Meeting Minutes—March 13, 2025

North College Park Community Association (NCPCA)

Attendees:

In Person: 

David Alicea, Melissa Peterson, Mary Roop, Kamthron Clary, Cora Roan, Brian Roan, David Turley

Online (names written as they appear in chat):

TK

Minutes Taken By:

Brian J. Roan, Secretary 

Call to Order

MP motions. KC approves. 

Minutes

Mary moved to amend motion to delay minute approval until next meeting because of down web site.      

President’s Report

President Alicea reiterated the focus of the 2024-2025 session. He solicited feedback from members. He asked for volunteers to become the social media and web site manager.  

Vice President’s

VP Clary asked people to be sure to check their emails for correspondence from NCPCA. He noted concerns about the email address and reiterated calls for a communications and social media director. He floated the idea of a fireside chat with other civic associations and city leaders. He noted that the tree plaque will be up soon.  

Treasurer’s Report

SECU checking account: $1,599.08

SECU savings account: $335.63

Treasurer Melissa Peterson gave an update on the lack of changes to the funds and noted where new expenditures may come from.  

Secretary’s Report

Secretary Brian Roan noted his usual requests to make recording easier. 

Developments Committee Update

March 14, 8:30AM is the groundbreaking for the Duval Field redevelopment. The final report for the Central US 1 compatibility study will be presented on Thursday April 3. Road repaving is planned for Hollywood. 

Director Wray ran through the updates related to what we could expect from the new Duval Field buildout. This includes new amenities and sidewalks, stormwater improvement, and an expected completion date of summer 2026. 

Events Committee Update

Director Mary Roop ran down a series of upcoming events. The spring tree decorating will be in early April. The NCP cleanup day will be on April 12. The same day will be the opening of the Hollywood Farmers Market. A Street fair will be held at David Hall on May 18. The parade has yet to be scheduled.

Presentation: North College Park Community Garden

Rakhmel Rocky Rafi from the city of College Park presented on the potential North College Park Community Garden. This included a reiteration of the original proposed site and why it was no longer viable (buried utilities). A second site near the original site would involve a lengthy water supply re-trenching as well as other obstacles. 

David Turley spoke against placing the garden at the site of the community tree. Director Wray spoke in favor of adding the garden to that plot so long as people maintained their spot. He asked if water and electric could be run to the garden, and Rocky said electric could be and water would be. Celia Anklesaria noted that she was at the meeting a year ago about the community garden. She wondered if the original area couldn’t be maintained. The old property was private and no longer has access to water. VP Clary brought up the possibility of adding it to the Gateway Park. David Turley also brought up another property that is also public. CM Hernandez asked if time could be bided to allow for the purchase of a new plot. Secretary Roan voiced his opposition to placing the gardens near the community tree. Celia asked about the Hollywood Park, but this belongs to Park and Planning. Mayor Kabir noted that Park and Planning added a lot of trees there, too. VP Clary brought up a green space behind the MOM’s Organic Market. 

15 Minute City Update

President Alicea gave an update on the 15 Minute City project from last month. Dr. Rhiem sent questions for us to send to our mailing list.   

Unscheduled Motions and Announcements

There were no unscheduled motions.

Mayor Kabir reiterated the Duval Field Groundbreaking March 14 at 8:30am. March 22 at 10:30am there will be a town hall with county council members representing College Park. It is virtual and at city hall. The city has acquired the land for the community center. There is a county project to improve the Route 1/Cherry Hill Intersection. 

David Turley noted that on April 13 the Branchville fire department will have Breakfast with the Easter Bunny with a pancake breakfast starting at 10. 

CM Hernandez noted that the Seven Springs apartment complex is looking to build more buildings and a parking lot. He also brought up the Duval groundbreaking. A faulty street crossing light near Duval field was also brought up. He brought up resources for potentially laid off federal employees. 

CM Hew noted that the order for the scrub pine plaque has been ordered. 

Call to Adjourn

VP Klary motioned to adjourn. CM Hernandez seconded. The motion passed.