​I will also be giving welcoming remarks.  Please RSVP by e-mail: nick@maysondixon.com

Project website: www.cadillaccrossing.com

Bringing Better Retail to Prince George’s County

In spite of our recent momentum and successes like Tanger Outlets, Whole Foods, Nordstrom Rack, Wegmans, Brandywine Crossing, Dave & Busters, and MGM National Harbor, one of the most common concerns that people have had for many years is about attracting higher quality retail to Prince George’s County.  While our local government can do many things, making high end retailers and restaurants go where we want them to go is not one of them.  Those are private sector business decisions.  The best we can do is create an economic and planning environment that encourages high quality business and job creation, recognizing that we share a region with competing jurisdictions with among the highest median incomes in the world.  Nonetheless, we continue to work hard on this issue and initiated a retail study to get a better sense of why retailers were attracted to certain areas.

Two Biggest Findings:

-Prince George’s County has a disparity between where above-average household density is located and where median-household incomes are high.

-The County’s prime retail locations must compete with the Baltimore-Washington region’s super prime locations with higher population densities and some of the highest incomes and education levels in the United States.

For the full Prince George’s Co. Retail Study Report, go here: https://tinyurl.com/pgc-retail-study

Some select charts showing Prince George’s County’s population density and median household income and portions of the region below:

 

May 3, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Urges Governor Larry Hogan to Sign Amber’s Law

May 4 is the Governor’s Final Day Scheduled for Bill Signings

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

In the closing moments of the 2017 Legislative Session, the Maryland General Assembly unanimously adopted House Bill 1163 (HB 1163) (known as Amber’s Law), named after Prince George’s County resident and domestic violence victim, Amber Schinault.  Amber’s Law will authorize the Court to grant a domestic violence survivor’s request to require an alleged abuser to wear an electronic monitoring device as a condition of release.  Tomorrow, May 4, is the final day scheduled for bill signings for Governor Hogan and the Governor has yet to announce whether Amber’s Law will be among the bills he will sign.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9), a strong advocate of the legislation, issued the following statement:

“In support of the tireless efforts of Amber Schinault’s family, friends and supporters, I respectfully urge Governor Hogan to sign Amber’s Law and deliver a tremendous victory for survivors of domestic violence and their families all across Maryland.  While the bill would still become law without the Governor’s signature, his clear support would send a strong message to all Marylanders that domestic violence has no place in our state or anywhere else in the world.”

Amber’s Law, sponsored by Maryland Senator Susan Lee and Delegate Aruna Miller, was endorsed by the full Prince George’s County Council.

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A copy of Councilman Franklin’s previous letter to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee can be found here:https://tinyurl.com/franklin-ambers-law-ltr

May 1, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Criticizes County’s Poor Enforcement of Small and Minority Business and Local Hiring Laws at Start of National Small Business Week

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – On Thursday, April 27 during its budget review, the Prince George’s County Office of Central Services (OCS), the agency that has authority over more than $400 million in annual county government contracts for county agencies, reported to the County Council’s Public Safety & Fiscal Management (PSFM) Committee that the agency has missed required April 15th deadlines for making millions available in county contracting opportunities for small and minority businesses and not held vendors accountable for failing to report spending with local businesses and local hiring required by Council Bill 74 2016 (CB-74-2016 aka the “Jobs & Opportunity Act”), a sweeping local business and hiring law adopted by the Council and signed by County Executive Rushern Baker last fall, and previous legislation dating back to 2011.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9), who criticized the poor agency performance at last Thursday’s committee meeting, issued the following statement at the beginning of National Small Business Week (Apr. 30 – May 6):

“Last fall, our small and minority business community was thrilled when we passed CB-74-2016, the Jobs and Opportunity Act, which creates unprecedented opportunities for small and minority businesses and stiffer enforcement of the County’s 51% local hiring requirement on county contracts.  Unfortunately, once again, we discover this spring that our great intentions are undermined by poor agency execution and enforcement.  For many years, our local business community and local residents have reported being shut out of government contracting opportunities in their own county.  A big reason is that we as a county government have failed to take our commitments in law seriously and hold agencies and vendors accountable for complying with the laws we pass.  Here, at the outset of National Small Business Week, I urge our Office of Central Services and all of our county agencies to make good on our commitments to keep our tax dollars local and circulating in our own community, creating jobs, opportunity, and legacy wealth right here in Prince George’s County.”

The Jobs & Opportunity Act requires the Office of Central Services by April 15 of each year to reserve contracts in industry areas where the County has a substantial local business presence only for bidding by local small businesses.  The law also requires the Office of Central Services by April 15 to make at least $5,000,000 in annual contracting opportunities available for bid only to local small businesses enrolled in its Business Development Reserve Program, a capacity building program patterned after the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8A program.  Local businesses that are certified with state or federal minority or small business programs are automatically considered to be local small businesses in Prince George’s County.  County law also mandates that county agencies and nonlocal vendors report quarterly on their local business and local hiring performance on county contracts, a requirement that many vendors ignore without penalty.

