The meeting began at 7:30 with city councilmembers Patrick Wojahn and Fazlul Kabir present.  John Krouse reported on the history and developments of the Greenbelt Metro property.  Metro wants parking on the property, the county wants a mall, housing, parking, etc.  The FBI is a possible tenant, which would entail limited mixed use with 24 hr access, a single employer with peripheral use and tall buildings next to the tracks with ensuing traffic visibility and noise concerns.  The federal government is not pushing for the FBI to relocate here; the owners are pushing for a 20 year lease with a buyout option at the end.  Patrick Wojahn stated the property is 75 acres, of which the FBI would use 55.  The remaining 20 acres would not be enough for other uses.  A comment was made that mixed use would be better for the community, bringing in business, jobs and wealth.  John Krouse stated that if the FBI doesn’t come in, most likely the owners will not get someone else, which would mean they would have to change the site vision again.  There was a comment that when Walter Reed moved to Bethesda Naval without an adequate increase in infrastructure, it created many problems for the surrounding community.  John Krouse went on to say that the plan included an 8 story, 7,000 car parking garage, part of which would be shared with Metro.  Patrick Wojahn commented that the FBI would be bringing 11,000 employees with very few new jobs created, if any.  Comments were made that house sales would likely increase with employees moving to the area, but that assessments and taxes would also likely increase.  John Krouse commented that the sector plan is due to expire soon and that all the provisions gained through heavy negotiation previously will expire as well.  He made a motion that the NCPCA should not take a position on the FBI as tenants versus the current sector plan, but rather the NCPCA should push again for eastern orientation of connecting road, not rerouting of Narragansett Run, step down of building heights towards the neighborhoods, and neighborhood oriented retail.  Seconded by Donna Weene, passed unanimously.

Motion by Larry Bleau / Donna Weene passed unanimously to accept the minutes from March with two corrections:  1.  Added to the report on the Zusin property the statement, “When the property was rezoned to MUI, the restrictions were carried forward, but covenants with College Park weren’t;”  2.  Added “Larry Bleau reported the bank balance is $1,326.53; there were no transactions.”

Larry Bleau gave the treasurer’s report with a starting balance of $1,326.53, $15 in dues collected, $10.27 spent on printing, $12.00 on the website, and a closing balance of $1,319.26.

Mark Shroder gave the president’s report.  He stated that he had made the suggestion for  pedestrian lights in the Hollywood Commercial District to the county, which was then passed on to the Department of Public Works and Traffic, which responded that the city should use the revenue from the speed cameras on Rhode Island to install lighting.  Patrick Wojahn reported that the DPWT claims it did not give permission for the speed cameras.  He stated that the city had requested permission, but had gotten no response, positive or negative, and assumed there was no objection.  He stated he has requested a meeting to discuss the issue.  The president’s report concluded with announcements of several activities and events in the city.

Committee reports commenced with the Stephen Jascourt having nothing to report on the variance committee.  Donne Weene reported that one additional person had joined the safety committee; the raised cement strip on the west side of Rhode Island south of the intersection with Edgewood was not intended as a sidewalk and is not one since it does not meet width requirements; and fire hydrants are color coded and cannot be repainted.  Bob Seward had nothing to report on the Route 1 committee.

Under new business, Bob Seward, Larry Bleau and Bill Robertson volunteered for the nomination committee for the new NCPCA board.  Discussions were conducted on various topics, including College Park Day planning and permit parking near the Metro station in Zone 3.

Motion by Chris Behnke / Donna Weene to adjourn passed unanimously.

The meeting began at 7:30 PM with City Councilmen Patrick Wojahn and Fazlul Kabir present.

The minutes from February 9 were accepted.

Committee reports began with Donna Weene reporting she is looking for additional members for the Safety Committee since three people came to the first meeting on March 1.  The next meeting is June 7.  Various issues were discussed, including crosswalks, the addition of red light cameras, ADA sensors for the traffic light being installed at Rhode Island and Edgewood, Metro safety, playgrounds and dog parks.  Bob Seward gave a brief history of restrictions and stipulations on the Zusin property, stating that Atomic Music is considering various options in relation to these restrictions.  The Detailed Site Plan expires in September and it is uncertain whether the owners will seek to renew it.  When the property was rezoned to MUI the restrictions were carried forward, but covenants with College Park weren’t. John Krouse, reporting on the Greenbelt Metro Sector Plan, stated that if the FBI is being considered for the North Core, it has not been discussed at Sector Plan meetings and that Suntrust is expected to proceed on the South Core as previously discussed, with mostly residential development.

Larry Bleau reported the bank balance is $1326.53.  There were no transactions.

The College Park Veterans’ Memorial was discussed without any motions or resolutions.

