2013 ELECTION GUIDE, PAGES 5-9
Art Lives Here project launches by Rosanna Landis Weaver
The name of the project “Art Lives Here” is a three-word proclamation affirming the temporal and geographical presence of art, and its symbol is a bright red arrow with these words on it. The project itself is far ranging. Brooke Kid, the project’s artistic director, summarizes it as “a visibilty campaign for the Gateway Arts District with a concentration of programs in Mount Rainer, to highlight our efforts in creative place-making.” The spring season of the project, a long time in the planning, officially launched at Busboys and Poets on April 5. Four of the 32 collaborating artists and artists groups presented information about their work and performances. Nehemiah Dixon III, an artist who has exhibited at museums including the Phillips Collection, and now teaches art at Joe’s Movement Emporium, conducted what Kidd calls “an art attack,” which she describes as a visual art flash mob. Dixon provided the logo arrows printed on cardstock, along with various art materials and encouraged attendees to decorate their own Art Lives Here arrows, to take photos of them “pointing the way to where art is” and send them back to the group. Maurice, Philippa and Friends, a group that centers around jazz
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Hyattsville Life&Times
Vol. 10 No. 4
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
THE
BIG HUNT SUSIE CURRIE Twenty-month-old Arcadia Warner starts filling her basket at the cityʼs annual Easter Egg Hunt, held on March 23 at Magruder Park. See more photos on page 16.
Where the sidewalk ends
University Hills residents oppose adding infrastructure by Susie Currie
A single item was on the agenda at the Hyattsville City Council’s March 25 meeting: the University Hills Green Streets Project, which calls for improving (and in some cases adding) infrastructure. The neighborhood lies north of Northwestern and west of Adelphi Road, and many people who live there turned up in force that night to express their views. The same could not be said for the councilmembers themselves. Of the 11 seats on the dais, six were empty, including the mayor’s. With only five legislators, attendance fell short of a quorum, which meant that the council could not have an official meeting. Instead, Council President Matt McKnight (Ward 3), who acted as chair in the mayor’s absence, announced that the evening would go forward as a public hearing. Patrick Paschall, who is running unopposed in
Ward 3, reported that in the course of campaigning, he had heard from many residents that “sidewalks on Gumwood, Wells and Stanford are not just acceptable but desired. Rosemary Lane doesn’t want any improvements at all, including sidewalks, drainage and paving.” The city’s sidewalk policy, which lists several exceptions, “is that continuous pedestrian sidewalks are important public infrastructure and that the sidewalks should ordinarily be installed and maintained on one side of every block of every Citymaintained street (two sides where existing).” But some residents of University Hills do not want sidewalks. Several returned the following week to repeat their objections during the council meeting of April 1. One was Rose Fletcher, who lives with her husband, SIDEWALKS continued on page 17
April 2013
Wingard bows out of Ward 1 race
Leaves one incumbent, five open seats in race by Susie Currie
Less than a week after filing paperwork to defend his seat on the Hyattsville City Council, Ward 1 representative Eric Wingard withdrew his bid. Wingard, a NASA engineer, said that just days after he declared his candidacy, he was offered a chance to work on a joint project with the European Space Administration (ESA). The job Wingard will involve frequent travel to Europe, he said. Since September, he’s been working most of each week in California, which has meant frequent absences from council meetings. “It was an honor to sit on the council,” said Wingard, who was elected two years ago to finish Marc Tartaro’s term after Tartaro was elected mayor. “[But] this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” It’s not the only transition ahead for the 14-year city resident. By September, he says, “my family and I will be relocating to another part of the state.” (So, too, is Council President Matt McKnight.) “The community is fantastic, and it was a tough decision,” said Wingard. His abrupt decision brings the total of open seats on the council to five, meaning that half the council will be freshmen after the May 7 election.
Included: The April 10, 2013 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section
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Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
FromTheEditor Get out and vote in May! by Rosanna Landis Weaver
This is our last issue before the city’s biennial election on May 7, so as we have in the past, we decided to let the candidates speak for themselves. This is a decisive race, with six seats on the ballot – and only one incumbent, David Hiles (Ward 2), among them. Eric Wingard, who currently holds the Ward 1 seat that is being contested, dropped out of the race less than a week after filing as a candidate. (See cover story.) That left 10 residents vying for six seats. We invited each candidate to submit 300 words of their choosing. They could, we
A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Interested reporters should send their e-mail addresses to the editor to be reminded of deadlines and receive internal news. Articles and news submitted may be edited. The deadline is the last week of the month for the following month’s issue. Letters to the editor and opinions are encouraged. For all e-mail correspondence with HL&T: news, features, tips, advertising and business write to hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail. com. To submit articles, letters to the editor, etc., e-mail susie@hyattsvillelife.com. Executive Editor Susie Currie susie@hyattsvillelife.com 301.633.9209 Managing Editor Rosanna Landis Weaver rosanna@hyattsvillelife.com 301.277.5939 Editorial Intern Scarlett Salem Production Ashley Perks Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Victoria Hille, Molly Parrish, Valerie Russell, Fred Seitz, Hugh Turley Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti - President and General Counsel Chris Currie - Vice President Susie Currie - Secretary Peggy Dee, Karen J. Riley, Valerie Russell Rosanna Landis Weaver - Ex Officio Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly by U.S. Mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are distributed to libraries, selected businesses, community centers and churches in the city. Total circulation is 9,300. HL&T is a member of the National Newspaper Association.
told them, use the space to make their cases to the voters, explain their platforms or share why they’re running. Nine of the candidates were able to respond by press time, and no matter what ward you are in we encourage you to read each of the profiles. Whether these men (and, no, we don’t know why they’re all men this year – but that’s a discussion for another time), become your elected representatives or not, they are your neighbors. And good ones at that. If you read through what each of them took the time to write you may see, as we do, certain themes emerging. Although the candidates on the ballot range in age from individuals in their 20s to one in his 60s, there are
words that come up repeatedly. It is striking, for example, how many mention the importance of a family-friendly community: more than one candidate explicitly states that they moved here when they were looking for the ideal place to raise their children. Another theme we’re delighted to see is that of inclusivity: Two candidates used part of their 300 words to reach out in Spanish. There’s also an emphasis on civic participation and communication. You’ll find some different emphases in each of course, from specific ideas on creating safer commutes, to ideas about positive local development, yet the overarching theme is one of great hope.
LEARNING ABOUT WWII
PHUOC HONG NHAN Northwestern student Kaila Butler poses in an interactive model World War II probe model at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy. With her is Naval Science Instructor Sergeant Major Efrem Wilson, the sponsor of the the Northwestern Navy JROTC field trip. The purpose of the trip was to inform the NJROTC Cadets about Naval history, weapons, and military knowledge, as well as to expose them to a broad view of the power of the U.S Navy. Cadets were intrigued by both the information they picked up and their experience with the interactive models, and requested a re-visit to the museum soon!
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR David Hiles for Ward 2 As a 20-plus year resident of the City of Hyattsville, I am writing in support of David Hiles to continue his excellent record as Ward 2 Councilmember. I have known David personally for many years prior to his current term as Ward 2 Councilmember and have worked closely with him during his tenure. He is a progressive thinker who has a vision for Hyattsville. He listens, learns, communicates and acts in the best interest of his constituents and Hyattsville as a whole. His record of attendance at City Council meetings is one of the best, not counting the dozens of community and Council-related meetings he has attended. His record of accomplishments, actions and votes on Council have earned my vote for David Hiles for Ward 2. I’d also like to say that I have the utmost respect for all candidates running and those currently sitting on Council. Thanks goes to each and every one of you for your dedication to the City of Hyattsville, win or lose. Our City is only as great as its community, so please, get involved, join a committee, help out your neighbors and this May 7, vote! Jim Groves 39th Avenue
“Regular” schools important too I just finished reading the March column concerning issues at schools [“How we talk about our schools and why it matters,” by Rosanna Landis Weaver]. I have always tried to tell people that the teacher in the building was more important than what happened in Upper Marlboro. Thank you for defending the “regular schools” that do a fantastic job of
educating our students despite the negatives about the system as a whole. Cathy Burch Adelphi
Mi Patio owners defend permit In a front-page article in March 2013 issue of the Hyattsville Life & Times [“Mi Patio asks to host nightly DJ, live music,” by Susie Currie], there were misleading reports of the plans of the owners of the Mi Patio restaurant regarding its application for a Special Entertainment Permit. At no time did Mi Patio ever ask the Board of License Commissioners for the right to allow dancing in the restaurant, or apply for a County Dance Hall Permit. Mi Patio Restaurant did not request to have any other type of entertainment, such as that which you have unfairly associated with the Mi Patio restaurant, specifically stand-up comedy and exotic dancing performed by a stripper. The Mi Patio restaurant caters to families. It is a safe place where patrons can come to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and similar special events in their lives, or just to enjoy a good meal and listen to music. If we are awarded a Special Entertainment License, we plan to have karaoke-style sing-along entertainment. That license will also allow us to search patrons if we feel the need to do so. Mi Patio Restaurant is a good corporate partner to the City of Hyattsville and its residents. Mi Patio donates 100 meals every Tuesday to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church [in Takoma Park] to distribute to those who cannot afford to buy food. For several years we have sponsored a boys’ baseball team from Hyattsville, and plan to continue to do so. Mi Patio currently sponsors a
local men’s league basketball team. We have contributed money to the athletic program at Northwestern High School, and will do so again this year. The owners and employees of Mi Patio resent the unfair comments about the restaurant in your March issue. Danny Medina and Yahira Merlos Owners, Mi Patio Restaurant Susie Currie responds: It is true that Mi Patio’s application for a Special Entertainment Permit did not seek permission to allow patron dancing – but neither did it ask to host the “karaoke-style singa-long entertainment” mentioned above. The paragraph from my story uses language taken directly from their application: “The Mi Patio application requested permission to host a ‘DJ playing music from the Dominican Republic’ up to seven nights a week, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., in addition to a live band ‘once or twice a month,’ on Friday night.” The same application asked to host 100 or so annual special events, which may be where the karaoke is intended to happen. In referring to comedians, strippers and dancing customers, I was not speaking specifically to Mi Patio’s application, but trying to convey the range of activities covered by this permit, which is issued by the liquor board. The Annotated Code of Maryland, in laying out the conditions of the Special Entertainment Permit, says that “entertainment is broadly defined,” and gives as examples the activities mentioned in the article. On the application, the business must specify which of these activities it wants to host, what days, and what times. It also has to answer whether it intends to impose a cover charge or allow patron dancing. (Mi Patio answered “no” to both.)
