Public Meetings - Prince Georges County, Maryland

The Prince George's County Council, sitting as the District Council, convened at 1:49 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, in Committee Room 2027 of the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo, Maryland. The agenda listed a revised start time of 12:00 PM, but the minutes record the actual call to order at 1:49 p.m. Seven members were present at roll call: Chair Krystal Oriadha, Vice Chair Eric Olson, and Council Members Shayla Adams-Stafford, Thomas Dernoga, Sydney Harrison, Jolene Ivey, and Danielle Hunter. Council Members Timothy Adams, Wala Blegay, Edward Burroughs III, and Wanika Fisher were absent. The Council approved prior minutes, denied a zoning revisory petition, and voted to review a detailed site plan. Consent Calendar - District Council Minutes – September 29, 2026: Chair Oriadha moved, Council Member Ivey seconded, and the Council approved the minutes by a 7-0 vote. The four absent members did not vote. Referred for Document – Revisory Petition - REV-CR-077-2026 – Central Avenue/Blue Line–Silver Line Sectional Map Amendment (CR-077-2026): The petition concerned 8601, 8605, and 8607 Central Avenue in Capitol Heights (6.0 acres; CGO Zone, formerly IE Zone) and sought revision of Zoning Change (ZC)-61 of the approved Sectional Map Amendment based on four alleged factual errors. The case came before the District Council after Principal Counsel issued a legal opinion under Section 27-3503(b)(7)(D)(iii)-(v) of the Zoning Ordinance finding no reasonable basis to revise the SMA. Council Member Hunter moved to adopt the prepared order of denial; Vice Chair Olson seconded. The motion carried 7-0. Planning Board Matter – Pending Finality - DET-2024-017 – Metro Grove: The applicants—Silver Hill 9, LLC; Silver Hill 4, LLC; and Silver Hill Land Owner, LLC—seek approval of a detailed site plan for 250 multifamily residential dwelling units in three buildings on 7.21 acres in the southwest quadrant of MD 458 (Silver Hill Road) and Suitland Parkway, in Council District 7. Phase 1 would include Buildings 1 and 2 totaling 200 units, and Phase 2 would include Building 3 with 50 units. The Planning Board approved the plan with conditions on September 3, 2026. Chair Oriadha moved to elect review; Vice Chair Olson seconded. The Council voted 7-0 to review the item. The appeal/review deadline is October 9, 2026. Key Outcomes - Each roll-call vote was 7-0, with Council Members Adams, Blegay, Burroughs, and Fisher absent. - The Council denied the revisory petition for the Central Avenue/Blue Line–Silver Line SMA and voted to review the Metro Grove detailed site plan. - The meeting adjourned at 1:53 p.m. after a motion by Chair Oriadha, seconded by Vice Chair Olson. - Discrepancy note: The agenda and oral transcript state that the Council adopted a prepared order of denial for REV-CR-077-2026, but the written minutes describe the motion as approving the revisory petition with conditions. The summary above follows the agenda and transcript; the minutes contain conflicting language.

The Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee met on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:27 AM in Committee Room 2027. Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha chaired the meeting in the absence of Chair Wala Blegay. Four members were present: Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Dernoga, and Olson. Council Member Jolene Ivey also attended. The committee considered four resolutions and favorably recommended all of them to the County Council by votes of 4‑0. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 AM. CR-080-2026: Social Housing Task Force - Purpose: Establish a Social Housing Task Force to study alternative housing financing and ownership models and develop an implementation strategy for Prince George’s County. - Sponsor: Council Member Shayla Adams-Stafford expressed strong support, noting that affordable housing is a critical issue for seniors and working families. - Agency Comments: The Office of Law found the legislation in proper form. Committee staff provided a fiscal overview indicating a small adverse impact on the existing legislative budget, with potential long‑term positive fiscal effects from improved housing affordability. - Outcome: Motion to favorably recommend carried 4‑0 (Adams‑Stafford, Oriadha, Dernoga, Olson; Blegay excused). CR-082-2026: Universal Design for Housing Waiver Request Fee, Technology Fee and Administrative Fee Increase - Purpose: Increase fees associated with processing universal design for housing waiver requests. - Amendment: Draft 2 revised the waiver request fee from $293 to $294 (a one‑dollar increase) and corrected the fee schedule accordingly. - Discussion: Council Member Olson noted the minor change; the amendment was adopted unanimously. - Outcome: Motion to adopt the amendment (4‑0) and motion to favorably recommend the amended resolution (4‑0) both carried. CR-084-2026: Own the Block Education Initiative - Purpose: Direct the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation to develop and offer an educational program on commercial real estate investment fundamentals for county residents. - Sponsor: Council Member Adams‑Stafford highlighted concerns about out‑of‑county commercial property owners and the goal of empowering residents to own commercial properties, revitalizing local communities. - Outcome: Motion to favorably recommend carried 4‑0. CR-089-2026: 210 on the Park Bond Inducement - Purpose: Approve the issuance of revenue bonds by the Housing Authority of Prince George’s County and the award of Low‑Income Housing Tax Credits by the Maryland Community Development Administration for the development of 210 on the Park, a 150‑unit affordable housing project in Capitol Heights. - Presentation: Housing Authority Executive Director Regina Stone‑Mitchell and staff presented the project details: 3.37 acres, 150 income‑restricted units (40%, 50%, and 60% AMI, targeting 60% average), 7,600 sq ft of flex space and 8,100 sq ft of retail/amenity space, located within a 10‑minute walk of Capitol Heights Metro. Total project cost approximately $76.97 million. The project will generate an estimated $755,000 in revenue for the Housing Authority over the loan term, including $50,000 annually for 15 years. - Support: Vice Chair Oriadha, in whose district the project falls, expressed strong support for transit‑oriented development. - Outcome: Motion to favorably recommend carried 4‑0. Key Outcomes - All four resolutions (CR‑080‑2026, CR‑082‑2026 as amended, CR‑084‑2026, and CR‑089‑2026) were favorably recommended to the County Council by votes of 4‑0. - The committee adopted a technical amendment to CR‑082‑2026 adjusting the waiver fee by one dollar. - The meeting adjourned at 10:45 AM.

