Tuesday’s Council Meeting Agenda

1. Consideration of a special exception to allow for multi-family housing in a house in the historic district in Old Town. It seemed last week that the Council would oppose this, and I’m inclined to go along with Ms. Stullich, who represents this District, and vote to deny. Also, the property owner is asking for more than what is permitted in the zoning laws, and I think that would set a bad precedent.

2. Comments on the SHA Draft Consolidated Transportation Program. The staff drafted a letter to:
a) request reinstating funding for the rebuild of Route One,
b) support preliminary engineering of the Purple Line and state-funded safety enhancement projects
c) support removing the U-MD Connector from the plan – we are doing this based on the City’s long-time opposition to the connector road and the believe that the SHA should prioritize rebuilding Route One first, and
d) restating our concern about adding a lane to the Beltway (which is zero-funded this year) because it would take homes away in Sunnyside. I insisted that we bring this up to protect our homeowners.

I want to mention a grant opportunity that has come to my attention through the Nation’s Cities Weekly newspaper. The Obama administration is releasing more funds for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to support retrofits in homes and commercial buildings. Although the grant appears very competitive – only 20 grants will be awarded around the country – this could be used to give our home energy loan program a jump start! More info is available at:
http://www.nlc.org/articles/articleItems/NCW102609/energygrant.asp.

One more thing – regarding the new form-based code ordinance that I’ve been talking about the past couple of weeks, we’re probably going to have a special worksession to discuss it. I found out that Greenbelt sent a letter asking the County to postpone consideration of the ordinance, and I would like College Park to do the same.

Let me know if you have any questions!
Patrick

Contract Police Report: October 7-13, 2009

10/7 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Failure to yield to Pedestrians) at Paint Branch Parkway at River Road. 5 citations was issued

10/7 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Greenbelt Road at Rhode Island Ave. 4 citations were issued

10/8 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Greenbelt Road at Rhode Island Ave. 3 citations were issued

10/8 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Failure to yield to Pedestrians) in the 5100 block of Paint Branch Parkway. 6 citations were issued

10/8 Contract officer observed a large group of disorderly persons in the roadway at Rhode Island Ave at College Ave. SOW

10/9 Contract officer assisted the beat officers with the bomb threat at the FDA located in the 5100 block of Paint Branch Parkway.

10/9 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 4900 block Osage Street for a report of a loud party. Citation in lieu of arrest was issued.

10/9 Contract officer assisted the code enforcement officer with several calls for loud music throughout the night.

10/11 Contract officer conducted a signal 10 (premise check) at Duvall Field. In doing so, the officer met with Tom Brewer in reference to the club scouts fundraiser.

10/11 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 4600 block Knox Road for a report of vandalism to auto. Incident verified – 2 tires were slashed

10/12 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Failure to yield to Pedestrians) in the 5100 block of Paint Branch Parkway. 4 citations were issued

10/12 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Failure to yield to Pedestrians) at Paint Branch Parkway at River Road. 5 citations was issued

10/13 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop at Baltimore Ave at Fox Street. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Driver placed under arrest and transported to District 1.

10/12 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Traffic Device) at the exit to the shopping center in the 4700 block of Cherry Hill Road. 3 citations were issued

10/12 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop in the 9100 block of Baltimore Ave. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver had an outstanding warrant (DWS) for his arrest. Driver placed under arrest and transported to District 1.

10/12 Contract officer assisted the beat officers from District III with a vehicle pursuit for carjacking. Contract officer apprehended one suspect at Dartmouth Ave at Norwich Road after the suspect bailed out of the vehicle.

10/13 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Failure to yield to Pedestrians) in the 5100 block of Paint Branch Parkway. 4 citations were issued

MD State Citations: 114
Warnings: 21
ERO: 5
Parking: 0
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 1
Criminal Arrests: 1
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 2

Full Time Contract Officers (portion of above)
MD State Citations: 10
Warnings: 4
ERO: 2
Parking: 0
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 0
Criminal Arrests: 0
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0

Acronyms:
DWI – Driving while intoxicated
DWS – Driving on suspended license
ERO – Equipment repair order (headlight out, etc)
SOW – Sent on way
GOA – Gone on arrival
PWID- Possession with the intent to distribute (illicit drugs)

Note: This list does not include routine incidents handled by the officers.

Tonight’s Council Meeting: Update from Patrick Wojahn

Neighbors,
There are just five action items on the agenda for tonight’s Council meeting, three on the consent agenda and only two up for debate:

On the consent agenda are:

1. A variance to allow construction of a covered front porch at 9701 47th Place. The APC approved this variance based on the fact that the entry is oriented toward the side ward and based on the narrowness of the lot.