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
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peggy burgoyne Riversdale Mansion commemorated the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with the Austen Café, a book discussion complete with light refreshments. Among the hosts was Katherine Spivey (center), who portrays the mansion’s mistress, Rosalie Stier Calvert.
Pride and Prejudice and coffee
by Jane Murphy
“Elizabeth’s mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view.” This is how Elizabeth Bennet reacts to the elegant estate of Pemberley in Jane Austen’s 19th-century novel Pride and Prejudice. And on March 9, an excited group of Austen fans got a sense of what Elizabeth felt at Pemberley when they gathered to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the novel at the Riversdale House Museum. Built between 1801 and 1807 and nestled in the heart of Riverdale Park, the local mansion served as a fitting backdrop to transport its visitors back to Austen’s time. But unlike Austen’s heroine, this group was eager for conversation. They had come for the Austen Café, an event inspired by “The World Café,” a book by David Isaacs and Juanita Brown that outlines a way to foster community when hosting large-group discussions. The process emphasizes intimate discussions in small groups, and then encourages participants to form new groups to “crosspollinate” ideas, says organizer Audrey McLendon, a docent at Riversdale. The format is “very participatory; everyone gets a chance to talk and give their opinion,” said McLendon. “So I love this, because I love to talk.”
Greeting the 27 attendees were women donned in period dress. These group leaders, made up of museum staff and volunteers, were there to help lead discussion and lend insight about the time period. One of them was Education and Administration Assistant Maria Grenchik, who also happens to be an avid Austen fan and member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. As the (mostly female) group settled in with coffee, tea and pastries, Grenchik took the floor to present a clip of the BBC miniseries adaptation of the novel before asking the small groups to discuss the concept of “an accomplished woman” in the novel. After 10 minutes, the attendees had to get up from their seats and change tables to form new groups. This time the topic broadened to include other accomplished women of Jane Austen’s time. After a third change, the participants were asked to determine what it means to be an accomplished woman today. The multi-generational crowd offered differing perspectives. Tara Benedetti, a 2006 graduate of the University of Maryland, lent her thoughts as a young professional. Another participant, Marsha Howes, explained her own experience as a mother during the feminist movement of the 1960s and 70s. Discussions varied among tables, but focused on how ex-
pectations for women have changed now that women have more rights under the law and economic opportunities. Most agreed that life has gotten better for women, but some argued that life has gotten more difficult for the fairer sex, now that they are faced with more responsibilities and decisions while dealing with many of the same age-old hardships of Austen’s time. It is a truth universally acknowledged that when everyone gives an opinion, disagreement is inevitable. McLendon cautioned, therefore, to treat these opposing opinions as “new information” and “[see] it through someone else’s eyes.” If you visit Riversdale house and take a tour, you’ll discover that it has been an attraction since it was first built. “This wasn’t the grandest house in Maryland,” said McLendon, quoting a letter written by the original owner, “but it was European, and everybody wanted to come and see the European house.” And, now that many rooms are restored back to what they originally looked like, the Riversdale House Museum offers American Jane Austen fans a chance to step into a facsimile of her world. “We think the program worked well,” said Grenchik afterwards. “There are many Austen-related anniversaries coming up in the next few years, so we will certainly be having more Austen[themed] events.”
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Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
Rallying for Prosperity by Josh Logue
“What does democracy look like? This is what democracy looks like!” chanted the 50 or so people who showed up at the Prosperity, Not Austerity Rally at University Town Center on a cool Saturday afternoon in March. The group gathered outside the Belcrest Road branch of Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), near a long banner that displayed the Pentagon’s budget overshadowing that of other federal departments. The rally was one of six held throughout the state on March 23 and organized by the Maryland Coalition to Fund Our Communities, Not the Pentagon, which is made up of more than 60 political organizations. Residents attended individual city demonstrations, and a coalition- sponsored bus of about 20 supporters stopped at each rally. A series of speakers, including College Park Mayor Andrew Fellows and Coalition chair Jean Athey,
josh logue No rally would be complete without people holding signs and singing protest songs.
talked enthusiastically about misplaced priorities in government. Athey, gesturing behind her at the building that houses PGCC, said she remembered when community colleges were free. If the U.S. government cut spending on nuclear weapons by one third, she said as the audience nodded, that money would cover all the expenses of every community college student in the country. “Fifty-eight percent of the US government’s discretionary budget goes to the Pentagon,” she said Athey. “It’s time to get our priorities straight.” Faced with sweeping proclamations about different budget priorities, Hyattsville resident Carol Nezzo said she agreed with the sentiment but was unclear about the next step. “I’m used to lobbying for a specific bill. It’s a challenge to figure out what I would go into my representative’s office and lobby for.” But as the rally got underway, a petition did begin to circulate. It urged the Prince George’s County Council to pass a resolution “that the federal government transfer a significant share of military funds to serve urgent needs in our communities” and encouraged the council to send the resolution as an official statement to President Obama and the members of Congress who represent Prince George’s County. As people passed around the petition, speakers turned to even broader issues. Rev. Bill Lamar of Turner Memorial AME Church talked about political activism. “We need to continue to agitate, agitate, agitate,” he said, quoting Frederick Douglas. “President Obama is not going to do what we’re asking without our pressure.” The event also included classic protest songs performed by the local Prairie Rebirth Band as well as a short skit, “The Bus Stops Here,” set on a fictitious Metrobus in Prince George’s County. Four Hyattsville residents portrayed community college students fed up with high tuition and disappointing transportation options. As the skit wrapped up, one performer stood up and raised her voice, “Get on that bus! Fund our community!”
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NEWS BRIEFS
susie currie Can you spot the rubber chicken? Franklins’ new mural and sign greet drivers heading north on Route 1.
Franklins facelift Hyattsville’s newest piece of public art is a 14-by-40-foot mural, installed the first week of April over Franklins’ south-facing exterior brick wall. “My first love is neon,” admits shop owner Mike Franklin. That wasn’t feasible for a project this size, but he still wanted something “whimsical, cheery and colorful.” When he googled kinetic light mural, he knew he had found his medium. Soon he found an artist who specialized in it, Massachusetts designer Liz Manicatide. She comes to Hyattsville this month to transform the already eye-catching painting into the kinetic light mural of Franklin’s imagination. Support your local Olympians Longtime local resident Dennis Vacante has been coaching Special Olympics athletes for 37 years. As the assistant area director for Prince George’s County Special Olympics, he also helps raise money for the group’s uniforms, medals and venue space for training and competition. The next event is a 5-K Run / 3-Mile Inspiration Walk at 10 a.m. on April 13 on the University of Maryland campus. It starts and ends at Ritchie Coliseum, where there will be a family festival after the race, complete with moon bounces, parachute games and more. To support the cause, you can make a tax-deductible donation even after the event at www.firstgiving.com/SOMD. Name that building The Hyattsville Community Development Corporation is turning a neglected stone bungalow on Farragut Street into its new digs, and staffers want you to give it a name to go with its new look. The “Rename 4314 Farragut Street” contest, running now through June 1, offers a prize of a $75 gift certificate to the Hyattsville restaurant of the winner’s choosing. Submit up to five entries at www.hyattsvillecdc. org or by calling 301.683.8267. Mi Patio update An April 1 public hearing at city hall drew impassioned voices on both sides of the Mi Patio Special Entertainment Permit question. The West Hyattsville restaurant, listed as being open until 3 a.m. on its Facebook page, wants permission to host a DJ nightly, with live bands twice a month. Supporters pointed to the fact that the restaurant, owned by a couple from the Dominican Republic, provides jobs and a “home away from home” for the Dominican community. Residents who live near the property complained of noise both from the building and from customers loitering in the parking lot after hours. One woman who lives across Queens Chapel Road said afterwards that the noise woke her up at least three times a week and that she had to take prescription medication to sleep through it. Mi Patio’s lawyer, Gene Pitroff, said that he understood “noise is the issue with the city and the residents around the restaurant,” and said his clients are “willing to forgo the Monday through Thursday entertainment” if necessary. The city council will vote April 15 on whether to endorse the license. But the real decision rests with the Board of License Commissioners, who will hold their own public hearing on May 1 at 7 p.m. in the County Service Building at 5012 Rhode Island Avenue. — Susie Currie
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
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City of Hyattsville
2013 ELECTIONS This is our last issue before the city’s biennial election on May 7, so we decided to let the candidates speak for themselves. In the spirit of public service, we invited each candidate to submit 300 words of their choosing. They could, we told them, use the space to make their cases to the voters, explain their platforms or share why they’re running. Here’s what they told us.
