strategies to include industrial and manufacturing uses; coordinating with the Maryland 214 Pedestrian Safety Action Plan; revising the Cabin Branch Road pedestrian bridge proposal to prioritize near-term at-grade safety improvements; strengthening cultural heritage and preservation policies, including possible preservation or adaptive reuse of the William and Mildred Ridgely Gray House at 8118 Central Avenue; and adding healthy food systems strategies. On the SMA side, the Planning Board adopted targeted rezoning changes, including modifications to the Morgan Boulevard Center boundary and transitions such as 8601-8607 Central Avenue from IE to CGO with existing IE uses continuing by right through 2032. The Committee accepted the late testimony into the record and referred the transcript analysis for document preparation; both motions carried 6-0. TR-4-26: Board of Education FY 2026 Financial Review and Transfer Request 3 Caleb Callender, Budget and Policy Analyst, reported that the FY 2026 transfer request 3 was approved by the Board of Education on June 11, 2026. The financial review decreases the FY 2026 operating budget by $5,553,550, reflecting a $3,193,464 decrease in state Blueprint College and Career Readiness grant revenue and a $2,360,086 decrease in the local share of that grant. Total FY 2026 revenue and expenditures decrease to $2,989,759,213. The Committee favorably recommended the transfer request and reconciliation to the County Council by a 6-0 vote. TR-5-26: FY 2027 Board of Education Approved Annual Operating Budget Staff presented the Board of Education's FY 2027 operating budget reconciliation totaling $2,984,293,453, described as an increase of $23,587,803 over the FY 2026 County Council-approved operating budget and $13,729,353 over the County Council-approved FY 2027 operating budget. The county contribution remains constant at $969,076,600, with increases of $8,654,350 in federal sources and $3,369,697 in state revenue. The Committee favorably recommended the budget reconciliation to the County Council by a 6-0 vote. CR-067-2026 through CR-070-2026 CR-067-2026 approves 28 stop sign monitoring system locations in the Town of Riverdale Park, based on traffic studies at 10 locations; staff confirmed the town met all requirements. The agenda lists Council Member Olson as the sole sponsor, while the minutes also list Council Member Dernoga as co-sponsor. CR-068-2026 adjusts the FY 2027 School Facilities Surcharge for inflation, using the CPI-U increase of 3.8%. CR-069-2026 adjusts the FY 2027 Public Safety and Behavioral Health Surcharge by 3.8% CPI-U, increasing the surcharge by $126 above the FY 2026 level of $3,300 for permits in the developed tier and by $376 above the FY 2026 level of $9,903 for all other buildings. CR-070-2026 makes a supplementary appropriation of $15,381,210 in federal, state, and other grant funds for the Circuit Court, Office of the State's Attorney, Police Department, Fire/EMS Department, Office of the Sheriff, Office of Homeland Security, Department of the Environment, Department of Family Services, Health Department, Department of Social Services, and Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. Each resolution was favorably recommended to the County Council by a 6-0 vote, with Council Members Adams-Stafford, Blegay, Burroughs, Fisher, and Harrison absent for the post-recess roll calls. Key Outcomes - CR-066-2026: Motion to close debate carried 8-3. Motion to hold the resolution failed 2-6-3. The Committee favorably recommended Draft 2 with amendments to the County Council by a vote of 7-1-3, with Council Member Adams dissenting and Council Members Burroughs, Fisher, and Hunter abstaining. - TA-1-2026: Referred for document preparation 6-0. - TA-2-2026: Late testimony accepted into the record 6-0; transcript analysis referred for document preparation 6-0. - TR-4-26 and TR-5-26: Favorably recommended 6-0. - CR-067-2026, CR-068-2026, CR-069-2026, and CR-070-2026: Favorably recommended 6-0 each. - The meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.

