Statement on Contribution of New Outdoor Classroom to Brandywine Elementary School

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April 24, 2017

For Immediate Release

Statement of Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin on the Contribution of a New Outdoor Classroom to Brandywine Elementary School

Ribbon Cutting by Business, School, and Community Stakeholders to be Held on Tuesday, April 25

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – On Friday, April 21, the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) announced that Brandywine Elementary School in Brandywine, MD will open 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.”  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9), who represents the Brandywine area, issued the following statement:

“My residents are truly grateful to the Heart of America Foundation and to all of the business and community partners for transforming this outdoor space at Brandywine Elementary into a multi-faceted outdoor learning environment that will stimulate the creative minds of our young people and engage them about the world around them.  Heart of America has developed an impressive track record over the past 20 years of renovating and transforming spaces in schools by infusing art, technology, and creativity into the physical learning environment.  We are truly thankful for their service to the Brandywine community and for the great community partners that have contributed time and resources to this project.  The greatest local investment we can make is to cultivate the minds of our youth.”

The ribbon cutting for this new outdoor classroom and courtyard will be on Tuesday, April 25, with an Open House beginning at 12:45 p.m. and the ribbon cutting ceremony starting at 1:00 p.m. at Brandywine Elementary School, 14101 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613.  The contributing business and community partners for this project include: Walton; SNC-Lavalin; Patuxent Companies; Gudelsky Materials; Aggregate Industries; NRG; PSEG Keys Energy Center, LLC; Brandywine North Keys Civic Association; G.S. Proctor & Associates, Inc.; Denison Landscaping & Nursery, Inc.; Panda Power Funds; Proctor Landscaping and Masonry; Washington Gas; Prince George’s County Public Schools, and Prince George’s County Government.

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For more information of about the Heart of America Foundation, go to: http://www.heartofamerica.org/

For the full PGCPS press release, go to: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/PGCPS/bulletins/195c281

Apr. 21 E-News In Brief from Councilman Franklin

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E-News in Brief – April 21, 2017

 

An Update from Councilman Mel Franklin

E-News in Brief for Community Leaders                                                                                                                      

Council Votes to Establish a Public Notice Website for County Public Meetings and a New Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys

At 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.  The Council also unanimously adopted CB-9-2017 to establish a Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys in Prince George’s County to pursue policies and programs “that will effectively address the social economic concerns of fathers, men, and boys, including: (1) Fatherlessness and responsible fatherhood; Employment and Economic Opportunities; (3) Family law and domestic violence; (4) Hunger, Poverty, and Homelessness; (5) Health and well-being; and (6) Rehabilitation and reintegration.”

For more information, go here: https://www.melfranklin.net/prince-georges-county-to-establish-commission-on-fathers-men-and-boys/

 

County Council to Hold Five Public Hearings on the FY2018 Proposed County Budget

From the County Council: “The Prince George’s County Council will hold five public hearings during the months of April and May, on the County’s Proposed Spending Plan for Fiscal Year 2018.   All public hearings will be held in the first-floor Council Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive in Upper Marlboro.  The Council will hold its first budget public hearing on Tuesday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission spending plan.  A second budget public hearing is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 for the Annual Action Plan/Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).  A public hearing will be held on Monday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m., for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) budget.  On May 2 and 8 at 7:00 p.m., public hearings will be held for the proposed FY 2018 County Operating, Capital Improvement Plan and Board of Education budgets.  Citizens are encouraged to participate in the Council budget review process. To speak before the Council, sign up online at http://pgccouncil.us/458/Public-Hearing-Notices-Sign-Up-to-Speak or contact the Clerk of the Council during normal business hours at 301.952.3600.”

For more info: http://pgccouncil.us/454/Budget-Portal

 

Condolences on the Passing of Governor Hogan’s Father, Former County Executive Lawrence Hogan

“On behalf of my constituents and family, we extend our condolences and prayers to Governor Larry Hogan and his family on the passing of his father, former Prince George’s County Executive and Congressman Lawrence J. Hogan.  Congressman Hogan was a true profile in courage when, after an impassioned speech and against the wishes of his party, he was the only Republican on the House Judiciary Committee to vote for all three articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon for covering up the Watergate scandal.  This stand helped our nation by shifting momentum in Congress toward impeachment, leading President Nixon to resign.  We honor him for his service to our country.”