WARD 1
WARD 2
William Jenne
Robert Croslin
Age: 40 Day job: Financial advisor Community involvement: Photographic contributor to Hyattsville Life & Times; avid Summer Jam fan
Age: 61 Day job: Gold and silversmith Community involvement: See below
As councilmember I would support well-planned community and business development projects that make Hyattsville an even better place to live. Also, I would strive to increase communication between the council and the community, while working with the council and the mayor to promote a positive environment where great things can happen.
Bart Lawrence Age: 40 Day job: Proposal Manager, ICF International Community involvement: Hyattsville Elementary School PTA (President 2010-14, Secretary 2009-10); Hyattsville Life & Times (Board Member 2012-13, occasional contributor); Friends of the Hyattsville Library (member since 2010); 2010 Hyattsville Volunteer Services Award; H.O.P.E (member since 2007, frequent contributor) I am running for City Council because Hyattsville is a great place to live, because it is my sincere desire to help make Hyattsville better, and because I understand that such improvement does not happen on its own. Six years ago, my wife and I chose Hyattsville as the place where we wanted to live and raise our two daughters, and we’re happy we have. Since 2009, I’ve been deeply involved with the Hyattsville Elementary School PTA, working with many others to improve the well-being and educational experience of all students, as well as the general performance and reputation of the school. Through my involvement with the PTA, the Friends of the Hyattsville Library, the Hyattsville Life & Times, and other city entities, I’ve organized and/or attended countless local meetings and events, bringing together residents and working with the city, county and neighbors to improve the quality of life in Hyattsville. Just as I’ve done with these groups, I will be a present, active, and engaged member of the City Council and will operate with the understanding that open, honest and respectful conversation and effort will improve the quality of life for the residents of Ward 1 and throughout the city. I will work to hire, support, and retain a dedicated and effective professional city staff; preserve city assets and invest in the city’s future; nurture attractions and development that engage residents and invite visitors of all ages; continue to advocate for and support our local schools; support an effective community-oriented police department; engage neighboring governments and other levels of government to act on issues affecting and opportunities for the city; and implement Environmental Committee recommendations where feasible and increase the city’s tree canopy. Speak with me at www.facebook.com/BartForWard1.
I am a dyed-in-the-wool, 24-year Hyattsville resident, goldsmith artist and landscape architect. I am originally from Baltimore, attending public high school, college and graduate school all in Baltimore City. I moved to Hyattsville 24 years ago prompted by my lovely wife, Dyann Waugh MD, who accepted the position of medical officer for the U.S. Postal Service, a position she remains in to this day. I’ve laid deep roots in Hyattsville over the years, serving our community in the following capacities: • Past member, Community Development Corp. • Past president and founding member, Hyattsville Community Arts Alliance • Chairman, Artspin Project • Past member, Hyattsville Planning Committee • Past board member, Shalom School for the Arts • Founding member, Aging in Place organization in Hyattsville • Past member, Hyattsville Tree Board • Originator, Kennedy Street Block Party • Past Member, Citizens’ Committee to select a City Administrator • Originator, Breaking Bread Conference and Bridging Cultural Gaps Book Club • Past Member, Citizens’ Committee to select the current Hyattsville Police Chief I am the proud parent of two thriving young adults, Chike and Kigen, who grew up participating in Hyattsville community activities and recently completed their graduate degrees. If elected to the City Council, I will work to bring greater civility and effectiveness to the Council, build better relationships with county and state representatives, and advocate strongly for artists’ inclusion in Hyattsville’s ongoing development. In service of our great city, I ask for your vote on May 7. You can learn more about me on my Facebook campaign page, “Robert Croslin for Hyattsville Ward 2 City Council.”
DAVID HILES, INCUMBENT Age: 55 Day job: Supervisory Economist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Community involvement: Hyattsville City Council Member since May 2009 I’ve served effectively under three mayors: Tiberio in Riverdale Park, and Gardiner and Tartaro in Hyattsville. While on the city council in Riverdale Park, I headed the Public Safety Committee. I hiles continued on page 6
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Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
DAVID HILES, INCUMBENT (CONTINUED) learned that the railroad crossing at the Queensbury farmers’ market was the third most dangerous in Maryland. I worked with the Maryland State Highway Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration to get a double arm barrier installed, which was paid for completely with federal highway safety funds. In my first year on the Hyattsville City Council under Mayor Gardiner, I sponsored and worked to pass the establishment of Monday yard waste pickup (11/09), and the selection of a clean energy provider for City electricity (5/10). In my second year, I sponsored and worked with the Council to pass a motion to provide a framework to prioritize Council initiatives (10/10). I worked with Councilmember McKnight to develop and pass a government transparency motion to require the mayor and council to keep fellow members informed of developing issues (12/10). In my third year, under Mayor Tartaro, I was slowed down a bit. I fell off a ladder and roof in December 2011 and had to undergo four shoulder operations. I worked with Councilmember Lizanne to identify funding for the planting of 125 trees (10/11). We did this after finding out that we had planted no trees in 2010! In July of my fourth year, I had my last shoulder operation. I sponsored and worked to pass the Fall 2012 Street Tree Planting program (10/12) and a new school improvement grant program (11/12). I’m on the council so that I can work to help move our community forward and make Hyattsville a better place to live. If re-elected, I’ll keep working for you. I ask for your
to Hyattsville by providing better schools, safer commutes, more recreation, and smart local development. When my wife and I moved to Hyattsville in 2011, we specifically chose this city because we want to raise a family in a truly special place. When we discovered Hyattsville, we fell in love with the beautiful homes, strong sense of community where neighbors can rely on each other, and local emphasis on recreational and environmental health. As a member of City Council, I’ll work to make Hyattsville even better by fighting for: • Better Schools. I’ll work to bring new programs and opportunities to Hyattsville schools, organize Hyattsville parents to be involved in groups like the PTA, and be a strong advocate for our students and families. • Safer Commutes. I’ll work to ensure that walkways are well lit at night, that streets and sidewalks are properly maintained, and that we have safe crossings on major roads, especially Queens Chapel Road. • More Recreation. I’ll make sure we continue to develop our running and biking paths and revitalize our parks. I’ll work with the County to bring a pool to our area, which will provide no-impact exercise opportunities for our seniors and recreation for everyone in Hyattsville. • Smart Local Development. Development on Route 1 has brought new amenities and revenues to the City of Hyattsville. We should replicate that success and improve the growing Prince George’s Plaza area and the area surrounding the West Hyattsville metro. I hope you’ll consider working with me to bring new leadership to Hyattsville by voting for me on May 7. If you want to contact me before then, I can be reached at 301.887.3284, patrickpaschall@gmail.com or www.patrickpaschall.com.
WARD 3
WARD 4
PATRICK PASCHALL
ROSS GATERETSE
Age: 28 Day job: Policy Counsel, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Community involvement: Former Hyattsville Ethics Commissioner, Hyattsville Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association member
Age: 40 Day job: Public Health Inspector, D.C. Department of Health Community involvement: Involved with ad hoc West Hyattsville neighborhood group
My name is Patrick Paschall, and I am running for City Council in Ward 3 because I care about the community I live in and I want to bring new leadership
I am truly running to change the tenor of city council dialogue, and to continue to make Hyattsville a place to enjoy peaceful living, enjoy an evening walk, meet GATERETSE continued on page 8
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VOICE, VISION, COMMUNITY I will speak for you and with you regularly, I will share your vision and goals with the council, I will help develop our community
I am running to be the voice for Ward 5. I believe we in West Hyattsville are deeply concerned with safety; I would like to see a community oriented police department that develops a relationship with the residential and business community. We are also interested in transparency and accountability from our city; especially with matters of budgeting and development. Ward 5 has an interesting mix of family and small businesses. While we are interested in new development, we are not interested in demolishing the way of life of current residents and businesses. I will be a representative who strongly expresses our desire to maintain this delicate balance. Over the next few weeks I will be out knocking on doors and inviting each of you to campaign events. During these times I will gladly provide further details on my platform.
