Council Member Franklin Salutes Bowie State Univ. for Honoring Delegate Jim Proctor’s Legacy

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April 12, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Salutes Bowie State University for Honoring Delegate James Proctor with Building Dedication

University to Name Center for Learning and Technology After Late Longtime Legislator and Alumnus

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – Today at 12PM, Bowie State University will honor the late Delegate James (Jim) E. Proctor Jr. (D-District 27A), a longtime advocate for the historically black university, by dedicating its Center for Learning and Technology in his name.  Jim and his wife, Delegate Elizabeth G. (Susie) Proctor (D-District 27A), are both proud Bowie State alumni.  Councilman Mel Franklin, who plans to attend today’s dedication ceremony, released the following statement:

“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.”

Today’s dedication ceremony will be held today at 12PM at Bowie State University, Center for Learning & Technology (Lawn), 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

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For more information: https://www.bowiestate.edu/division-of-institutional-adva/giving-to-bowie/james-e-proctor-building/

Council Member Franklin Calls New Whole Foods an Economic Turning Point for the County

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April 11, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Calls New Whole Foods Store a Turning Point for High Quality Development in Prince George’s County

Councilman Recalls Critical Vote to Approve High End Project

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – On Wednesday, April 12, the newest Whole Foods Grocery Store will open in Riverdale Park, the company’s first store in Prince George’s County.  In 2012, the Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council, approved the zoning change that brought the project to the County after a very long and contentious debate.  Councilman Mel Franklin, who supported the project as a signature economic destination for the region, released the following statement:

“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.  By encouraging development that elevates our quality of life, we will bring the kind of amenities that our residents have long clamored for and keep their dollars in Prince George’s County.  We must continue to work to foster the kind of business environment that replicates amenities like Whole Foods across the rest of the County.”

The new Whole Foods store in Riverdale Park is located at 6612-B Baltimore Ave., Riverdale Park, MD 20782 and will anchor an entire mixed-use development with residential, restaurants, hospitality, and retail.  The store will open on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 8:45AM.

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CM Franklin Calls Passage of Amber’s Law a Triumph for Domestic Violence Survivors

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(UPDATED – 4-11-17 12:55PM)

April 11, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Congratulates General Assembly on Adopting Amber’s Law

Councilman Calls Legislation a Triumph for Domestic Violence Survivors

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, 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.  Amber’s Law is named after domestic violence victim and Prince George’s County, MD resident, Amber Schinault, who was violently murdered in 2012 by her ex-boyfriend, despite having a protective order.  After previous years of failing to pass, yesterday the bill cleared two committees and both houses of the General Assembly in the final hours of the session.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9), who worked with the bill’s primary House sponsor, Delegate Aruna Miller (D-Montgomery County), to lobby lawmakers in the closing hours of the session, was thrilled with the last minute revival and adoption of the legislation:

“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.  I would like to thank Senator Susan Lee and Delegate Aruna Miller for leading the charge in Annapolis for this law, the other bill sponsors, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and House Judiciary Committee, Committee Chairs Senator Bobby Zirkin and Delegate Joe Vallario, Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Mike Busch, Senate and House staff, especially Sen. Lee’s chief of staff, Michael Lore, and our County Council staff, all of whom moved Amber’s Law with amazing speed.  Most of all, I would like to thank Amber’s parents, Angela and Steven Zarcone, and her best friend, Jaime Boswell, for inspiring this impressive crusade to protect others from domestic violence in Amber’s memory.”

HB 1163 was also endorsed by the full Prince George’s County Council.  The bill now goes to Governor Larry Hogan for his approval, which is widely expected.

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

CM Franklin Calls F-16 Military Pilot a Hero; Will Seek County Proclamation

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April 10, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Calls Military Pilot from F-16 Crash a Hero; Will Seek County Proclamation

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

After last week’s crash of an F-16 military aircraft in the Clinton area, the military has revealed additional information that, after the plane’s malfunction, the pilot quickly and successfully moved the plane’s trajectory to a wooded, uninhabited area so that the public would be safe.  The military has not yet released the name of the pilot.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9), who represents the area of the crash, issued the following statement today:

“Due to the impressive training of the United States Military and the heroic and quick actions taken by the pilot of last week’s F-16C plane accident, many lives of my constituents were saved.  The pilot is a credit to his uniform and our country and we owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.  There are children and families alive today because of his actions.  At a time of his convenience, I will seek to honor him with a County proclamation to properly thank him for his service to our residents.”

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CM Franklin Calls Statewide Paid Sick Leave Bill a Victory for Working Families

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April 6, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Calls Statewide Paid Sick Leave Bill a Victory for Working Families

2015 Council Resolution Endorsed Statewide Approach to Paid Sick Leave

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Yesterday, the Maryland General Assembly approved House Bill 1, a new statewide 5-day annual paid sick and safe leave benefit for workers at businesses with 15 or more employees, with veto-proof margins.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9), who was Chair of the County Council when the Council adopted CR-52-2015 and endorsed a statewide sick leave approach, issued the following statement:

“Yesterday’s adoption of statewide paid sick and safe leave legislation will make the workplace more family-friendly and fairer to tens of thousands of everyday Marylanders.  It is particularly important that this benefit will extend to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  The statewide approach for this policy will ensure that Prince George’s County businesses are not competing at a disadvantage with other Maryland counties.  I congratulate the General Assembly and urge Governor Hogan to sign this family-friendly legislation.”