Full press release: https://www.melfranklin.net/statement-on-the-passing-of-lawrence-j-hogan-former-prince-georges-county-executive-and-congressman/

 

NBC4’s Coverage of New Foreclosure Legislation: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Prince-Georges-County-Cracking-Down-Zombie-Foreclosures_Washington-DC-419900093.html

“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.”

 

Parks and Recreation: Invitation to Donate to the Kids to Camp Campaign

Your donation today will make a great summer for Prince George’s County children attending M-NCPPC Parks and Recreation day camps.  Donations will contribute to experiences for eligible children based on documented need and is tax deductible.  Give a child adventure, imagination, sports, the arts, nature and FUN. Pay it forward!

For more info, go here: http://www.pgparksfoundation.org/Donate/Kids_to_Camp_Campaign.htm

 

Please Join Your Neighbors and Take the Once-a-Week Trash Feedback Survey: https://www.melfranklin.net/councilman-mel-franklin-launches-once-a-week-trash-feedback-survey/

 

Prince George’s County Family & Friends Day is August 27, 2017, 3PM-6PM: Please stay tuned for more details about this annual countywide festival.

 

For more info, go to

Website: www.melfranklin.net/news/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofmelfranklin

Twitter: www.twitter.com/melrfranklin

 

Statement on the Passing of Lawrence J. Hogan, former Prince George’s County Executive and Congressman

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April 21, 2017

For Immediate Release

Statement of Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin on the Passing of Former Prince George’s County Executive and Maryland Congressman Lawrence J. Hogan

Father of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Remembered for Courageous Vote Against Richard Nixon During Watergate Impeachment Proceedings

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – Yesterday, Governor Larry Hogan announced the passing of his father, former Prince George’s County Executive and U.S. Congressman Lawrence J. Hogan, at the age of 88.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9) issued the following statement:

“On behalf of my constituents and family, we extend our condolences and prayers to Governor Larry Hogan and his family on the passing of his father, former Prince George’s County Executive and Congressman Lawrence J. Hogan.  Congressman Hogan was a true profile in courage when, after an impassioned speech and against the wishes of his party, he was the only Republican on the House Judiciary Committee to vote for all three articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon for covering up the Watergate scandal.  This stand helped our nation by shifting momentum in Congress toward impeachment, leading President Nixon to resign.  We honor him for his service to our country.”

Lawrence J. Hogan served as Prince George’s County Executive from 1978 to 1982 and U.S. Congressman (R-District 5) from 1969 to 1975.

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Prince George’s County to Establish Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys

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April 21, 2017

For Immediate Release

Statement of Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin on the Council’s Unanimous Vote to Establish a Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys

Council Also Votes to Require the Public to be Informed about All County Government Public Meetings on a Central Website

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – At Tuesday’s Council session, the County Council unanimously adopted CB-9-2017 to establish a Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys in Prince George’s County to pursue policies and programs “that will effectively address the social economic concerns of fathers, men, and boys, including: (1) Fatherlessness and responsible fatherhood; Employment and Economic Opportunities; (3) Family law and domestic violence; (4) Hunger, Poverty, and Homelessness; (5) Health and well-being; and (6) Rehabilitation and reintegration.”  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9), who has made reducing fatherhood absence a priority issue for his office, issued the following statement:

“This legislation will put in place a permanent structure in our local government to address the unique issues of fatherhood absence and the vulnerable circumstances of countless young men and boys in our communities, which is critical to building stronger families in Prince George’s County.  The Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys will build on a national model for implementing community-based programs and policies to improve the socio-economic and cultural conditions for promoting responsible fatherhood and improve outcomes for our youth.”

Commissions or councils on fatherhood have been established in many jurisdictions around the country in recent years, including the District of Columbia, Ohio, Illinois, and Hawaii, many in conjunction with the work of the National Fatherhood Initiative, a national nonprofit fatherhood advocacy group.  CB-9-2017 was also strongly supported by 100 Fathers Inc., led by its CEO Franklin Malone, a longtime fatherhood advocate in the Washington DC area.  County Executive Baker’s administration supported the legislation in committee and he is expected to sign it.  By County Charter, county boards and commissions are appointed by the County Executive, subject to approval by the County Council.

At Tuesday’s session, the Council also 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, also supported in committee by the County Executive, will go into effect on October 1, 2017.