VOZ, VISIÓN, COMUNIDAD
Voy a hablar por usted y con usted regularmente,Voy a compartir su visión y metas con el consejo,Voy a contribuir al desarrollo de nuestra comunidad
PO Box 5454 Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 240-487-9179 Email: hyattsville@josephsolomon.me
Me postulo para ser la voz de la sala 5. Creo que en West Hyattsville están profundamente preocupados por seguridad, me gustaría ver a un departamento de policía orientada a la comunidad que desarrolla una relación con la comunidad residencial y de negocios. También estamos interesados en la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas de nuestra ciudad, especialmente en materia de presupuestación y desarrollo. Sala 5 tiene una mezcla interesante de las empresas familiares y pequeñas. Si bien estamos interesados en el desarrollo de nuevo, no estamos interesados en la demolición de la forma de vida de los residentes actuales y las empresas. Seré un representante que fuertemente expresa nuestro deseo de mantener este delicado equilibrio. Durante las próximas semanas voy a estar fuera golpeando en las puertas e invitando a cada uno a los actos de campaña. Durante estos tiempos de buen grado a su vez nuevos detalles en mi plataforma.
VOTE JOSEPH SOLOMON, WARD 5 Tuesday, May 7th 7am-8pm @ Magruder Park Recreation Center
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
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Dear Neighbor, I am running for re-election to the Hyattsville City Council on Tuesday, May 7th as one of your Ward 2 representatives. Currently, I am vice-president of the Council and a member of the Council’s Executive Committee, which assists the Mayor in his work on developing Council Agendas. In 2009, I joined the Council to help build a strong foundation for improved City services. We have made solid progress since then, but there is more to do. I ask for your support, and your vote on May 7th, so we can continue the real work of moving our community forward. Improved government transparency and reform for better effectiveness are two changes I have supported and worked for while I have been on the Council.
Reform for Effectiveness
• Improving City staff productivity and focus by using the chain of command: When I joined the council in 2009, Mayor Bill Gardiner told me that Council members were to send all requests and questions to the City Administrator for assignment to staff. This made sense to me as it provided a way to prioritize requests and reduce disruption. (The Riverdale Park Council had a similar process when I was on that Council.) However, I soon found that this practice was commonly ignored by some Council members. In June 2012, Mayor Tartaro worked with the City Administrator to direct City staff to routinely send Council member requests to the Administrator for prioritization. Although some Council members view this as the Mayor “ruling with an iron fist”, this reform is basic to good order. It increases staff productivity and focus. You will see this reform working for you in the delivery of new and improved City services. (For more information, see page 82 of the 8/6/2012 council packet on the Web site at http://www.hyattsville. org/Archive.aspx?ADID=1692) • Managing Workers’ Compensation Costs: In 2012, we were faced with extremely high (more than $800,000 a year) Workers’ Compensation insurance costs. (“Workers’ comp” compensates employees for on-the-job injuries.) The City had several years running when we had some of the highest claim rates of any city or town in Maryland. When workers are injured, it is right that we support them and help them return to duty. But we also had to make changes. I supported reforms that focused staff on improving worker safety and managing the City’s cost. Quarterly department reports now track new injury claims. These reforms are working. As we build a greater record, we will qualify for lower workers’ compensation insurance rates.
Improved Government Transparency • Transparency Motion: During my time under Mayor Gardiner,
I worked with Council Member McKnight to develop a transparency motion, which wass passed in December 2010. The principles we laid down in that motion are still used to guide our decisions on when to inform fellow Council members (and you) on new and sensitive issues. • Road Project Information Packets: In 2012 we started asking for the input of each and every property owner in neighborhoods undergoing big road projects. We delivered new, substantial packets of information and asked each property owner to vote on their preferences for the direction of the project. We did this first for the University Hills neighborhood in Ward 3. We followed that with a similar packet for the upcoming 40th Place and Banner Street project in Ward 1. We are doing this to better inform residents and improve the capacity of neighbors to participate in decisions related to their blocks. • Improved City Cable Channel: I worked to add capacity to the City video operation. We now provide many more rebroadcasts of Council meetings than was previously the case. Staff is working to add video streaming to our web site so you will be able to watch meetings online. I also support building our mobile video capacity to catch more Hyattsville news and fun for our cable channel, and eventually, our web site. • Better Access to Council Decisions, Minutes, etc.: As a Council member, I frequently need to research past Council decisions. In many cases, this is hard for me to do using the City web site. I know it is even harder for people who don’t use it all the time! The Clerk’s Office is reviewing the situation and may recommend the installation of a Document Management System. I am confident that our new Clerk, Ms. Laura Reams, will be able to work with the Treasurer to identify a good vendor and get a system up and running. Reform and transparency are not just words for me, but guidelines I use for my City work. They also drive my day job at a statistical agency. We can always do better! Please let me know of any issues, questions, or concerns regarding City operations. I am always looking for neighbors interested in volunteering on City citizen committees, particularly on issues related to shade trees, safety, planning, and our place in the environment. Thank you all for your kind support. Sincerely, David Hiles, Ward 2 Councilmember Vice President Hyattsville City Council dhiles@hyattsville.org, 301-852-8765
Re-elect David Hiles for Ward 2 Council
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ROSS GATERETSE
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013 (CONTINUED)
our local artists, and have well-connected neighborhoods and parks that contribute to a high quality of life for our fellow neighbors and residents. With an increasing numbers of local businesses, including bike shops, salons, a movie theater, bars and restaurants, my goal is to make sure we work together with business owners to increase civic participation and engagement in our neighborhood. We live in times where statistics confirm that crime rates are high and is likely to occur in multifamily apartment complexes. If elected I will meet local law enforcement to work on directives to respond efficiently to fight crime and to be sure my constituents are well aware and well informed of their surroundings. In this city where we live, many issues need to be discussed further and addressed by concrete bold actions and vision, articulated by our community, and directed by the mayor and city council. Mujeres y hombres mano a mano necesita cambiar en Hyattsville. Necesita trabajo juntos ala construccion de nuestra ciudad.
fight for better lighting, sidewalks and crossings on streets where they are needed. Make our community environmentally sustainable. As the city grows and prospers, we need to preserve our environment and our Tree City USA designation. I will fight for the city, especially ward 4, to maintain our tree canopy and to be a leading and proactive green community. Please contact me via email (drdhaba@yahoo.com) or by phone (202.560.4157). I want to hear your ideas and suggestions on how we could improve and strengthen our community. I am counting on your vote on May 7.
WARD 5 PaSTOR HERRERA
Pastor Herrera, candidate for Ward 5, did not submit materials for the voter’s guide.
JOSEPH SOLOMON
Edouard haba Age: 31 Day job: Mediator Community involvement: Community of Sant’Egidio My wife, Kate, and I moved to Hyattsville in June 2009 after we decided to grow our family. We are the proud parents of 10-month-old Eddie. Professionally, I am an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioner. I currently work for the county’s Office of Community Relations’ mediation division. Why did I decide to run? I want to ensure that our ward is proactively represented and taking advantage of development opportunities coming into the city. How will I serve you? I believe that councilmembers are the voice of the constituents they represent. If elected, I will work tirelessly with you, my neighbors, the other councilmembers and the city administration to make our city a safe, inclusive, familyoriented and environmentally sustainable community. Specifically, I will work to: Strengthen the sense of belonging among our residents through increased civic participation. This will create a strong, integrated, and engaged community in which as neighbors we can rely on each other. Build a safer community. To attain this, I will work alongside the city’s police department and our neighborhood watch by making sure they have the necessary support. I will also
Age: 27 Day job: Systems Integration & Technology Consulting for Accenture Federal Services Community involvement: Regularly attend council meetings; Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon (annual fundraiser for teaching financial literacy to kids) volunteer; Back on My Feet: Skills to Succeed workshop volunteer; local organizer of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society IHOP National Pancake Day. I see the city of Hyattsville as one of the few family-oriented communities thriving inside the Capital Beltway. It’s a great place to raise children: lots of parks and great schools with active Parent-Teacher Associations. Nevertheless, the city also faces some major challenges in the coming years, from decisions around how to best manage the rising cost of city retiree benefits to the litany of side effects relating to the exponential growth of the D.C. metro area. This includes striking the right balance between the new business development opportunities while preserving the communal spirit that is at the very core of this city. We must also ensure that the city remains among of the safest in the county, while keeping the cost in alignment with our budget; the city of Hyattsville is familial community, not a police state. SOLOMON continued on page 9
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Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
JOSEPH SOLOMON
Page 9 (CONTINUED)
I intend to lead in our community with the compassion and devotion of outgoing Councilmember Ruth Ann Frazier. I believe her history of service is commendable and provides a template for ensuring that one’s council votes are representative of the interests of Ward 5 residents. I believe my background in government consulting brings a fresh perspective on integrating technology into city functions to the council. I believe my educational background (bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science) introduces a unique focus on efficiency and simplicity which I am sure all residents would like to see on the council. También es necesario para llegar a la creciente población de habla española densamente poblada en el Pabellón 5. Estos son los residentes que son apáticos hacia la política de la ciudad porque la ciudad no muestra interés en sus problemas y los hace casi invisibles. Va a ser uno de mis más altas prioridades para participar a esta comunidad por alto. Todos los residentes de Hyattsville tener una voz en el consejo, sin importar su idioma natural o etnia. Tengo la intención de representar con fuerza y pasión los intereses de todos mis electores. Over the next few weeks I will be knocking on doors and planning events to share my ideas. I hope to meet as many residents as possible and truly earn your support.