A hybrid zoning hearing was held before Hearing Examiner Warren Mickens on September 30, 2026, to consider a special exception application by Dasari Real Estate II, LLC to construct and operate a Kiddie Academy childcare center at 1550 Robert Crain Highway in Bowie, MD. The proposed facility would serve up to 154 children, include a 5,086-square-foot outdoor play area, and operate from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The applicant presented testimony from corporate representatives, the owner, a land use planning expert, and an engineer. No members of the public spoke in opposition. The hearing was adjourned with the record left open for staff input on one contested condition. Discussion Items - Project Overview: The applicant seeks a special exception for a daycare center in the CGO (Commercial, General and Office) zone on a 1.55-acre vacant parcel at the southwest intersection of Crain Highway (US 301) and Fife Way. The facility will employ approximately 35 staff and provide 48 parking spaces (16 required). - Corporate Testimony: Jenna Albers, Development Approvals Manager for Kiddie Academy Corporate, stated the franchise system includes over 382 locations in 40 states and that the site was approved by their site committee. She confirmed the franchisee (Mamatha Dasari) will own and operate the center independently. - Owner Testimony: Mamatha Dasari testified she has 15 years of experience operating two other Kiddie Academy locations in Prince George's County (Lanham) and Baltimore County. She stated the outdoor play area will be limited to 77 children at one time with separate zones for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She agreed to staff-recommended conditions limiting playground use to 7 a.m.–5 p.m. and daylight hours, and extinguishing exterior lighting by 11 p.m. - Land Use Expert Testimony: Eduardo Diaz Campbell, admitted as an expert in land use planning, testified that the proposal meets all eight general criteria for special exception approval under Section 27-3604E, as well as specific daycare standards in Section 27-5402X. He stated the technical staff report concurred that all criteria are met, subject to conditions (pages 11–14 of staff report). - Contested Condition – Sidewalk: The applicant objected to staff condition 3C requiring a 5-foot sidewalk along the entire property frontage on Adamson Way and Fife Way. Diaz Campbell argued that Adamson Way is properly classified as an alley under the zoning ordinance, making it exempt from the sidewalk requirement under condition 9A of the 2020 preliminary plan of subdivision. He further stated that placing a sidewalk on the subject property would require removal of existing trees, light poles, and landscaping, and would narrow a 10-foot buffer to 5 feet. The applicant’s engineer, Mr. Milkovich, confirmed that constructing a sidewalk on-site would require easements, relocation of utilities, and reduce usable space for parking or the playground. - Staff Conditions – Deletions: The applicant requested deletion of several staff conditions (3E, 3F, 3G, 3J, 3N, 3R, and part of 3J) on the grounds that corrections (e.g., tree canopy calculations, outdoor play area hours note, subdivision name, north arrow, lighting note, photometric plan details) had already been incorporated into revised plans (Exhibits 40, 41, 44). The examiner noted that condition 3C would be referred back to staff for comment. - Objection to Expert Testimony: People's Zoning Council (Mr. Brown) initially objected to Mr. Diaz Campbell adopting the attorney-drafted statement of justification as his own, arguing an expert cannot adopt the conclusions of the hiring attorney. The objection was resolved when the applicant agreed to submit an independent expert report under Mr. Diaz Campbell’s signature. Key Outcomes - No final decision was made. The hearing examiner kept the record open to allow the technical staff an opportunity to provide input on condition 3C (sidewalk on Adamson Way). - The examiner noted that the applicant's proposed deletions of other conditions (3E, 3F, 3G, 3J, 3N, 3R) appeared to be resolved by plan revisions, but final approval awaits resolution of the sidewalk issue. - The applicant agreed to all other staff-recommended conditions, including those related to playground hours, lighting, fencing details, and bicycle racks. - The record will remain open for an unspecified period pending staff comments.

