[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6624934,"mediaKeyId","2763988-e5db25f011cae9196b3ddf618dfb7e75","parentId",2763988,"title","Teachers and residents raise continued water access and property maintenance concerns in College Park schools and neighborhoods","audioSeconds",616,"startMs",4149000,"endMs",4765000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2763988-e5db25f011cae9196b3ddf618dfb7e75&start=4149&end=4765","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2763988-e5db25f011cae9196b3ddf618dfb7e75/thumbnail_4149000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6624934/College-Park/Prince-Georges-County/Maryland/Teachers-and-residents-raise-continued-water-access-and-property-maintenance-concerns-in-College-Park-schools-and-neighborhoods","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624934-71d0b02ea69a24b938e49cbaacc505f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426825&Signature=HVOlxQ38P8lEYZk4rR1XxGo3eiXLYKspVV~ipulLu5Lbnum74nyLUJywD0eCnXiqHWeJjuVyv2CrSXFHd51MtmTl6hiy6bGJ94bGJ~jjMXivIl7KxkKN79-XAyVVHc~8GiNbEpnuhjt3i0WcSRn1Erd8VZy979JxNw3gfHJoLkqjFoBxLk-eBkuQmlnNB-zD3JjKXCP3sKghw3NVHbC6vbxyJjMnLXOj90K0kVXxr~~j-TqRSK97czRcZj8xRxX0j8WcFwJn3OxVmJDI6ktWu-MsZE9ScWnBKj61Bohll5U0PLupQJgkLJVGb5QJcjg2KoTvbmUSemD1AoEghaZByw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","College Park, MD","date","2025-03-25T18:44:53.023Z","article","Teachers and residents told city and county officials at a town hall that several local elementary schools still lack reliable access to clean drinking water for students and that ongoing neighborhood code and property maintenance concerns need active enforcement.

\"We still don't have clean water or running water that the children can drink,\" said Victoria McDonald, a part-time teacher at a local elementary school. She told officials that some schools allow students only two opportunities per day to refill bottles and that teachers sometimes carry bottled water to help thirsty students.

School infrastructure and immediate responses

City and county officials at the meeting said they would follow up with the school board and school administration. \"I'm gonna check-in with our school board member because I know that he was working on that,\" one official said, adding that temporary bottled-water measures had been used at some schools while longer-term plumbing fixes are planned.

The town-hall exchange described barriers to quicker repairs: speakers said school plumbing repairs sometimes uncover additional damage inside walls that requires full renovation and student relocations, meaning simple short-term fixes are limited.

Neighborhood code enforcement and public-health issues

Several residents raised separate but related concerns about property upkeep and pests. A College Park Woods resident described vehicles, storage of large items in a carport and multiple occupants at a neighboring rental property; the city’s code enforcement staff committed to follow up. Another resident described overgrown vegetation on an adjacent federal research property and an increase in mosquitoes and occasional snakes on nearby trails; officials advised contacting representative offices for federal property issues while the city handles local code enforcement complaints.

Why it matters: Lack of potable water access at schools affects children's health and the ability to participate in class. Property maintenance and stormwater issues affect public health and local quality of life.

Next steps and follow-up

City staff said they would assign code-enforcement inspection for the reported rental property and follow up with the resident. Officials said they would contact the county school board representative and the school administration to seek an update on permanent repairs and interim precautions for students.