County Councilmembers Eric Olson and Mary Lehman presented their hopes for the upcoming budget.  Mr. Olson discussed pedestrian crossings across Rhode Island to Duvall Field, improvements at the Hollywood Commercial District and various bike path and pedestrian improvements.  Ms. Lehman stated that she believes the income from the proposed tax on plastic bags at stores should go to the Storm Water Management Fund.  She handed out reusable cloth bags that she has ordered and stated she would like to see most of them go to those of low income and seniors.  She stated she would like to see increased funding for fire and police and the State’s Attorney’s office.  She stated she also wants a plan for a North College Park Community center as well as starting a Senior’s Club at Hollywood Elementary or at the Youth and Family Services facility.  She advocates funding for the arts and a new High Point High School.

Motion by Fazlul Kabir / David Turley to recommend to the county priority for funding for a Community Center and activities.  Motion by Donna Weene / Ann Riley to recommend funding for pedestrian lights on Rhode Island, starting at Hollywood Commercial District.  Motion by Fazlul Kabir / Bill Robertson to recommend funding for a safer crossing to Duvall Field across Rhode Island at Cherokee with flashing lights.  All passed unanimously.

Motion by Larry Bleau / David Turley to adjourn passed unanimously.

The meeting began 7:30 with Councilmen Fazlul Kabir and Patrick Wojahn, Councilwoman Denise Mitchell, Mary Lehman’s representative Bridget Warren and John Krouse present.

President Mark Shroder introduced Mayor Andrew Fellows who talked about a partnership between the city and the University of Maryland (UMD).  He stated that the previous two mayors had also been proponents of such a partnership, the partenership was establishing a community development corporation, that there was a foreclosure buy up program in progress, and that there were projects at Paint Branch Elementary and Hollywood Elementary.  He stated that his goal was to increase collaboration with the university and the county, and to work on each other’s existing strategic plans, rather than creating a single strategic plan.  He listed concerns on both sides.  He talked about the creation of a charter school for grades seven through twelve and said it would be a college preparatory school.  He said grades seven to nine are scheduled to be opened by 2013.  He said the application for the establishment of the school is due by March 1, approval would be by the summer and then there be one year allotted to get the school started.  Upon questions from the audience, the mayor stated that the city budget will be posted on the website and that the charter school would be open to all PG County residents with no special preference given to College Park residents.  He stated a goal of improving all schools in the county and and that there would be no specific bussing to the charter school.  He stated that the charter school would eventually have a capacity of 600 students.

Mark Shroder solicited “wish lists” for the upcoming city budget from Patrick Wojahn and Fazlul Kabir (District 1), Denise Mitchell (District 4) and Bridget Warren, after which the membership voted on the following motions.  Moved by David Turley/Anne Riley: Install more pedestrian lights, similar to the ones on Lackawanna, at the Hollywood commercial district and other locations to be determined and subsequently remove the old street lights at the installation sites. Motion passed unanimously.  Moved by Larry Bleau/Donna Weene: Improve the Hollywood commercial district in streetscape and in types of businesses.  Motion passed unanimously.  Moved by Kinberly James/Bill Robertson: Establish a community center through the low cost, short term rental of a vacant store in the Hollywood commercial district, passed unanimously.

The minutes for the January meeting were reviewed, with the Treasurer’s corrections to be posted to the website, Patrick Wojahn correcting that he and Fazlul Kabir had joined the meeting after the Greenbelt Sector Plan meeting and reported on it, and Stephen Jascourt requesting his name be spelled out completely.  Moved by David Turley/Margaret Wood: Accept minutes with corrections, motion passed unanimously.

Larry Bleau gave the Treasurer’s report for January, with an opening balance of $1311.53, dues collected $15 and closing balance $1326.53.

Mark Shroder gave the President’s report, stating he had contacted Stenny Hoyer’s office to invite him to the meeting, but had received no response.

Standing committee reports were given.  For traffic and pedestrian safety, Donna Weene stated she was in the process of setting up the committee and meetings and any concerns should be brought to her attention at 301-982-3375 before midnight and Stephen Jascourt stated that Police Officer Lobin, the beat officer for northern College Park, would follow up on drivers passing turning vehicle on Rhode Island.  On the Route 1 properties, Bob Seward stated the Ilia Zusin property had several traffic stipulations placed on it and Atomic Music wants to buy it.  Stephen Jascourt reported that there had been no activity on the variance committee and he had not been able to work on the outreach committee.  Two new residents who were hispanic introduced themselves and committed to work with Mr. Jascourt.  Patrick Wojahn reported on Greenbelt Metro developments on behalf of John Krouse who had to leave.  He stated that they were working on financial renegotiation on the south core and the FBI would possibly occupy the north core.  Margaret Wood reported on Route 1 development, stating that College Ave to Route 193 would only be resurfaced and maintained with preliminary planning due to lack of funds and that there would be no preliminary planning for Route 193 to Sunnyside.  She also reported on the rationale behind the Baltimore Washington Rail Intermodal Facility (CSX) and its proposed locations.