The Prince George's County Council convened on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 10:43 a.m. (Legislative Day No. 24) under the leadership of Chair Krystal Oriadha. The meeting covered a broad range of legislation including emergency weather operations, accessory dwelling units, election day leave, human trafficking awareness, affordable housing financing, a planning board appointment, and a two-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers. The session recessed at 11:32 a.m. for a Committee of the Whole meeting and reconvened at 1:52 p.m. to adopt the data center moratorium, adjourning at 1:55 p.m. Consent Calendar - Minutes approved: June 29, 2026 morning and evening sessions (MIN 06292026a and MIN 06292026b). - CB-072-2026 (Emergency Weather Operations Fund) – Presented by the Chair on behalf of the County Executive, establishing a fund for pre-event staging, active response, and post-event recovery. Referred to the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GOFP) Committee. - CB-073-2026 (Standards for Specific Sign Types) – Sponsored by Council Member Dernoga, amending sign height limits in Industrial, Employment, and IE-PD zones. Referred to the Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee. - CB-074-2026 (Accessory Dwelling Units) – Sponsored by Council Member Adams-Stafford (agenda) but presented and sponsored by Chair Oriadha in Adams-Stafford’s absence; adds definitions and regulations for accessory dwelling units consistent with state law. Referred to PHED Committee. - CR-067-2026 (Stop Sign Monitoring Systems – Town of Riverdale Park) – Introduced by Council Members Olson and Dernoga, requiring County Council approval of monitoring system locations. Referred to Committee of the Whole (COW). - CR-068-2026 (School Facilities Surcharge FY2027) – Introduced by the Chair, adjusting the surcharge by 3.8% per CPI-U to $12,680 (inside I-495/transit areas) and $21,769 (other areas). Referred to COW. - CR-069-2026 (Public Safety and Behavioral Health Surcharge FY2027) – Introduced by the Chair, adjusting the surcharge to $3,429 (Developed Tier/transit areas) and $10,279 (other areas). Referred to COW. - CR-070-2026 (Supplementary Appropriation of Federal, State, and Other Funds) – Introduced by the Chair, appropriating $15,381,210 in grant funds to 11 county agencies. Referred to COW. - The consent agenda was adopted by a vote of 7–0 (Absent: Adams-Stafford, Burroughs, Fisher, Harrison). Public Comments & Testimony - Tonya Stephens signed up to address the Council but did not speak. - APPT-15-26 (Planning Board Appointment): Greg Smith expressed concerns about the lack of public notice and transparency regarding planning board appointments, citing the county code requirement to make appointment information public. He did not state support or opposition to the nominee. Oretha Bridgwaters-Simms spoke in support of Ms. Lawlah, highlighting her decades of public service and love for the county. - No public testimony was offered on CB-039-2026 (Election Day Leave) or CB-040-2026 (Human Trafficking Awareness Notice). Appointment & Confirmation - APPT-15-26 – Gloria Gary Lawlah to the Prince George’s County Planning Board (M-NCPPC) – A public hearing was held. County Executive Aisha Braveboy introduced the nominee, citing her 50+ years of leadership as a State Senator, Secretary of Aging, and educator. The