[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6611517,"mediaKeyId","2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47","parentId",2893996,"title","PFLAG Bowie asks council to fly Pride flag in June, offers to provide flag and help organize event","audioSeconds",67,"startMs",0,"endMs",67000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47&start=0&end=67","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47/thumbnail_0.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611517/Bowie/Prince-Georges-County/Maryland/PFLAG-Bowie-asks-council-to-fly-Pride-flag-in-June-offers-to-provide-flag-and-help-organize-event","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611517-63aeea7f698ad2fbceff32f13e1da84d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542160&Signature=M4fEYMAC9SwMvEJKgfDMA-47qxmMBQAKvnzhwtfzQBlMvNug3Xnkfp143tzqGD44gqn~hSF9jIU6G4AcspPuqyj9hl-9wt-X7-bWb4U-Qyb3bqdKkpIr4vs45I~fA~F-Ur6mJuYkWzZwu7lUZTntOZBwgo1aEUZnZ1HxWyGu~F2w9K7LxCO3Hb8-XXdvMJK5hkRRp8Mwsf13ccOaFlzAcnuPM-sOXBDCQ3c~el4GuYOji1lBxq1pm6CHaS0LOLpFNXfG9Q1yofF6KxR22N~epQaahm3uluoDvXsoLj577PUhQrVFxdU2PDy94K2~61Lg17k0Cum-defO4Idybl8iRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Bowie, MD","date","2025-04-08T03:01:03.333Z","article","A representative of PFLAG Bowie addressed the Bowie City Council during the public comment period on April 7, 2025, urging the city to fly a Pride flag in June to signal that Bowie welcomes LGBTQ+ families and to offer the group’s assistance in organizing any flag‑raising ceremony.

The speaker said families consider visible symbols when deciding where to move and described the Pride flag as “a signal of hope” for parents seeking welcoming schools and gender‑affirming health services. The speaker offered: “PFLAG Bowie would be happy to purchase the flag for the city and any necessary hanging hardware,” and also offered to collaborate on associated festivities.

The comment concluded with the group thanking council members and noting a willingness to partner with the city on events and outreach. The council acknowledged the comment during the meeting’s public comment response.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting - Monday, April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A PFLAG Bowie representative urged the council during public comment to fly a Pride flag to show support for LGBTQ+ families and offered to buy the flag and any hanging hardware and to collaborate on a flag‑raising event.","taxTitle","Bowie, Prince George's County, Maryland","taxId",4106,"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},6611521,"City auditor issues clean, unmodified opinion on Bowie FY2024 financial statements",994,3726000,4720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47&start=3726&end=4720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47/thumbnail_3726000.jpg","/articles/6611521/Bowie/Prince-Georges-County/Maryland/City-auditor-issues-clean-unmodified-opinion-on-Bowie-FY2024-financial-statements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611521-6319a896008d94154827946b7ca523af/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542160&Signature=JM6bODOsNf~KnQE0MF2yIC08N8KIydAo6XIHeaWeBmlyTmzf03Rcgzh57cpxXHUUKUa4Xy1dYbbDzaCfIcSx-00kZ9e24CbIxMMstHVeEP0kK25UcBYqI2Hsk9MQvTDOo9sjDYxIiMqaqXylJaiLuIlrVq6wnoqgXI2-Z0LCJHklhRTTuRdc0Lfk06WA-bcECtHlktr9owBkek1flFmSAThYEyLGGx7U63-jCPNOQvpmhFzlQrY9HEak8Fsu34xwihAOVDo2UZhBa57DrPLyMMSnjyp90B18lIyP3~XE4vvK0KPNxICUnwceJppsMeyETUkM63zGId4tdj751cXpyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Bowie’s independent auditors, CliftonLarsonAllen, presented the FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report to the City Council on April 7, 2025, and issued an unmodified — or \"clean\" — audit opinion.

Aries Coleman, director of engagement for CliftonLarsonAllen, told the council the firm’s risk‑based audit approach found no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the city’s financial controls, and the auditors concluded the financial statements provide reasonable assurance under generally accepted auditing standards. “For fiscal year 2024, the City of Bowie has a clean, unmodified opinion,” Coleman said.

The auditors noted that certain amounts in the statements are estimates, such as other post‑employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities and property tax allowances, and reported they concluded management’s significant judgments and assumptions in those estimates were reasonable. CliftonLarsonAllen also reported no disagreements with management and no management letter items for FY2024.