The Prince George's County Council met on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Committee Room 2027 of the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo, Maryland. Chair Krystal Oriadha presided over Legislative Day No. 32; the meeting began at 12:00 PM and continued into the evening, opening with an invocation by Pastor Gerardo Martinez and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Hunter. The session included a consent agenda, public comments, a Board of Ethics confirmation, public hearings on speed cameras and zoning legislation, adoption of two resolutions, and the introduction of a large slate of bills, many tied to the FY 2027 budget cycle. Consent Calendar - Approved the County Council minutes of September 22, 2026. - CB-130-2026 (first reading): authorized up to $788,587,000 in general obligation bonds, $161,463,000 in stormwater management bonds, and up to $950,050,000 in bond anticipation notes for FY 2027 capital and stormwater projects; referred to the Committee of the Whole. - CR-101-2026: required whole-of-government climate action by county agencies, including Interagency Climate Committee participation and emission reduction targets; referred to TIEE. - CR-102-2026: approved contract modifications for snow and ice control services and increased FY 2027 funding for transportation services; referred to the Committee of the Whole. - CR-103-2026: transmitted the Local Impact Grant Funds Multiyear Plan for council review; referred to the Committee of the Whole. (The transcript later refers to this item as 'CR-91,' but the agenda lists CR-103-2026.) - The consent agenda was adopted 10-0. Public Comments and Testimony - CASA policy analyst Aidan Aron opposed CB-003-2026, stating that the bill raised street vending fines tenfold from about $200 to $2,000, allowed removal of goods, and would hurt immigrant families; he also said the bill language had not been available to the public until that morning. - Josue, a Langley Park resident, described his mother's street food business and asked the council to make permits easier for small vendors and not leave vendors out of decisions. - Lydia Rivas, a CASA community organizer with 17 years of work in Langley Park, said the community has long sought modernization of street vending laws, noted that many vendors have lost TPS, parole, or asylum status, and invited council members to meet with vendors. - A vendor mother testifying through translation said she began selling food after losing her housing and asked for a clear, accessible, realistic path to permits so she could work within the law. - Lindolfo Carvalho of CASA began describing CASA's economic development and workforce programs but was cut off when his time expired; no formal position was recorded. - Crystal Carpenter, Chair of the Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board, requested council members sponsor district appointees for the MACO conference and partner with the board on district town halls; she noted that Councilmembers Hunter, Dernoga, and Adams had already partnered. - Don Dalton, co-founder of the Just Us Initiative, said CB-093-2026 was 'not ready for prime time,' asked the council to put it on hold, and called for guardrails to preserve the integrity of cannabis reinvestment funds. - Ined Emmanuel Polk, policy director for the ACLU of Maryland, said CB-093-2026 would reduce the cannabis board to an advisory role and shift decision-making authority to the council; he urged the council to send the bill back to committee or withdraw it. - Earl O'Neill, speaking for the Prince George's County NAACP, asked the council to add the NAACP as a non-voting member of the cannabis reinvestment and restoration board so it could help connect the board with affected communities. - During the CB-074-2026 public hearing, Rafi, representing his family's Lido Pizza restaurants, asked the council to remove the owner-occupancy requirement for accessory dwelling units so ADUs could provide workforce housing; Veronica, a restaurant owner, also described employee housing needs and former employees who became franchisees. - A representative of the Barnaby Manor Citizens Association and South County Corridors Civic Facilities Associations said those groups support ADUs but need guardrails, citing limited parking and infrastructure in older communities; the representative supported the 900-square-foot cap and the owner-occupancy requirement and raised concerns about investor conversions of single-family homes. Appointments, Correspondence, and Reconsiderations - The council confirmed Krishnan Natesan, MPA, M.Div., to the Prince George's County Board of Ethics for a term expiring December 1, 2030, by a 7-0 vote. Natesan described his government, business, and pastoral experience; Deborah Williams read supporting testimony from Pastor Akeisha Jefferson. - The council authorized the chair's signature, 10-0, on a letter transmitting Fair Election Fund Commission appointments: reappointments of Suchitra Balichandran and Keisha Nelson, and appointments of Catherine Simon, Crystal Good, and Ladon Lampton White. - The council authorized the chair's signature, 10-0, on a letter transmitting Police Accountability Board appointments of Tyrese McAllister, Lance Moore, and Robin Young. - The council reconsidered its September 22, 2026 action on the FY 2027-2032 State Consolidated Transportation Program priority letter. After DPW&T requested the change, the council voted 10-0 to add US 1 Phases 2 and 3 to the construction priorities list after Medical Center Drive, moving Maryland 197 down one position, and authorized the chair's signature. Public Hearings and Enactments - Residential automated speed enforcement: The Department of Public Works and Transportation and Police Department presented 20 new proposed speed camera locations and 9 proposed stop sign enforcement locations. No public speakers signed up. Councilmembers asked for data on whether municipal stop sign cameras reduce violations, raised concerns about automated enforcement without visible stop lines or human review, and emphasized that the program should be about safety rather than revenue. Councilmembers Dernoga and Harrison requested additional locations for