nominee pledged to work closely with the Council and support seniors. After comments from Council members praising her legacy, the Council voted 11–0 to confirm the appointment for a term expiring June 15, 2027. Discussion Items - CB-039-2026 (Election Day Administrative Leave) – Sponsor: Blegay, Burroughs, Oriadha. Public hearing held; no testimony. Enacted by a vote of 10–0 (Absent: Burroughs). - CB-040-2026 (Human Trafficking Awareness Notice) – Sponsor: Olson, Burroughs, Oriadha, Ivey, Harrison, Dernoga, Adams-Stafford. Requires hotels to post human trafficking awareness notices. Public hearing held; no testimony. Enacted by a vote of 9–0 (Absent: Burroughs, Fisher). - CR-042-2026 (PILOT Agreement – Herman Apartments) – Sponsor: Harrison. Approves a PILOT agreement between the County and Community Housing Initiative, Inc. for a 145-unit affordable rental community with a total development cost of $51,863,611. Committee of the Whole recommended favorably (6-0). Adopted 9–0. - CR-043-2026 (HITF Allocation – Holly Place) – Sponsor: Harrison, Fisher, Oriadha, Adams. Allocates $2,500,000 in Housing Investment Trust Fund (HITF) funds to the Holly Place project, a 72-unit affordable rental community for seniors aged 62+ at 4500 St. Barnabas Rd., Temple Hills. COW recommended favorably (6-0). Adopted 9–0. - CR-044-2026 (PILOT Agreement – Holly Place) – Sponsor: Harrison, Hunter, Adams, Fisher, Oriadha. Approves PILOT for Holly Place Limited Partnership, a 72-unit affordable rental community for seniors earning ≤60% AMI. COW recommended favorably (6-0). Adopted 9–0. - CR-045-2026 (HITF Allocation – Herman Apartments) – Sponsor: Harrison, Hunter, Adams, Fisher, Dernoga. Allocates $2,500,000 in HITF funds to the Herman Apartments project for gap financing. COW recommended favorably (6-0). Adopted 9–0. - CR-071-2026 (M-NCPPC Appointment and Geographic Balance) – Sponsor: Blegay, Ivey, Adams, Hunter. Confirms Gloria Gary Lawlah’s appointment and addresses geographic balance requirements under state law. The Council suspended the rules (9–0) and adopted the resolution (9–0). - CR-066-2026 (Temporary Moratorium on Hyperscale Data Centers) – Sponsor: Oriadha, Dernoga. Establishes a two-year moratorium on the operation of hyperscale qualified data centers. After a robust Committee of the Whole discussion with public testimony both for and against, the COW recommended the resolution with amendments (7-1-3). The Council substituted Draft 2 for Draft 1 (7–0) and then adopted the resolution (7–0–1, with Council Member Hunter abstaining and Council Members Burroughs, Fisher, and Ivey absent). Key Outcomes - Confirmed Gloria Gary Lawlah to the Prince George’s County Planning Board (11–0). - Enacted CB-039-2026 (Election Day Administrative Leave) and CB-040-2026 (Human Trafficking Awareness Notice). - Adopted four resolutions authorizing PILOT agreements and HITF allocations for affordable housing: CR-042, CR-043, CR-044, CR-045 (all 9–0). - Adopted CR-071-2026 confirming the planning board appointment and geographic balance (9–0). - Adopted CR-066-2026 establishing a two-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers (7–0–1). - Note on CB-074-2026 sponsorship: The agenda listed Council Member Adams-Stafford as sponsor, but due to her absence, Chair Oriadha presented the bill and was recorded as sponsor in the minutes. All votes had the necessary quorum.