Under new business, Stephen Jascourt solicited nominations for this year’s Green Award, stating that it’s four categories are open to any resident or business in College Park and now include a monetary award.  David Turley reported on a rash of stolen license plates and sitckers in the area.  Bridget Warren announced upcoming meetings, including a planning 101 meeting on Wednesday, March 7.  Joe Smith announced the opening on Wednesday, February 22, of the new College Park Community Library, a free library in the basement of the Church of the Nazarene with books that may be checked out, WiFi and computer stations; all resources have been donated and the library is scheduled to be open Monday through Friday 10 AM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM.

Motion to adjourn at 9:50 by Denise Mitchell, seconded David Turley, passed unanimously.

The meeting began at 7:30.  City Councilman Patrick Wojahn and Councilman elect Fazlul Kabir joined after the City Council meeting.

President Mark Shroder introduced Thomas Fryer, an engineer for Washington Gas.  He was invited to speak about the work that was being done near the intersection of Rhode Island and University Boulevard.  He stated a pressure reducing station was being built.  He described it as a distribution system that would link the larger network at 250 to 300 pounds pressure to the local network at 20 to 50 pounds pressure.  He stated this station would bring more supply to the area by allowing the build up of pressure, could be controlled remotely and would increase reliability and safety.  He stated that Washington Gas had started installing these stations about seven to ten years ago and this particular station would be complete in another ten days.  He said the facility would be fenced and there would be no building, only two 20 inch pipes.  He also stated that this had no relation to another project nearby which he assumed was a WSSC project.  After he finished, Dominique Branch, public relations and marketing for Washington Gas described some brochures that she had brought with her and left them for people to take.

Mr. Shroder introduced Zari Malsawma, steering committee member in Neighborhood Watch, which she described as a grass roots organization dedicated to personal safety, security and protection of the community.  She stated there are currently six neighborhood watch groups in College Park, but none in North College Park.  She stated that Christine Nagle, a former block captain, and Robert Boone had expressed interest in starting one again for North College Park.  She described various aspects and projects of the Neighborhood Watch organization.  She described the block captain’s role as a link between the program and the residents and a liaison to the police.  She stated that a good way to get a local neighborhood watch group going is to hold a block party.  Robert Boone was then introduced and he talked about starting up the North College Park group again and organizing a social to start it off in the next week or two.

The minutes from the previous meeting were handed out and a small change was suggested.  Bob Seward made a motion to accept the minutes with the change, Bill Robertson seconded and the motion was unanimously carried.

Larry Bleau delivered the Treasurer’s report for December with $20 collected in dues, $15.17 spent for the website and $21.74 for printing.  For 2011, starting balance was $1388.65, collected $580 in dues, total expenses $657.12 (postage $308.08, printing $296.19, supplies $28.51, web site $24.34), for a net outflow of $77.12.  The checking balance at the end of the year was $1311.53.

Stephen Jascourt from the College Park variance committee made a report.  He stated that there had been no activity in the previous month.  He stated the number of variance requests were decreased from previous years, probably due to the slow economy.

Under new business, Bob Seward suggested a standing committee to keep track of progress on the properties on the Northeast and Southeast corners of Edgewood at Rte 1.  Margaret Wood stated she could follow the developments and Larry Bleau expressed interest.  Motion to establish a committee headed by Bob Seward was made by Margaret Wood and seconded by Leslie Booth.  Motion was carried with one nay vote from Larry Bleau.

Stephen Jascourt suggested that NCPCA should have outreach to hispanic neighbors.  He noted that many hispanic families consisted of both husband and wife being workers with children.  He stated that, along with language and cultural barriers, this made it difficult for them to attend NCPCA meetings when one is working and the other is looking after the children.  Judy Blumenthal stated that she has similar restrictions and was interested in helping.  Motion was made by Bill Robertson to form a committee headed by Stephen Jascourt to work on outreach to neighbors who had trouble coming to regular meetings and work between meetings.  Motion was seconded by Judy Blumenthal and carried with one nay from Larry Bleau.

Donna Weene suggested a committee to deal with traffic and pedestrian safety.  Issues such as sidewalks and shrubbery trimming were discussed.  Mark Shroder stated that there are three levels of government involved in this topic:  city, county and state.  Robert Boone, Stephen Jascourt, Larry Bleau, and Philip Aronson were interested in this committee.  Motion to form the committee headed by Donna Weene was made by Larry Bleau, seconded by Bob Seward and carried unanimously.

