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College Park urges MNCPPC to prioritize new Northeast Branch crossing at preferred site
Summary
After reviewing a feasibility study, the council authorized a mayor-and-council letter asking the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to pursue engineering and design for a new pedestrian crossing near Calvert Road (Location 1) and to defer Campus Drive bridge changes for that purpose.
The College Park City Council on Oct. 21 authorized staff to send a letter to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) urging the county agency to pursue engineering and design for a new pedestrian crossing of the Northeast Branch near Location 1 (roughly Calvert Road), based on a feasibility study prepared by KCI.
Staff context and recommendation: Park and planning staff summarized a feasibility study that identified three potential locations for a crossing and said Location 1 best meets the city’s objectives. The draft letter asks MNCPPC to prioritize a new crossing at Location 1 and to refrain from spending funds on Campus Drive bridge improvements that would not meet the same objectives.
Council discussion: Members sought clarity on who the letter represents (the mayor alone or the mayor and council). Staff explained the letter will be sent on mayor-and-council letterhead when the body votes to send it and will reference the council vote. Councilmember Hill asked about flood-zone exposure and durability for a crossing sited near the 100-year floodplain; staff said MNCPPC’s feasibility had considered options and some designs would be above the 100-year flood level.
Next steps: Council authorized the letter; staff will finalize text and send it on mayor-and-council letterhead and will continue to engage as detailed design proceeds.