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Video for the April 27, 2017 PSFM Meeting can be viewed here once made publicly available later this week (Office of Central Services budget review): https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=539334&GUID=F2317AD2-A14B-4C05-87BA-2977241258FD&Options=info&Search=

Copy of Jobs and Opportunity Act (CB-74-2016) Committee Presentation (October 3, 2016):https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4822851&GUID=6A156D4C-3A58-4344-9E39-DF32DCB73F34

Copy of the adopted Jobs and Opportunity Act (CB-74-2016):https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4729849&GUID=B49FC5E9-0022-47F1-896C-29A885FF335A

Prince George’s Rising – April 27, 2017

An Update from Councilman Mel Franklin

April 27, 2017 | Volume 3, 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 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 and putting Jobs First. For more information, please go to https://www.melfranklin.net/news/ or e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.

On NBC 4, Advocating for New Foreclosed Property and Property Standards Legislation

April 19 NBC 4 News Report: “A Prince George’s County councilman is introducing legislation to hold people and banks accountable for foreclosed properties that are neglected. News4’s Darcy Spencer reports.”

For the NBC 4 video: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Prince-Georges-County-Cracking-Down-Zombie-Foreclosures_Washington-DC-419900093.html

Washington Informer Article: http://washingtoninformer.com/legislation-pushes-to-end-foreclosures-in-prince-georges/

Press Release: https://www.melfranklin.net/councilman-mel-franklin-proposes-zombie-foreclosure-legislation/

 

County Council Urges Reform of State Casino Education Funding

Last month, the County Council adopted a resolution urging Governor Hogan to end the practice of replacing (or supplanting) general fund revenue for primary and secondary education with casino education trust fund revenue.  This practice currently results in casino funding not adding to the State’s funding formula for education, just swapping out previous general funds for new casino funds.  Instead, the State should mimic Prince George’s County’s law, CB-33-2015, which requires 50% of revenue from MGM National Harbor to be used for education spending and that it must add to (not supplant) existing county funding support for education.

Copy of the Council’s Resolution Concerning Use of Casino Revenues for State Aid to Primary and Secondary Education: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=5010315&GUID=7B56295C-D1A7-4CEC-A4BD-03B93AB43687

County law CB-33-2015: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4037353&GUID=86563FF7-7118-4929-ACB9-2A8B253B4144

 

County Council Launches New $500,000 Domestic Violence Funding Initiative

On Tuesday, April 25, the Prince George’s County Council announced a new fiscal year 2017 $500,000 domestic violence grant funding initiative for nonprofits in the County to help reduce the incidence of domestic violence…. “If sustained annually, this effort has the potential to make a serious difference in assisting our domestic violence service providers in reducing and eliminating the scourge of domestic violence in Prince George’s County.”

Full Press Release: https://www.melfranklin.net/statement-of-councilman-mel-franklin-on-new-council-500000-domestic-violence-funding-initiative/

 

Prince George’s County Valor Awards honor fallen officer, firefighter

WJLA 7: Just more than a year after his death, the parents and younger brother of Prince George’s County Police Detective Jacai Colson sadly and stoically accepted his medal as Police Officer of the Year…. This year’s ceremony was marked by deep emotion because in addition to Colson’s honor, the Firefighter of the Year award went to John Skillet Ulmschneider. He too was killed in the line of duty. His widow accepted his medal with the former fire chief at her side.

Full story: http://wjla.com/news/local/prince-georges-county-valor-awards-honor-fallen-officer-firefighter

 

Don’t Forget to Take the Once A Week Trash Survey Feedback Survey

Please take the 45-Day Feedback Survey about the change from Twice-A-Week to Once-A-Week Trash Service in Pr. George’s County: https://www.melfranklin.net/councilman-mel-franklin-launches-once-a-week-trash-feedback-survey/

Last year, the County changed waste pick-up service from twice-a-week to once-a-week to save money, promote recycling, and match other nearby jurisdictions.  This was a controversial change with many residents.  Please take this survey above and give me your feedback about this change in service.

NBC 4 Story: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Prince-Georges-Residents-Get-Chance-to-Review-Once-a-Week-Trash-Pickup-419501663.html

 

Prince George’s County Family & Friends Day is August 27, 2017: Please stay tuned for more details about our annual countywide festival.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE

 

Council Votes to Establish a Public Notice Website for County Public Meetings

At Last Tuesday’s Council session, the County Council unanimously adopted CB-6-2017, which requires all public bodies of the County Government to post notice of their meetings on a central website for the benefit of the public and to promote open government.  This requirement, supported in committee by the County Executive, will go into effect on October 1, 2017.

A copy of CB-6-2017 can be found here: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=5016556&GUID=FE7FD526-899A-41D7-B9E1-D85BFE3A26FB

 

The Prince George’s County Family Justice Center Seeks Volunteers

The Family Justice Center (FJC) is a collaboration of public and private agencies in Prince George’s County, Maryland designed to provide support, services and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and exploitation.  The FJC is seeking volunteers in the following areas: Receptionist and Intake Positions; Hospitality and Childcare Positions; and Office Service Positions. Requirements to Become a FJC Volunteer: Must be at least 18 years of age; Complete a Volunteer Application; Successfully complete a criminal background investigation with the Sheriff Department and DSS Child Services; and Must agree to work at least 32 hours (4 days) per month.