Mark Shroder asked for members to be named to assist officers in monitoring various issues.  He stated CSX is looking to build a giant truck – rail transfer station with four possible sites in mind, including the Beltsville wetland.  There had been no decision made as of yet by the state.  Margaret Wood agreed to monitor this.  Duval Field was discussed, stating that there is a possibility to build a track, a Boys/Girls Club snack bar or a restroom and to buy 3 houses with open space funds and expand the field.  John Krouse was named to monitor the Greenbelt Metro development.  Edgewood and Rhode Island intersection developments will be reported on by Bill Robertson and Larry Bleau.  The state has allocated engineering money for Rte 1 south of Greenbelt Rd, not for right of way purchase and construction.  Motion to appoint Margaret Wood to follow this was made by Leslie Booth, seconded by Donna Ween and carried unanimously.  Bob Seward reported that the AT&T tower project was dead due to lack of approval form the city.  Margaret Wood asked about developments on a skateboard park at Sunnyside Park.  Donna Weene stated that there had been problems with permits, design and maintenance, but construction had been delayed to February due to other business and the weather.

Margaret Wood and Donna Weene stated that there have been problems with mail delivery.  Patrick Wojahn said complaints should be directed to postmaster Tanya White at Tanya.A.White@usps.gov with a copy sent to Toni.V.Fossett@usps.gov.  Mark Shroder stated it might be a good idea to invite Representative Stenny Hoyer next month to speak on this subject, as well representatives of CSX.

Patrick Wojahn and Fazlul Kabir gave their report on the City Council meeting.  There will be a survey conducted on traffic congestion and accident locations on I 295, I 495, the Greenbelt exits and Rte 193 to assess levels of service for intersections and roads.  The Greenbelt Sector Plan will be posted in June.  There is a townhall meeting with Mary Lehman scheduled for February 16 at 6:30 PM at Hollywood Elementary School.  The developer for the site at Rte 1 and Cherokee is bankrupt so there will be no further work for the time being; the detailed site plan is about to expire but will probably be extended.

Motion was made at 9:12 by Larry Bleau to adjourn the meeting, seconded by a person missed by the secretary and carried unanimously.

The meeting began at 7:32.  City Councilman Patrick Wojahn and Councilman-elect Fazlul Kabir were present.

Michael Stiefvater, Economic Development Coordinator for the City, presented some recent developments.  He started with a brief update on the Route 1 Plan, then went on to streetscape enhancements planned for the Edgewood Rd / Rhode Island intersection for 2012.  He went on to describe the citywide Merchant Association that he is trying to establish in conjunction with councilmembers.  He stated that there is a new shop at the Hollywood Shopping Center, Joe’s Take Out, and a Rotisserie Shop planning on moving in.  He described a neighborhood business alliance for local neighborhoods that would have free membership and be an association of businesses for marketing purposes.  He described a funds matching grant program from the city for business signs.  He finished up by fielding questions, mostly about the traffic lights going up at Edgewood and Rhode Island.

President Mark Schroder then introduced Tanweer K. Ahmed as candidate for the secretary position vacated by Conuncilman-elect Kabir.  Motion was made Betty Colonomas, seconded by David Turley, to elect Tanweer Ahmed as Secretary.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Motion by Betty Colonomas, seconded by David Turley, to accept minutes of previous meeting was approved unanimously.

President Mark Shroder, in the absence of the Treasurer, reported an open balance of $1318.44 with a $10 membership dues deposit for that night.

Councilman Wojahn announced that there would be an open house for the new 911 facility on Friday, December 16 from 7:30 to 9:30 PM.

Councilman-elect Kabir announced the annual winter clothing drive.

Motion to adjourn at 8:30 by Betty Colonomas, seconded by David Turley, was unanimously approved.

Prince George’s County’s newly appointed Community Liaison Officer for north College Park Erol Lobin introduced himself to the members. He said that there will be community forum called “Tea Time” at the North Point Hotel in New Carrolton on December 8 at 7pm, to discuss public safety situation with the residents. He said the forum will be an opportunity for residents who cannot attend the weekly Coffee Club meetings, which occur in the morning. He said the residents should call the Police about any non emergency related matters at (301) 352 – 1200. He said in the past couple of months, a number of B&Es have been reported, with some arrests,

Sid Saab spoke about the zoning changes in the property at the north east corner of Rhode Island Ave, / Edgewood Road. The property is currently owned by his father-in-law Randy Sahaban, who currently lives overseas. The parcel includes a dry cleaner and a grassy area behind it. He said On June 18, 2010, the M-NCPPC sent a letter to them informing that their property was zoned as Open Space. The property had been zoned as commercial (C-S-C) before. He expressed surprise on singling out their property as a target for down zoning, whereas every other property around the four corner area remains as fully commercial zoned (C-S-C). He said under the new Open Space zoning, the options to use the property is limited; it can only be used as a barn, a contractor lot or the space must be left open. The property can only have the use it had before it was down zoned (a dry cleaner) for only six months. Moved by Bob Seward / Bill Robertson, “Have NCPCA support up zoning the property back to C-S-C, should the issue come before City council again”. Motion was approved.

