Bringing the World to Prince George’s County  March 18, 2016

An Update from County Councilman Mel Franklin

March 18, 2016 | Volume 2, Issue 2

Prince George’s Rising is a countywide newsletter designed to empower communities with key information and issues of concern. It is my honor to serve you on the Prince George’s County Council. Over the last several years, including the immediate past two years as Chairman, I have worked with my colleagues on the Council to move our County forward. With your help, we are “Bringing the World to Prince George’s County.” For more information, please go to https://www.melfranklin.net or e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.

Funeral Arrangements for Officer Jacai Colson

The following are funeral arrangements for Police Officer First Class Jacai Colson #3693, who valiantly died in the line of duty on March 13, 2016:

Candlelight vigil: Sunday, March 20, 4:15pm, District III Police Station 7600 Barlowe Rd., Palmer Park, MD 20785

Viewing:

Thursday, March 24, 2016, 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Borgwardt Funeral Home, 4400 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland  20705

Friday, March 25, 2016, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, 600 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774.

Services:

Friday, March 25, 2016, 11:00 am, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, 600 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774

The Passing of Officer Jacai Colson: https://www.melfranklin.net/the-passing-of-officer-jacai-colson-end-of-watch-march-13-2016/

Officer Down Memorial Page for Officer Jacai Colson: https://www.odmp.org/officer/22801-police-officer-i-jacai-d-colson

Please Support the Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center Act (SB324/HB309)

Thank you to the more than 500 county residents who have signed up to support the Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center Act in the past few days. You are sending a strong message to Governor Larry Hogan that the State must be fully committed to providing the necessary financial support to this proposed $645 million teaching hospital, which will generate nearly $3 billion in economic activity and transform health care in Prince George’s County.  If you haven’t done so, please sign up and show your support for the Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center Act here:http://tinyurl.com/regionalmedicalcenteract

COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE

Prince George’s County Public Schools Scholarship and Financial Assistance Database

Interested in going to college for free? Take a look at the school system’s database of scholarship and financial assistance information here: http://www1.pgcps.org/scholarships/

Your State Senators and Delegates also have scholarships that are available. Please contact their offices to find out the details if interested: https://www.princegeorgeshousedelegation.com/delegates

Related item: Find out what Council, Legislative, School Board and other District that you live in and your elected representatives: https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch

Another related item – District 9 High School Showcase on March 19: http://pgcps.org/communications/press.aspx?id=223509

Trash & Recycling Overhaul Proposed

The Department of the Environment is proposing to streamline trash and recycling services in the County to promote recycling and save taxpayer funds.  However, it would result in once a week trash and recycling service. There will be a public hearing on this before the County Council on Tuesday, March 22, at 11AM at the County Administration Bldg., 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.

Here is the resolution that the Council is considering that would approve or disapprove the contract: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4279803&GUID=882F1873-DFC5-4FCC-ADA5-A7D675F89B07

Here is the information from the Department of the Environment explaining the environmental benefits, cost savings and other reasons for the change: http://onceaweek.mypgc.us

You can contact your respective Council Member here and share your or your organizations’ views: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/CountyCouncil/About/Pages/default.aspx

Summer Youth Jobs Program Deadline Approaching

Remember to Apply by March 25 for the Summer Youth Jobs Program if you have an interested youth: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/summeryouth/Pages/default.aspx

Dave & Buster’s (Ritchie Station) Now Hiring – Opening Soon!

From D&B Management: “We have approximately 400 jobs at our new Capitol Heights Dave & Buster’s location in the Ritchie Station Marketplace.  We would like everyone in the County to know that we have jobs available. All applications are excepted by applying online. When an applicant is chosen the applicant receives a return email that gives a selection of dates and times they can select for their interview.”

For more info, go here: https://www.melfranklin.net/new-ritchie-station-dave-and-busters-hiring-opening-soon/

State Highway Administration Mar. 22 Public Hearing – MD-5 and MD-373 Interchange

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) invites interested persons to attend an informational meeting to present the proposed improvements along MD 5 at Brandywine Road, MD 373 (Accokeek Road) Interchange in southern Prince George’s County.  Details: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 (Snow Date – Thursday, March 31, 2016), Gwynn Park High School Cafeteria, 13800 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613. For more info: http://www.roads.maryland.gov/Pages/CalendarDetails.aspx?EventId=205

Related Item – All Active State Road Projects: http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/ProjectHome.aspx?d=50

Parks & Recreation Summer Camps 2016

Are you looking for something fun and education for your youth to do this summer? Check out the wide array of summer camps offered by the MNCPPC Parks and Recreation Department.

