Minutes of Regular Meeting on October 10, 2013
Meeting began at 7:30 pm. Councilmember Fazlul Kabir was present; Councilmembers Patrick Wojahn and Bob Catlin and Mayor Andy Fellows arrived later.
Presentations
Council Candidate Forum
Each of the District 1 candidates for City Council (Patrick Wojahn, Fazlul Kabir and Benjamin Mellman) spoke for no more than 10 minutes about what they would attempt to accomplish if elected. Later on during the meeting Andrew Fellows, who is running for another term as mayor, spoke in a similar manner.
Hollywood Road Sidewalks
City Engineer Steve Halpern explained that sidewalks are already planned for both sides of Hollywood Road east of 51st Place, and he wanted NCPCA input on extending those sidewalks to Rhode Island Ave. Each sidewalk would be 5ft. wide. The right-of-way is 40ft., and the street width varies from 28-30ft. To continue to allow parking on both sides the City may have to buy or obtain easements on some properties; another option would be to narrow the road. Members recommended that the City contact those who live or own property in the affected area to obtain their opinion.
Student Conduct
Tamara Saunders, Associate Director of the UM Office of Student Conduct, spoke to members about the revised Code of Student Conduct. The biggest change, made on 5/13/13, extends the code to include actions off campus, and covers behavior including, but not limited to, alchohol and drug use, hazing, DUI, assaults, disorderly conduct, and rioting. There have been about 50 reports of problem behavior off campus so far this fall. The OSC is doing a lot of outreach, both to students and the community. Anyone can report a problem, though one has to be specific for the process to work. They will tailor the punishment to the offense; for serious violations punishment could be to suspend or expel the student. The goal would be to instill responsibility and accountability. There have been about 400 cases/year of violations of the code of student conduct, and over 1000 cases of housing related violations. More information is available at http://studentconduct.umd.edu/ or http://osc.umd.edu/ .
UM Golf Course Development Update
Those who live nearby the golf course are getting very organized to oppose the development. The City is already on record in opposition, and Council members are lobbying MD State representatives to oppose the project.
9909 Edgewood Road
Annabel Schaupner reported on behalf of a NCPCA committee that was appointed to evaluate options for the use of this property. It has not been occupied for about 10 years, and before that time was used as a business. There have been problems with squatters and trash. The property owner has been unable to find a tenant, nor find a suitable taker for development of the property into office space. The committee recommends that the City demolish the house, buy the property, and turn it into a park. This report will be an item on the November agenda.
At this time the meeting took a short recess; snacks and beverages were served.
Announcements and Reports
Bob Catlin reported that after the Seven Seas restaurant had closed. The College Park Lanes bowling alley has requested the transfer of the beer and wine liquor license. The restaurant is slated to become a Korean BBQ and will be requesting a full liquor license (beer, wine and liquor). Patrick Wojahn reminded members that College Park Day will be on Oct 19 at the Wells Ice Rink; there will be food trucks, BBQ, two bands, and more. Admission is free, and nearby exhibits include the ice rink and the College Park Aviation Museum. See the web site http://collegeparkday.com/.
Next month we will discuss the parking situation at Hollywood Elementary School. With its current access configuration, parents who drop off or pick up students block the street. We will discuss a possible second entrance to the school to allow better drop off/pick up at the door and smoother flow.
The petition to rezone the Shaban property from Open Space (OS) to Commercial Shopping Center (CSC), its original zoning, is proceeding.
Moved by Larry Bleau/Donna Weene: Adopt the minutes of NCPCA September 12 meeting without change; motion passed.
Treasurer Jackie Pearce Garrett was not present but sent in her report by email. The current balance is $1,598.35. There were no other officer reports.
New Business
Hollywood Road Sidewalks
Moved by Marci Booth/Donna Weene: Oppose the construction of sidewalks on Hollywood Road between 51st Pl. and Rhode Island Ave. After some discussion, it was moved by Marci Booth/Mark Shroder to table the motion to allow property owners to be contacted. The motion to table passed. This matter may be brought up at a subsequent meeting.
Moved to adjourn by Marci Booth/Mark Shroder; motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:58 pm.
Submitted by Larry Bleau, Secretary.