Elected District 1 council candidates Patrick Wojahn and Fazlul Kabir spoke briefly to members. They thanked residents for giving them the opportunity to serve them and said they look forward to working with NCPCA during their tenures in the next two years.

Treasurer Larry Bleau reported starting balance of $1475.24, $10 in dues collected, $166.80 in expenses (copying and postage), with ending balance of $1318.44. He also said NCPCA currently has 68 members, of which 52 receive by postal mail and 16 by email only; it only generate 32 labels, however, so that is the number of households who receive by postal mail. Adding the 16 email only members gives us 48 members at different addresses. Mr. Bleau also reported an estimated effect of recent membership change on dues. NCPCA currently has 16 members who already receive by email who would continue in that manner ($5 ea, or $80); an estimated 1/4 of those who receive by postal (8) would probably switch from postal to email delivery only ($40); the remaining 24 who receive by postal would continue that way ($10 ea, or $240); and in the last group an estimated 3 seniors who do not have email whom we would give a credit (subtract $15). This leaves a difference of 20 are those households that have multiple members; This would give an estimated dues revenue of $345, or $135 less than before the change, assuming no change in membership (Without the change, if everyone renewed, NCPCA would have 48 households, which would generate $480 in dues). Costs would go down by the number who receive by postal and would switch to email. An estimate of the annual printing and mailing costs per year, assuming 10 mailings, is $6.60, giving a savings of about $53. The estimated effect of the membership change is therefore a net decrease of $82 in revenues.

Moved by Larry Bleau / Leslie Booth, October 2011 minutes was approved.

Variance committee member Stephen Jascourt reported that four variance requests came up from summer through fall. Two were on the 9500 block of 49th Place. One of the properties requested setback waivers for a small front porch (4×6 foot) and for a 13×20 ft attached garage. The porch was granted but the garage was not, on the basis that detached garages are common among nearby houses and one could be constructed a sufficient distance from the property edge so no variance would be required. The other property involved constructing a new building on a site where a house built in 1949 was razed in 2009. The property owner was denied a variance to have total lot coverage of 50%, exceeding the maximum allowed of 30%. The proposed house was 1447 sq ft and including the attached garage, 1854 square feet, as well as a driveway that looks to be over 100 feet long in the plans. On the 9700 block of 51st Place, a setback variance was allowed for a 4×6 ft porch, actually a cover over an existing stoop. Finally, on the 9600 block of 53rd Avenue, a 1×8 foot addition was allowed for a property which is zoned open space even though an existing house sits on the lot. Five properties near the corner of 53rd Ave and Kenesaw St were rezoned open space by the County in 1990.

President Mark Shroder spoke about Route 1 visioning session at the City Hall on November 18 (9am – 12pm). Patrick Wojahn announced a recycling Sculpture contest at Davis Hall on Nov 12 from 10 am-4pm. Fazlul Kabir announced a forum organized by the Neighborhood Watch Steering committee at the City Hall on November 17 (at 7pm) on how the 911 and Non-Emergency call dispatch system works! Bill Robertson announced an event organized by American Legion commemorating Veteran’s day.

Moved by Bill Robertson and seconded by David Turley, Adjourn the meeting.  Motion passed, and the meeting adjourned at 8:57pm.

Respectfully submitted by Fazlul Kabir, Secretary.

The meeting started with Candidate Forum, which was moderated by NCPCA President Mark Shroder. The candidates present in the forum were: Fazlul Kabir, Christine Nagle and Patrick Wojahn from District 1; Bob Catlin from District 2 and Marcus Afzali from District 4. The uncontested Mayoral candidate Andy Fellows was also present. Each candidate was first asked three questions. This was followed by additional questions from members present at the meeting. The forum took approximately 55 minutes.

President Mark Shroder asked members if they would like to volunteer to place NCPCA meeting signs prior to NCPCA’s monthly meetings.

Moved by Bill Robertson and Joe Smith, members adopted September 2011 minutes, with the following corrections – add “Mayor joined later” to the end of paragraph 1 and add “(4) retain eastern alignment for access road” to the end of paragraph 8.

Treasurer’s Larry Bleau reported an ending balance of $1475.24. $70 has been deposited towards renewal, $35.20 was spent on stamps and $58.06 was spent for copy.