Summer Camp Flipbook: http://bt.e-ditionsbyfry.com/publication/?i=287676

Summer Camp PDF: http://www.pgparks.com/Assets/Parks+$!26+Recreation/Pagelets/summerbook.pdf

Related item – Parks & Recreation Dept. Summer Playground Info: http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Day_Camps_and_Playgrounds/Summer_Playgrounds_and_Xtreme_Teen_Centers.htm

Resource Conservation Plan Public Forum on March 30th

From the MNCPPC Planning Staff: Plan to join the Maryland National Capital Park AND Planning Commission (MNCPPC) on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at the Newton White Mansion, 2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD 20721, for an Open Forum that will provide on planning for resource and environmental conservation for Prince George’s County.

For more info, go here: http://www.pgplanning.org/Projects/Resource_Conservation_Plan.htm

PGCEDC/Shabach Ministries Small Business and Jobseeker Summit – March 19

From the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC): Please join us for the SHABACH! Ministry and Team EDC’s ‘Small Business and Job Seeker Summit’ on Saturday, March 19th, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at 600 Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.  During this high impact summit, Team EDC, along with the SHABACH! Ministry will introduce you to millions of dollars in tools and resources to grow your business and over 30,000 job opportunities to grow your career.  For more info:https://www.facebook.com/PGCEDC/photos/a.296582470380712.71831.283240491714910/1051222391583379/

Prince George’s County Retail Study Completed

Got some extra time for some reading? Find out why retail is or isn’t happening in our county by reviewing the County retail market analysis here:http://www.mncppcapps.org/planning/Publications/PDFs/298/Prince%20George’s%20County%20Retail%20Market%20Analysis%20Consumer%20Segmentation%20and%20Performance%20Outlook%20Report.pdf

Blue Ribbon Commission on Addressing Prince George’s County’s Structural Deficit – March 24

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Addressing Prince George’s County’s Structural Deficit will have a Public Hearing on March 24 at Harmony Hall Regional Center (10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744) from 7-9PM. Please read their preliminary report here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/CountyCouncil/Services/CouncilTaskforces/Documents/Preliminary%20Report_Full.pdf

For general info on the Blue Ribbon Commission, go here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/CountyCouncil/Services/CouncilTaskforces/Pages/Blue-Ribbon-Commission.aspx

Military Installation Overlay Zone (MIOZ) Map Amendment Update

From MNCPPC: The MIOZ provides use restrictions, development regulations and permitting requirements to the area of the County impacted by, and with potential impact on flight operations at Joint Base Andrews.  The MIOZ may only be applied to the affected properties through a map amendment process identified in Part 3, Division 2, Subdivision 8 of the Zoning Ordinance.  A Joint Public Hearing is scheduled for April 5. More info and the staff report can be found here:http://www.pgplanning.org/Projects/Ongoing_Plans_and_Projects/Special_Projects/Other_Projects_and_Studies/Andrews_JLUS/Military_Installation_Overlay_Zone.htm

OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention/Still I Rise, Inc.
Call (301) 868-4903 or go to http://www.stillirisemd.org or call 211

Apply for the Homeowners/Renters Tax Credit Program
Call 1(800) 944-7403 FREE or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html

Apply for the Homestead Tax Credit Program
Call (866) 650-8783 FREE or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/homestead.html

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
Call (301) 952-2500 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/appeal.html

Free Legal Assistance: District Court (Upper Marlboro) Self-Help Legal Resource Center
Call 410-260-1392 or go to http://www.courts.state.md.us/legalhelp/districtctselfhelpctr.html

County-Based and Minority Business Procurement Opportunities and Certifications
Call (301) 883-6480 or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/SupplierDevelopment/Pages/default.aspx

County Employment and Workforce Assistance
Call (301) 583-4650 or go to http://www.pgcedc.com/workforce-services

For constituent concerns, please use County Click 311: http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov or call 311

Request Pothole Repair: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/PublicWorks/Services/RoadwayImprovements/Potholes/Pages/default.aspx

Find Your Elected Officials:
Contact your County Council Member at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/countycouncil/Pages/default.aspx
Contact the County Executive at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/ExecutiveBranch/Pages/default.aspx
Find out and contact your state and federal elected officials at http://mdelect.net

View the Prince George’s County Code at http://www.municode.com/library/md/prince_george’s_county/codes/code_of_ordinances



Is a resource you need not here?
Check https://www.melfranklin.net or contact me at: Mel@MelFranklin.net