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A copy of 2015 Council Resolution 52 (CR-52-2015) can be found here: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4106259&GUID=87742DE3-87B7-4376-8D00-5D0ADC347C30

The adopted 2017 statewide paid sick and safe leave bill can be found here: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2017RS/bills/hb/hb0001t.pdf

Councilman Franklin Is Closely Monitoring Crash of Military Aircraft in Clinton, MD

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April 5, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Is Closely Monitoring Crash of Military Aircraft in Clinton, MD

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Today, an F-16C military aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Piscataway and Steed Roads near Joint Base Andrews, according to Prince George’s County Fire and EMS.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9), who represents the area of the crash, issued the following statement:

“I am closely monitoring the crash of the military aircraft in Clinton just a few miles from Joint Base Andrews.  I am pleased to hear that the pilot parachuted to safety with only non-life threatening injuries with no one hurt on the ground and that the crash occurred in a largely wooded area.  Nonetheless, I know that the residents I represent in Clinton are alarmed by this accident and I encourage the affected residents to follow the direction of public safety personnel at the scene.  Per the guidance of our public safety officers, if anyone in the community finds what they believe to be a part of the aircraft, do not touch or move but please call Joint Base Andrews at 301-981-2002.  Let’s continue to keep all of our military personnel and their families in our thoughts and prayers.”

For the latest updates, go to: https://twitter.com/PGFDPIO

Councilman Franklin’s Statement on MGM National Harbor Exceeding Its Local Business and Hiring Requirements

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April 4, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Congratulates MGM National Harbor for Exceeding Local Business Participation and Hiring Requirements

MGM National Harbor spends over $158 million with County-based minority firms and utilizes county residents for over 1 million work hours during construction

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Today, MGM National Harbor briefed the County Council on its final compliance report for the 3-year construction phase of the MGM National Harbor Resort Casino, which opened on December 8, 2016.  MGM National Harbor reports spending 26% or $243,627,287.94 of its more than $930 million in construction value with County-based businesses and 17% or $158,453,385.85 with County-based minority businesses, both exceeding the minimum and aspirational goals in the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) negotiated between MGM National Harbor and Prince George’s County in 2014.  MGM also reports hiring county residents for 1,097,878 hours or 27% of the over 4 million in total construction work hours on the project, exceeding the CBA’s 20% minimum goal.  Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9) issued the following statement:

“Leveraging great development to create local investment, local hiring, and local opportunities for our small and minority owned businesses is a critical part of creating legacy wealth and shared prosperity in Prince George’s County.  The MGM National Harbor project, in conjunction with the Community Benefits Agreement that the County required, has created opportunity for local businesses and local hiring at levels unprecedented in our County’s history of private development.  Just as we hold developers accountable when they fall short of their commitments, we must also give credit where credit is due when companies exceed our expectations.”

MGM National Harbor also reports spending 40% or $367,907,202.64 of its construction value with certified minority businesses, exceeding the CBA’s minimum or aspirational goals.  MGM’s compliance report was verified by third party monitor, the Law Offices of K.E. Timmons, Esq., CPA LLC.  The County’s attention will now turn to the $60-$80 million in annual procurement opportunities and local hiring during the operational phase of MGM National Harbor, which is subject to even higher local business and hiring requirements than the construction phase.

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MGM National Harbor Final Construction Report – Executive Summary: https://tinyurl.com/mgm-cba-report-exec-summary

MGM National Harbor Final Construction Report – Full Report: https://tinyurl.com/mgm-cba-report-fullreport

Councilman Franklin Urges Judicial Proceedings Cmte to Pass Amber’s Law (HB1163)

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March 31, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCILMAN MEL FRANKLIN URGES GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ADOPT AMBER’S LAW TO PROTECT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS

With only days left in the 2017 Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly, Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9) is urging the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee to pass House Bill 1163 (HB1163), known as Amber’s Law, to the full Maryland Senate for adoption.  The bill has already received House approval.  Amber’s Law, named after domestic violence victim and Prince George’s County, MD resident, Amber Schinault, murdered in 2012, would authorize the Court to require an alleged abuser to wear an electronic monitoring device as a condition of pre-trial release.  In a letter to the Judicial Proceedings Committee, Franklin writes:

“It is not lost on me that Amber lived in my County, which unfortunately leads the State in reported domestic violence incidents.  Amber did everything that we advise domestic violence victims to do.  She sought the help of authorities and obtained a protective order.  Unfortunately, her murderer did not respect this court document.  HB1163 would give the Court an additional and powerful tool to ensure the safety of domestic violence victims and create a stronger deterrent against further attacks by a perpetrator.”  He further writes that, “[i]t is tragic that Amber lost her life in such a monstrous act.  But we all can ensure that this crime does not go unanswered and that future victims have more protection from their abusers after they seek help from authorities.”

HB1163 is still in the Judicial Proceedings Committee and cannot advance unless the Committee moves it to the Senate floor.  The committee is chaired by Senator Robert (Bobby) Zirkin and includes Prince George’s County members, Senator C. Anthony Muse and Senator Victor Ramirez.

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

Prince George’s Rising – Snow Information Update from Councilman Mel Franklin

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Public Snow Information Update – Councilman Mel Franklin

This update includes publicly available information about County snow services.  Please keep this information for future reference.  For the Full Prince George’s County Snow Service Information Brochure, Go Here: https://tinyurl.com/pgcsnowinfo

Latest Forecast: www.weather.com

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.
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 12 hours after the precipitation has stopped to call the Snow Information Center at 301-350-0500 or CountyClick 3-1-1 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 Georges County. Please assist us with our snow removal efforts by submitting your information on the Snow Removal Form. 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 here: http://pgc.stormtrakonline.com/RequestForStormServices.aspx/

 

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