2. A variance to allow reconstruction of a covered walkway at 9603 48th Place. The existing walkway was built prior to zoning laws, but violates existing lot coverage rules, so a variance is necessary for the property owner to make any improvements to the walkway.

3. Speed humps on the 5000 block of Blackfoot Road. The City engineer did a traffic study and recommends installing speed humps on this block due to excessive speeding on the street. Staff recommends placing one mid-block between Rhode Island Avenue and 50th Place, and one mid-block between 50th Place and 51st Avenue.

On the non-consent agenda:

1. Approval of a beer and wine liquor license at Kiyoko Express Restaurant, 7313-H Baltimore Avenue. The restaurant owners want permission to sell beer, wine and sake (which qualifies as wine under County law) with the food they sell at this establishment. No Council members voiced any opposition last week, although Mr. Perry asked to take it off the consent agenda.

2. Approval of the Detailed Site Plan for the Star View Plaza, a student housing project just south of Metzerott Road on the west side of Route One. I talked more about the history of this project last week–the project has already been approved, but this is an amended DSP that would allow the project to be built in two phases. The City has long supported this project as a way to allow more students to live closer to the University and avoid having to commute by car. Although it will likely pass without difficulty, the City staff wants assurances that the second phase will be built, and has asked that the developer show a “good faith” effort to begin building of the second phase before the use and occupancy permit for the first phase is approved. I received an e-mail late last night from the developer asking that they not be required to show any “documentation” of such a good-faith effort. I’m skeptical, but I’ll listen to what they have to say tonight.

Let me know if you have any questions!
Patrick (pwojahn@collegeparkmd.gov)

Plant a Tree in Maryland + $25 Coupon

It’s the fall planting season and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is asking for your help. This State program offers a $25 coupon [pdf] to purchase any native tree costing $50 or more from participating nurseries throughout the state.  The program is open to Maryland homeowners, businesses, and community groups. It’s an easy way for you to do something to help our treasured Chesapeake Bay and our own communities. There is no limit on how many coupons can be used. This site also has guidance for selecting and planting trees for your location as well as a tool to calculate the benefit of the trees planted.

After you plant a tree(s), please register the location of your tree on the interactive map on the website so that we can track our progress. When you register, you become eligible for prize drawings, which include park passes, outdoor furniture, and a yacht tour for 10 on the West and Rhode Rivers in Spring 2010.

The goal is have 50,000 trees a year planted and registered to help with improving air and water quality.

The initial $480,000 used to fund the program is part of a $4.6 billion regional settlement by a major Midwest power generator for clean air act violations. Provided through an agreement with the Office of the Attorney General and the Maryland Department of the Environment, income from fines must be used for environmental projects.

Contract Police Report: October 1-6, 2009

10/01 Contract officer conducted traffic enforcement (traffic device) at Baltimore Ave at Cherry Hill Road. 5 citations were issued

10/01 Contract officer conducted traffic enforcement (traffic device) at Baltimore Ave at Knox Road of Baltimore Ave. 4 citations were issued

10/2 Contract officer responded to a call for service at Knox Road at Baltimore Ave for a male exposing himself. Suspect was located and placed under arrest for indecent exposure.

10/2 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle at 10000 block Rhode Island Ave. Negative for warrants and field observation report completed.

10/3 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 7300 block Baltimore Ave (Rugged Warehouse) for a report of a theft of a purse. Incident verified – Juvenile suspect located and placed under arrest

10/3 Contract officer issued a citation in lieu of arrest for urinating in public at 8600 block 49th Ave.

10/4 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle at 9600 block 53rd Ave. Negative for warrants and field observation report completed.

10/4 Contract officer issued a citation in lieu of arrest for open alcohol beverage in the 9100 block of Drake Place.

10/5 Contract officer conducted traffic enforcement (traffic device) at Baltimore Ave at Cherry Hill Road. 2 citations were issued

10/5 Contract officer conducted traffic enforcement (speed enforcement) at Baltimore Ave at Fox Street. 6 citations were issued

10/6 Contract officer conducted traffic enforcement (speed enforcement) in the 7600 block of Baltimore. 7 citations were issued

10/6 Contract officer issued two citations for violators making an illegal left turn from the Cherry Hill Shopping Center.

10/6 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 4300 block Knox Road for a report of an assault in progress (beat cars unavailable). The victim was seriously injured and the contract officer located the suspect and placed him under arrest.

