Fighting Food Deserts in Prince George’s County

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FIGHTING FOOD DESERTS IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Last week, I had the privilege of joining my colleague, Council Member Andrea Harrison, in testifying in Annapolis in support of state legislation sponsored by Senator Joanne C. Benson and Delegate Jazz Lewis to create tax incentive districts to bring better grocery stores (“Food Desert Incentive Area Personal Property Tax Credit”) to parts of the County lacking access to fresh food and produce, especially in our established communities.  Our communities between the District line and the Capital Beltway have been particularly hard hit by the closure of a number of grocery stores in the past several years.  These communities have been classified as “food deserts,” but, for our neighbors who live here, they are areas of economic opportunity for stores interested in providing high quality food and good customer service.  We have seen a great deal of economic progress in many parts of our County.  But, we are one County and we rise together.  A new grocery store in my neighborhood isn’t enough if your grocery store left 5 years ago without a good replacement.  A food desert in one part of our County is a food desert indirectly for all of us.

This Food Desert Incentive Area Personal Property Tax Credit will give the County another economic tool to attract better choices in our established communities and shopping centers and ensure that, as we grow and prosper, we don’t leave any of our longstanding communities behind.  Recently, very similar grocery tax incentive legislation helped bring a new grocery store to an underserved area in East Baltimore.

Do you believe in these efforts to invest in our established communities?  Then, sign up to volunteer in your neighborhood for my Council At-Large campaign and the Jobs First Movement for economic opportunity and public investment in the people of Prince George’s County.  We are one County and we rise together!

-Mel Franklin, Councilman

Candidate for Council At-Large

Prince George’s County Promise Scholarship (PGCC) – Apply Now

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Prince George’s County Promise Scholarship

The Prince George’s County Promise Scholarship is designed to support students with financial resources beyond federal, state, and private scholarships to complete their education.

The Prince George’s County Promise Scholarship is built on the premise that the lack of financial resources, where possible, should not be the deterrent to achieving a post-secondary experience at Prince George’s Community College that culminates in attaining the associate degree or an industry-recognized licensure or credential.

The Prince George’s County Promise Scholarship Program will cover tuition and fees for eligible students.

Requirements for All Students:

  •  Recent graduate of a Prince George’s County Public School (within the last 2 years – graduated June 2017 or June 2018)
  •  Resident of Prince George’s County
  •  First-time college student enrolling for fall 2018 semester
  •  Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident

Associate Degree Seeker Qualifications:

  1.  Must be an Associate Degree Seeker – Open to all Majors
  2.  Full-time Student (registered for at least 12 credits)
  3.  Must have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application on file with the Student Financial Aid Office. Prince George’s Community College School Code is 002089.
  4.  Minimum score of 79 on the ACCUPLACER Reading exam
  5.  Minimum score of 69 on the ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills exam
  6.  Minimum score of 42 on the ACCUPLACER for Math Elementary Algebra exam

* Student may exempt portions of the ACCUPLACER by scoring a 480+ on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section or 530+ on the Math Section of the SAT or scoring 21+ on sections of ACT.

To maintain scholarship (associate degree seeker):

  1. Enroll in a minimum of 12 credits during fall and spring semester of award(there will be an opportunity to enroll in up to 6 credits during summer sessions).
  2. Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA.
  3. File FAFSA every year.
  4. Must successfully complete degree within three (3) years of award.
  5. Comply with all programming requirements of the prince George’s County Promise Scholarship program.

Licensure or Certification Seeker Qualifications:

  1. Recipient must enroll in workforce programs leading to an eligible licensure or professional certification.
  2. Recipient will receive funding for the first credential only and must complete within the prescribed timeline maintaining continuous enrollment.

To maintain scholarship (Licensure or certification seeker):

  1. Recipient must exhibit progress as determined by the course/Program assessments.

Amount Available:

Award amount will be calculated after all resources including private scholarships have been applied to tuition and fees.

  Apply now for the Prince George’s County Promise Scholarship!

The application for the 2018-2019 school year will close on August 1st.