No permanent remedies were announced at the town hall; officials asked residents to file reports and to follow upcoming city and county communications for updates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Hall Meeting March 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a College Park town hall, a teacher reported that several elementary schools lack reliable clean drinking water access for students, and multiple residents described long-running code and maintenance issues in neighborhoods near university housing and federal property.","taxTitle","College Park, Prince George's County, Maryland","taxId",53864,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6624939,"College Park releases $29 million draft budget with no tax increase; mayor touts business growth and new staff",540,1796000,2336000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2763988-e5db25f011cae9196b3ddf618dfb7e75&start=1796&end=2336","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2763988-e5db25f011cae9196b3ddf618dfb7e75/thumbnail_1796000.jpg","/articles/6624939/College-Park/Prince-Georges-County/Maryland/College-Park-releases-29-million-draft-budget-with-no-tax-increase-mayor-touts-business-growth-and-new-staff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624939-90cdbaebdda5959d29fbc2bc76fd9cc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426825&Signature=Z0znX60QrjIVj7orRbHykl7GnH8Ei12fubPKn6aFInbfPkerpf0-JOUxm-2Za29yoK9fdu4AFhNUw5ig3g9vieO~t8dzwNvnoEL2ZtlQtm~bkpx99Dp6lBwmrngUwpPgjeX35IOh7JQ1ZlrIRsIxDu0GUVn29A0V1RRG7IX~7Q1yjOoMcTRG1D9Zr2AZk1iAzf6HBsutLzQUbCFfoEdGct2p0bN-GGIhtdw91GUngUaeqNtNOXElRccM7apinH9I13rdxDzK8dw0avwii3dH~Q4zHs2-Hho~rX30ahVxA38v0qMX~CS34fPGTtI4WpuGF1b06KkoqdtfgSlPrz7M2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of College Park released a draft $29 million budget this week that proposes no increase in the city tax rate and would add staff positions to support public safety and economic development, the mayor said at a town hall.

\"The budget is 29, around $29,000,000 and we are not the big news, we are not proposing any tax increase,\" the mayor said. \"There will be no raise in the tax rate. That's the good news.\"

Key elements of the draft budget and city projects

- No proposed tax rate increase and no change to the home tax rate, the mayor said; the city expects to add three or four full-time positions if the budget is adopted, including a full-time public safety manager to oversee community policing and the camera program, and one additional economic development staffer.
- Dual Field recreational complex: the mayor said construction has started on an $8 million \"Dual Field\" project adjacent to city hall; the project will include an all-weather turf, irrigation and an amphitheater, and is expected to be completed next summer.
- College Park Clubhouse: city officials held a ribbon-cutting for a new community clubhouse that is available for reservations by city residents.
- Route 1 improvements: the mayor credited county and state partners for completed Route 1 work, and said the city is advocating for design funding to extend Route 1 improvements into North College Park.
- Economic development: the mayor said the city saw an increase in visitor numbers from about 2 million to roughly 3 million year-over-year, and listed multiple new businesses opening recently, including restaurants and retail.

Why it matters: The city’s choice to hold the tax rate steady while adding personnel reflects a prioritization of public safety and economic development amid broader regional budget pressures cited by county officials. The mayor framed the additions as responses to rising local activity and a growing roster of visitors.

Questions and caveats

City officials did not present a final budget at the town hall; the mayor called it a draft and said the council and staff would continue to refine it. Staff and council members answered resident questions about program funding for seniors and nonprofits, and acknowledged that outside county and federal pressures could still affect the city indirectly.

Next steps

City staff will take public feedback during the budget review period and present the final budget for council approval in the coming weeks. The mayor and council encouraged residents to track budget materials published online and attend budget hearings.","The city of College Park published a $29 million draft budget that keeps the tax rate flat, adds staff including a public-safety manager, and pairs planned capital investments — notably an $8 million dual field complex — with measures to support economic growth amid rising visitor numbers.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6624944,"County and city officials outline timelines for parks, trail and stormwater projects affecting College Park",442,612000,1054000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2763988-e5db25f011cae9196b3ddf618dfb7e75&start=612&end=1054","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2763988-e5db25f011cae9196b3ddf618dfb7e75/thumbnail_612000.jpg","/articles/6624944/College-Park/Prince-Georges-County/Maryland/County-and-city-officials-outline-timelines-for-parks-trail-and-stormwater-projects-affecting-College-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624944-f9203ccf2a246a67cd10e70b8208c551/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426825&Signature=iqqBFdd9kww1rovY42Dkbf9qCQADl7ZA3SGnTOmvvM8tfRaLrhxHqdwyYigeMgl~HSP7MqoufGfxdZULX5zZ4f1oT7aXfekXmDUrntyGEDEEHcwz4H1rhJnjswRfN3hFvnXFDlfSthJzxrqoml0zlsM8c7ftVIXyNSVOW4n3RKYcy3vf-kdi6VorfONvjgQ~vUlMKZNZvDwXL2HASSX0hiE6Z6xTEtdMRxGe6RmKZaUmytsNtECb-8UBfrF~o7iO6tc0Dg-Avfd4JopNmAkxJKPbZy3Lrx8a-5pUyVODBxwko8rl5CcUoxEuOZzmG6dogzLNJhlPk9AGdBqjK5X8fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County and city officials used a College Park town hall to outline several infrastructure projects they said will affect neighborhoods in and near the city, offering rough timelines and funding figures.