CLAYTON WILLIAMS
City of Hyattsville 2013 Election Calendar Tuesday, April 9 • Begin processing Absentee Ballot Applications, 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 26 • Deadline for candidates to file Initial Campaign Finance Report, 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 4 • Official Absentee Ballot Drop-Off at City Municipal Building, 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 6 • Deadline for filing Absentee Ballot Applications, 10:00 a.m. Applications must be received by the City by this date and time
Age: 33 Day job: Course Editor, BNA Bloomberg Community involvement: Member of the Hyattsville City Planning Committee I live in Ward 5 with my wife, Lonna, and our son, George. While attending city council meetings over the past six months, I’ve learned about the challenges we face. Falling revenues, increased costs, and incomplete projects all loom over the next council. With those issues in mind, I’ve developed relationships with councilmembers, other candidates and community leaders. These relationships are integral to a city council that works efficiently and effectively. With better governance, we can focus on three themes in Ward 5: safety, community and connection. • Safety. The crime in West Hyattsville forces us to live with unnerving stories. My own family has been burglarized three times. However, the seemingly contradictory truth is that crime rates are dropping. We can encourage positive trends by making targeted improvements to our infrastructure, by supporting the Neighborhood Watches and by facilitating smart efforts by our police force. Together, we can boast a perception of safety that matches a growing reality. • Community. Ward 5 holds different neighborhoods, ages and ethnicities. What unites us is a love for Hyattsville. On May 7, we can elect council members who will facilitate conversations within this diverse community while encouraging the growth that supports it. • Connection. Ward 5 residents often feel disconnected from city government. On May 7, we can elect two new council members who can find sensible solutions to the problems facing our ward. With your help, we can make city government not just a thing that happens, but a service we can connect with. I want our ward to be safer. I want to nurture our community spirit. I want to strengthen the connection between the residents and the government. But this can only happen with your ideas and your support. This can only happen with your vote. I invite you to visit www.claywilliamshyattsville.com for more information.
Tuesday, May 7 • City Election, 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 • Deadline for candidates to file Final Campaign Finance Report - 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 17 • Deadline for removal of campaign signs Monday, May 20 • City Council Meeting - 8:00 p.m. • Certified Election results are accepted by the Council and the newly elected officials are issued the oath of office.
Questions? Contact Laura Reams at 301-985-5009 or lreams@hyattsville.org
PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT
POLLING LOCATIONS Ward One City Municipal Building 4310 Gallatin Street, First Floor, Multipurpose Room Ward Two Magruder Park Recreation Center - 3911 Hamilton Street (40th Avenue & Hamilton Street), Rear Multipurpose Room Ward Three University Christian Church 6800 Adelphi Road, Nar thex Entrance Ward Four St. Matthews Episcopal/ Anglican Church - 5901 36th Avenue - entrance off of 36th Avenue Ward Five Magruder Park Recreation Center - 3911 Hamilton Street (40th Avenue & Hamilton Street), Front Multipurpose Room
Hyattsville Reporter Page HR1
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
the
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
No. 262 • April 10, 2013
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
City-wide election is May 7, candidates certified The City’s biennial election takes place on May 7, 2013. Learn more about the election at: http://www.hyattsville.org/ election
Candidates were certified at the City Council Meeting of Monday, April 1, 2013, and are as follows: Ward One {Polling location: City
Municipal Building - 4310 Gallatin Street, First Floor, Multipurpose Room} William Jenne Bart Lawrence Eric Wingard Ward Two {Polling location: Magruder Park Recreation Center - 3911 Ham-
ilton Street (40th Avenue & Hamilton Street), Rear Multipurpose Room} Robert Croslin David Hiles
Ward Three {University Christian Church - 6800 Adelphi Road, Narthex Entrance} Patrick Paschall
Ward Four {St. Matthews Episcopal/ Anglican Church - 5901 36th Avenue - entrance off of 36th Avenue} Ross J. Gateretse Edouard N. Haba Ward Five {Magruder Park Recreation Center - 3911 Hamilton Street (40th Avenue & Hamilton Street),
Front Multipurpose Room} Pastor Herrera Joseph A. Solomon Clayton R. Williams
Not sure of your Ward? Visit http://www.hyattsville.org/map and enter your address.
Carnival returns to Magruder Park on Thursday, April 11 Make a wish! The City is 127 years young this April, and there’s a party in Magruder Park to celebrate. Thursday, April 11 The Carnival opens 4:00 to 9:00 PM with a special ride-all-night rate. It’s a great chance to get a sneak preview! Friday, April 12 Rides are open from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, with a special dance party planned for teenagers ages 13 through 17. Please bring your school ID for admission! Saturday, April 13 The City’s Anniversary Parade steps off from Hyattsville Middle School (6001 42nd Avenue) at 11:00 AM. The parade follows 42nd Avenue south to Jefferson Street, turns right on Jefferson and heads to Hamilton Street, where it turns left and continues to the reviewing stage at Magruder Park (3911 Hamilton Street). Saturday’s Carnival hours are 12:00 noon to 10:00 PM. From 12:00 to 3:00 PM, we’ll feature community information booths and our free Family Fun Tent, complete with games of chance suitable for younger children. The Fabulous Bel Airs take the main stage at 6:00 PM, leading into our grande finale: Fireworks at 8:00 PM! Bring your blanket and grab a spot on the lawn for the best viewing opportunities. Sunday, April 14 The Carnival wraps up with a special Ride-All-Day deal for families. Carnival hours are 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM.
We are pleased to announce that the Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam series returns in May 2013! Special thanks goes to Gregory Kithcart of Outback Steakhouse Hyattsville, located at 3500 East West Highway, for returning as our signature sponsor. The Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam Series has become a traditional Friday night event throughout the summer months. Held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month, this event includes delicious food (burgers, chicken and hot dogs) provided and prepared by Outback Steakhouse of Hyattsville, a beer and wine garden, musical entertainment, the ever popular moon bounce and Mandy the Clown and her very talented face painter. Join us at the Municipal Building at 4310 Gallatin Street. This is a rain or shine event! We’re outside on Gallatin if the sun is shining. In the event of inclement weather, the Jam moves inside. Attendance is free and open to everyone. There is a charge for food and beverages. May 10 - Atomic Swing Club June 14 - Cousin John Band July 12 - Uncle Jack Band August 9 - The Roustabouts September 13 - Just Us Find out more at www.hyattsville.org/summerjam or call Cheri Everhart, the City’s recreation events coordinator, at 301/985-5021.
OFFICE OF SENIOR SERVICES: A.G.E.S. WORKSHOP
The Office of Senior Services will host an A.G.E.S. (Aging Gracefully Education Series) forum on Life Planning with local organization Capital Caring on Wednesday, April 24 at 10 AM. Topics will include the importance of advance directives, as well as information about the services provided by Capital Caring, including counseling and hospice care. The program is free and open to the public.
CALENDAR APRIL 2013 Wednesday, April 10
City Council Work Session: FY14 Budget, 8 PM
Thursday, April 11
127th Anniversary Carnival opens at Magruder Park, 4 to 9 PM
Friday, April 12
127th Anniversary Carnival at Magruder Park, 5 to 10 PM 127th Anniversary Carnival: Teen Dance, 8 PM
Saturday, April 13
127th Anniversary Parade, 11 AM to 12 noon Steps off from Hyattsville Middle School and proceeds down Jefferson. Ends on Hamilton Street in front of Magruder Park. 127th Anniversary Carnival at Magruder Park, 12 PM - 10 PM 127th Anniversary Carnival: The Fabulous Bel Airs, 6 PM 127th Anniversary Carnival: Fireworks, 8 PM
IN OTHER NEWS... ANNOUNCING THE OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE SUMMER JAM SERIES LINE-UP
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Sunday, April 14
We meet at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, in the First Floor Multi-Purpose Room. Refreshments are provided. For information on this program, or any other Senior Services questions, please contact Emily Stowers, Senior Services Coordinator, at 301/985-5058 or estowers@hyattsville.org.
AGELESS GRACE SPRING SESSION BEGINS APRIL 19
Another semester of the City’s Ageless Grace Senior Exercise Class begins on Friday, April 19. The class meets Fridays at 10:00 AM from April 19 through May 24 at the Magruder Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street. $2 per class. Pre-registration is required before Monday, April 15. Contact Emily Stowers, Senior Services Coordinator at 301/985-5058 or estowers@hyattsville.org.