study, including Snow Acres Drive and Adkins Road in Laurel and locations on Brandywine Road near Mattawoman Drive and Missouri Avenue. - CB-069-2026: The council enacted the ordinance exempting certain private school uses in residential zones from special exception approval by a 9-0 vote. - CB-071-2026: The council adopted Amendment 1, then enacted the home occupation and home business regulation ordinance as amended by a 9-0 vote. - CB-074-2026: The council enacted the accessory dwelling unit ordinance as amended by an 8-0 vote after hearing public testimony. Resolutions Adopted - CR-063-2026: The council adopted the March 2026 cycle of amendments to the 2018 Water and Sewer Plan, changing water and sewer category designations for specified properties. The TIEE committee had recommended advancement of 2304 Norwich Place and Crestwood Landing to category four, and 16301 Livingston Road to category three. Final vote: 10-0. - CR-095-2026: The council adopted a resolution relating to the state deadline for accessory dwelling unit legislation, approving Substitution Draft 2 and the resolution by votes of 6-0. Legislation Introduced (Second Reading) The council introduced the following bills, generally on favorable committee reports. Floor amendments are noted. Community Safety and Enforcement - CB-086-2026: Community Safe Spaces Act - expands reporting of unauthorized use of county property, unauthorized access to nonpublic spaces, and harmful conduct; requires an online reporting platform. - CB-003-2026: Illegal vending penalties and removal of goods. Public commenters opposed the introduced bill. Floor amendments set fines at $1,000 for a first offense, $2,000 for a second offense, and $3,000 for a subsequent offense, and added a warning requirement. The fines amendment passed 7-1; the warning amendment passed 7-0-1 with an abstention. Councilmember Ivey voted no on the fines amendment, saying the county should not penalize vending before creating a legal pathway. - CB-013-2026: Street vending pilot program; requires agencies to develop a regulatory program for street vending on certain streets. A floor amendment requires the county executive's office to report on the pilot within six months. - CB-048-2026: Prohibited home businesses; increased civil fines, citations, notice, and property tax lien provisions. - CB-079-2026: Housing and property standards enforcement, including administrative search warrants and vacant property inspection procedures. - CB-087-2026: Electrical code enforcement updates, including administrative adjudication and penalties. - CB-096-2026: Clarifies the prohibition on parking vehicles on unpaved areas of residential lots. - CB-123-2026: Transfers certain enforcement functions to the Office of Homeland Security and increases fines for code violations. - CB-124-2026: Increases fines for building code and zoning ordinance violations. - CB-128-2026: Aligns county parking code with Maryland SB 111 regarding out-of-state vehicle registration. Housing, Tenants, and Land Use - CB-100-2026: Requires evaluation of county-owned surplus property for elderly or affordable housing suitability and affordable housing requirements for certain economic development projects using surplus property. - CB-061-2026: Amends procedures for declaring county real property surplus; removes the redevelopment authority and adds the Office of Central Services for final disposition. - CB-065-2026: Establishes a senior co-housing expansion program using county real property and financial resources. - CB-074-2026 was enacted earlier in the public hearing portion of the meeting. - CB-080-2026: Makes technical corrections and updates universal design requirements for housing. - CB-092-2026: Comprehensive accessory dwelling unit requirements, including prohibitions on short-term rentals and sewage disposal requirements. - CB-097-2026: Requires annual publication of potential affordable housing development sites. - CB-099-2026: Establishes a small housing provider financing program within the Housing Investment Trust Fund. - CB-108-2026: Public Land First for Affordable Housing Act; requires affordable housing feasibility assessments before sale of county land. - CB-109-2026: Requires residential developments of 10 or more units on county-owned land to make at least one-third of units affordable for the life of the development. - CB-113-2026: Rental housing tenant relocation rights disclosure; floor amendments added landlord duties regarding notice and disclosure and passed 6-0. - CB-114-2026: Tenant rights and education accessibility; requires a multilingual tenant rights resource guide. - CB-115-2026: Expedited health and safety enforcement for unsafe rental housing; floor amendment requires the Office of Homeland Security to establish enforcement procedures and report annually beginning in 2027. - CB-118-2026: Requires landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units. - CB-121-2026: Requires a searchable affordable rental housing portal. - CB-088-2026: Authorizes concurrent submission of stormwater management concept plans, natural resource inventory plans, and 100-year floodplain delineations. - CB-091-2026: Establishes a Development Ombudsman to improve interagency collaboration in development review and permitting. Economic Development and Employment - CB-105-2026: High-Wage Employer Fast Track Program; creates an expedited development review pathway for employers meeting wage and investment standards. - CB-101-2026: Returning Citizens Employment Opportunities Act; requires returning citizens to be a percentage of new hires on certain public procurement projects. - CB-102-2026: Modifies the Reentry Employment Incentive Program, including increased reimbursement subsidies. - CB-106-2026: Converts the Economic Development Incentive Fund to a performance-based structure. - CB-107-2026: Authorizes a portfolio of shovel-ready and permit-ready employment sites. Taxes, Finance, and Government Operations - CB-094-2026: Establishes a property tax credit for elderly individuals of limited income. - CB-095-2026: Amends the property tax deferral program for elderly or disabled homeowners. An administration amendment adding a $1 million annual aggregate cap on deferred