Attendance included Councilmember Fazlul Kabir and Suchitra Balachandran, President, West College Park Citizens Association 

Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm

November 8, 2018 Minutes Approved.

U.M. Golf Course: Suchitra Balachandran presented an updated on the “repurposing” of the Univ. of Md. Golf Course which involves the loss of four holes. The U.M. repurposing plan is opposed by the Friends of U.M. Golf Course and others.  NCPCA was asked to oppose the plan, and the following motion was approved with two abstentions:  “The North College Park Community Association opposes the golf course plan proposed by the University of Maryland due to lack of information and lack of community involvement.”   

Updates on Development Issues in North College Park:

• John Krouse presented an update on the County’s Zoning Rewrite:  Approximately 40 people attended the November 15 Special Meeting with County Council Chair Danielle Glaros, planners of P.G. Planning Dept. and City Planning Director Terry Schum.  Ms. Glaros was asked to include the City of College Park in the decision matrix, which appears to be the County’s next step.
• Larry Bleau said that the Advisory Planning Commission (APC), of which he is a member, has stated as one of its goals for 2019 is to better inform itself about the changes in zoning categories, how they would apply to variance cases, and how the transition between the two systems would be handled. He will keep NCPCA members informed of this as he learns more.
• Judy Blumenthal presented an update on the work and involvement that Richard Sloane, NCPCA pro bono attorney, has been doing and it appears he will continue to work with NCPCA beyond December 2018.  Contributions to his expense fund are requested.
• US 1 Traffic Study:  Judy Blumenthal reviewed the 2016 comprehensive traffic and infrastructure study she requested, especially pertaining to US 1, and lead discussion regarding the need for an evacuation plan.

Additional Development Update: Lisa Ealley reported that historic Beltway Plaza, home to many residents, is facing redevelopment plans.  Please read: “A Suburban Mall Dies in a New Deal Paradise”

Dog Park: Councilmember Kabir reported on the status of the Hollywood Dog Park, which is expected to be built in 2019, and will be open-accessed.

Duvall Field Development: Councilmember Kabir presented the following: the next phase will include updating the playing fields and providing new lighting. Other ideas include a new playground, walking trails, and fitness stations.  The City has scheduled a public meeting at 7 p.m. on January 17 at Davis Hall to receive input about the second phase of development. He asked that we attend this meeting and share our ideas for upgrading and prioritizing its facilities, amenities, and services.

Treasurer Report: NCPCA has a balance of $821.17.  This includes a recent donation of $25.00 for our pro bono attorney, and two due payments ($5 each).

Announcements:

• Volunteers for snow shoveling are being sought.
• Proteus Bicycles is expected to open in their new location December 15, 2018.
• NCPCA Spring Heritage/Cultural Celebration is still scheduled for spring 2019.
• November 29 was a community police meeting, held at MOM’s Cafe, 7pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 3, 2019

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm,, followed by the NCPCA Holiday Party attended by Mayor Wojahn.