\"The North College Park Community Center... all told, gonna be a $26,000,000 project,\" County Councilmember Eric Olsen said, adding that procurement is underway. \"I think the projection is it'll be completed in FY '28.\"

The projects and status discussed

- North College Park Community Center: Olsen said the county is moving to procurement on a $26 million project with construction expected to extend into fiscal 2028.
- Beltsville Community Center: Olsen said the county included a $20 million rebuild in the multi-year budget, with funding phased across the next five years following a completed feasibility study.
- Calvert Hills stormwater project: Danoga said design work has been completed and the project has been budgeted at about $27 million; the county is seeking a contractor to carry the work through construction.
- Buck Lodge Trail repaving: Olsen said the Buck Lodge Trail will be repaved this spring once asphalt plants reopen.
- Rhode Island Avenue upgrade: Danoga said funding from the Department of Public Works will allow a mid-May start on upgrades including an 8-foot shared-use path on the west side and continuation north to Route 1; a community meeting on the schematic was expected before construction.
- Wells Lisonbee Complex (ice rink and splash park): Olsen said significant funding is budgeted in future years for an extensive renovation or replacement of the aging complex.

Why it matters: These projects address recreation, stormwater flooding, trail connectivity and pedestrian/bike safety — issues residents raised at the meeting. Several speakers linked county capital spending to quality-of-life concerns in College Park neighborhoods.

Comments and concerns raised at the forum

Councilmembers described both long timelines and sustained commitment. Danoga acknowledged the Calvert Hills stormwater work has a multi-decade history and said it had been re-bid a number of times. \"We do have $27,000,000 in the budget for that,\" he said.

Olsen added that the county hopes to improve east–west trail connections in the region and highlighted a feasibility study the city supported for a possible east–west trail linking several local trails.

What was not specified

Speakers provided project-level budgets and general schedules but did not provide final contracts, contractor names or precise construction start and completion dates for all projects. Several items remain at the procurement or feasibility stage and depend on subsequent contracting and county procurement steps.

Next steps

County representatives said public meetings and procurement steps will follow and urged residents to attend community meetings to review schematic plans and timelines. Danoga and Olsen said their offices will publish details and hold town halls as projects move into procurement and construction phases.","County council members and city officials at a College Park town hall highlighted multiple infrastructure projects — from a $26 million North College Park community center to a $27 million Calvert Hills stormwater effort — with timelines stretching into later fiscal years.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6624949,"County leaders warn federal grant cuts and a $170 million gap could squeeze services in College Park area",2715,441000,3156000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2763988-e5db25f011cae9196b3ddf618dfb7e75&start=441&end=3156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2763988-e5db25f011cae9196b3ddf618dfb7e75/thumbnail_441000.jpg","/articles/6624949/College-Park/Prince-Georges-County/Maryland/County-leaders-warn-federal-grant-cuts-and-a-170-million-gap-could-squeeze-services-in-College-Park-area","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624949-46b0fe27cded77d6bf8b5efca3a5e806/orig.mp4?Expires=1770426825&Signature=V1UBoJ83srE797qFzJShqsLc7Q78nEXn4Ni6KUWzYhM6BrVqh-qA5dM9uDQqXlaqIEEYMH2rlmHzpcTpuODxkwEUEkI0UAKZR4B37j8BM~Kqslh3ydqAvy0KaO~Nt9hCOKIml6HJvn2rmopW-X33aZ-ciLoAE9V-uPBOOlleoDABKmoK7sIdbMBQsYcnhOOKj4qJT1n8Q6wKBG3JsgnH79Z1rpBDiTiy-KU29HhzKHLqFzDa9o2xWqcp-3r3bXKm7GUD0k6vfVrEOWv6hEGv1HTvFW~S22sXDIG-CGl0nM3Dpnr03Mvfq7L9nn6Hlg9mAi7Qn8g5zTFjT~7UiUJl8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Prince George's County Councilmembers told a College Park town hall on Wednesday that the county is facing an unusually difficult budget year because of uncertainty about federal grant funding and slowing revenues.