taxes, with a queue resetting each year, initially failed and then passed 7-1 after reconsideration. - CB-098-2026: Establishes a property tax credit for owners who provide reduced rent to elderly or disabled tenants; an amendment resetting the application queue each fiscal year was adopted. - CB-112-2026: Allows certified candidates to retain limited unspent fair election fund money after a general election and provides for partial distribution in uncontested primaries. - CB-116-2026: Authorizes up to $38.5 million in revenue obligations for a Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration loan for stormwater management and watershed restoration. - CB-122-2026: Sets Orphans' Court judges compensation. - CB-125-2026: Sets the homestead property tax credit percentage at 104% for the tax year beginning July 1, 2027. - CB-126-2026: Amends the county classification plan. - CB-127-2026: Transfers FY 2027 capital budget appropriations and adds supplementary appropriations for public safety infrastructure. - CB-129-2026: Provides FY 2026 supplementary appropriations from the general fund. - CB-130-2026: Second reading of the general obligation and stormwater bond authorization legislation. - CB-131-2026: Immersive Entertainment Venue Community Impact Funding; reserves a percentage of venue revenue for communities within a six-mile radius through a community impact fund. Transportation, Environment, and Public Works - CB-075-2026: Quiet and Clean Landscaping Equipment; phases in prohibitions on gas-powered equipment, creates transition assistance funding, and applies to county government and M-NCPPC. - CB-088-2026 and CB-091-2026 are listed above under Housing, Tenants, and Land Use. Removed and Discrepancy Notes - CB-117-2026, a property tax cap for elderly individuals, was removed from the agenda as a compromise with the administration. - The agenda listed a briefing on FY 2027 Budget Allocations before the recess to the Committee of the Whole, but no separate briefing appears in the transcript. Key Outcomes - Confirmed Krishnan Natesan to the Board of Ethics (7-0). - Enacted CB-069-2026 (9-0), CB-071-2026 as amended (9-0), and CB-074-2026 as amended (8-0). - Adopted CR-063-2026 (10-0) and CR-095-2026 (6-0). - Adopted a consent agenda and authorized chair signatures on fair election fund, police accountability board, and CTP priority letters. - Introduced more than thirty bills, with several floor amendments, and removed CB-117-2026 from the agenda. - Upcoming meetings announced: an additional council session on Monday, and PHED and Health and Human Services committee meetings on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee of the Prince George's County Council met on September 29, 2026, to consider two related measures supporting a proposed immersive entertainment venue ("Sphere") at National Harbor. After a late start, all five committee members voted unanimously to report CB-111-2026 and CR-090-2026 to the full County Council with no recommendation, saying they needed additional time for discussions with labor, business, community, and county stakeholders before final action. The minutes list the call to order at 3:10 a.m. and adjournment at 3:17 p.m.; the agenda scheduled a 9:00 a.m. start, and the transcript shows an afternoon session, so the minutes appear to contain a time typo. Legislation Considered - CB-111-2026: Would authorize issuance of special obligation bonds in an amount not exceeding $215,000,000 to refund, defease, or purchase the outstanding Series 2022 National Harbor Project bonds and to finance or reimburse costs of acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating an immersive entertainment venue. The bonds would be payable from tax increment funds, county hotel occupancy taxes, and National Harbor Park, Recreation and Administrative Taxes, and would not constitute general obligation debt or a pledge of the county's full faith and credit. - CR-090-2026: Would amend the National Harbor Development District Formation Resolution (CR-25-2004) and dissolve the National Harbor Special Taxing District, expanding permitted uses of tax increment bond proceeds to include an immersive entertainment venue located within an extraordinary development district and related public and private infrastructure improvements. Discussion - Chair Wala Blegay described the proposal as one of the most important development and impact decisions contemplated this year and stressed the need for due diligence and engagement with all stakeholders, including residents, labor partners, businesses, and MBEs. She referenced concerns raised about MGM and said the committee wanted to avoid unintended consequences and "language that's not tight enough." - Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha, who moved the no-recommendation reports, said she had spent over a decade in the labor movement and wanted to ensure labor voices are heard; she also noted infrastructure issues that need to be resolved and said the committee values the Sphere as something that will bring benefit to the community. - Council Member Shayla Adams-Stafford apologized for the late start, described the project as potentially "transformational" for the county and state, and said she expected an agreement that labor, business, and the community could support by the following Monday. - Council Members Thomas Dernoga and Eric Olson voted aye without extended explanation. Council Members Edward Burroughs and Sydney Harrison were present as non-committee members. Key Outcomes - CB-111-2026: Motion by Vice Chair Oriadha, seconded by Council Member Adams-Stafford, to report the bill out with no recommendation. The motion carried 5-0 (Blegay, Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Dernoga, Olson). - CR-090-2026: Motion by Vice Chair Oriadha, seconded by Council Member Olson, to report the resolution out with no recommendation. The motion carried 5-0. - The committee made no changes to the legislative language at this stage and scheduled a council day on Monday for further negotiations with the county executive, Sphere team, labor partners, MBEs, businesses, and the community. - The committee adjourned by a 5-0 vote after the two no-recommendation reports.