Apply here: Promise Scholarship Application

Contact Information

Prince George’s County Promise Scholarship

301-546-7592

E-mail: PromiseScholarship@pgcc.edu

BUILDING 21ST CENTURY SCHOOLS IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

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 BUILDING 21ST CENTURY SCHOOLS IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Over the past two years, I had the privilege of serving on the 21st Century Schools Facilities Commission (known as the “Knott Commission”) for the State of Maryland.  This important responsibility involved coming up with solutions for the significant school construction needs in the State of Maryland, including here in Prince George’s County.

From major school overcrowding to aging and outdated buildings and technology, the condition of the school facilities where we trust our most precious resource, our babies, and the educators who teach them, often falls way short of the standards of a 21st century school system.  The good news is that we are working to change that.  My colleagues and I on the Knott Commission have proposed a number of innovative policies for enabling our County to build more new and renovated schools smarter, faster, and more efficiently (including urging the state to invest at least $400 million annually in school construction spending).

Over the past few weeks, I have testified in Annapolis in support of legislation by District 21 Senator Jim Rosapepe and legislation by Delegates Ben Barnes, Barbara Frush, and Joseline Pena-Melnyk that would help make these recommendations a reality by leveraging public-private partnerships, enabling 21st century building delivery methods, streamlining approvals, establishing incentives for cost efficiency, and establishing new financing options for local governments.  The Knott Commission has also offered additional legislation to implement the Commission’s recommendations.  When combined, these pieces of legislation would be game changers for the future of public education for our students, parents, and educators.  As a public school Dad, I know how difficult the decision is for many parents to choose public school.  I want to make sure that every child in our County has a great choice in their area within our public school system.  Its not good enough if I have a great school in my neighborhood, if you don’t have a great school in yours.

Do you believe in these efforts to invest in the future of our youth?  Then, sign up to volunteer in your neighborhood for my Council At-Large campaign and the Jobs First Movement for economic opportunity and public investment in the people of Prince George’s County.  We are one County and we rise together!

 

-Mel Franklin, Councilman

Candidate for Council At-Large

Strong Winds are Forecasted throughout the Pepco Region. Be Prepared for the Storm.

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Here is a message from Pepco:

Strong winds forecasted to gust in excess of 50 mph, are expected to move through the Pepco service territory early Friday morning through Saturday morning.  High winds can bring down trees and tree branches causing damage to electric equipment and result in service interruptions for our customers.  Pepco’s Emergency Response Organization is ready to respond, with additional crews and personnel ready to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore service to customers should outages occur.

We are prepared for this potential weather event and ask customers to be cautious when driving near working crews, vehicles and equipment.

  • The company will have additional crews and other personnel scheduled and ready to respond should the forecasted high winds impact service to our customers.
  • In addition to 150 internal linemen, Pepco has an additional 250 overhead line contractors and 180 tree crew personnel as well as crews from its sister utilities Atlantic City Electric and Delmarva Power available to assist in any restoration effort.
  • Should Pepco need additional assistance, resources from other nearby Exelon utilities, including Baltimore Gas & Electric and PECO in Philadelphia, can assist.
We encourage customers to be prepared, monitor weather conditions and report any outages or downed wires.
  • Safety is our top priority. We urge our customers to stay away from downed wires and assume any downed wire is energized.
  • To report an outage or downed wire, call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) or report and track through our mobile app or our website at www.pepco.com/storm.
  • We ask customers who need power for critical medical equipment to be prepared to relocate to a facility with electricity in case there is a power outage.
Just as Pepco has made preparations ahead of the potentially severe weather, customers also should be prepared.
  • Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
  • Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available.
  • Charge cell phones and other mobile devices.
  • More tips available at pepco.com
Ivan K. Lanier | State Affairs Manager
Pepco | Governmental & External Affairs

Available Prince George’s County Boards & Commissions

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Are you a concerned citizen? Do you have a personal goal of improving the quality of life for our community? The below boards and commissions are seeking volunteers. Visit the page for more information.

For review and consideration please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form with all the requested information, all information must be submitted by March 6.

Honoring Our Fallen Hero – Sergeant Mujahid Ramzziddin

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 HONORING OUR FALLEN HERO

This past Friday, we laid to rest Prince George’s County Police Sergeant Mujahid Ramzziddin.  He lost his life last week defending a neighbor in his Brandywine community from domestic violence by a perpetrator with a history of violence who never should have had a gun.  Sergeant Ramzziddin was a loving husband and father of four.  He was a pillar of his community and his presence provided a sense of safety for his Chadds Ford neighbors.  He literally gave the ultimate sacrifice of his life in defense of another.  We extend our condolences to his family and pray that God’s love gives them comfort and strength during this difficult time.  Last week’s tragedy is a reminder of the daily and unexpected risks that our men and women in law enforcement and public safety face each and every day.  When we think of those in history who we describe as “selfless” or “hero,” there is no more fitting example than Sergeant Ramzziddin.