For more info, please see view this flyer: https://tinyurl.com/fjc-volunteers

 

WMATA: Metro invites public to comment on proposed joint development at College Park Station

Metro is inviting the public to provide feedback on proposed changes to transit facilities on the east side of the College Park Metrorail Station as part of a proposed transit-oriented joint development project. Metro is considering the redevelopment of the Park & Ride surface lot into a multifamily residential building with ground floor retail.  The public is encouraged to comment on the proposed changes. Feedback must be received by by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

Full Details on Submitting Comments: https://www.wmata.com/about/news/College-Park-Joint-Development.cfm

 

Contribution of New Outdoor Classroom to Brandywine Elementary School by Heart of America Foundation

Brandywine Elementary opened a new courtyard and outdoor classroom on Tuesday, April 25, contributed and built by a multi-partner initiative led by the Heart of America Foundation.  PGCPS reports that the “brand-new courtyard features planting beds for students to grow flowers and vegetables, a butterfly garden, a labyrinth, recycled plastic bench seating, a colorful outdoor classroom and chalkboard, and several shaded learning areas.”

Full story: https://www.melfranklin.net/statement-on-contribution-of-new-outdoor-classroom-to-brandywine-elementary-school/

 

Please Support the Apr. 29 March for Babies

From the March of Dimes: “We’re getting ready to walk in March for Babies! It promises to be a fun day out with people who share our passion for improving the health of babies. There’ll be family teams, company teams and people walking with friends – it’s a great feeling knowing we’re all helping real families. Join our event and walk with us to raise money for babies right here in our community!”

To support, go here: https://www.marchforbabies.org/EventInfo?EventID=18526

 

Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable/ Economic Development Corp. “State of the Economy” Breakfast – May 3, 7:30AM, Colony South Hotel

From the Business Roundtable and the PGCEDC: “The Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable and the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation are pleased to invite you to join us at Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III’s 2017 State of the Economy Breakfast.”

To register, go here: http://www.pgcedc.com/events/prince-george-s-county-executive-rushern-l-baker-iii-s-2017-state-of-the-economy-breakfast?platform=hootsuite

 

Upcoming Hiring Event

NAPA Distribution Center Hiring Event – May 10

From PGCEDC Workforce Development: NAPA Distribution Center in Beltsville, MD will hold a hiring event on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 1pm – 3pm. They are hiring for the following positions: Assistant Store Managers and Warehouse Associates.

Register to attend. Go to https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/ – Appointment Center – Events Calendar – NAPA Hiring Event (May 10th) – Register.

For more details, please email KHMCNUTT@CO.PG.MD.US

 

Laurel Patch: County Suburbs Ranked Among the Best Places to Live in Maryland

From Patch.com: “What’s the best place to live in Maryland? That depends on who you ask, but according to a new set of rankings released by Niche.com, the Prince George’s County suburbs of D.C. are high on the list.  The suburbs of Northern Virginia placed prominently in the rankings released April 17. Placing in the top 100 are University Park (31), Greenbelt (81), Adelphi (98), and College Park (99).”

Full article: https://patch.com/maryland/laurel/s/g3ltx/pg-county-suburbs-ranked-among-the-best-places-to-live-in-maryland?utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=community%20corner&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=article-topstories&utm_slot=1

 

OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY RESOURCES

 

Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention – Call 211

Still I Rise, Inc. Call (301) 868-4903 or go to http://www.stillirisemd.org

Prince George’s Co. Family Justice Center/The Next Step: http://www.princegeorgescourts.org/358/Prince-Georges-County-Family-Justice-Cen

 

Employment/Workforce Training

The Training Source: http://thetrainingsource.org/

No Opportunity Wasted: http://www.nooppwasted.org/

Training Grounds Inc.: http://traininggroundsdmv.org/

Prince George’s Community College Workforce Development: https://www.pgcc.edu/Programs_and_Courses/Workforce_Development_Institutes.aspx

 

Maryland Veterans Resource Guide: http://veterans.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/04/4-12-17-Resource-Guide.pdf

 

Apply for the Homeowners/Renters Tax Credit Program

Call 1(800) 944-7403 or go to

Homeowners: http://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Homeowners’-Property-Tax-Credit-Program.aspx

Renters: http://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Renters’-Tax-Credits.aspx

 

Apply for the Homestead Tax Credit Program

Call (866) 650-8783 or go to https://sdathtc.dat.maryland.gov/default.aspx

 

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/1259/Business-Development

 

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 County Road Pothole Repair: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1025/Potholes

 

Request State Road Pothole Repair (Roads with numbers, like MD-5, MD-4, US-1, US-301): http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/knowyourroads.html

 

Find Your Other Elected Officials:

Contact the County Executive at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/directory.aspx?eid=93

Find out and contact your state and federal elected officials at http://mdelect.net

 

View the Prince George’s County Code and Charter 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