Council members thanked the auditing team and city finance staff for the extensive work needed to complete the audit and noted the report supports the city’s ongoing fiscal stewardship. Council and staff also noted the city will submit the financials for the Government Finance Officers Association certificate of achievement, which staff expects to receive for FY2024.","CliftonLarsonAllen presented the City of Bowie's FY2024 annual comprehensive financial report and delivered an unmodified (clean) audit opinion; auditors reported no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies.",{"_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},6611526,"Council approves municipal grant to Pointer Ridge Swim & Racquet Club; staff to explore broader grant standards",1881,6327000,8208000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47&start=6327&end=8208","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47/thumbnail_6327000.jpg","/articles/6611526/Bowie/Prince-Georges-County/Maryland/Council-approves-municipal-grant-to-Pointer-Ridge-Swim-Racquet-Club-staff-to-explore-broader-grant-standards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611526-1818aef3dafbecf289fc4e70948013f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542160&Signature=NVGzzdiQmurwH2-3ZmOxTbkf-VGaLCb5GdaKDl6hykSru3IDk8fGOuKGLvaQa2dsMcLrTjRrHTQxctHmrOQ9QHVfHQhycJI~q-Shlep3KYk8QySnG3KDSYomf5-z0Axo8UMPe91KyZ1wiinOVtOvI8IBgouZFj9e-Cc1m6tkWKDhvnJEt9buTMDCMMRILE6ZmU34B08L1V-Q9l8N6O1aUrllrIQcIuBJBlHiCkdulgekMKgEwua4n6Pr~xawB453F5h3pYP4C7pC9Jb4TfAfZo7lCwHEAH3nbilB3o31-e4tOMf9a76~CnxjdVIOf13aMbaSub655n6DOKhFZh6iGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bowie City Council members approved a municipal grant request from the Pointer Ridge Swim & Racquet Club during their April 7, 2025 meeting and asked staff to explore collaborative opportunities that could increase public uses of club facilities.

Representatives from Pointer Ridge described the club as a long‑standing community swimming and recreation facility serving multiple generations. Club volunteers asked the council for funding to buy robotic pool vacuums and filter bags, an automated external defibrillator (AED), new tables and umbrellas to support community events and membership outreach. In the meeting the club’s representatives said their current membership was about 140 and that they operate swim lessons that are open to nonmembers; the club also maintains four tennis courts.

Council discussion recognized the club’s role in offering community swim lessons and youth programming. Several members said they supported the request but urged the city to develop consistent criteria for municipal grants so that similarly situated private community pools can apply on an equal footing in the future. One councilmember asked staff to reach out to other local pools and clubs and return with recommended parameters for the municipal grant program.

A motion to approve the Pointer Ridge request passed unanimously. Council directed staff in Community Services to follow up with the club to draft a small grants agreement and explore options for expanded community programming such as senior water exercise classes or limited public tennis access tied to possible city support.","The council approved a municipal grant request from Pointer Ridge Swim & Racquet Club for equipment and facility items; the club said membership is about 140 and that it offers lessons and community programming. Council asked staff to work with the club on collaborative opportunities and to develop consistent municipal grant criteria.",{"_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},6611531,"Council approves $25,000 grant to Greater Bowie Chamber after questions over metrics and spending",1564,2126000,3690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47&start=2126&end=3690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47/thumbnail_2126000.jpg","/articles/6611531/Bowie/Prince-Georges-County/Maryland/Council-approves-25000-grant-to-Greater-Bowie-Chamber-after-questions-over-metrics-and-spending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611531-8351437ed47fb99c3d896616ea4971c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542160&Signature=PKNrQ-GzOXVfqmhfnj5VHPDLMArLLpyW5aDqmKht6Hm~EFgbs~2L-2rrBuWOLQYOZxRLwcLCMKSzVQblipyJljUchjhhedgINENEPjybKJvJEu0tKObJJd3zprlXzq~rDyTfymWKjA5BRoXdwb6JRAICQEC9ApcRDSd-j0bYomDk7Yc6cxXy34YpjLsjTs3lOfFrpmiHFL~~mrBLQQazkH0ed8dD7GLfW0NITdKQcrrs~RH4UpUCwyJkYEY6TP2weJ0a3GdazGeVsVOfMXk9PsG3sXjdNbvw69MtWqcClF0Xn9jf6HxncWRubyjv1P~RmEPoVpTmzPsuImmmEjgN3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bowie City Council approved a $25,000 grant to the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce at its April 7, 2025 meeting after a lengthy presentation and follow‑up questions from council members about metrics, administration and proposed spending.

Patricia Watson, associate director of the Greater Bowie Chamber, told council the chamber completed an audit and is proposing a capacity‑building grant that would fund year‑round business training, a business resource navigator, youth entrepreneurship programming and outreach to underserved entrepreneurs. Watson said the chamber has worked since Sept. 1, 2024 to stabilize finances and “is poised to deliver the support our businesses and residents need both now and into the future. ... We're ready to do the work.”

Council members asked for concrete measures of success. One council member suggested limiting the city’s upfront contribution to the proposal’s web development and advertising line items (approximately $15,000 and $10,000 in the chamber’s budget outline) and reimbursing the chamber for administrative costs based on receipts, so the city could preserve oversight and transparency. Chamber leaders said they expected to use their own funds as matching and that they had not planned for a reimbursement model but were open to a partial upfront payment to jump‑start the work.