Larry Bleau presented the amendment to the “Article IV : Membership” of NCPCA Bylaws. The proposed amendment defines a member as a person who is 18+ years old and is a resident of North College Park and has paid the NCPCA annual dues. Moved by Larry Bleau / John Krouse, the motion passed by 12-2 votes. A follow –up motion by Larry Bleau / John Krouse to make the basic membership fees to $5 and an additional $5 for printing per member was amended by Marcia Booth / Fazlul Kabir “Waive the printing fee for members without any internet access”. The original motion with the amendment passed.

Member Joe Smith announced a food collection drive and asked members to donate books for a community library.

Patrick Wojahn announced the upcoming College Park Day (Oct 22) and encouraged members to join.

Member John Krouse said that another public forum on Greenbelt sector plan is expected to happen in a month time.

Moved by Larry Bleau and seconded by David Turley, Adjourn the meeting. Motion passed, and the meeting adjourned at 9:35pm.

Respectfully submitted by Fazlul Kabir, Secretary

The meeting started with a briefing from Maryland State’s 21st Delegation on the latest legislative session. Senator Rosapepe said a proposed federal cost cutting measures may hurt the area with more job loss. The losses may include those in local federal facilities such as agricultural facility at Beltsville and at NASA operations at Greenbelt. He said he MD Senate has worked with Gov. O’Malley to support President Obama’s efforts to preserve jobs and “put people back to work in Maryland”. Part of that effort includes restoring state funds to keep teachers in local schools and police in the neighborhoods. He said the State has invested state funds to create construction jobs, including building schools, repairing roads and boosting energy conservation and pollution control. To help those who have lost jobs and income, Rosapepe said the MD Senate supported Gov. O’Malley’s policies to cap college tuition hikes for local students at the University of Maryland and the other state Colleges. It also has protected medical insurance for those who have lost their jobs and extended unemployment insurance benefits to those who have exhausted 73 weeks of State and Federal benefits between January 2, 2010 and December 31, 201.

Maureen Cissel and project Manager Dwight Joseph of the Prince George’s county’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) presented the traffic signal project at the Rhode Island / Edgewood road intersection. Ms. Cissel said managing utility lines around the project area has been a challenge. Mr. Joseph said the project started in late July this year and is anticipated to be finished by next spring with the street pavement completed in late April. He said in order to prepare for the construction work, traffic barriers have been put up and lanes have been shifted. The pathway to Hollywood school has also been relocated in conjunction with extreme coordination with the school Principal. There will be some green spaces built along sidewalks.

Treasurer Larry Bleau reported that the NCPCA had a total of $310 deposit towards dues and $109.17 expenses towards printing, postage, supplies and website. The ending balance as of August 31 is $1463.30.

President Mark Shroder thanked board member Donna Weene for school supply drive and said officers are planning to organize a candidate forum at the October meeting.

Members discussed proposed neighborhood signs in Hollywood neighborhoods in Daniel Park, Hollywood and Sunnyside area. A motion by Larry Bleau ”Ask the City representative to consider neighborhood signs in north college park” failed due to lack of support.

Larry Bleau / John Krouse introduced an amendment to the “Article IV : Membership” of NCPCA Bylaws. The proposed amendment defines a member as a person who is 18+ years old and is a resident of North College Park and has paid the NCPCA annual dues. An amendment by Donna Weene / John Krouse to the motion: Make proposed dues structure effective since June 1st, was adopted by 8-1 votes . The original amendment motion was then passed unanimously.

President Mark Shroder announced a Greenbelt Sector Plan meeting on Sept 22 at the Greenbelt Middle School. Moved by Arthur Eaton / Larry Bleau, members adopted a motion asking Park and Planning to pursue the followings (1) Building heights and setback in north core must reflect in the sector plan (2) State’s purchase of the park plan should be reflected in the zoning, (3) City’s agreement concerning the drainage in the south core developer is reflected in the sector plan.

Moved by Arthur Eaton / Larry motion Extend the meeting beyond 9:30. Motion approved.

County Council member Mary Lehman said the 2011 Redistricting Commission released a plan that leaves north College Park in District 1. She also announced a redistricting forum on Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Beltsville. Council member Patrick Wojahn announced a meeting of College Park Foundation on September 14. He also said that the PGPD has appointed Ofc. Erol Lobin as the new community liaison officer for District 1.

Moved by Larry Bleau / David Turley – Adjourn the meeting. Motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:45pm.

Respectfully submitted by Fazlul Kabir, Secretary.

