Committee recommends easing reuse rules to help private schools restore historic sites

The Prince George's County PHED Committee recommended CB69-2026, an ordinance intended to streamline zoning review so certain private schools may reuse existing buildings in residential and rural zones without going through the special-exception process under specified conditions.

James Campbell summarized draft 1 and noted the bill would permit reuse of existing school buildings and likely have no immediate fiscal expenditures; he said for-profit private schools could generate additional tax revenues later. "This bill would allow certain private schools to use existing buildings in residential rural zone, without the need for special exception under certain circumstances," Campbell said.

Sponsor Councilmember Adams said the change is not about creating new schools but restoring established facilities and aligning with the county general plan to encourage reinvestment and preserve legacy community assets. Public testimony came from Matthew Tedesco, counsel for Saint Jerome Institute, who said his client submitted written support with suggested amendments and expects enrollment growth from about 70 to no more than 130 students if relocated to a Greenbelt site. Don Vanuen, a parent and board member, described that most students served come from Prince George's County and urged support.

The committee voted to recommend draft 2 as amended; the roll call recorded a 4-0 favorable recommendation. The recommendation will be forwarded to the full County Council for consideration.