 The mindless and senseless violence that took Sergeant Ramzziddin’s life last week raises some uncomfortable questions.  Are we doing enough to prevent guns from failing into the hands of people who obviously shouldn’t have them?  No, as also emphasized by the recent school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida by a 19 year-old with a history of mental instability who legally purchased a military style, semi-automatic assault weapon with no useful purpose in civilian society.  Are we doing enough to prevent domestic violence?  Absolutely not, as evidenced by the limited options in our own County for safe places and shelter for survivors of domestic violence.

Sergeant Ramzziddin’s life represented the best of Prince George’s County.  Let us be rededicated to the causes of immediately increasing resources for shelter and housing for survivors of domestic violence in our County and join the national movement for sensible, common-sense regulation of guns.  The lives of our families literally depend on it.

-Mel Franklin, Councilman

Dr. King’s Legacy in the Age of Trump

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 COUNCIL MEMBER MEL FRANKLIN’S STATEMENT ON THE 2018 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HOLIDAY AND DAY OF SERVICE

As we commemorate the vast legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded in this moment of one of his most powerful messages, in his Christmas Sermon on Peace in 1967, he said “We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”  The message was simple and direct.  We, regardless of our station in life, are all in this together.

President Donald Trump does not believe this.  He is stronger when we are divided.  He is stronger when we are suspicious of the immigrants moving into our communities.  He is stronger when we think someone who doesn’t look like us is taking our job or threatens our family.  I won’t dignify his comments about African and Latin American countries by repeating them in this message.  He embarrasses our nation and the Office of the Presidency on a weekly and daily basis.

The emotional allure of his divisive politics got Donald Trump elected President.  But it will take remembering the “single garment of destiny” that binds us all together to defeat him and the destructive ideology that he champions.  Prince George’s County is one County and we rise together.  It isn’t good enough that the schools in my neighborhood are great if yours are not.  It isn’t enough progress if my family has access to quality, affordable health care and yours does not.  If your neighbors don’t feel safe at night, the fact that mine do just isn’t enough.  We are one County and we rise together.

Thank you for continuing to believe and fight for the dream of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and all of those on whose shoulders we stand in the cause of equality, opportunity, and freedom.

-Mel Franklin, Councilman

Candidate for Council At-Large

www.jobsfirstmovement.net

The New Downtown of Prince George’s County – Redevelopment of the BLVD at Capital Centre

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The New Downtown of Prince George’s County: https://www.rpaidevelopment.com

“The Boulevard at the Capital Centre is at the dawn of a new era with the redevelopment of the existing center and adjacent construction of Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center. The Boulevard at the Capital Centre redevelopment will enhance the experience from all types of uses – residential, office, medical, retail, restaurants and entertainment. RPAI is focused on attracting the best local, regional and national retailers, restaurants and entertainment partners to this vibrant community. The centerpiece of the plan is a park that will offer year-round programming and a unique gathering place for the community.”

#jobsfirst

#princegeorgesrising

Project presentation: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/599205c1197aeab589ee5e86/t/59baf26f32601e228d8aa638/1505424004143/Blvd+at+the+Cap+Center+County+Presentation.pdf

 

Prince George’s County Snow Information Update from Councilman Mel Franklin – January 4

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 Snow & Ice Control Update – Jan. 4, 2018

Storm Forecast

Snow is continuing to fall throughout the County.  AccuWeather stated the heaviest snowfall will end between 8 AM and 10 AM; and the flurries will be out of the area between noon and 2 PM. Accumulations of one to three inches of snow is expected before the system moves out of the area later this afternoon.  Winds are expected to increase throughout the day with gusts between 30-40 mph.  The high today, January 4, 2018 is forecasted to be 27 degrees. The overnight low will be well below freezing at 5 – 9 degrees.

