Residents split over Port Town Sector Plan; Colmar Manor council to oppose rezoning between Newark and Newton

Colmar Manor residents and council members spent a substantial portion of Thursday’s meeting debating the Port Town Sector Plan and the county’s sectional map amendment, which would change zoning in places to allow more “missing-middle” housing types. The council heard both strong opposition from homeowners worried about displacement and infrastructure strain and support from residents who argued increased density could improve housing affordability and the town’s tax base.

Keith Brooks, a resident who addressed the council during public comment, urged caution: "When you increase density ... property values rise and long term residents, especially seniors and working families, get pushed out," he said, asking the council to pause and seek stronger protections before the county votes. Other residents, including Adam B., argued that allowing townhomes and duplexes can lower housing costs and expand the population needed to sustain local businesses.

Emily Lutz, a planner with Prince George’s County Planning, clarified the two-document process: the Port Town Sector Plan is a long-range, aspirational policy document whose recommendations can be implemented through a separate sectional map amendment (the zoning change). She said the zoning amendment is the legal mechanism the county could use to permit denser housing, while implementation and new development depend on property owners and financing. Lutz also announced county office hours (April 29, 3–7 p.m.) and reminded residents of the May 11 county planning-board hearing — the key procedural date for testimony on the zoning changes.

Mayor emphasized the limits of the town's authority: the town can submit recommendation letters to the county but cannot unilaterally change county zoning. After an extended council discussion and taking resident testimony into account, staff were directed to draft testimony for the May 11 hearing that supports revitalizing the commercial district but opposes the proposed rezoning between Newark and Newton. The administrator said he will circulate a draft letter for council approval before submission.

The meeting highlighted common, narrow areas of agreement — for example, many residents supported improvements to the town’s commercial corridor and better park access — and stark disagreement over residential rezoning. Council members urged residents to submit written testimony to the county and attend the May 11 hearing in person.

Ending: Staff will prepare draft testimony reflecting the council’s direction and share it with council members prior to the county deadline.