The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee of the Prince George's County Council met on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11:30 AM in Committee Room 2027. The meeting was called to order with all five members present: Chair Thomas Dernoga, Vice Chair Eric Olson, Council Members Sydney Harrison, Danielle Hunter, and Timothy Adams. The committee considered two related pieces of legislation—CB-067-2026 and CR-062-2026—aimed at consolidating and updating the permitting fee schedule for the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE). Both items were unanimously recommended favorably. Discussion Items CB-067-2026 – AN ACT CONCERNING PERMITTING FEES This bill amends provisions of the County Code to consolidate all permitting fees and charges into one comprehensive Table of Fees. It allows a technology and administrative fee to be assessed for permit fees, clarifies refund parameters, adds new permit fee categories, corrects fees and fines, and permits certain fees for site sediment and erosion control applications to be set by the Prince George's County Soil Conservation District. - Committee Director J. Kenneth Battle, Jr. summarized the legislation, explaining that CB-067 removes specific fee language from various code sections and replaces it with references to the fee table, making fees easier to find. CR-062 is the procedural resolution required to adopt changes to the fee schedule. - Laurie Parris, DPIE Chief of Staff, noted this cleanup is similar to one done in 2021 but that several older fee provisions were missed. She stated the goal is to put all fees in one place for customer transparency. Parris explained that fee increases have been incremental: a 10% increase in 2021, a 20% increase in 2023, and another adjustment in 2024, bringing DPIE fees closer to those of surrounding jurisdictions, though some jurisdictions remain significantly higher. - Council Member Adams asked about the refund process and whether the changes would slow DPIE operations. Parris responded that the refund process has improved through coordination with the Office of Finance, and consolidating fees in one place will speed up updates to the Momentum system and increase transparency. - Council Member Harrison asked about the projected financial benefit. Parris stated that DPIE had not yet calculated the exact number but could provide it by the public hearing. Committee Director Battle noted that OMB was still calculating the figure. - Council Member Hunter clarified that the bill updates some fees that were over 15 years old. Where the technology fee was previously 5%, the new fee schedule will apply a 10% technology fee on top of the base fee plus a $69 administrative fee. Parris confirmed that this is consistent with the changes made in the last fee update. CR-062-2026 – A RESOLUTION CONCERNING DEPARTMENT OF PERMITTING, INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT - FEE INCREASE This resolution amends the Table of Fees adopted by Council Resolution 87-2024, which authorized a 20% increase of all fees along with a 10% Technology Fee. The resolution requires council approval after notice and public hearing. - Steven Darcy, Executive Director of the Soil Conservation District, explained that his district sets its own fees independently. The language in CB-067 clarifies that the Soil Conservation District sets its own fees for sediment and erosion control application reviews, removing them from the county code. Darcy noted that the district has not raised its fees in 20 years and currently sees no need to do so, but will monitor costs. - John Tarr, also from the Soil Conservation District, added that the district uses a three-year approval cycle for erosion and sediment control plans (increased from two years to encourage development). He noted that from a manpower perspective, the district is “in the red” due to increased engagement, training, and handholding with applicants, though the fees themselves cover non-salary expenses. Darcy emphasized that the district focuses on providing value first and would bring any future fee increases to the council. - Council Member Adams asked about forecasting long-term fees for large projects. Darcy explained that the district bills only for the acreage brought to the table at the time of application. The committee discussed the need to ensure the district has adequate tools and technology to keep processes timely. Key Outcomes - CB-067-2026: A motion by Vice Chair Olson, seconded by Council Member Hunter, to recommend a favorable vote passed unanimously (5-0). - CR-062-2026: A motion by Vice Chair Olson, seconded by Council Member Hunter, to recommend a favorable vote passed unanimously (5-0). - The meeting adjourned at 12:01 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026.