Prince George’s Police department’s community liaison officer Mr. Jaron Black briefed members about the crime related incidents in north College Park. Report is down. 8^th to 15^th : There has been 1 robbery on Cherry Hill road during this period. The victim identified positively the suspect, who was later apprehended and arrested. There have also been two breakings and entering around Milestone way near IKEA. There have been 3 thefts from Auto, one in 9300 block of Cherry Hill Road, where a car radio was stolen. Another was in the 9700 block of Baltimore Avenue, where a catalytic converter was taken. The 3^rd theft occurred at the 9500 block of 52^nd Avenue, where a tag was stolen. There has been 1 stolen auto on the 9100 block of Baltimore avenue. He invited members to attend bi-weekly coffee club, where many residents of College Park regularly attend and discuss public safety matters with members from local law enforcement authority. He said a Neighborhood Watch steering committee has been formed recently and met at the City Hall in late May. Three community members have been appointed to the committee. Members suggested to have more police patrols and Walk-and-Talk programs throughout north college Park. He also said Operations ID stops theft of expensive items. Mr. Black said the police department is having some trouble in publishing crime statistics online recently. He suggested members to go to crimereports.com to get crime statistics until the computer problem is fixed. Moved by Joe Smith and seconded by Fazlul Kabir, Have the IT department of the Prince George’s Police help Ofc Black in sending out crime reports, so that he can properly execute his job. Motion passed unanimously.

Recently appointed Neighborhood Watch steering committee members Robert Boone and Zari Malsawma introduced themselves to NCPCA members. Committee members Mr. Boone, Ms. Malsawma and Aaron Bourne met early June to discuss revitalizing City’s Neighborhood Watch program. Mr. Boone said neighbors can help build a sense of trust among themselves and help keep their neighborhood safe. Ms. Malsawma said, there will always be a component of community building in the neighborhood Watch program. She has also worked on building a neighborhood directory for Woods community. The NW committee is planning to organize the yearly national night out on August 2^nd and looking for ideas to make the event a success.

In the President’s report, Mark Shroder said he attended a City Council meeting to oppose purchase of #1 Liquor as part of City’s 2011 budget. He also said he has received a letter from the PG Parks and Planning stating that it has denied a request from the Greenbelt Metro sector plan developers who requested that adequate public service for red light intersections in the area be defined  level of service E, not D.  He also said that the June 1^st public meeting on Greenbelt sector plan did not discuss the Greenbelt metro station or the former Smith gravel pit. MNCPPC said it would not take the matter until late September. He also said he has been contacted by the UMd who is seeking residents of the age between 22 to 50 for a paid memory – testing program called ‘Training Cognition’. He asked interested members to contact him. He also announced two town hall meetings by District 1 and 3 county council members in the following week. Mr. Shroder also said he is planning to invite State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks and host a City council candidate forum after the summer recess.

Donna Weene conducted the officers’ election for the year 2011-2012. David Turley and Syed Ridwan assisted her in the election. The candidates were Mark Shroder for President; Bob Seward for Vice President; Fazlul Kabir for Secretary; J Peter Lakeland / Seth Weene nominated Larry Bleau for Treasurer. All candidates were elected to their respective offices. President Shroder thanked former Treasurer Joe Smith and Vice President Bill Robertson for their services in the previous year.

Members also discussed NCPCA due structures to reflect family size and the cost of mailings. President Shroder said the issue of family size is somewhat overblown; at present there are only three families who have more than 2 members per family. He said none of them have abused their voting powers per his knowledge. Larry Bleau said the current due structure is based on household, whereas the voting system  is based on individual. He commented both systems should be consistent. Moved by Larry Bleau / Donna Weene, Have NCPCA ask officers to draft languages in Bylaws to make its due structure based on individuals. Motion passed by 11-2 votes.

Treasurer Joe Smith reported the NCPCA had a total of $180 deposit and $53.29 expenses (postage and mailing labels), with total ending balance of $1333.07. He also said that he submitted the NCPCA’s yearly tax document.

Prince George’s Property Association (PGPOA) board member board member Bill Chicca and District 4 council member Marcus Afzali spoke for and against petition, which may place two initiatives in the upcoming November ballots, if they get signatures of more than 20% of registered voters. Mr. Chicca said his organization opposes the rent control program because of its basic premise of preventing the conversion of single family homes into rental properties, which he thinks is unique in the country. He thinks the program is also not equitable since it only affects single family homes and does not affect the high rises. He said the initiative on placing a cap on the property tax rates was intended to lessen the burden of rising property taxes on residents. In his opposition remarks, Mr. Afzali said PGPOA has been dishonest from the beginning of the petition drive; there has not been any intent of discrimination as the petition tries to allege against the City on rent control. He said the petition initiative was motivated by financial gains, since majority of the PGPOA members do not live in the city and not even in the county. He also said, members of 21^st Delegation, county council members and all living Mayors of College Park have opposed the petition. He said the City won’t be able to reap the tax benefit if a cap on the property tax rates is enacted. Moved by Mark Shroder, seconded by Dave Turley , Have NCPCA consider the petition initiatives as dishonest and deceitful. Motion passed (13-1)

Moved Ann Riley / Bill Robertson – Have NCPCA a discussion in its September meeting on City’s recent redistricting decision. Motion passed.

