Local graffiti crew holds gallery event. P. 8
VOTER GUIDE FOR JUNE 26 MARYLAND PRIMARY — PAGE 7
Study highlights top priorities to improve travel in city By Ellen Treimel
As the City of Hyattsville continues to grow, residents and civic leaders alike have expressed interest in developing and improving transportation options to ease travel for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The city has been working with the Toole Design Group since the fall to make Hyattsville “a place where anyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, can travel safely, comfortably, and affordably,” according to the Hyattsville Transportation Plan: Draft Final Report. The plan designated 10 projects as priorities for the city. These 10
Life&Times
Vol. 15 No. 6
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
June 2018
Six residents on the ballot
TRANSPORTATION continued on page 13
By Emily Strab
While the City of Hyattsville is not holding an election this year (its municipal elections take place every two years on odd-numbered years), there are quite a few Hyattsville residents who have been busy campaigning for the June 26 county and state elections and primaries, and six candidates on the ballot are from Hyattsville. Why so many Hyattsvillians on the ballot? When I interviewed them, the candi-
dates all talked about the same themes: Hyattsville produces candidates for higher offices because it is a city that fosters a community focused on taking care of one another and creating connectivity and awareness of politics on local and national levels. Interestingly, the diversity of Hyattsville is reflected by these candidates: half are AfricanAmerican, and half Caucasian; half are men, and half are women. ELECTION continued on page 16
Vibrant, growing Hyattsville attracts local developers, new residents By Ben Simasek
BEN SIMASEK New townhouses under construction at Editors Park
Almost anywhere you look in Hyattsville, you will see signs of the city’s recent development boom, which is marked by several new residential developments at various phases of construction. Additional projects are also under consideration. Editors Park at Kiplinger, adjacent to The Mall at Prince Georges (MPG) and the Prince George’s Plaza Metro Station off of East-West Highway, is nearly complete. Many new residents have already moved into the 86 town houses and 40 condominiums, and a five-story multifamily building with 348 units is due to open to renters later this year. Visible from Ager Road and the West Hyattsville Metro station, GROWTH continued on page 20
CENTER SECTION: JUNE 12, 2018 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO! HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383
Reach every consumer in Hyattsville ... for less! Contact advertising@hyattsvillelife.com or 301-531-5234
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
FromTheEditor When suicide hits home: CDC reports suicide rates rise in Maryland By Maria D. James
In 2013, I made an unsuccessful attempt to end my life. It happened the week before Thanksgiving. During a time when people are typically finalizing holiday travel plans and recipes for holiday meals, I was being admitted to a nearby psychiatric hospital. I had hit a low
A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 http://HyattsvilleLife.com http://facebook.com/HyattsvilleLife http://twitter.com/HvilleTimes Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Editors welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted using the mailing address above or the email addresses below. Managing Editor Maria D. James maria@hyattsvillelife.com Associate Editor Heather Wright heather@hyattsvillelife.com Digital Editor Krissi Humbard krissi@hyattsvillelife.com Webmaster Lindsay Myers lindsay@hyattsvillelife.com Layout & Design Editor Ashley Perks Copy Editor Nancy Welch Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Victoria Boucher, Stuart Eisenberg, Julia Gaspar-Bates, Ben Simasek, Emily Strab, Ellen Treimel Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti — President and General Counsel Chris Currie — Vice President Emily Strab — Treasurer Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross Maria D. James and Krissi Humbard — Ex Officios 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.
point in my life, and mentally I was drowning. Sadly, I discovered that my cry for help and attempt to recover had become the source of ridicule and entertainment for individuals in my personal circle whom I called friends. After a seemingly endless chapter in my life that included a heart-wrenching period of failed relationships, betrayal and job losses, I am happy to say that, five years later, I am glad I failed. Life isn’t perfect, but I am a survivor. From the outside looking in, the topic of suicide can be hard to comprehend. But when you are at the other end contemplating whether you can survive life’s challenges, it feels like you are wallowing in mental pool of guilt, shame and isolation. I’ve been there, and I understand. My heart sank on June 5 when I opened Facebook and read the news that fashion designer Kate Spade died in an apparent suicide. As reported by The Associated Press, Spade was found dead in her Manhattan apartment on June 5. She was 55. The shocking news of her death filled social media and resulted in a mixture of articles. Some were sympathetic and shared sorrow-filled messages for her
family, some saw the incident as an opportunity to call attention to mental health awareness, and some articles attacked Spade for being a millionaire who committed a selfish act. I don’t know what caused her to end her life, but I do know that she is not alone, unfortunately. In fact, a few days later on June
7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report showing that suicide rates increased in the United States between 1999 and 2016. In Maryland, suicides have increased by 8.5 percent. And our neighbors in D.C. and Virginia have it much worse. Their rates increased by 16.1 percent and 17.4 percent,
respectively. Of more than half of all those who died by suicide, the deceased had no known mental health condition when they died. The report indicates that the top three factors that contributed to suicide among those with and without mental health conditions were relationship problems (42 percent), substance use (28 percent) and crisis in the past or upcoming two weeks (29 percent). I wish I could say that suicide rates have dropped. Sadly, it seems the trend speaks to just the opposite. The police officer who helped me in 2013 said I was only one of many he’d helped. Regardless of your personal thoughts or religious beliefs about suicide, we see that many people are suffering, and often they suffer with a smile in an effort to avoid ridicule and harsh opinions. A common factor we all share is the desire to simply be heard and feel like we matter. When do we set aside our opinions to extend a hand or listening ear in this fast-paced world we live in? We very well may have a family member, a friend, coworker or neighbor who is suffering in silence. If you are overwhelmed by stress or feel like you are drowning, there is help. Call the Suicide/Crisis Hotline at 301.864.7130 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (8255). Text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
NEWS BRIEFS
VISIT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM FOR MORE CITY POLICE WARN RESIDENTS OF PHONE SCAM On May 31, the City of Hyattsville Police Department released an alert saying someone is spoofing the department’s non-emergency telephone number (301.985.5060). When you receive a call from the City of Hyattsville Police, the number that will show up on caller identification will be 301.985.5000. The fraudsters are calling from a number that shows up on caller identification as 301.985.5060. The alert states that the callers may ask for money to benefit the police department, or they may tell the person who answers the phone there is warrant for their arrest, and if they pay
some money the issue will be resolved. Police say that this is a scam, and investigators are aware of it. The police department will not call and ask for money, nor will officers try to negotiate money over the phone to make a warrant go away. If you have any questions or believe you are a victim, call the police department at 301.985.5060.