The Prince George's County District Council convened on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10:24 AM in the Council Hearing Room. Eight members were present (Chair Oriadha, Vice Chair Olson, and Council Members Adams-Stafford, Dernoga, Harrison, Ivey, Hunter, and Adams). Three members were absent (Blegay, Burroughs, and Fisher). The meeting lasted approximately 10 minutes, adjourning at 10:34 AM. The Council addressed several zoning items, including new cases, pending finality items, and announced a future hearing. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (June 22, 2026): The Council unanimously approved the minutes from the June 22, 2026, District Council meeting by a vote of 8-0. - Promenade at Lottsford (DET-2022-004): The Council waived election to review the Detailed Site Plan for a mixed-use development with 763 multifamily dwelling units and 47,461 square feet of nonresidential uses. The motion carried 8-0. - Largo Station (DSP-2026-0009): The Council waived election to review the Detailed Site Plan for a mixed-use building with 269 multifamily units and 1,990 square feet of commercial space. The motion carried 8-0. - Nordstrom Distribution Center (SDP-2026-0013): The Council waived election to review the Specific Design Plan for pavement expansion for trailer parking. The motion carried 8-0. Discussion Items - ERR-001-2026 (Eucharia Ogu): The Council deferred this new case—a request to validate permits issued in error for a fence and a two-story rear addition at 6313 Joyce Drive, Temple Hills—to the next scheduled District Council meeting. - ZMA-2024-004 (The Grove at Hyde Landing): At the request of Council District 9 representative, the Council deferred this Zoning Map Amendment to rezone 126.16 acres from RE to R-PD Zone to a future date. - DSP-25002 (Metro City, Phase 1): The Council deferred this Detailed Site Plan for a mixed-use project in Capitol Heights (72 townhomes, 240 senior units, and a 195-bed assisted living facility) to the next meeting. - CSP-24001 (Southern Hills): The Council announced that an oral argument hearing for this Conceptual Site Plan—a mixed-use development with 980 multifamily units, 150 senior units, 168 townhomes, and 45,000 square feet of commercial/medical space—is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Key Outcomes - The Council approved the June 22, 2026, minutes and waived election to review three planning board decisions, all by 8-0 votes. - Three items (ERR-001-2026, ZMA-2024-004, and DSP-25002) were deferred to the next scheduled District Council meeting. - The meeting adjourned at 10:34 AM following a motion by Vice Chair Olson, seconded by Council Member Ivey, carried 8-0.

The Prince George's County Cannabis Equity Board held a regular meeting on July 2, 2026, at 6:08 PM. The board discussed administrative expenses for the cannabis fund, approved the grant methodology, and planned community outreach. Key debates included the need for a council resolution to spend administrative funds and strategies for holding district town halls. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting with a minor correction (adding "used" instead of "use" on page three). Motion by Valencia, seconded by Dr. Jordan, passed unanimously (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - Administrative Expenses for the Fund: The board discussed using up to 15% of annual cannabis fund revenue (about $2.5 million) for administrative costs. Chair Carpenter reported a conversation with the council chair, who was initially unaware of the need and preferred minimal administrative spending. The board decided to send a letter explaining the uses (community engagement, professional services, town halls) and to request the Office of Law for a legal opinion on whether a council resolution is required for spending administrative funds already appropriated under non-departmental in FY27. Mr. Jupe argued the appropriation allows spending without a resolution; Arian asserted a spending plan must be approved by council resolution. The board will seek clarity. - Grant Methodology: The board reviewed and amended the proposed grant methodology document. Amendments included adding a demographic reporting requirement (10.1) and a verifiable demographic data collection requirement (13.1). The document was kept at a high level, with details to be implemented in the application process. Motion to approve as amended passed 8-0. - Town Hall Planning: To meet state requirements for community input, the board discussed asking each council district council member to host a town hall. Chair Carpenter will send a request from the board to coordinate dates. The goal is to have town halls by August to allow council action before the election season deadline. - Grant Amounts and Multi-Year Grants: The board debated whether to advertise grant amounts. Some members advocated for stating amounts (e.g., "up to $50,000") to guide applicants; others preferred letting applicants propose budgets. No decision was made; discussion postponed to a future meeting. Multi-year grants were raised; county staff noted they are uncommon but not prohibited, and the board may include such recommendations to the council. - Mako Conference: The board learned of the Mako conference (August 12–15 in Ocean City) with a session on cannabis fund reinvestment. Members asked if board attendance could be funded through the council's budget or individual council member sponsorships. A request will be included in the letter to the council. Key Outcomes - Methodology Approved: The board voted 8-0 to approve the grant methodology as amended. - Letter to Council Chair: The board chair will send a letter explaining the need for administrative expenses and requesting council members host town halls. - Office of Law Inquiry: The board will ask the Office of Law for an opinion on whether a council resolution is needed to spend administrative funds. - Next Steps: Staff will draft a grant application and scoring rubric for review at the next meeting. Town hall planning will proceed via the board chair's outreach to council members. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.

The Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee of the Prince George's County Council met on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Committee Room 2027. Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha called the meeting to order at 10:17 AM, with Chair Wala Blegay arriving at 10:18 AM and Council Member Shayla Adams-Stafford at 10:22 AM. All five committee members (Blegay, Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Thomas Dernoga, Eric Olson) were present for the first agenda item. Council Member Wanika Fisher also attended as sponsor of one bill. The meeting considered one proposed correspondence and four pieces of legislation. Proposed Correspondence - LTR 06022026: A joint letter to Rebecca L. Flora, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning, requesting amendments to the county's Priority Funding Area (PFA) to designate the Parkland and Rock Creek properties. The letter would enable eligibility for state infrastructure funding. Matthew Tedesco (on behalf of Stanley Martin Homes) testified in support, noting the PFA designation was needed for wetland mitigation credits associated with the Patuxent Mitigation Bank. The committee voted 5-0 to favorably recommend the letter. Public Comments & Testimony - Matthew Tedesco (Stanley Martin Homes) supported LTR 06022026 and CB-047-2026, and spoke in support of CB-063-2026, arguing the bill implements county policy and provides a predictable pathway for infill development inside the Beltway. - Peter Goldsmith (on behalf of Lincoln Avenue Communities) supported CB-047-2026 and its proposed amendments, noting their project would be preserved. - Delegate Deni Taveras (Maryland State Delegate) opposed CB-063-2026, stating the sites do not meet the definition of transit-oriented development (TOD), the bill amounts to spot zoning, and it was introduced without adequate community engagement. She requested the bill be held indefinitely. - Casey Anderson (Rodgers Consulting) supported CB-063-2026, arguing that existing zoning tools have failed to deliver infill development and that the bill targets properties whose zoning is outdated. - John Robinson (Adelphi resident) opposed CB-063-2026, citing concerns about fiscal impacts, affordable housing subsidies, and the need for thorough analysis. Discussion Items CB-047-2026: Off-Street Parking for Elderly/Disabled Housing Sponsors Olson and Oriadha introduced amendments to the bill, which originally increased parking from 1 space per 4 beds to 1 space per 2 beds. Amendments changed the ratio to a per-dwelling-unit basis: 0.6 spaces per unit inside the Capital Beltway and 0.66 per unit outside, with a grandfathering provision for projects that received preliminary plan approval on or before September 30, 2025. The Redevelopment Authority proposed a tiered framework, but the sponsors argued for simplicity. David Warner (M-NCPPC) supported the unit-based approach. The committee voted 5-0 to adopt the amendments and 5-0 to favorably recommend the bill as amended. CR-059-2026: FY2026 Annual Action Plan for Housing and Community Development This resolution reprogrammed $1,170,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from prior fiscal years to the Housing Rehabilitation Fund for the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program (HRAP), plus $130,000 for program administration. Jonathan Butler (DHCD) and Pamela Wilson presented the program, noting it provides deferred loans up to $60,000 to income-qualified homeowners. The funds were returned by sub-recipients unable to spend them. The committee voted 4-0 to favorably recommend (Chair Blegay absent). CB-063-2026: Residential Infill in RR Zone Inside Beltway Sponsor Council Member Fisher introduced the bill to permit two-family and townhouse dwellings in the Rural Residential (RR) zone inside the Capital Beltway, on properties of 20 acres or more near transit or higher-density zones. The Planning Board supported with amendments. Discussion centered on whether a text amendment is appropriate versus zoning map amendments, and concerns about spot zoning and community notification. After testimony from supporters and opponents, the committee voted 4-0 to hold the bill in committee (Blegay absent). CB-064-2026: Weeds and Conservation Landscaping Sponsor Dernoga proposed defining conservation landscaping (e.g., native plants, pollinator gardens) and exempting it from weed classifications, aligning with state law. The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPI) expressed concerns about enforcement capacity and training, suggesting consultation with the Department of the Environment. The sponsor agreed to work with agencies. The committee voted 4-0 to hold the bill until the next PHED meeting on July 16, 2026. Key Outcomes - LTR 06022026: Favorably recommended (5-0). - CB-047-2026: Amended and favorably recommended (5-0). - CR-059-2026: Favorably recommended (4-0, Blegay absent). - CB-063-2026: Held in committee (4-0, Blegay absent). - CB-064-2026: Held in committee until July 16, 2026 (4-0). - Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:30 AM.