CB-9-2017: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=5025527&GUID=7182ABA5-9AB5-499F-957C-D737CB50CD71

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

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Statement: Council Urges GSA and USCIS to Finalize Lease for USCIS Headquarters in Pr. George’s County

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April 20, 2017

For Immediate Release

Statement of Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin on Council Letter Urging GSA and USCIS to Finalize Move of Headquarters to Prince George’s County

USCIS Headquarters was Preliminarily Awarded to Site Near Branch Avenue Metro Station Last Summer

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – At Tuesday’s Council session, the County Council voted to send a letter to leaders of the General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) urging them to finalize the lease for consolidating the USCIS headquarters at the Town Center at Camp Springs, a mixed-use (residential, retail, and office) development at the Branch Avenue Metro Station.  The site was preliminarily selected by GSA as the new location of the federal agency headquarters last summer, but the change in Administration in the White House has led to a delay in the finalization of the lease, which is the final step before construction of the project goes forward.  Despite being home to more than 75,000 federal employees, Prince George’s County lags the region with only 4% of the region’s leased federal office space.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9) issued the following statement:

“Last summer, a site and development team near the Branch Avenue Metro Station won preliminary award of the lucrative headquarters of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with its 3,200 employees and 600,000 square feet of office space.  This project would be the anchor and economic catalyst for one of the County and region’s most promising transit-oriented developments.  Despite this momentum, and the development team satisfying all of the necessary environmental and security requirements, GSA and USCIS have yet to finalize the lease for the project without explanation, causing uncertainty for the financing and costs of the project.  Tuesday’s County Council letter is an urgent message to GSA and USCIS that any further delay will jeopardize the private sector’s ability to deliver a state of the art facility on time and on budget to assist USCIS in fulfilling its security responsibilities to the American people.”

The Council’s letter to GSA and USCIS can be found here: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=5117703&GUID=CF23F736-1252-42CF-8194-DE88629B7239.  The letter is addressed to USCIS Acting Director James McCament and GSA Regional Commissioner Mary Gibert and urges “USCIS to finalize its Lease and Occupancy agreement with GSA and GSA to finalize its lease with Town Center at Camp Springs LP.”

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Apr. 18 E-News in Brief from Councilman Franklin

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E-News in Brief – April 18, 2017

 

An Update from Councilman Mel Franklin

E-News in Brief for Community Leaders                                                                                                                      

 

‘Zombie’ Foreclosure Legislation Proposed in the County Council

“Our communities continue to feel the lingering impact of the Great Recession with a large number of vacant and foreclosed properties spread across the County.  Due to unclear ownership and a lack of accountability for these properties during and after the foreclosure process, these properties often fall into disrepair by the banks and nameless investors who own or control them, which damages the property values of our existing neighborhoods.  This vacant and foreclosed property legislation will make it clear that these banks and investors are responsible for these properties before and after the completion of the foreclosure process and hold them accountable for maintaining them.”

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

 

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

 

PGCPS: School System Graduation Rate Reaches Record High

According to data released from the Maryland State Department of Education, the four-year Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) rose 2.6 percentage points, moving from 78.8 to 81.4 percent. The PGCPS rate now exceeds 80 percent for the first time since the state began tracking cohort data in 2010.  Eight high schools meet the system’s goal of a minimum 90 percent graduation rate:

Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC (100 percent), Bowie (90.2 percent), Charles H. Flowers (91 percent), DuVal (92.4 percent), Gwynn Park (94.6 percent), Eleanor Roosevelt (91.5 percent), Frederick Douglass (92 percent) and Surrattsville (90.8 percent).

Full Details: http://www1.pgcps.org/Communications/Press-Releases/2016—2017/January/PGCPS-Graduation-Rate-Reaches-Record-High/

 

Council to Urge GSA and USCIS to Finalize Federal Headquarters for Camp Springs Project at Tuesday Session

At today’s Council session, the County Council will vote to send a letter to the leaders of the General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) urging them to finalize the consolidation of the USCIS headquarters at the Town Center at Camp Springs, a mixed-use (residential, retail, and office) development at the Branch Avenue Metro Station.  The site received preliminary selection as the new location of the federal agency’s headquarters last summer, but the change in Administration in the White House has led to a delay in the finalization of the lease, which is the final step before construction of the project goes forward.

