Dear neighbors,
On the agenda:
1. Two variance requests coming to us for review of decisions of the Advisory Planning Commission. The Council members declined to review both of these, so they are going on the consent agenda. The first, which is on Kennebunk Terrace, is a resolution approving the APC’s recommendation to deny an exception to the ordinance prohibiting front-yard fences. The resident wants to build a four-foot high chain-link fence along her side yard and driveway, to block gravel that migrates over from her neighbor’s driveway. Her neighbor protested that it would block the line of sight from her driveway. I agree with the APC’s recommendation, and did not call it up for review. The other variance is in District 3, in Calvert Hills, at 4808 Erskine Road, and involves a front porch that encroaches beyond the 25-foot setback by 10 feet. The APC recommended approval 3-1.
2. Discussion of the pedestrian crosswalk at Paint Branch Parkway and the trolley trail. About a year ago, the County installed flashing yellow lights to warn drivers about pedestrians when they cross. If a pedestrian wishes to cross, he or she pushes a button and the lights flash. Unfortunately, these have not been effective in protecting pedestrians, and there have been a number of accidents involving both pedestrians and drivers who have stopped for pedestrians to cross. As a result, Councilmember Stullich has asked that this be brought up for further discussion – and we have invited representatives from the County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation to discuss. I would like us to ask the County to take better safety measures there – possibly a full signal. We’ll see where the discussion goes tonight. I would also like to take this as an opportunity to bring up continuing safety problems on Rhode Island Ave.
Update: The County DPWT representatives outright refused to place a traffic signal there, despite our pleas. Their reasoning is that, according to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, they say that a light is only justified at a pedestrian crossing when a certain number of pedestrians cross, and the intersection has not met those standards in the past. They will be sending us the applicable standards. Apparently, they’re concerned that, if they don’t follow those standards, the County will be subject to lawsuits. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any way around this.
This, of course, will impact whether we’re able able to place a traffic signal at any of the pedestrian crosswalks on Rhode Island Avenue in the future. To me, there’s a bit of a catch 22 at play here – we can’t put a traffic signal in if too few people use the intersection, but people won’t use the intersection if it’s unsafe. But these standards are set on the federal level, and it’s unlikely we’d be able to change them.
The DPWT folks also recommended that we not direct people to cross busy roads in the middle of a block, as is done with both Paint Branch Road and Rhode Island Avenue in some locations. This isn’t always possible, though, as sometimes people cross mid-block whether there’s a crosswalk or not – at least a crosswalk offers some safety.
I intend to continue to pursue other safety options on Rhode Island Avenue with the county, including additional pedestrian crossing indicators, and possibly a speed camera by the school. I’ve asked Tom Dernoga for a meeting to discuss these options, and he offered to come to an NCPCA meeting soon.
3. A letter to the County Zoning Hearing Examiner regarding validation of a permit issued in error at the Knox Box Buildings. Janet Firth, owner of most of the Knox Box buildings, asked for a permit to install new windows (in order to come into compliance with life safety requirements) at the Knox Boxes, and the County issued the permit in error. As a result, Ms. Firth is now unable to get her use and occupancy permit. The city will consider a letter requesting the County to make the permit issued in error effective, and I don’t see any reason to oppose it.
4. Discussion of a Tiered Tax break for Green Businesses. UMD for Clean Energy brought this to the Council for consideration. It would allow for the City to reduce property taxes to provide incentives for businesses to use green technology, build green buildings, or produce green products. Although I support this idea, my understanding is that the City is not legally allowed to initiate a tax incentive program. Although we’re working on a legislative fix on this issue, I don’t think we’ll be able to do it at this point. I would also like to see us use tax incentives for other purposes – such as encouraging redevelopment in neglected areas in the City (such as the Hollywood Commercial District), and to support small and local businesses.
5. Review of the City’s new phone system. The City’s current telephone system contractor went out of business, and as a result we’re purchasing a new system. The City staff proposed a new automated menu, and I’ve reviewed it and have a couple of suggestions to make sure it’s user-friendly. I would also like the City to enact a policy that all employees will return phone calls within twenty-four hours or the next business day.
6. Calvert Road school letter. The City has long been considering working with the Prince George’s County Public Schools to open up a choice school at the old Calvert Road school site. The City owns that building, and would like to provide it to the school district with a long-term lease. The Board of Ed., however, wants to purchase it outright. I’m not sure that we want to give up such a key property in our City, and I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want to work with a long-term lease. So we’ll see where this goes tonight.
7. College Park Woods Swim Club. This swim club, an important part of the College Park Woods community, is currently facing financial difficulties and may have to close down if it doesn’t receive additional funding. The City does not currently provide any money to the swim club, but we do have the ability to create a “special financing district,” where some residents pay additional tax money for a special purpose. This would probably encompass College Park Woods only – so District 1 residents would not have to worry about paying extra taxes to support a swim club in another part of the City. Assuming that the College Park Woods residents support the special taxing district, I hope that we can work it out and keep the pool open.
Finally, there’s a mysterious announcement on the agenda about a Department of Energy Energy Efficiency grant. Hopefully this is good news!
Let me know if you have any questions!
Patrick