The Prince George's County District Council met on September 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Committee Room 2027, but the meeting was called to order at 11:28 AM due to a delayed start. Seven members were present at roll call; Council Member Fisher arrived at 11:41 AM. The meeting adjourned at 1:49 PM. The Council considered four zoning cases, including oral arguments, and took action on all items. Consent Calendar - Approval of District Council Minutes (September 14, 2026): Approved 6-0 (Vote: Aye – Olson, Dernoga, Harrison, Ivey, Hunter, Adams; Absent: Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Blegay, Burroughs, Fisher). Public Comments & Testimony - Oakwood Preserve (SDP-2025-0014): Three opponents testified. Geoffrey Collins (Brock Hills resident) urged disapproval or remand due to procedural flaws (incomplete record, outdated floodplain study, limited testimony time, inadequate notice) and substantive concerns (sprawl, flooding, traffic, climate impacts). Judith Artman (Brock Hall Estates resident) concurred, emphasizing forest loss, traffic safety, and pedestrian hazards. Greg Smith (Person of Record) detailed missing documents in the pre-hearing record (floodplain study, NRI, stormwater concept, tree conservation plan), arguing the public was deprived of informed participation. - Saddle Ridge (SDP-2025-0015): Mark Calhoun (adjacent property owner) testified in opposition, citing dangerous traffic conditions, two recent accidents, and environmental destruction. He requested a reduction in density from the current 703 units. Oral Argument: Oakwood Preserve (SDP-2025-0014) - Staff Presentation: Meng Sun (M-NCPPC) presented the SDP for 112 single-family detached homes on 167.7 acres east and west of MD 202. The site includes 62% parkland dedication, noise walls, and compliance with prior approvals. The Planning Board had approved the SDP on June 25, 2026. - Applicant Argument: Robert Antonetti (attorney) argued that opponents lack standing (no aggrievement under state law) and that all issues raised were without merit. He emphasized the project's long approval history (basic plan 1993, CDP 2002, preliminary plan 2004, SDP 2006, lots platted 2008) and that the current SDP primarily updates architecture. He stated the record was complete and the Planning Board's process was fair. - People's Zoning Counsel: Stan Brown stated the standing argument was waived because the applicant did not cross-examine opponents or create a record, and that opponents did have standing as persons of record. He noted the record-posting practices should be improved but were not fatal. He recommended approval, noting the project is consistent with prior approvals and cannot be re-litigated due to the

The Prince George's County Council, sitting as the Committee of the Whole, met on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Committee Room 2027. The meeting covered two major sector plan and sectional map amendment (SMA) items, several financial authorizations, and contract approvals. Nine members were present for roll call. Public Comments & Testimony - For the Port Towns Sector Plan (TA-4-2026): The committee received 25 pieces of written testimony and five oral speakers at the joint public hearing on May 11, 2026. Two late testimony items were admitted. The town of Colmar Manor and some residents expressed concerns about zoning changes, transition areas, and density; towns of Bladensburg, Cottage City, and Edmonston submitted testimony in favor of all proposed zoning changes. - For the Central Branch Avenue Corridor Plan (TA-5-2026): A joint public hearing was held on June 29, 2026, with the record closing July 14, 2026. No speakers were listed for later legislation. Discussion Items - TA-4-2026: Port Towns Sector Plan & Proposed SMA – Staff (Emily Lutz, Arnaldo Ruiz) presented an overview of the preliminary plan, key testimony issues, and Planning Board revisions. Key topics included: a transition area around the neighborhood center boundary (originally proposed RSF-65 to RSF-A, but Planning Board removed the zoning change pending a missing middle housing study); a cultural heritage trail concept incorporating a University of Maryland PALS project; adjustments to reduce plan length by moving appendices online; revisions to preserve the transition area as a buffer; and updates to policies on green jobs, rooftop agriculture, historic preservation, and pedestrian connections. The endorsed SMA removed four zoning changes in Colmar Manor and Cottage City and corrected a zoning error in Colmar Manor. - TA-5-2026: Central Branch Avenue Corridor Sector Plan & Proposed SMA – Staff (Michael Calamis, Corey Arsenal, Kier McCune) gave a truncated presentation. The minor plan amendment and endorsed SMA were adopted by the Planning Board on September 17, 2026. No substantive changes from the Planning Board recommendations were noted. The committee discussed the timeline and opened the floor for questions; no major concerns were raised. - CB-130-2026: General Obligation Bonds – Staff (Alex Hurdle) presented a bill authorizing up to $788,587,000 in general obligation bonds and $161,463,000 in stormwater management bonds for FY2027 capital projects, plus up to $950,050,000 in bond anticipation notes. Legal sufficiency was confirmed. No public speakers. - CR-147-2026 (corrected to CR-102-2026): Contract Approvals – Staff presented a resolution approving multiyear contract modifications for snow and ice control services (three contracts) and essential transportation services (two contracts) whose approved funding was insufficient for FY2027. Legal sufficiency confirmed. No public speakers. - CR-148-2026 (corrected to CR-103-2026): Local Impact Grant Funds Multiyear Plan – This item was deferred to the October 6, 2026 Committee of the Whole. The committee voted to accept the additions package (6-0). - CR-91-2026: Local Impact Grant Funds Multiyear Plan (second item) – After a brief recess, the committee considered a separate