WSSC WORK SCHEDULED
WSSC will be replacing connections damaged by root infiltration in the following blocks: 5000 block of 36th Ave and 5600 - 5700 blocks of 30th Ave. Residents should receive notice from WSSC 48 hours before work begins. The project is expected to be completed in the next few weeks. Expect temporary lane closures.
FY14 BUDGET
The Mayor and Council are scheduled to approve the FY14 City Budget Ordinance during the Council Meeting of Monday, May 6, 2013. Be on the lookout for special Wednesday work sessions devoted to the budget in April. Documents will be available at www.hyattsville.org/FY14 and included with regular Council meeting materials, which can also be downloaded from our website.
PRANGLEY CLEAN-UP DAY
MISSED MONDAY’S MEETING? CATCH THE REBROADCAST
The City’s cable station is now rebroadcasting City Council Meetings at a variety of times. Tune in on Monday at 10 AM; Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 AM, 3 PM, and 10 PM; Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 AM and 9 PM; or Saturdays and Sundays at 12 NOON. We will broadcast the most recent Council Meeting. The City’s channel is 71 on Comcast and 12 on Verizon. Questions? Comments? Please talk to Jonathan Alexander, the City’s cable coordinator, at jalexander@hyattsville.org or 301/985-5028.
127th Anniversary Carnival at Magruder Park, 12 PM to 5 PM
Monday, April 15
City Council Meeting, 8 PM
Wednesday, April 17
Hyattsville Environmental Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM City Council Work Session: FY14 Budget, 8 PM
Saturday, April 20
Mary Prangley Clean-up Day, begins 7 AM
Friday, April 26
2013 Election: Deadline for Candidates to File Initial Campaign Finance Report Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street.
NIXLE
Known as Prangley Clean-up Day, the twice annual special collection honors Hyattsville’s former Mayor Mary Prangley. Households served by the Department of Public Works for residential trash collection will receive a special Saturday pick-up on Saturday, April 20. The service is designed for bulk items, but all household trash will be accepted. Our trucks make one sweep of their usual routes, so please have items to the curb no later than 7 AM. Questions? Call 301/985-5032.
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
All residents are invited to participate in Electronics Recycling on Saturday, May 4 from 9 AM to 12 PM. Simply bring your worn out electronics to the Public Works Yard, 4633 Arundel Place, for safe collection and proper disposal. We’ll accept televisions, computers, VCRs, printers, etc. There is no charge for this service, but proof of City residency may be required. Limit eight items per person, please. Questions? Please call 301/985-5032.
per child per visit. Art Works Studio School will be at the program on Wednesday, April 10; Wednesday, April 24; Wednesday, May 8; and Wednesday, May 22 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM to do age-appropriate projects. Learn more about Art Works Studio School at www.artworksnow.org, or learn about the Parent & Child Program at www.hyattsville.org/pcprogram.
ARTWORKS COMES TO THE PARENT & CHILD PROGRAM
The Parent & Child Program meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the Magruder Park Recreation Center from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM through May 23. The program allows parents and other caregivers to bring preschoolers to the Magruder Park Building for playtime and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $3
The City is now using Nixle to send public safety alerts and information via both email and text message. This system replaces the SafeCity website previously in use. Many of our neighboring jurisdictions also use Nixle to send out information. Please note that Nixle won’t report on every incident – typically alerts are sent when the HCPD needs to alert the public to a potentially dangerous situation, or when we are asking for your help solving a crime. In other cases, Nixle messages relate to road closures, power outages, etc. If you have a nixle.com account, there is no need to create a new one. Simply log in and add the City of Hyattsville to your wire. New to Nixle? Register at www.nixle.com or enroll using the widget online at http://www.hyattsville.org/stayinformed.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
Are you on Facebook? You can now keep up with City events and happenings at www.facebook. com/cityofhyattsville. When you see Vainglorious, the silver metal bird sculpture at Centennial Park, you’ll know you’re in the right place. He is kind enough to serve as the City’s wall photo.
HYATT PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN
Looking for information on the Community Garden? The Hyatt Park Community Garden just keeps growing! They now have their own website. For information on the 2013 gardening season, please visit them at hyattparkgarden.org.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
Q: What can a penny buy these days? Contact 301-531-5234 or advertising@hyattsvillelife.com A: Your ad, in full color, delivered by U.S. Mail to a Hyattsville-area household (and with change to spare!)
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AuntieDiluviana
Navigating the world of online books, with a little help from the library Dear Auntie, I called the library about a book the other day and was told that it was available only online. Can you help me figure out how to get a book that is online? Confused Reader Older folks like us who didn’t start learning on computers in kindergarten feel that we’re always catching up, don’t we? To answer your question I sat down at the Hyattsville branch library with Robin Jacobsen, the administrator for public service for the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS). The move to digital publishing “has really taken off in the past 10 years,” Jacobsen told me. Last year there were more than 100,000 downloads from PGCMLS, which gets its online books from the media distributor Overdrive. Because most users download books for Kindle (and because Auntie has a Kindle), I asked Jacobsen to walk me through the process so I could tell you how it works. So fasten your seatbelts, readers. The way to online literature is a bit bumpy, but we will eventually get there together. The first step is to go to the PGCMLS Web site at www. pgcmls.info. Once there, click on “online library” and then on “download audiobooks and eBooks.” So far, so good, right? The first things you see are extensive instructions on downloading to any number of devices. (These are a tiny bit tedious. If you are using a Kindle, stick to Auntie’s way. You can always go back if that doesn’t work for you. If not, click on the listing for the device you are using.) Then, Kindle users, click on “connect to Overdrive,” which takes you to the online library. From there you can search for specific titles or browse the cat-
egories listed at the top of the page. Still with me, reader? When you find the book you want, click on it. The chart on the right will tell you if it is available in Kindle. If it is, click “borrow.” At this point, you will have to sign in using the number on your library card if you haven’t already done so. Then you have to indicate that you want to download to your Kindle – hit on the “download” next the book and then there’s a box to check. Click on “confirm and download.” This will take you to the Amazon website, where you can hit another button to download. This may be all you need to do, and you can start reading on your Kindle. But according to the library website, some books cannot be downloaded directly to your Kindle unless the device is connected to WiFi. In that case – and every book Auntie downloaded was in this category – Amazon downloads to your computer and must be copied from the download default file to the Kindle document file, which appears when you connect the computer to the Kindle by way of a USB cable. (A cable came with your Kindle. It’s the same one you use to charge the device.) Jacobsen said readers having trouble can bring their devices to the Hyattsville branch and a staff member will give them guidance. She acknowledges that for new users technology often demands a leap of faith, but says the results are well worth the effort. Auntie agrees. She downloaded a book to her Kindle and an audiobook (one of Dorothy Sayers’ early Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries – what a find!) to her iPad. All without leaving home. Auntie Diluviana is compiled by Molly Parrish, one of the founding members of Hyattsville Aging in Place.
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
Page 11
THIS OLD HOUSE: 4101 QUEENSBURY ROAD by Melissa Hopper
Everyone knows the blue house on the corner of Queensbury and 41st Avenue. Last summer, when the Bradleys, who own the 1903 home, had their house primed in white, worried neighbors interrupted the painters to ask if they were changing the color. They were relieved to discover that the white was simply a primer. The blue would soon return. “Almost everybody knows where our house is,” said Clint Bradley, who takes pride in maintaining the beautiful turn-of-the-century property that he and his wife Linda have called home for over 30 years. The Bradleys are the latest addition to a series of families who have contributed to the rich story of the house at 4101 Queensbury Road. Like many other Hyattsville houses, this one stands on property that used to be farmland. The tract of land known as D. McComb farm had been bountiful; a public auction announcement in 1877 describes the 70-acre farm as having apple and peach orchards, a vineyard, an oak forest, and a house, barn and stable. According to the deed of sale dated October 24, 1890, Alexander Gill sold the land to Mary J. Nichols. Upon her purchase, farm life ended and a suburban development began. Nichols Addition to Hyattsville, as this particular development was known, was born. In 1899, Nichols sold 1.25 acres of her property to Anna and Frederick Worley. According to his obituary, Worley fought in the Civil War in a Pennsylvania regiment upon the field of Antietam, the site of the bloodi-
est single-day battle in American history. Tax and deed records show that Worley gave a quarter of his property to his newly wedded son, Daniel, who built the house in 1903. According to census records, Daniel worked for the Treasury Department for a few years and then spent most of his career in the Railway Mail Division of the Post Office Department. In fact, many residents of the house at 4101 Queensbury Road have been government employees or members of the armed forces. “Suburban Towns Become Congressional Colonies,” claimed the Washington Herald in 1921 as senators, representatives and other federal officials began moving into Upper Prince George’s County. Not only did the men of the house pursue public service, but Mrs. Mary Worley, Daniel’s wife, did as well. As the postmaster of Riverdale from 1925 to sometime in the 1930s, she joined the ranks of female postmasters 150 years after Postmaster General Benjamin Franklin appointed the first one. Worley had her fair share of excitement during her tenure; in 1930, she was quoted in the Washington Post the morning after the Riverdale post office had been robbed. Fortunately, the loss was minimal, as she always made prompt
daily deposits at the bank. Granddaughter Louise Dockendorf remembers Worley as a “sturdy soul” who served under presidents Herbert Hoover and Warren Harding. With a giggle, Mrs. Dockendorf added that her Republican grandmother was excused from her duties when Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected. “Oh boy, she had some spunk to her,” said Dockendorf. According to her granddaughter, when Worley broke her arm in her later years, she said to the doctor, “That is ridiculous. No one in our family ever broke an arm.” Over the last 110 years, the blue house on the corner has served as a gathering place for friends and family in Hyattsville. The design of the American Foursquare, or Craftsmanstyle, house has helped facilitate the social lives of the residents. Large overhanging eaves provide relief from the summer sun for company to relax on the wraparound porch. The
windows in the dining room were placed strategically to admit the southern exposure. The small raised windows provide light while allowing for privacy during meals. The two-sided staircase gives access between the upstairs and the living room and kitchen — ideal for when children or housekeepers needed to travel to the kitchen without being noticed by guests in the living room. The most beautiful features of the interior, including the warm American chestnut wooden banister, mantle and moldings, are concentrated in the areas where guests can admire them. According to various newspaper articles, the Worleys were active members of Hyattsville and Riverdale society. They hosted church parties, weddings, and club meetings at the house. In 1917, for example, Mrs. Worley hosted a meeting of the Riverdale Current Topics Club with the riveting discussion points of “Maryland laws” and “divorces.” Like their predecessors, the Bradleys have enjoyed hosting events including holiday church dinners, family parties, poetry readings, film showings, and book club meetings. Though separated by time, the house acts as a channel that connects the past, present, and future residents. By taking such mindful care of the property, the Bradleys have ensured that the stories of those who came before will continue to be told. This is the first in what we hope will be an occasional series about the history of homes in Hyattsville. If you have interest in writing a feature about your home, contact rosanna@hyattsvillelife.com.