Moved by Peter Lakeland / David Turley, May 2011 minutes was approved.

Moved by Betty Rodenhausen / Donna Weene, Have NCPCA host its 2011 summer picnic, authorizing to spend no more than $200.

Moved by Leslie Booth / Valerie Bleau – Adjourn the meeting. Motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm.

Respectfully submitted by Fazlul Kabir, Secretary.

Sharon A. Daboin , CSX Resident Vice President and Bradley M. Smith, MDOT’s project manager made a presentation about the proposed intermodal facility in Beltsville near Sunnyside Ave. / Edmonston Rd. They said double stacking is important for increasing the capacity of the CSX rail corridor, which is important to the Maryland economy, and that a new intermodal facility is required to support double stacking. Beltsville location is one of the four proposed sites CSX/MDOT are considering in the area. The other 3 sites are located at Hanover, Jessup and Montevideo. County council woman Mary Lehamn’s (Dist 1) representative Matt Dernoga was at the meeting to read a letter from Ms. Lehman opposing the construction of the facility. Two Beltsville residents present at the meeting also said they are opposed to the project. Moved by Anne Riley / Bill Robertson, “Have NCPCA oppose the construction of CSX Intermodal facility at the proposed Beltsville location”. Motion passed. During discussion period, members said the project would cause significant impacts on traffic in the area, especially on Route 1, Sunnyside avenue, Rt 201.Other concerns about the project include damage to the Indian Creek watersheds and the surrounding wetlands, truck pollution, change of area’s zoning from residential open space (R-O-S) to open space (O-S).

Dave Johnson, a north College Park resident and the Chief Customer Communications Officer for MARC made a presentation on the MARC Camden Line train service that operates between Washington and Baltimore on the CSX Transportation mainline.  MARC has stations adjacent to both Metro stations (College Park and Greenbelt). MARC now stops two additional trains in College Park that used to be express trains to handle the increased ridership. MARC has recently completed a platform expansion at the College Park station and will be doing more work in the near future to raise the platform slightly higher so that the step box will not be necessary. There will be a new Public address system and LED information signs.  MARC plans to improve the condition of the Greenbelt station is with new, clearer signage. MARC has also introduced two new locomotives. The MP-36 model locomotive is more fuel efficient and has a smaller gas tank. Mr. Johnson said the Camden Line is a great way to take a day trip to Baltimore; fares are $6 each way ($3 for senior citizens).  Tickets can be purchased from the conductor on the train (conductors accept cash only).

Charlie Scott and John D. Thomas of WMATA made a presentation on the proposed Metro test tracks between Greenbelt and College Park Metro rail stations and the commissioning facility at the Greenbelt rail track. They said WMATA has recently placed an order for 428 new rail cars. A test track would cut in half the time required to place the new rail cars into revenue service. They said of 106 miles of rail corridor owned by WMATA, 46.3 miles are at-grade. For practical purposes the test track needs to be built at grade. They said only Green line between College Park and Greenbelt station meets the criteria for the test track. Environmental analyses of each facility are being conducted in accordance with FTA criteria. Construction to begin in the Spring of 2012. Test tracks are scheduled for completion by late summer of 2013 and commissioning facility to be completed in early CY14. The total budget for the project is estimated as $88.3 million.

Moved by Bill Robertson / Peter Lakeland, April 2011 minutes was approved.

Treasurer Joe Smith reported the NCPCA had a total of $70 deposit and $29.48 expenses (copying flyers and domain renewals), with total ending balance of $1205.46.

Nominating committee Chair Donna Weene reported that Mark Shroder and Fazlul Kabir will re-run for President and Secretary respectively. Bob Seward agreed to run for Vice President and Treasurer simultaneously.

Moved by Larry Blue / Donna Weene, extend the meeting beyond 9:30 and adjourn the meeting after announcements are made. Motion passed.

President Mark Shroder said he wrote to the Council expressing members’ opposition against City’s decision to purchase #1 Liquor. He also said he wrote a blog post in College Park Patch about May NCPCA meeting.

Council member Patrick Wojahn announced the second College Park Day on October 22, 2011. Fazlul Kabir announced Hollywood neighborhood cleanup on June 4 (10am to 1pm). Council member Christine Nagle announced that the College Park Recreation Board will hold a bowling event at the AMF College Park Lanes next Saturday (May 21, 9am – 12pm) for City’s senior citizens. Bill Robertson announced that there will be a Memorial Day service at College Park Veterans Memorial on June 30 at 11am. Former Mayor Steve Braymen will be there as the keynote speaker.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted by  Fazlul Kabir, Secretary