resolution. The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee had reported it favorably on September 24. An amendment was offered and approved, then the resolution passed as amended. - CB-131-2026: Immersive Entertainment Venue Community Impact Funding – Staff presented a bill reserving 5% of tax revenue from a new immersive entertainment venue for communities within a six-mile radius. The sponsor offered an amendment to add an uncodified section acknowledging the county executive’s support; the amendment passed, and the bill passed as amended. Key Outcomes - Port Towns Sector Plan (TA-4-2026): Motion to direct staff to prepare a resolution of approval for the sector plan (in accordance with the Planning Board) passed 6-0-1 (Councilmember Adams abstained due to his appointment to the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission). A separate motion for the SMA passed 6-0-1. - Central Branch Avenue Corridor (TA-5-2026): Motion to direct staff to prepare a resolution of approval for the minor plan amendment passed 6-0; motion for the SMA passed 6-0. - CB-130-2026: Motion to approve passed 7-0. - CR-147-2026 (CR-102-2026): Motion to approve passed 6-0. - CR-148-2026 (CR-103-2026): Deferred to October 6, 2026; motion to accept additions package passed 6-0. - CR-91-2026: Amendment passed 7-0-1 (Councilmember Ivy abstained); final passage as amended passed 7-0-1. - CB-131-2026: Amendment passed 6-0-1 (Ivy abstained); final passage as amended passed 6-0-1 (Councilmember Adams initially passed but later voted aye). - Adjournment: The committee adjourned at the conclusion of the legislative items.

The Education and Workforce Development Committee met on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Committee Room 2027. Chair Shayla Adams-Stafford presided, with Vice Chair Edward Burroughs III and Council Member Thomas Dernoga present. Council Member Eric Olson was excused, and Council Member Sydney Harrison was absent. The meeting featured three briefings: the Literacy Commission's preliminary recommendations, the University of Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE), and the Prince George's County Memorial Library System's 2025 performance report. No legislation was voted on; the committee heard presentations and discussed literacy initiatives, library services, and funding challenges. Literacy Commission Preliminary Recommendations - Presenter: Dr. Arun Puracken, EWD Committee Director, presented eight preliminary recommendations from the Literacy Commission, established by CR-88-2025 and extended by CR-13-2026. Recommendations include strengthening evidence-based core instruction and educator capacity; building a birth-to-third grade literacy continuum; developing coordinated family and community literacy strategies; establishing a countywide literacy coordination framework; creating a centralized literacy resource and navigation system; developing an equitable summer and out-of-school literacy strategy; building a continuous literacy pathway from adolescence through adulthood and workforce preparation; and establishing shared measures, implementation accountability, and public transparency. - Dr. Puracken noted recurring themes: instructional coherence, consistent implementation, stronger cross-organizational coordination, equitable access, and accountability. The commission has held four meetings; final recommendations are due December 15, 2026, and the commission expires December 31, 2026. Chair Adams-Stafford asked where the greatest alignment gaps are. Dr. Puracken cited inconsistent implementation of best practices, difficulty for students struggling with foundational skills, and family support gaps. University of Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE) - Presenter: Dr. Donald Bolger, Co-Director of MILE and Associate Professor in Human Development and Quantitative Methodology. Dr. Bolger described MILE as a partnership with Morgan State University providing research-based technical assistance to Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS), libraries, and community organizations. Key projects include: - Milestones Tutoring: Over three years at Rosa Parks, Hollywood, and Kingsford Elementary, serving 107 students with 100 tutors (about 25 PGCPS employees, rest UMD students). Students made approximately eight months of gains in early literacy skills (phonemic awareness and phonics). The program was cut from the current budget but may be expanded in the future. Chair Adams-Stafford requested beginning, middle, and end-of-year DIBELS data; Dr. Bolger agreed to provide it. - Food for Thought Program: For multilingual learner families at Thomas Stone Elementary, using an asset-based approach with videos and food deliveries. 27 of 30 target families completed all four sessions, impacting multiple children per family. MILE seeks expansion through foundation funding. - Dual Language Coaching: Supporting PGCPS dual language schools (50-50 English/Spanish programs) with evidence-based practices and an annual educator conference. - Adolescent Literacy Project: Piloted in three districts (Baltimore, Carroll, Washington) with potential expansion to Prince George's County, aiming to improve secondary literacy scores. Dr. Bolger noted that Maryland's current literacy policy covers pre-K through 3, but a new policy covering pre-K through 12 is being considered by the State Board. - Dr. Bolger also commented on AI, stating that recent neuroscience research indicates AI use in writing undermines critical thinking and is