For more info, see related story: https://www.bisnow.com/washington-dc/news/mixed-use/peter-schwartz-gets-financing-for-100m-phase-2-of-branch-ave-mixed-use-project-73168

Reminder – Please Take the Once-a-Week Trash Feedback Survey: https://www.melfranklin.net/councilman-mel-franklin-launches-once-a-week-trash-feedback-survey/  

 

For more info, go to

Website: www.melfranklin.net/news/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofmelfranklin

Twitter: www.twitter.com/melrfranklin

 

 

Councilman Mel Franklin Proposes ‘Zombie’ Foreclosure Legislation

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April 18, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Proposes ‘Zombie’ Foreclosure Legislation

Three Different Bills Proposed to Hold Banks More Accountable for Vacant and Foreclosed Properties

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – At the Council’s Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Session, Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9) will propose Council Bill 39 (CB-39-2017), the third in a package of 3 bills designed to address poor property standards at vacant and foreclosed properties in the County.  Prince George’s County was one of the worst hit counties in the nation by the 2008 housing crisis and still has a significant inventory of vacant and foreclosed properties, which often suffer from poor maintenance.  CB-39-2017 will authorize the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) to establish a Vacant and Abandoned Residential Property Registry and to hold first lien mortgage holders, often banks, directly responsible for the maintenance of vacant and abandoned properties with stiff fines.  Councilman Mel Franklin released the following statement:

“Our communities continue to feel the lingering impact of the Great Recession with a large number of vacant and foreclosed properties spread across the County.  Due to unclear ownership and a lack of accountability for these properties during and after the foreclosure process, these properties often fall into disrepair by the banks and nameless investors who own or control them, which damages the property values of our existing neighborhoods.  This vacant and foreclosed property legislation will make it clear that these banks and investors are responsible for these properties before and after the completion of the foreclosure process and hold them accountable for maintaining them.”

Earlier this session, Councilman Franklin proposed CB-11-2017, which requires banks to promptly record ownership and pay transfer and recordation taxes upon finalizing foreclosure purchases, and CB-12-2017, which imposes stiff fines for banks and other responsible parties who do not sign up for the State Foreclosed Property Registry.  CB-11-2017 has been referred to the Public Safety & Fiscal Management Committee (PSFM) and CB-12-2017 has been referred to the Transportation, Housing, and Environment Committee.  CB-39-2017 will be referred to PSFM at Tuesday’s session.  All 3 bills are expected to be considered in their respective committees by June after the Council’s adoption of the County’s budget in May.

CB-39-2017 can be found here: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=5111282&GUID=7B43CE39-AFAF-40CE-90BB-8E69E7CAB6EC

CB-12-2017 can be found here: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4971255&GUID=DE09AB7D-634C-4036-81BA-06E99A2A3992

CB-11-2017 can be found here: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4971718&GUID=1E9C2DD3-F56B-47BB-BD93-15290BB6F199

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Apr. 15 E-News In Brief from Councilman Franklin

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E-News in Brief – April 15, 2017

 

An Update from Councilman Mel Franklin

E-News in Brief for Community Leaders                                                                                                                      

 

Prince George’s Residents Get Chance to Review Once-a-Week Trash Pickup

“Prince George’s County, Maryland, residents have a chance to let the county know what they think of once a week trash pickup.  The county switched from twice a week pickup last year.  Since then, there have been numerous complaints about trash not being picked up and delays in getting the new trash cans.”

Full NBC4 Washington Story: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Prince-Georges-Residents-Get-Chance-to-Review-Once-a-Week-Trash-Pickup-419501663.html

Once A Week Trash Survey Feedback Survey: www.tinyurl.com/onceaweektrash  

 

Council to Vote on Legislation to Establish a Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys on Tuesday

At Tuesday’s County Council session, the Council will bring up for public hearing and final passage Council Bill 9 2017 (CB-9-2017), which will establish a Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys in Prince George’s County to advocate for policies and programs to address issues like fatherhood absence, outcomes for at-risk males, re-entry, and unemployment.  A publicly available version of the bill can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/cb-9-2017-fatherhood.  The County Council meeting will start at 1:30PM at the County Administration Building at 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, Council 1st Floor Hearing Room.  Council Meeting Agenda: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=539409&GUID=5465B0D0-0087-4E0A-9FD4-8F239CA9F666

Upcoming Council Public Hearings and Speaker Sign-Up Info: http://pgccouncil.us/458/Public-Hearing-Notices-Sign-Up-to-Speak

 

For more info, go to

Website: www.melfranklin.net/news/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofmelfranklin

Twitter: www.twitter.com/melrfranklin

 

Happy Easter!  May God’s blessings be upon us all.