The Board of Appeals of Prince George's County, Maryland, held a virtual hearing on July 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The board considered one variance request and one zoning appeal, both resulting in unanimous 3-0 decisions. The meeting also included approval of previous meeting minutes and adjourned at 6:41 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Note: The agenda listed minutes from June 15, 2026, but the transcript references "minutes from our last meeting of June 17th." This discrepancy is noted; the actual date of the prior meeting is unclear from the provided materials. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments from non-participants were made during the meeting. Discussion Items Variance Case V-32-26 – Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) - Petitioner: Dorothea Parker, Housing Developer for Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP), a local nonprofit that acquires and rehabilitates distressed homes for low-to-moderate income households. - Project: Request for variances of 20 feet lot width, 12 feet lot frontage, and 12.7% lot coverage, along with a waiver of the rear yard location, to validate existing conditions and obtain permits for a covered porch, shed, fences, and an outdoor metal trash enclosure at 7614 Allendale Drive, Landover. - Testimony: Ms. Parker explained that the property is a narrow middle unit with no side access, necessitating a front trash enclosure. The existing shed is distressed and will be replaced in kind. The property slopes backward. AJ, a contract representative, added that the lot is narrow and unique. The board questioned how HIP acquired the property (direct purchase from seller). - Board Deliberation: Chair Bulwar noted the property was built in 1959, outside current zoning, and has sloping topography. Vice Chair Johnston and Member Stanton concurred. The board found the property physically unique and that the variance criteria were met. Zoning Appeal V-25-26 OZA – Clifford and Brenda P. Moore - Appellants: Clifford and Brenda Moore, owners of 4353 Southern Avenue, Capitol Heights. - Violation: The Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) issued Violation Notice No. HOU-37179 for operating a boarding/rooming house (providing lodging for compensation to four or more guests) without a permit, in violation of County Code Section 27-5101(c)-(f). The property is zoned RSF-65 (Residential Single-Family-65). - County Testimony: Attorney Khalisa Smith and Inspector Ronald Waters testified. Inspector Waters conducted an inspection on April 1, 2026, and found the property had five numbered rooms, each occupied by individual tenants paying rent. The Moors had previously obtained rental licenses under the old zoning code but were now subject to the 2022/2023 zoning rewrite. - Appellants' Position: Clifford Moore stated they had followed county guidance since 2019, operating with three consecutive rental licenses without complaints. They argued that the house was previously abandoned and a nuisance, and that they provide affordable housing. They requested a grandfather clause to avoid displacing tenants and suffering a 40% income loss. - Legal Clarification: Ms. Smith explained that the current code defines a rooming house as providing lodging to four or more people. The Moors cannot obtain a permit for a rooming house in the RSF-65 zone. The only legal option is to reduce tenants to three or fewer. - Board Deliberation: Vice Chair Johnston questioned the definition and confirmed that reducing to three tenants would bring the property into compliance as a single-family rental. The board found that the county correctly issued the violation. Key Outcomes - Variance V-32-26: Approved unanimously (3-0). The board determined the property is physically unique and the variance meets all criteria. The approval is contingent on compliance with submitted plans and obtaining a building permit. - Zoning Appeal V-25-26 OZA: Denied (3-0). The board upheld the violation notice, requiring the Moors to cease operating a rooming house and come into compliance, either by reducing tenants to three or fewer or by obtaining a special permit (which is not allowed in the zone). The board encouraged the Moors to work with the county to assist displaced tenants. - Meeting Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:41 PM.