College Park council asks state to evaluate 9829 Rhode Island Ave. for possible affordable, workforce or senior housing

The College Park City Council voted to ask the state to consider 9829 Rhode Island Ave. as a candidate site for senior, workforce or affordable housing under the governor—s housing initiative and to authorize the mayor to sign a letter initiating that discussion.

Councilmember Raheel Hernandez, who requested the item, told the council the property is state-owned and has been vacant for several years. During debate, Councilmember Hill asked that the letter prefer a mixed-use outcome with space for community services; several councilmembers cautioned that the letter—s purpose was to open contact with state agencies and that specifying mixed use might limit options at a very early stage.

A council amendment to add the word "mixed use" to the requested list of potential uses failed on a recorded vote (1 in favor, 7 opposed). The council then approved the staff-drafted motion to authorize the mayor to sign the letter; the motion passed on voice vote with no recorded opposition (council recorded vote: 8-0 in favor as announced by the mayor).

Why it matters: The governor—s housing initiatives create a state-level vehicle for identifying and prioritizing property for housing. College Park's request opens a channel with state officials to explore whether a site adjacent to local services and University of Maryland facilities could be repurposed for housing that serves seniors or middle-income workers.

What happens next: City staff will send the letter to the state offices named in the packet; if the state expresses interest, further community engagement and detailed site discussions would follow.