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College Park council approves purchase of Rhode Island Avenue lots for open space near permaculture garden
Summary
The City Council voted 8–0 to authorize purchase of 8807 and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue for $300,000 plus settlement costs; residents urged open‑space and garden uses.
The College Park City Council voted 8–0 Tuesday to adopt an ordinance authorizing the city to acquire two adjacent properties at 8807 and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue for a total purchase price of $300,000 plus settlement costs.
Mayor Fazil Kabir read the ordinance at a public hearing and residents who live nearby urged the council to preserve the land for green space, including expanding the adjacent permaculture garden and adding trees.
“People would also like to see an increase of the tree canopy and other natural environments in College Park,” said Todd Larson of the Committee for a Better Environment, which supports the acquisition.
Several neighbors who spoke during the public hearing said the parcel, about 0.8 acres, has been vacant for many years and is a logical addition to nearby community gardens and pocket parks. “This purchase would be a worthy addition,” said Alec Lind, a Berwyn resident who works with neighborhood cleanup efforts.
Council members cited those community benefits when they voted to adopt Ordinance 25‑011. Councilmember Hill, who served on the Committee for a Better Environment at an earlier sale attempt, said he welcomed the city finally securing the property.
The ordinance was introduced and debated during the public hearing; after residents’ remarks the council voted to adopt the purchase authorization.
Ending: With council approval, the city will proceed toward closing on the properties. Staff and neighborhood groups indicated they will discuss future use options for the site, including community gardening and enhanced open‑space improvements.
