Mayor announces $26M North College Park Community Center to begin procurement

The Town Hall Meeting held on March 22, 2025, in College Park, Maryland, focused on several key community projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and services. The meeting began with the mayor discussing the progress of the North College Park Community Center, a significant $26 million project that is now moving to procurement. Construction is projected to begin soon, with completion expected by fiscal year 2028.

In addition to the community center, the mayor announced a $20 million rebuild of the Beltsville Community Center, which is also in the planning stages and expected to commence within the next five years. The feasibility study for this project has been completed, and funding has been allocated in the upcoming budget years.

Another highlight was the announcement of funding from the Department of Public Works for the Rhode Island Avenue upgrade, which is set to begin in mid-May. This project will include an 8-foot wide hiker-biker shared-use path extending to Route 1, addressing long-standing community requests for improved pedestrian and cyclist access.

The meeting also touched on the redevelopment plans for the 7 Springs Apartment Complex, which is currently in the pre-application phase. While details remain sparse, the project aims to enhance the existing buildings without significantly increasing density.

The mayor initiated a Central US 1 Neighborhood Compatibility Study to address community concerns regarding development in the North Audeville area and Hollywood. A community meeting is scheduled for April 3 to discuss potential zoning changes and improvements along Route 1.

Upcoming events include a town hall with the county executive on April 2, where residents can engage with county agencies and discuss the budget. Additionally, a resource fair focused on utility issues will take place on May 12, followed by a small business outreach event on June 12.

The meeting concluded with updates on the city’s economic development, highlighting a significant increase in visitors and the successful attraction of new businesses. The city has published a balanced budget of approximately $29 million, with no proposed tax increases, which the mayor emphasized as a positive outcome for residents.

Overall, the Town Hall Meeting showcased the city’s commitment to community development and engagement, with several projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for College Park residents.