MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager
SUBJECT: Status Report/Council Poll
DATE: November 1, 2007
Status Report
1. Planning Board Results - Harmony Place (Preliminary Plan #4-07028)
On Thursday, October 25th, the Prince George's County Planning Board reviewed
Preliminary Plan #4-07028 for Harmony Place, a development consisting of
287 multi-family apartment units in two (2) buildings proposed on 15 acres
of land located on the north side of Health Center Drive, west of Northview
Drive, in the R-18 (Multi-Family Medium Density Residential) and R-80 (One-Family
Detached Residential) zones. The hearing was a continuation of the September
20, 2007 hearing. At the previous hearing, the Planning Board directed
the applicant to resolve numerous issues raised by the M-NCPPC Environmental
Planning staff regarding disturbance of environmental features. City Council
voted to recommend APPROVAL of the Preliminary Plan, with three (3) conditions,
on August 1, 2007. At the advice of M-NCPPC staff, the Planning Board did
not accept the City's condition recommending that the site be cleared from
east to west and fenced with orange plastic mesh fencing for the protection
of wildlife because they determined that such a condition is not based
in any law or regulation and mesh fencing would be ineffective in containing
wildlife. Councilman Todd Turner was present for the hearing. Ms. Debbie
Sell spoke in support of the Preliminary Plan. Commissioner Squire moved
APPROVAL in accordance with the M-NCPPC staff recommendation and Commissioner
Clark seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
2. MD 197/Evergreen Parkway
Mayor Robinson and staff met this week with representatives of the State
Highway Administration’s District 3 staff and their Office of Traffic
Safety. SHA plans to move forward with the “Maryland-T” intersection
treatment described in earlier correspondence. They said plans could be
finalized by January, and funding must be obtained for the project. They
do not expect funding to be a significant hurdle.
Although we indicated our preference for a traffic signal, SHA’s position
is that the “Maryland-T” will improve safety at this location.
They also indicated that the hardware has been ordered for the pedestrian signals to be added to the existing
signalized intersection of MD197 at Town Center Boulevard.
3. BRAC Subcabinet Meeting
The Governor's Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Subcabinet met Tuesday
at Bowie State University for the last of ten local meetings as they receive
information from jurisdictions and discuss an organized State response
to the opportunities the current BRAC offers. City representatives included
Councilman Turner, BAPB Chair Skotz, BAPB Vice Chair Gaskins, EDC Vice
Chair Coppola, and Economic Development Director King. Additional officials
present included State Delegate Holmes, County Council Member Turner, and
Greater Bowie Chamber Executive Director Pierce.
4. Transit Information
There is a memorandum in the package today which provides an update on the County recommendations for transit improvements. These are draft recommendations,
but it is worth noting that the proposals include:
· For
the first time, a route for TheBus in Bowie.
· Expanding TheBus routes.
·
Modifying (“rationalizing”) Metrobus service in the City.
Staff will continue to monitor the progress of this County plan.
COUNCIL POLL:
County
Mansionization Proposed Legislation
Staff recommends that City Council support the draft legislation with
the recommended revisions regarding lot coverage and impervious coverage
outlined
in the attached memorandum. Your concurrence to send the City
position letter to the County Planning Board is requested.
Concur _________________________ Do Not Concur ____________________
CB-15-2007
Common Ownership Communities Program
County Council Member Dean has proposed legislation that will assist governing
bodies, owners, residents of homeowners' associations, residential condominiums
and cooperative housing corporations with education, training and dispute
mediation services. The legislation also requires that homeowners' associations
register their elected members and managing agents with the County's Office
of Community Relations
on or before December 31st of each year. Staff is very supportive of the
proposed legislation and believes the bill is in the public interest.
There are
instances where matters of health and safety are at stake and having quick
access to the current owners and managing entities of common ownership communities
would prove invaluable. The City attempts to maintain lists of active associations
within the City limits, but we sometimes have difficulty keeping information
current. Staff recommends that CB-15-2007 also contain a provision that requires
the County to be notified immediately of any changes in the bodies' elected
leadership and/or managing agents. The public hearing on this bill is scheduled
for November 20, 2007.
Do you support sending the attached
draft letter recommending
APPROVAL of CB-15-2007 to the County Council?
Yes _____________________________ No _____________________________
Attachments:
Prince George's County Transit Recommendations
Draft
Letter re: County Mansionization Legislation
Draft Letter re: Common Ownership Communities Program (CB-15-2007)