\"Our budget assumes $267,000,000 in federal grant money,\" County Councilmember Eric Olsen said. \"We don't know where we are... That layered on top of the already existing sort of budget issues... are gonna make for a very challenging time.\"

Olsen and County Councilmember Tom Danoga told the audience that the county faced roughly a $170 million gap earlier this year and that education and public safety account for about 80% of the county budget, leaving limited room to protect other programs. \"So that only leaves 20% left for all the other things,\" Olsen said.

Why it matters: County-managed programs and grants support services used by College Park residents — from recreation centers and stormwater projects to small non-profits that provide food and senior services. Councilmembers said federal budget moves and potential reductions in grants could force cuts to those services and to county discretionary grants that help local nonprofits.

Council discussion and local effects

Danoga said the county budget assumes a large amount of federal grant funding at a time when federal policy changes could reduce those awards. He warned rating agencies are watching, and that federal job losses — Prince George's County employs roughly 74,000 federal workers, he said — add uncertainty to local income and property tax revenues.

Olsen said the county executive submitted a balanced budget but \"with a lot of pain,\" and that councilors are reviewing it and choices in the coming months. \"One of the biggest things I think that we're worried about is... non departmental grants and, special appropriation grants. At the moment, those are projected to be cut in half,\" Olsen said, citing groups such as Meals on Wheels as potentially affected.

Responses and potential measures

Councilmembers described several actions under consideration or already proposed:
- A resolution asking the governor to suspend foreclosure proceedings for homeowners who are federal workers laid off in the recent federal downsizing. Tom Danoga said the resolution is pending and would be sent to the governor. \"There's limited things we can do, but we have in front of us a resolution asking the governor to suspend foreclosure proceedings,\" Danoga said.
- A small mortgage-assistance fund pilot that would provide modest one-time payments to homeowners in distress; Danoga said a draft bill would create a small fund for that purpose.
- Deliberation over a senior tax credit: councilmembers said the council supports a senior property-tax credit but is discussing deferring its effective date by one year so enactment would not create an immediate $11–13 million gap in the current budget.

What was not decided

Speakers described potential measures and ongoing council deliberations but did not record a final vote on any of the items at the town hall. Councilmembers repeatedly emphasized that many proposals are subject to the formal budget and legislative process over the coming months.

Local context and next steps

Both county council members urged residents to weigh in during upcoming public forums and to use upcoming town halls to press county officials on priorities. Olsen and Danoga said copies of county planning documents and a master transportation plan are available online and at their offices. Danoga encouraged residents to attend a county town hall scheduled April 2 to dig into the budget further.

\"We're in extraordinary times,\" Danoga said. \"This is all new territory... we're gonna be contemplating a lot over the coming months.\"","Prince George's County council members told a College Park town hall that uncertainty over federal grants and a roughly $170 million budget shortfall will force difficult choices this year, with possible cuts to nongovernmental grants and pressure on services residents use.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Teachers and residents raise continued water access and property maintenance concerns in College Park schools and neighborhoods

College Park releases $29 million draft budget with no tax increase; mayor touts business growth and new staff

County and city officials outline timelines for parks, trail and stormwater projects affecting College Park

County leaders warn federal grant cuts and a $170 million gap could squeeze services in College Park area