University Park council approves holiday market license, pickleball noise plan; denies right-of-way abandonment

At its Nov. 5 meeting, the City of University Park City Council approved several actions on the main agenda: a temporary license for a holiday market in Snyder Plaza, direction to staff on e-bike regulations, and a noise‑mitigation project at Williams Park pickleball courts — and it voted to deny a request to abandon part of the public right‑of‑way at 4369 Potomac.

Amanda Hartwick, the city's special projects coordinator, described the holiday market as a small outdoor event aimed at celebrating the reopening of the 6600 block of Snyder Plaza. "They've identified a date of Saturday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to have this holiday market," Hartwick said. Councilmember Mark Aldridge moved approval of the temporary license agreement; the motion was seconded and the council approved the item.

On a separate agenda item, council considered a request from property owners to abandon roughly 1,100 square feet (a 7‑foot strip along Armstrong Avenue) at 4369 Potomac. Engineering staff warned that the right‑of‑way contains storm and sanitary sewer lines and that future infrastructure upgrades could require the area. Bruce Birnbaum, the architect representing the property owners, said the additional area would enable redevelopment and that the owners would provide easements for future utility access. Councilmember Mark Aldridge moved to deny the abandonment request, the motion was seconded, and the council voted to deny the request in keeping with staff recommendations about utilities and future needs.

Council also directed staff to draft a local e‑bike ordinance "consistent with what the town's doing, as well as any considerations with the school district," said Councilmember Philip Feldman. The proposed Highland Park model referenced would add local requirements beyond state statute, including discussion of registration and driver-license requirements; staff will return with recommended language.

For Williams Park, Parks and Recreation Director Sean Draughtson summarized research and field tests on acoustic panels and equipment changes to reduce pickleball noise. "We noticed about a 5 decibel meter drop by using generation 2 panels and balls," Draughtson said. Staff presented a range of options — removal of backboards, windscreens, baffling panels and an additional fountain — estimating fountain installation at roughly $35,000 plus $15,000–$25,000 for electrical work (total $40,000–$60,000) and noting limits and maintenance challenges. Council moved to approve the Pickleball Noise Reduction System and the motion passed.

No council action was taken at the meeting on the temporary Rosedale two‑way conversion (that item generated extended public comment); staff said the temporary configuration is expected to remain during construction, currently estimated to conclude within about 12–13 months.

The meeting record shows motions, seconds and roll‑call affirmations on these items; where specific roll‑call votes were read aloud in the transcript, the outcomes matched staff recommendations or the motion on the floor.