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Council presses property managers on shopping-center upkeep; code enforcement details inspection approach and fines
Summary
Council members on Feb. 3 pressed for stronger action after residents reported repeated litter and maintenance problems at several Bowie shopping centers; code enforcement said commercial properties receive weekly inspections and outlined the current municipal-infraction fine schedule.
Several councilmembers pressed staff on Feb. 3 about recurring litter, lighting and upkeep issues at Bowie shopping centers and storefronts.
Jamie Braun, the city's code enforcement supervisor, said the department assigns an officer to inspect commercial properties at least once per week and has issued municipal-infraction notices where managers fail to address property-maintenance violations. Braun summarized the municipal-infraction fine schedule established by the city: a first violation at $100, a second at $300, a third at $500 and $1,000 for each violation thereafter under the existing code; she advised that the council could revise the code if it wants higher penalties for commercial-property violations.
Braun noted a complication: trash and debris in state- or county-controlled rights of way (for example, along MD-301/Crane Highway) fall under state or county responsibility, not city enforcement. Where a center's private property is the source, the city has issued cleanup orders and assessed charges to property owners.
Council members proposed a two-track approach: (1) more systematic outreach and a regular roundtable with property owners and property managers to clarify Bowie's community expectations for appearance and maintenance, and (2) pursuit of enforcement or ordinance changes as needed, including stronger fines or vacancy-related tools used in other Maryland jurisdictions. Councilman Wolfley and others suggested convening managers from problem centers to establish standards and improved communication.
Ending: Staff said it will continue weekly inspections, pursue municipal infractions where necessary, and advise the council on possible regulatory changes. Councilmembers asked staff to report back on options, including code amendments, vacancy-related fees and possible coordination with county and state agencies for right-of-way issues.