 

By Authority, Friends of Mel Franklin, Brendon Laster, Treasurer
Friends of Mel Franklin
PO Box 3031
Upper Marlboro MD 20773 United States

Councilman Mel Franklin Launches Once-A-Week Trash Feedback Survey

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April 14, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Launches Once-A-Week Trash Feedback Survey

45-Day Online Poll to Gather County Resident Feedback about Last Year’s Controversial Change from Twice-A-Week Service

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – On Thursday, April 13, 2017, Council Member Mel Franklin (D-District 9) launched an online survey of county residents to get feedback about their approval of 2016’s change from twice-a-week to once-a-week trash pick-up service.  The reduction in service reportedly saved $6 million annually, significantly increased recycling rates, and made the County’s service similar to the once-a-week service of surrounding jurisdictions in the region.  Nonetheless, many residents expressed vigorous disapproval for losing one of their trash service days and raised concerns about implementation issues, such as the delay in receiving new trash cans.  Councilman Franklin released the following statement:

“I am a firm believer in evaluating and re-evaluating policy changes to determine whether we have made the right decision.  A big part of that determination is getting feedback from the residents we serve.  The change to once-a-week trash service was a rough transition and still elicits mixed opinions throughout the County, despite some benefits.  The Once-A-Week Trash Feedback Survey is designed to gauge whether our residents approve of the change, which should help guide our future policy decisions.”

To take the Once-A-Week Trash Feedback Survey, residents should go to www.tinyurl.com/onceaweektrash.  The survey does not allow for duplicate responses and requires a valid name, county address, phone, and e-mail to have a person’s survey vote counted.  The survey will run for 45 days until May 28 and the detailed final results will be shared publicly.  The survey’s current results can be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/onceaweektrash-results.

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Whole Foods, Reg. Medical Ctr, Trash Survey, and More – Prince George’s Rising – Councilman Mel Franklin

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Prince George’s Rising – April 13, 2017

An Update from Councilman Mel Franklin

April 13, 2017 | Volume 3, Issue 1                                                                                                                     

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. For more information, please go to https://www.melfranklin.net or e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.  #jobsfirst

Whole Foods Opens in Riverdale Park; Major County Economic Turning Point

“The arrival of Whole Foods in Prince George’s County heralds a major turning point in Prince George’s County’s journey from being thought of as the region’s bedroom community to now an economic destination for the world.  In 2012, I was surprised that the Council was confronted with such a contentious zoning debate about bringing this project to life.  I am pleased to have supported the Whole Foods project and the economic momentum that its approval generated. . . .We must continue to work to foster the kind of business environment that replicates amenities like Whole Foods across the rest of the County.”

Full Press Release: https://www.melfranklin.net/council-member-franklin-calls-new-whole-foods-an-economic-turning-point-for-the-county/

 

General Assembly Session Yields Major Victory for New Regional Medical Center in Largo

The 2017 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly ended at 12AM on Tuesday and yielded Senate Bill 1198 (SB 1198), the Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center Act of 2017, which provides about $100 million in additional state funds over the next several years to ensure the successful launch of the new $543 million state of the art Regional Medical Center, which will be run by the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS).  The Regional Medical Center will be constructed and open in Largo by 2020, adjacent to the Largo Town Centre Metro Station, and will anchor a major transit-oriented redevelopment of the BLVD at Capital Centre.  The bill, supported by County Executive Baker, the County Council, and County Senate and House Delegations, was adopted by the General Assembly and became law without Governor Hogan’s signature on April 6.

Watch the video of what the new Regional Medical Center will look like: https://tinyurl.com/pgcrmc-future

SB 1198: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2017RS/Chapters_noln/CH_19_sb1198t.pdf

 

Important Camp Springs Transit-Oriented Development Moves Forward; To Be Home of Federal Agency

From Bisnow.com: “With the addition of the 3,200 [U.S. Dept. of Citizenship and Immigration Services] employees, plus the roughly 6,000 Metro riders using the station every day and hundreds of residential tenants, [Project Developer Peter Schwartz] has attracted a number of users for the retail component of the project, the 40K SF Restaurant Row.”

