Happy New Year!

There is no doubt that winter is here. I have included links for snow and ice information on the right. Also, please consider signing up for Notify Me Prince George's  to receive timely alerts via text message or email. If you know of an elderly or disabled neighbor, please reach out to them to assist in shoveling their sidewalk or to just make sure they have the food and medicine they need.

One of the ways I can best serve you and the residents of District 3 is to have a seat at the table when important decisions are made. That's why I'm pleased announce that I will serve as Vice Chair of the County Council's Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee and as a member of the Health, Education and Human Services Committee and the Transportation, Housing and the Environment Committee this year. I've also been appointed as the County Council representative to the Prince George's County  Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, a member of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government's Region Forward Coalition and the alternate representative to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government's Transportation Planning Board.

Several important projects are moving forward in District 3. The new Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) at the New Carrollton Metro looks nearly complete from the outside. In fact, final interior finishings are taking place now, with an anticipated move-in date in March. I am excited that Prince George's County's first Maryland State agency will be headquartered in District 3. The Berman Company is underway with plans for the second phase, including retail and housing on the site.

On Route 1, the Whole Foods building is under construction and additional construction will begin on the other retail buildings.  Residents, community associations, municipal leaders and I continue to monitor and engage with the developers to ensure proper handling of environmental and quality-of-life concerns. Several student housing and market-rate housing projects are under construction near or on Route 1 and I expect more announcements this year on additional amenities and development moving forward in College Park.

In addition, a dedicated committee of concerned citizens, elected officials and state and County administrators, are working diligently on improving pedestrian safety on East West Highway and Kenilworth Avenue.

Congratulations to the Town of Landover Hills and the City of College Park for being two of the 13 projects selected by Prince George's County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust to receive funding to support stormwater restoration efforts.  

Although "Zoning Ordinance & Subdivision Regulations Rewrite" may sound like a bland and extremely technical topic, it is actually of great importance to the future of economic development in District 3 and Prince George's County. It's been more than 50 years since the last comprehensive update.  I strongly encourage you to engage in this process by attending one of the three Countywide Forums to hear the consultant's recommendations to improve community input, simplify the process for residents and developers, and realize the vision of the general plan.

January 27th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

January 28th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex

7007 Bock Road, Fort Washington

January 29th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center

8001 Sheriff Road, Landover

During the County Council's 2015 Legislative Retreat, I received in-depth briefings concerning the budget forecasts facing our County. In addition, funding from the State for the Regional Hospital, the Purple Line and education are far from guaranteed and potentially in jeopardy. My colleagues and I are committed to doing all that we can to support these three priorities for our citizens. Council Member Deni Tavares (District 2) and I sent a letter to Governor-Elect Larry Hogan in December strongly advocating for the Purple Line as an engine of economic growth for our districts, County, State and region. I am counting on you to assist in advocating for the hospital, Purple Line and education funding to our state leaders as well. What's good for Prince George's County is good for the State of Maryland!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office or me directly by phone at (301) 952-3060 or by email.  I look forward to working with you to move the District and County forward in 2015.  

Together Strengthening Our Community,