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art
continued from page 1
vocalist Maurice Johnson, and pianist Phillippa Smith-Tyler played a short set. Melissa Glasser showed a time-lapse video of her preparing an installation for the recentlyopened Mount Rainier Circle Deli cafe. Finally, Will McKinley-Ward talked about Launch Pad Music, his “music incubation space” designed by local musicians and music educators to assist high-school music acts in developing songcraft, stagecraft, and production skills. The owner of a vacant space in Mount Rainier has allowed access to the space for three months as long as it is empty. McKinley-Ward has already set up a small recording studio and rehearsal areas. This month, local groups can apply through the website, www.launchpadmusic.wordpress.com. Two finalists will receive instruction on collaborative performance and live sound mixing, and then partici-
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
pate in a showcase performance on May 18. This is the third year that Joe’s Movement Emporium has been involved with matching artists with businesses, but this year’s project is on a bigger scale, with “group ownership and leadership” formed from an “incredible team” that extends throughout the Gateway community. Like the evening at Busboys, the project itself has many strands, everything for gallery exhibits, to a 5K run, to block clean-ups. A grant of $50,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts provides a significant portion of the funding, with contributions from several other sources including the Cafritz Foundation and the Gateway CDC. In turn, Art Lives Here issued a call for projects and funded a variety of local partnerships and collaborations. For example, the Hyattsville Community Arts Alliance (HCAA) has received a grant to partner with the Mon Cheri Hai-
photo courtesy of art lives here Nehemiah Dixon III, Visual Arts Coordinator at Joe’s Movement Emporium, designing the Art Lives Here arrow.
tian Fine Arts Gallery in Mount Rainier. Mon Cheri, with its collection of artists of international acclaim, is making a portion of its gallery available for a group show mounted by artists of HCAA. The show will open with a reception on April 26, the day of Mount Rainier’s Better Block Party event, and run through May 13. Local singer Nancy Almquist will be performing during the reception and there may be other entertainment as well. According to SallyAnn Rogers, the HCAA and Mon Cheri are sharing their mailing lists to increase scope of participation. This fits into what Kidd considers one of the goals of Art Lives Here, to “increase audiences at everyone’s events through the collaborative marketing efforts.” Kidd adds that “connecting [the gallery] to a membership based collective will have a strong partnership that will go beyond just this spring.” HCAA artists are also planning to be a part of the Open Studio Tour Day on May 11, by setting up a pop-up gallery in front of the Mon Cheri to sell additional works from HCAA artists Another Hyattsville participant will be the musical group known as the “Wild Anacostias,” whose “nominal figurehead” Joe Atkins and wife Dana Grabiner have lived in Hyattsville since 2009. The band’s repertoire is split between Cajun and zydeco songs led by accordion and fiddle, and New Orleans-style tunes led by horns (brass and reeds) and guitars. “The most wonderful thing about the Wild Anacostias Brass Band,” says Atkins, “is the way it organically evolved from friends and neighbors just getting together over the years.” Like several other events on the agenda, their performance remains to be scheduled. Kidd notes that currently everyone is “moving from planning to implementation phase.” She adds that because the events are so collaborative the scheduling “takes time – more time than you ever imagined.” For a complete schedule of events, go to the Spring Season tab at artlivesheremd.wordpress.com
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COMMUNITY FORKLIFT
Deirdre McQuade Top: Community Forklift held its annual garden party and “Spring Soiree” on March 23, where garden-inspired costumes were encouraged. At the conclusion of this annual kickoff for the spring home and garden season, Community Forklift’s staff gathered to celebrate their huge success! Above: Dawn Gill traveled from Woodbridge, Va. to to the event where she found this great vintage door to make into a headboard.
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
Page 13
COMMUNITY CALENDAR April 11
The Friends of the Northwestern High School Choral Society present A Jazzy Night with Kim Jordan, a singer who performs regularly in venues such as Blues Alley. 7 p.m. All proceeds help fund the choir’s trip to South Africa this summer. $12. In the Northwestern High School Auditorium, 7000 Adelphi Road.
April 11 to 14
Magruder Park is the place to be this weekend for Hyattsville’s 127th Anniversary celebration. A four-day carnival begins Thursday afternoon, and on Friday, an outdoor teen dance party is scheduled for 8 to 10 p.m. On Saturday, the annual parade steps off from Hyattsville Middle School at 11 a.m. ending at the park, where fireworks are set for 8 p.m. Carnival hours are Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free; rides start at $2. For details, call 301.985.5020 or visit www.hyattsville.org.
April 13
It can be hard to find an open basketball court to get in some quality playing time during regular gym hours. So tonight, the county’s Girls Excited About Recreation (G.E.A.R.) Program hosts Open Gym Basketball for girls only. Ages 10 to 17. Free with M-NCPPC Youth ID. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Prince George’s Plaza Community Center, 6600 Adelphi Rd. 301.864.1611.
April 16
It’s opening day for the free Anacostia River Boat Tours, held throughout the summer Tues-
days through Fridays at noon and weekends at 5 p.m. Led by a park naturalist, riders on the pontoon boat can search for birds and other wildlife. Free; registration required for groups of 12 or more. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371. Hyattsville Elementary School will hold a Kindergarten Orientation and Registration this afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. 5311 43rd Avenue. 301.209.5800.
April 18 and May 2
The Prince George’s County Audubon society and the Patuxent Bird Club team up to host an early evening guided bird walk along the Luther Goldman Birding Trail at Lake Artemesia. Walks are held every first and third Thursday at 6 p.m. and start at the lake parking lot at Berwyn Road and Ballew Avenue. Free. 301.459.3375 or mozurk@bellatlantic.net.
April 20
The Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day River Clean-Up & Celebration targets about 20 sites around the watershed to remove litter from neighborhoods, streams and the Anacostia River. The cleanup is from 9 a.m. to 11:30, followed by a celebration from noon to 2 p.m. at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Find a location near you at www. anacostiaws.org/earthday2013. A group of four area women who have started web-based businesses will host Pumps & Brunch, a networking event for women. Bring a dish to share and admission is free (otherwise, it’s $15). 10:30 a.m. to
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1 p.m. Mon Cheri Gallery, 3301 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier. Reservations required; visit www.pumpsandbrunch.eventbrite. com. Contact 202.549.3532 or sbh@imshannon.com. The 12th annual University Park Azalea Classic 5K/1Mile/1K run/walk, supporting University Park Elementary School (UPES), includes 3 races: the 1-Mile Challenge Run (8:30 a.m.); the 1 K “Val Creighton Memorial” Family Fun Run (8:45 a.m.) and the 5 K Run/Walk (9:05 a.m.). The 5K is USAT&F certified. The race finishes up with a DJ, raffle and prizes to top finishers at the post-race party. The entrance fee is $20 for the 5k and $15 for the 1 Mile or 1K. Find out more, including about sponsors and registration, at www.azaleaclassic.com.
April 23
Candidates for the May 7 city election will take questions from residents this evening at a candidate forum sponsored by Hyattsville Aging in Place. 7 p.m. City Council chambers, Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. 301.779.6213.
