June 9, 2022 – Regular Meeting at Davis Hall and Via Zoom
Attendance. NCPCA officers Mary Cook, Ellen Caswell, Carol Macknis, Judy Blumenthal, Lisa Ealley and other NCPCA members were present. At least 24 Zoom attendees were noted, including City Councilmembers Kabir, Kennedy, Mackie and Mitchell.
Meeting. Called to order at approximately 7:38 pm by President Mary Cook who announced that the meeting will be recorded. Pledge of allegiance was recited.
Officers Reports. Vice President Caswell: None. Treasurer Macknis: $332.50 in savings acct and $2,930.64 in checking acct which includes $2,000 from City to help with Welcome Wagon, $175.39 via new website membership renewals and $70 through cash and check renewals. Treasurer donated $35.40 cost of 1st year NCPCA website as promised from last month. Cost of recent NCPCA community center flyers was $60.95.
President Cook reported that the next community center meeting will be at the end of summer and include discussion of sites and programs; Hollywood streetscape construction is on schedule for completion in fall; COVID tests are available from President Cook; Working on inviting Maryland 21st Delegation to future NCPCA meeting; Will send thank you letter to Del. Ben Barnes for $1,000,000 funding for community center.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Carissa Janis, Director of Outreach provided info about the community based volunteer organization in College Park focused on senior village concerns, senior and disability assistance by promoting independent in-home living via a variety of assistance including transportation, repairs, social events, etc. Website = nhn-cp.org.
RST College Park Development Presentation. PowerPoint provided by Scott Copeland. A residential 6-story building of similar height to the Monument development of 318 units in 20%, 50%, 30% mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units (~700 rooms total) with white and gray façade, internal parking, pool, fitness room, and public facilities was proposed to redevelop the site of 3 existing hotels on east side of US 1 between Delaware and Cherokee Streets near Ferris Manor apartments with landscape buffer to adjoining single family homes.
100% units will be affordable housing per tax credit financing for qualified residents. Questions and discussion followed related to Sector plan requirements, community services, landscaping, rear façade, step down height, landscape buffer, sustainability, parking facilities, bike facilities, dog facilities, contingency without 4% tax credit, traffic studies, best traffic mitigation practices, school services, project comment period and time line for approvals.
Project requires approval for subdivision (~August) and detailed site plan (~October).
NCPCA Meeting Minutes. February, March and April meeting minutes were approved by motion of Carol Macknis and Stephanie Butler without amendment or objection.
NCPCA Website Update. Carol Macknis explained recent improvements and payments for NCPCA website; WordPress software; $0.70 credit card fee and $0.07 transaction fee; 43 memberships submitted via website; annual renewal provisions; donation provisions; 60 total memberships.
NCPCA Officer Election. President Cook reported open nominations and possible review of procedures by Bylaws Committee. Only two nominees were known in May.
Judy Blumenthal reviewed NCPCA bylaws purposes and invited candidates to provide 3 minute response to this question:
“How would you strike a balance among the general welfare of our homeowners who bought into lovely North College Park, all of our residents who want to live in peace without having to be concerned about lack of sustainability regarding building overgrowth, and developing a balance with our developers.” Each candidate responded.
Voting was conducted online via ElectionBuddy via email link sent by Vice President Caswell to current members. Results were emailed by President Cook on June 10: President: Mary Cook 17 votes, Alaina Pitt 31 votes. Vice President: Ellen Caswell 17 votes, Gale Mamatova 30 votes. Treasurer: Carol Macknis, unopposed 41 votes. Secretary: No nominations.
New Business and Future Agenda Items.
NCPCA Picnic in August was proposed by President Cook who noted possible NCPCA participation in 4th of July parade.
Arelis Péres moved budget of $350 for picnic and intent to pursue a grant, with 2nd by Councilmember Kabir; Motion passed without objection and Treasurer Macknis invited volunteers.
Councilmember Kabir announced funding for 3 flashing stop signs in City District 1, and requested suggestions for locations.
Adjourn. Motion by Arelis Péres, 2nd by Alaina Pitt. Adjourn without opposition ~ 9:40 pm.