Bus Service

The Bus will operate on a normal schedule.  Currently, bus routes 12, 25 and 36 have been suspended due to road conditions and route 18 has limited service.  Please go to NextBus http://www.nextbus.com/#!/pgc for the most up to date information.

Paratransit Services

Senior congregate services have been cancelled and Nutrition services (meal deliveries) will operate beginning at 12 noon.

 

GENERAL SNOW & ICE INFORMATION (Keep for Current and Future Snow Emergencies)

When a snow emergency is declared, the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) is responsible for providing “passable” conditions on a network of over 1,800 miles of county-maintained roadways to ensure the safety of residents, citizens, and travelers.

Links:
Prince George’s County 2017 Snow Summit Presentations: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/20139
Important Snow Information Reference Brochure: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16669
Snow Removal Tracking: https://511portal.com/pgc

Route Clearing Priorities

Routes are prioritized for service into categories: primary, secondary and residential. Primary and secondary roads are serviced first to ensure that public safety and other emergency vehicles can travel. After completion of these roads, residential roads receive service. Crews work as long as necessary to clear roadways, which consists of salting, sanding and/or plowing, as warranted by weather conditions.

To assist crews, citizens and residents are requested to:
·         Move and keep vehicles off snow emergency routes

·         Park in driveways or other off-road locations wherever possible

·         Park only on the even numbered sides of roads/streets

It also is important for single-family homeowners or renters and business proprietors to remember that they are responsible for removal of snow/ice from sidewalks abutting their homes or businesses.

Reporting Road Concerns

During a snow and ice event, residents and citizens are encouraged to wait 24 hours after the precipitation has stopped to call CountyClick 311 or go to www.countyclick311.com to report emergencies or concerns about roadway conditions.

The Department of Public Works and Transportation is committed to snow removal from all streets maintained by Prince George’s County. Please assist us with our snow removal efforts by submitting your information on the Snow Removal Form.

FAQs

1.When will my street be plowed?

Snow emergency routes and primary roads are treated first, followed by secondary streets and finally residential streets including dead-ends and cul-de-sacs.

2.Where do I call to report my street has not been plowed or treated?

Call the Snow Information Center at 301-350-0500, 12 hours after the precipitation has stopped, if your road has not been treated. Or, submit your request via our Snow Form.

3.My driveway is blocked with plowed snow, what do I do?

You are responsible for clearing the snow from your driveway. It is best to shovel your driveway after the road has been plowed to avoid having driveways blocked by snow plowing operations. DPW&T does not have the resources available to unblock driveways.

4.I have a medical condition and need my street plowed right away.

The Department of Public Works and Transportation cannot prioritize roadways by medical needs of the residents. For medical emergencies, residents should call 911 immediately. Department of Public Works and Transportation works directly with the Fire and Police Departments on emergencies. For assistance with transportation to medical appointments, residents should call the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 301-583-1899. The Office of Emergency Preparedness will assist in providing transportation with 4 wheel drive vehicles.

5.Where should I park my car?

If you have a driveway, use it. A parked car in the driveway means less area to shovel later. If on-street parking must be used, cars must be parked on the even-numbered side of the street during snow operations. Failure to do so could result in a fine and/or towing.

6.I live in a new development and I haven’t seen a snow plow yet. Who do I call?

Call the Snow Information Center at 301-350-0500. Inform the call taker that you live in a new development and they can determine if your roadway has been accepted into the County maintenance system. If it hasn’t, you will need to contact your developer or citizen’s association as it is their responsibility until the road has been accepted by the County.

PLEASE STAY SAFE AND WARM!

-Mel Franklin, Councilman

www.jobsfirstmovement.net

Join Me for my Holiday Birthday Party and Celebrate Prince George’s County – Dec. 12

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I hope you can join me and celebrate my birthday and the holiday season tonight!  During my time on the County Council, we have made great strides towards improving our quality of life for everyday families on main street, but we still have more work to do to increase economic opportunity and public investment in our most critical priorities. Tonight, I look forward to celebrating our progress and discussing how we continue to build the Jobs First Movement in 2018.

My special guest, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey, and I hope to see you tonight, December 12th at my Holiday Celebration at 7pm (VIP Reception at 6pm) at National Harbor in support of my campaign for County Council At-Large (155 Potomac Passage, Oxon Hill, MD 20745). 

We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Mel Franklin, Councilman