Council discussion ranged from concern about the chamber’s recent staffing turnover to support for rebuilding the organization’s role in promoting Old Town Bowie and connecting local businesses to customers and capital. A motion to support the chamber’s $25,000 request, with reporting requirements and stipulations about how funds would be spent, passed unanimously.

City staff said they would work with the chamber to determine the appropriate agreement language and reporting schedule. Council members asked staff to monitor the chamber’s use of funds and report back if additional adjustments to the arrangement are needed.","The Bowie City Council approved a $25,000 municipal grant to the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce to help rebuild capacity, expand a business directory and run workforce and youth programs. Council members pressed for clearer metrics and recommended restricting early funds to web development and advertising.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611536,"Developers present plan for 297 single‑family homes at former Freeway Airport; council hears briefing",1328,4520000,5848000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47&start=4520&end=5848","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2893996-2ef1e75d737d256a9cbf0e41cef37d47/thumbnail_4520000.jpg","/articles/6611536/Bowie/Prince-Georges-County/Maryland/Developers-present-plan-for-297-singlefamily-homes-at-former-Freeway-Airport-council-hears-briefing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611536-c655f73363345e56d089aa9e51f5230b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542160&Signature=V1XMxRGKFOS1x7ZuuconJxEXaJPO09BDbNYb-E8v3YwpsVTSPGmYsER3INe7RehJ1JSwYJO3gzp9V8VkVIkE77dToMkLlnSxF7eMgKkfABzRu~SrZBQxn2QpH6YTnYJQwqxy-Ewb0-sJblYC2OKDAXpl7pTGVySjgHgYZpZWWrJY-xR3Y6ujR2BQnQlNvHuhC1x254B~44D3kBMg96pTq8dDmuDPxazxHMXkGbEIDj1mi3VQsSWOVoK0llwPWGt04Zy5okb7JvFW~CgJw4aaHyNetOK3zpIfReifsQAtgIgRZD-4RwHPw5qbfAp2KB4lOWqAgQtyBlTgAqDp135BlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Freeway Realty representatives and city planning staff presented a preliminary plan of subdivision for the former Freeway Airport to the Bowie City Council on April 7, 2025, describing a proposal for 297 single‑family detached homes on about 131.5 acres west of Church Road and south of U.S. Route 50.

City planning director Richard Hall summarized the application and its history, saying, “What is proposed is 297 single family detached units on 131.5 acres.” Hall noted the site is outside the Bowie city limits and described the project’s planning history, including a prior approval for a larger 509‑unit scheme and a subsequently recorded covenant that limits development to single‑family detached units and a maximum of 297 homes.

Attorney Robert Antonetti, representing the applicant Freeway Realty, said the current plan reflects negotiated changes with neighborhood stakeholders. “This application is the byproduct of that compromise and consensus,” he told council. He and the project team described street layouts, a shared‑use path network, and recreational open spaces included in the preliminary plan.

Staff and the applicant told council the project would set aside roughly 44 acres for woodland conservation and about 41 percent of the site as open space outside lots and streets. Traffic engineers said the application passed county adequacy tests, and the project team said the main entrance on Church Road would be signalized; a secondary northern entrance would be right‑in/right‑out only. Traffic consultant Mike Lenhart said the signal warranted study supported installation and that queuing analyses showed left‑turn queues would not block adjacent intersections.

Planning staff summarized findings from the Planning Board, which asked that future staff reports show how much is being collected in impact fees. Hall said the subdivision will generate roughly $9 million in impact fees, with about $6 million earmarked for schools and about $1 million for public safety, figures that were discussed at the Planning Board meeting.

Council members asked about local traffic impacts, channelization at the right‑in/right‑out access, remediation of possible leftover fueling tanks, street trees and frontage improvements. Antonetti and the project team said they would address channelization and design details during detailed site plan reviews and that any underground tanks would be removed and remediated per regulations.

Because the property is outside Bowie’s limits and the matter was presented as a preliminary plan, council did not take formal action and no vote was required. Council members thanked the applicant and community participants for working toward a mutual agreement and asked staff to keep the council informed as the project moves through county review and any required detailed site plan approvals.","Freeway Realty presented a preliminary subdivision plan for 297 single‑family homes on the former Freeway Airport site outside Bowie. Staff and the applicant described access, woodland conservation and impact fees; no formal council action was requested — the item was informational.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

PFLAG Bowie asks council to fly Pride flag in June, offers to provide flag and help organize event

City auditor issues clean, unmodified opinion on Bowie FY2024 financial statements

Council approves municipal grant to Pointer Ridge Swim & Racquet Club; staff to explore broader grant standards

Council approves $25,000 grant to Greater Bowie Chamber after questions over metrics and spending

Developers present plan for 297 single‑family homes at former Freeway Airport; council hears briefing