On September 28, 2026, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) held its annual Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) tour at the County Council building in Prince George's County. The meeting, which began at 10:30 AM, brought together local officials, MDOT leaders, and the public to discuss the Moore administration's Draft FY 2027-2032 CTP—a $21.9 billion six-year capital budget. The session focused on Prince George's County's transportation priorities, state investments, and collaborative opportunities. Opening Remarks - Council Chair Krystal Oriadha welcomed MDOT representatives and emphasized the county's need for continued partnership, particularly on rail access across the Wilson Bridge and equitable infrastructure investment. - Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Stephens introduced County Executive Aisha Braveboy, who highlighted the county's economic potential and transportation needs. County Executive Remarks - County Executive Braveboy stressed the importance of rail across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, calling it a historical promise to southern Prince George's residents. - She advocated for robust investment in the Purple Line, including pedestrian safety improvements, and for advancing the Blue Line corridor (MD 214/Central Avenue) to support $4–5 billion in economic activity. - She thanked MDOT for storm response and requested stronger collaboration on litter and beautification along state roads. - She underscored safety improvements (Vision Zero) and the need to preserve right-of-way for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMART) project. MDOT Presentations - Assistant Secretary Joe McAndrew outlined three CTP pillars: safety, state of good repair, and economic growth. He noted declining roadway fatalities and the constrained budget environment. - MTA Administrator Tony Bridges reported that the Purple Line is now 92% complete, with rail installation finished and live wire testing underway. MTA provided $16 million in grants for Prince George's local transit, including replacement buses. - SHA Administrator Will Pines highlighted pedestrian safety action plan (PSAP) projects, including the completed $5.5 million project on MD 650 and four more in design. He also discussed major projects on MD 4 ($270 million interchange) and MD 210, and a new draft agreement for the Palmer/Livingston/Old Fort Road interchange. - MDTA Director Melissa Williams noted speed camera procurement for the ICC (MD 200), anticipated cameras operational by fall 2027, and announced a potential toll adjustment process in FY 2028. - MVA Deputy Administrator Nikki Charlson reported a five-minute average wait time in branches and highlighted the state's strategic highway safety plan. - MAA COO Keiva Rodriques detailed an $841 million capital program for BWI and Martin State airports, focusing on state-of-good-repair projects. Council Member Discussion - Councilmembers voiced concerns about the Virginia South Side Express Lanes project, fearing it would block future rail on the Wilson Bridge. Council Chair Oriadha and Vice Chair Eric Olsen called for a binding agreement that ensures Metro rail is not financially precluded. - Councilmember Edward Burroughs raised urgent traffic and safety issues on MD 210, particularly with the upcoming Sphere development. SHA confirmed the interchange project is at 30% design but noted the traffic impact study from the developer is not yet received. - Councilmember Jolene Ivey urged protected bike lanes and pedestrian safety improvements on MD 202 and Tuxedo Road, citing past fatalities. - Councilmember Sidney Harrison asked about expanding public-private partnerships (P3s) and criticized mowing and snow removal disparities. SHA explained contract terminations due to vendor non-compliance with workers' compensation laws. - Councilmember Tom Dernoga sought a sidewalk connection on Powder Mill Road and a transit-oriented development (TOD) resolution for the Bowie State MARC station. - Councilmember Danielle Hunter raised congestion on US 301; SHA noted no funded capacity projects but acknowledged the need to address safety and development impacts. Public Comments & Testimony - Janet Galland (Don’t Widen 270.org) opposed MDOT's cooperation with VDOT on private toll lanes across the American Legion and Wilson Bridges, warning of lost public control and increased inequity. - Cheryl Court (Coalition for Smarter Growth) urged the county to work with the General Assembly to fund WMATA (DMV Moves plan), praised PSAP investments, and called for local impact studies before advancing the South Side project. - Nick Uric (Riverdale resident) stressed that one-third of state residents do not drive and advocated for reduced vehicle miles traveled through transit investment. - Michaela Bowen Longino (Sierra Club) supported continued SMART study, opposed South Side toll lanes, and requested a bottle bill to reduce litter. - Kate Pefley (Seabrook resident) demanded weekend MARC service at Seabrook station, calling it a no-cost solution to improve connectivity. She noted that 140 trains per week skip the station. - Barbara Kufu (Citizens Against Beltway Expansion) argued that toll lanes would financially block Metro rail extension due to private partner contracts spanning 75 years. - Patricia Monroe (Fort Washington resident) criticized VDOT's lack of transparency and urged a local road impact study before the TPB vote in early 2027. - Zeno St. Cyr (Greater South County Coalition) emphasized the 30-year community push for Metro rail across the Wilson Bridge and urged inclusion in the CTP given the Sphere development. - Bill Orleans called for extending the Purple Line east and south across the Wilson Bridge and for open public meetings on DMV Moves implementation. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the meeting served as a forum for articulating priorities and fostering collaboration. - MDOT committed to continuing work on the MD 210 interchange, Purple Line safety improvements, and PSAP projects. - The county and state agreed to coordinate on preserving right-of-way for SMART and on seeking dedicated WMATA funding during the 2027 legislative session. - SHA acknowledged the need to address mowing and snow removal issues and will shift resources to south county corridors. - The debate over the Virginia South Side Express Lanes project remains unresolved, with Prince George's officials insisting on rail guarantees before supporting any plan.