Read the rest of the story here: https://www.bisnow.com/washington-dc/news/mixed-use/peter-schwartz-gets-financing-for-100m-phase-2-of-branch-ave-mixed-use-project-73168

Related Item: https://www.melfranklin.net/councilman-mel-franklins-statement-on-gsas-u-s-citizenship-and-immigration-services-decision/

 

Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex (SAARC) in Brandywine Scheduled for Fall 2018 Opening

After last November’s groundbreaking, the $42 million, nearly 80,000 square foot Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC), a new multi-generational recreation destination to be located near the intersection of Missouri Avenue and US-301N in Brandywine, is on track for completion and opening by the fall of 2018.

For more project info, go here: http://www.pgparks.com/About-Parks-and-Recreation/New_Projects/Project_Updates/Southern_Area_Aquatic_and_Recreation_Complex_63315.htm

 

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 and give me your feedback about this change in service.

Take the survey here and share with your neighbors: https://tinyurl.com/onceaweektrash

View survey results here: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ee1z5qlrj1gaayx6/results

 

COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE

 

Bowie State University Honors Delegate Jim Proctor with Building Dedication

“Delegate Jim Proctor’s legacy has left an indelible mark on so many facets of life in Prince George’s County and Maryland.  He and Susie have a long history of advancing the issues and interests of their alma mater, Bowie State University, and public education at all levels.  As a former principal, he understood the vital importance of investing in the minds of our most important assets, our young people.  Jim was a friend and mentor and never stopped being an educator to all of those who were privileged to know him.  It is a fitting tribute and a tremendous honor for Bowie State to dedicate its Center for Learning and Technology in his memory.”

Full Press Release: https://www.melfranklin.net/council-member-franklin-salutes-bowie-state-univ-for-honoring-delegate-jim-proctors-legacy/

 

Greater Marlboro Democratic Club (GMDC) to Relaunch This Fall

One of our former popular Democratic Clubs, the Greater Marlboro Democratic Club (GMDC), will relaunch this fall to take on Presidential Donald Trump and focus on local issues of importance.  The geographic focus of the group will be the Greater Upper Marlboro area, inclusive of the 20772 and 20774 zip codes.  Stay tuned for more details and ways that you can get involved!

 

Congratulations to the Maryland General Assembly on Adopting Amber’s Law

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, which 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.  The passage of Amber’s Law is an amazing triumph for survivors of domestic violence and will save countless lives by strengthening protections against domestic violence abusers.

Read the full press release here: https://www.melfranklin.net/cm-franklin-calls-passage-of-ambers-law-a-triumph-for-domestic-violence-survivors/

NBC4 News Story: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Bill-to-Put-GPS-Trackers-on-Domestic-Violence-Suspects-Passes-in-Maryland-419181774.html

Register for a 2017 Parks and Recreation Summer Camp – Spaces Are Filling Up!

The Parks & Recreation Department of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has a multitude of summer day camps and programs in almost every imaginable area of interest…but the camps are filling up fast (many already have).  If you are still interested, please click here: http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Day_Camps_and_Playgrounds/Summer_Day_Camps.htm

Summer Camps Brochure here: http://www.pgparks.com/Assets/Parks+$!26+Recreation/Pagelets/2017+summer++day+camp.pdf

 

Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) Summer Youth Program

From PGCC website: “The Summer Youth Program runs for four weeks in July. It is for students completing grades two through eight. Each program day includes courses that are academically focused and interest based. Students may select from either or both tracts. The program begins at 8:30 and ends at 3:30. A wind down sessions is available until 6pm.”

For PGCC summer youth program brochure excerpt, go here: https://tinyurl.com/ldy2k8e

To register, go here: http://www.pgcc.edu/summeryouth/

 

MV Transportation Hiring Event – April 20

From PGCEDC Workforce Development: “MV Transportation is holding a hiring event on Thursday, April 20, 2017, 10am at the Prince George’s One Stop Career Center, 1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 120, Largo, MD 20774. They are interviewing to fill (1) Reservation Agent and (4) Dispatcher job openings.

Their benefits package includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Vacation, Holidays, and 401K.

Please email your résumé to mvrecruiter108@mvtransit.com and bring a copy of your résumé with you to the hiring event.”

For more info and numerous other hiring events, go here: https://www.facebook.com/pgonestopcareercenter/

 

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 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://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Assessment-Appeal-Process.aspx

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

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