10/6 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Greenbelt Road at Rhode Island Ave. 6 citations were issued

10/6 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Failure to yield to Pedestrians) at Paint Branch Parkway at Baltimore Ave. 1 citation was issued

MD State Citations: 96
Warnings: 16
ERO: 5
Parking: 0
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 3
Criminal Arrests: 2
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0

Full Time Contract Officers (Portion of above)
MD State Citations: 11
Warnings: 1
ERO: 3
Parking: 0
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 2
Criminal Arrests: 0
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0

Acronyms:
DWI – Driving while intoxicated
DWS – Driving on suspended license
ERO – Equipment repair order (headlight out, etc)
SOW – Sent on way
GOA – Gone on arrival
PWID- Possession with the intent to distribute (illicit drugs)

Note: This list does not include routine incidents handled by the officers.

Contract Police Report: September 23-30, 2009

9/23 Contract officer stopped a Panhandler at Baltimore Ave at the Beltway. Advised

9/25 Contract officer observed two suspicious persons in the 8100 block Baltimore Ave and conducted a field interview. One suspect was placed under arrest for an outstanding warrant.

9/25 Contract officer responded to a call for service at Knox Road at Yale Road for a report of a citizen robbery. Incident verified – Assisted patrol officers with canvassing the neighborhood for the suspect.

9/25 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop at Rossborough Lane at Baltimore Ave. The driver was placed under arrest for DWI.

9/26 Contract officer assisted the patrol officers (wagon 1) with a disorderly arrest at Baltimore Ave at Knox Road.

9/27 Contract officer conducted bike patrols in the communities of; Old Town, Berwyn, South Hollywood, and Lakeland.

9/28 Contract officer conducted traffic enforcement (speed enforcement) in the 7000 block of Baltimore Ave. 2 citations were issued

9/28 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Failure to yield to Pedestrians) at Baltimore Ave at Rhode Island Ave. 2 citations were issued

9/28 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Greenbelt Road at Rhode Island Ave. 7 citations were issued

9/29 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 8400 block 48th Ave for a report of a theft from auto. Incident verified – Suspect broke the driver’s door window and stole a GPS unit.

9/29 Contract officer conducted bike patrols in the communities of; Old Town, and Calvert Hills.

9/29 Contract officer assisted the beat officer with the fatal motor vehicle accident at Rhode Island Ave at Huron Ave.

9/29 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 5100 block Kennebunk Terrace for a report of a theft from auto. Incident verified

9/29 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 48th Ave at Fox Street for a report of a theft from auto. Incident verified

9/30 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Saint Andrews Place at Duke Street. 5 citations were issued

9/30 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Failure to yield to Pedestrians) at Greenbelt Road at Rhode Island Ave. 4 citations were issued

MD State Citations: 76
Warnings: 19
ERO: 1
Parking: 0
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 0
Criminal Arrests: 0
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 1
Warrant Arrest: 1

Full Time Contract Officers (Portion of above)
MD State Citations: 8
Warnings: 3
ERO: 0
Parking: 0
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 0
Criminal Arrests: 0
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0

Acronyms:
DWI – Driving while intoxicated
DWS – Driving on suspended license
ERO – Equipment repair order (headlight out, etc)
SOW – Sent on way
GOA – Gone on arrival
PWID- Possession with the intent to distribute (illicit drugs)

Note: This list does not include routine incidents handled by the officers.

Contract Police Report: September 16-22, 2009

9/16 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Rhode Island Ave at Edgewood Road. 5 citations were issued

9/16 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Saint Andrews Place at Duke Street. 5 citations were issued

9/16 Contract officer observed a suspicious person in the 4800 block of Lakeland Road and conducted a field interview. Suspect was placed under arrest for an outstanding warrant for theft.

9/17 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Radcliffe Drive at Edmonston Road. 2 citations were issued

9/17 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Old Calvert Road at Edmonston Road. 1 citation was issued

9/17 Contract officer issued a summons in lieu of arrest for open alcohol beverage at Baltimore Ave at Lakeland Road

9/18 Contract officer conducted bike patrols in the communities of; Old Town, Berwyn, and Lakeland.

9/19 Contract officer issued two summons in lieu of arrest for open alcohol beverage at 4600 block College Ave.

9/19 Contract officer made an arrest for vandalism in the 4300 block of Hartwick Road.

9/20 Contract officer conducted bike patrols in the communities of; Old Town, Berwyn, Calvert Hills and Lakeland.

9/22 Contract officer issued a summons in lieu of arrest for open alcohol beverage at Lehigh Road at Yale Road.

