Task force sets comment deadline and forms small group to draft community benefits language

Deputy Director James Hunt of the Prince George's County Planning Department told the task force that a draft study has been circulated and that staff are requesting comments from members by Friday, Oct. 31 to allow time to finalize the report for a November briefing to the County Council.

Hunt said staff aim to brief the council in mid-November and noted the task force's final meeting is scheduled for Nov. 12 where members may vote on language to be included in the report.

Why it matters: The task force's recommendations will be transmitted to the County Council; the council may consider, modify or decline to act on any recommendations. Several members emphasized that the community's views and technical appendices should be part of the final record.

Community benefits subcommittee: Members agreed to form a small working group to draft model community benefits agreement language and to consult examples from Frederick and Prince William counties. Volunteers and staff were asked to meet before the November 12 final session to prepare recommended language for the task force to consider.

Quotes from the record: "We are respectfully requesting everyone to get your comments into us by this coming Friday," James Hunt said. Chair Edward Burrows said the task force will transmit the final recommendations to the County Council and noted that the council could extend deadlines if it chose.

What's next: Staff will publish the final draft and appendices on the task force website; the task force's final public meeting is Nov. 12. The county council is the ultimate decision-maker and will hold public hearings on any proposed legislation.

Ending: The task force emphasized public access to the record and invited members to package dissenting views in writing to ensure they are part of the council record.