April 24
Relax and take in the history of Bladensburg and the War of 1812 with a Pontoon Boat Tour. The boat will tour the scenic Anacostia River and will be accompanied by the history of Prince George’s County and the Battle of Bladensburg. Registration required. Free. 1 to 2 p.m. Battle of Bladensburg Visitor Center, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.927.8819.
April 27
Try your hand – and GPS – at
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hunting during a Scavenger Hunt & Geocaching event. Described as a high-tech treasure-hunting game, geocaching is done all over the world. $2. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. 1 to 3 p.m. SMARTlink registration required (#1036490). Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. With 400 events to choose from, the tough part will be narrowing down what to do at Maryland Day, the University of Maryland’s annual open house featuring performances, concerts, demonstrations, sports and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Throughout the campus in College Park. For schedule and details, visit www.marylandday.umd.edu, where you can download a program or request a printed one. CALENDAR continued on page 14
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Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
COMMUNITY CALENDAR calendar
continued from page 13
May 5
Today’s Spring Festival at Bostwick will take place on the grounds of one of the last remaining pre-Revolutionary War structures in Bladensburg. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Bostwick House, 3901 48th Street, Bladensburg. 301.887.0777 or www.battleofbladensburg1812.org.
Christian Science Society 8300 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville • 301-422-1822
Sunday church services — 10:30 a.m. Sunday school (youth up to 20) — 10:30 a.m. Wednesday evening testimony meetings — 7:30 p.m.
May 7
Vote! Today is the city election and polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Seats in all five wards are on the ballot, including both Ward 5 slots. To hear from candidates in their own words, please see our voter’s guide beginning on page 5. Wonder where to find your polling place? See the center spread.
Ongoing A group bike ride starts every Sunday at 9 a.m. at Arrow Bicycles, 5108 Baltimore Avenue. This is a 32-mile, moderately paced ride that emphasizes group riding techniques. New group riders welcome. The route can be found
All are welcome • Free literature available
courtesy of azalea classic The 12th annual University Park Azalea Classic 5K/1Mile/1K run/walk is on April 20.
by searching ‘arrow hyattsville’ at mapmyride.com. 301.531.9250. Community Calendar is compiled by Susie Currie and Scarlett Salem. It’s a select listing of events happening in and around Hyattsville from
the middle of the issue month to the middle of the following month. To submit an item for consideration, please e-mail susie@hyattsvillelife. com or mail to P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781. Deadline for May submissions is April 27.
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RECYCLE YOUR BROKEN OR UNWANTED ELECTRONICS! Saturday, May 4, 2013, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon DPW Yard, 4633 Arundel Place, Hyattsville The City will collect broken or unwanted electronics and ensure that they are safely handled and recycled appropriately. We’ll accept computer monitors, laptops, CPUs, printers, keyboards and other computer accessories, VCRs and DVD players, copiers, cell phones, and televisions. A maximum of 8 items will be accepted per household and individuals should bring proof of City residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. www.hyattsville.org 301/985-5032
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
Page 15
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, I have quite a nice collection of azalea bushes that make a beautiful display later in April, but this year I’m noticing something alarming that makes me fear it won’t happen: The leaves have become pale with yellow splotches. Buds have formed, but I am not confident they will open – or, scarier still, that the plants will even survive. The soil is good, sufficiently acidic, and the plant is in a sunny spot. I haven’t seen any insects. This is really a puzzling and worrisome new development. Fretting on Farragut Street Dear Fretting, It sounds as if you have an infestation of the larvae of lace bugs, Stephanitis pyroides of the Tingidae family. If you take a blank sheet of paper and shake the branches over it, you will probably see the bugs as black specks. Your azalea buds will bloom as these tiny critters prefer to nourish themselves on the leaves, but you do want to do something about the situation. My expert on failing flora, Cousin Moribunda, advises you to spray the plant now with horticultural oil, and repeat this practice each March as new leaves begin to form. Nothing you can do now will repair the
damage to the current crop of leaves. However, she is confident that the bushes themselves are not in danger, which is what is most important. She also points out that the sunny location is in fact part of the problem. Azaleas are shallowrooted and dry out quickly if not planted in partial shade. Full sun dries them out, weakens them, and makes insect proliferation more likely. Moribunda tells me that you should water your azalea plants daily when it does not rain and wash the leaves periodically. The lace bugs lay eggs four times a year, and a black tarry substance under the leaves will betray their presence. In the autumn, pick up fallen leaves and dispose of them so that the pests can’t overwinter. There is another solution to the lace bug problem: their natural predator. Ranger Mark of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, who is an expert conservation biologist, believes the best thing you can do is to introduce the native insect species often confused with the lace bugs, the lace wings. Both the common lace wing, Chrysoperla rufilabris, and the Eastern lace wing, Chrysoperla ornata, feed on the larvae of the lace bug. They will be attracted to your garden if you grow any
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of our common wild flowers: chicory, Queen Anne’s lace, black-eyed Susans, and even those dandelions you may have been trying to root out of your lawn. More formal flowers, such as asters and roses, will attract them as well. Like the beautiful but terrible Japanese beetle, the lace bug is an exotic insect introduced early in the 20th century from the Far East. It is fortunate that we have
the native lace wing, which resembles it so closely, to keep it in check. To learn more, please join Ranger Mark on Saturday, April 20, for a tour of Magruder Park in which he will point out native and non-native plant and insect species and explain their characteristics. The Hyattsville Horticultural Society will be meeting him at the Hamilton Street parking lot at 10 a.m.
As a result of this tour, the HHS semi-annual plant exchange is postponed till Saturday April 27, after a brief meeting at the home of Joe Buriel and Dave Roeder, 3909 Longfellow Street at 10 a.m. If you have too much of certain plants, dig them up and come exchange them for plants you’d like to try out. You will also be able to exchange information with other area gardeners.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
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SUSIE CURRIE The Easter Bunny mingles as children wait to line up for the cityĘźs annual Easter Egg Hunt, held on March 23 at Magruder Park. Above, one of three fields marked off for the event, moments before the eggs are scooped up by dozens of eager seekers.
Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
sidewalks
continued from page 1
Randy, at the historic Hitching Post Hill. Built in 1840, the stately house was once part of a thousand-acre horse farm and, said Fletcher, regularly hosted presidents Grant and Cleveland, as well as Buffalo Bill Cody and his herd. “We are committed to preserving this house and its grounds and hope to pass it on to the next caretakers as intact and true to its historic nature as possible,” said Fletcher. “We feel that the widening of Rosemary Lane will be an irrevocable step away from its historic past.” Another Rosemary resident, Jim Menasian, asked: “Why would a rational person want to install infrastructure on a two block dead-end lane that hasn’t even had a fenderbender, let alone an accident
Page 17
involving children?” Menasian and others spoke in favor of a plan put forth by Councilmember Tim Hunt (Ward 3), who both lives in and represents University Hills. After canvassing the residents and presenting petitions on their behalf, he put together a set of block-by-block recommendations. “I think this addresses both the letter and the spirit of our sidewalk policy,” said Hunt during the April 1 meeting. Council president Matt McKnight, the other Ward 3 representative, defended the city’s sidewalk policy, pointing to studies that supported benefits of sidewalks. The city slogan, “A World Within Walking Distance,” he said, should be considered a goal, and sidewalks would help achieve it. “We’re talking about sidewalks in the public right-of-way,” McKnight told his colleagues.
FLOWERS IN THE SNOW
“It’s the broader public’s right to access a sidewalk and not have to walk in the middle of the street. I don’t think residents on a particular block get to veto those rights.”
“It’s going to be the largest single paving project in the city.” — Mayor Marc Tartaro, on the University Hills Green Streets Project He took issue with some parts of Hunt’s proposal, advocating sidewalks on both sides of Wells Parkway rather than one and installing a sidewalk on one side of Rosemary instead of leaving it with none. “It’s not so much about having a sidewalk on every single street as it is creating an effective network
of sidewalks,” said McKnight. Tartaro said he was thinking of future generations in going forward with design work. “In terms of stewardship and responding to the city policies as they exist, doing a comprehensive plan makes sense,” said Tartaro. “It doesn’t mean we’ll implement [it], but future councils and future residents could choose to do so.” Tartaro speculated that future residents may feel differently. “What if, for whatever reason, residents down the line decide they want sidewalks? If it’s not planned for now, it would be very difficult to accommodate on a number of different levels.” While he said there was room for compromise on installing sidewalks on particular blocks, one non-negotiable is street paving. “Leaving Rosemary Lane as an unpaved roadway is not in the cards,” he told the audience. “If the ambulance needs to get to your house in a snowstorm, the road needs to be plowed.” Safety concerns were paramount in the arguments of the few pro-sidewalk residents who spoke. “Which family member do you want to sacrifice if you don’t have sidewalks?” asked David Marshall
at the March 25 meeting, raising the specter of potential pedestrian accidents. The council is likely to have many more opportunities to weigh in on various aspects of the Green Streets project. “There will be several votes on this,” said Tartaro. “It’s not like we’re going to do all this in one year. It’s going to be the largest single paving project in the city.”
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Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2013
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