9/22 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Failure to yield to Pedestrians) at Greenbelt Road at Rhode Island Ave. 8 citations were issued

9/22 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Saint Andrews Place at Duke Street. 5 citations were issued

MD State Citations: 92
Warnings: 25
ERO: 4
Parking: 1
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 4
Criminal Arrests: 1
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 1

Full Time Contract Officers (Portion of Above)
MD State Citations: 6
Warnings: 2
ERO: 3
Parking: 1
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 1
Criminal Arrests: 0
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0

Acronyms:
DWI – Driving while intoxicated
DWS – Driving on suspended license
ERO – Equipment repair order (headlight out, etc)
SOW – Sent on way
GOA – Gone on arrival
PWID- Possession with the intent to distribute (illicit drugs)

Note: This list does not include routine incidents handled by the officers.

Contract Police Report: September 10-15, 2009

9/10 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Saint Andrews Place at Duke Street. 5 citations were issued

9/10 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Traffic Device) at Baltimore Ave at Cherry Hill Road. 2 citations were issued

9/10 Contract officer observed a suspicious person at Berwyn Road at Rhode Island Ave and conducted a field interview. Warrant check was negative and he was sent on his way.

9/10 Contract officer placed an individual under arrest for disorderly conduct at 4800 block Hartwick Road. Transported to District I for processing

9/11 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 10000 block 51st Ave for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Incident verified – SOW

9/11 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 9000 block Saint Andrews Place for a report of a suspicious person. GOA

9/11 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 9500 block 50th Place for a report of a vandalism. Incident verified

9/11 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Edmonston Road at Radcliffe Road. 2 citations were issued

9/11 Contract officer assisted the code enforcement officer with several loud parties throughout the city.

9/12 Contract officer responded to a call for service at Berwyn Road at 49th Ave for a report of a vandalism. Incident verified

9/12 Contract officer observed three suspicious persons in the 4300 block of Metzerott Road and conducted a field interview. Warrant check was negative and they were sent on their way.

9/12 Contract officer observed five suspicious persons at College Ave at Dartmouth Ave and conducted a field interview. Warrant check was negative and they were sent on their way.

9/12 Contract officer assisted the beat officer with a citizen robbery at 9200 block Davidson Street. Area was checked with negative results.

9/13 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Greenbelt Road at Rhode Island Ave. 4 citations were issued

9/15 Contract officer assisted the beat officer with a breaking and entering at 7300 block Princeton Ave. Incident verified – back door was kicked in

9/15 Contract officer issued a summons in lieu of arrest for disorderly conduct at Guilford Road at Wake Forest Drive.

MD State Citations: 78
Warnings: 18
ERO: 9
Parking: 0
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 1
Criminal Arrests: 1
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0

Full Time Contract Officers (Portion of Above)
MD State Citations: 13
Warnings: 1
ERO: 4
Parking: 0
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 0
Criminal Arrests: 0
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0

Acronyms:
DWI – Driving while intoxicated
DWS – Driving on suspended license
ERO – Equipment repair order (headlight out, etc)
SOW – Sent on way
GOA – Gone on arrival
PWID- Possession with the intent to distribute (illicit drugs)

Note: This list does not include routine incidents handled by the officers.

Contract Police Report: September 2-9, 2009

9/2 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 4900 block Muskogee Street for a report of a theft from auto. Incident verified – stole a CD player

9/2 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Rhode Island Ave at Greenbelt Road. 7 citations were issued

9/2 Contract officer stopped a suspicious person at Navahoe Street at Baltimore Ave. Officer issued a citation in lieu of arrest for open alcohol beverage.

9/4 Contract officer conducted bike patrols in the communities of; Sunnyside, Hollywood, and Daniel’s Park.

9/5 Contract officer assisted the beat officer at the Clarion Inn located at 8601 Baltimore Ave with a first degree assault (stabbing).

9/6 Contract officers were attempting to break up a fight at Baltimore Ave at Knox Road and made one arrest for disorderly.

9/9 Contract officer responded to a call for service at 8400 block Baltimore Ave for a report of a theft from auto. Incident verified

MD State Citations: 58
Warnings: 36
ERO: 4
Parking: 3
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 1
Criminal Arrests: 1
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0

Full Time Contract Officers (Portion of Above)
MD State Citations: 8
Warnings: 0
ERO: 2
Parking: 3
Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 1
Criminal Arrests: 0
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0

Acronyms:
DWI – Driving while intoxicated
DWS – Driving on suspended license
ERO – Equipment repair order (headlight out, etc)
SOW – Sent on way
GOA – Gone on arrival
PWID- Possession with the intent to distribute (illicit drugs)

Note: This list does not include routine incidents handled by the officers.