be featured in a 2019 wall calendar and published in the Winter 2019 edition of the department’s magazine. Enter your best shots online or by mail. Instructions, rules and other details can be found at dnr.maryland. gov/Pages/photocontest.aspx.
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PHOTO CONTEST
The application to exhibit in the Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival, sponsored by the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, is now available online at hycdc. org. The juried festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 22 from noon to 6 p.m. Only original artwork, photography, handmade jewelry and crafts, and creative literary arts are allowed. No commercial merchandise will be accepted unless it is incredibly unique and environmentally friendly. Deadline for online applications is 6 p.m. on July 13. Notification of acceptance will be sent on July 20. For more information, call 301.683. 8267.
Calling all local photographers! The 15th Annual Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo contest is open for submissions through Aug. 31. According to the contest website, photographers may enter photos featuring “Birds, Insects, Flora, Recreation, Scenic Landscapes, Weather & Wonder, and/or Wildlife.” Winners will
EXHIBITORS APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR HYATTSVILLE ARTS FESTIVAL
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
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A new high school and headmaster are coming to town St. Jerome Institute, slated to open fall 2019, will offer classical education By Heather Wright
Another brewer is headed to the Hyattsville area. This one won’t be working at any of the coming breweries, like Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. or Maryland Meadworks, but will be taking charge of a new classical high school with informal ties to St. Jerome Academy (SJA), which serves students from pre-K to eighth grade. On May 24, board members of St. Jerome Institute (SJI), a classical liberal arts high school founded by a group of SJA parents, introduced headmaster Peter Crawford to a standingroom-only crowd in the SJA library and officially announced
that SJI will open in fall 2019. The school will be “in or very near Hyattsville,” and tuition is estimated to be $12,000 per year prior to financial aid. Deborah Ruddy, chair of the SJI board, said that SJI cannot call itself a Catholic school until it receives archdiocesan approval, a process that takes approximately one year. Ruddy also said that although SJI is an initiative of SJA parents, it is not officially affiliated with SJA or the St. Jerome parish. Michael Hanby, an SJI board member and professor at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies, introduced Crawford and noted his roots in this area: Crawford grew up in Manassas, Va., and his father is a colleague of Hanby’s at the Institute, which is located at the Catholic University
11 High Cost Home Inspection Traps You Should Know About Weeks Before Listing Your Hyattsville Home For Sale Hyattsville—According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the 11 most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale. Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these
11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will most certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.
To help home sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a FREE report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been compiled which explains the issues involved. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your Free copy of this report call tollfree 1-800-380-8434 and enter 1003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn’t cost you the sale of your home.
This report is courtesy of Ellen Levy, Associate Broker, RE/MAX Allegiance - Direct (301) 933-2824, Broker (202) 547-5600. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2016
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HEADMASTER continued on page 19
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
DRIVEN BY SERVICE. A VOICE FOR US. “I’m running for Delegate because people are looking for bold, progressive leadership, and I’ve never been one to back down from a fight.” — Democrat Nicole Williams
VOTE FOR
ENDORSED BY:
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY JUNE 26 • EARLY VOTING JUNE 14-21
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
COUNCILWOMAN
DENI TAVERAS
Proven results. Leadership that delivers... PGCMA Legislator of the Year
...For Education • $2.1 billion for PGCPS — the highest amount it has ever received.
• $42 million for Hyattsville Elementary School reconstruction. • $90 million for Hyattsville Middle School reconstruction • 6 new schools slated for construction to alleviate overcrowding — higher than in any other Council district in the county.
...For Arts, Culture, Youth and Recreation • $1 million for nonprofits serving District 2, many in the Gateway Arts District: African American Museum & Cultural Center, Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, Art Works Now, Gateway CDC, Hyattsville CDC, Joe’s Movement Emporium, Neighborhood Design Center, Pyramid Atlantic.
...For Revitalization of Route 1 Corridor • $5.7 million for Hamilton Street Garage. • $6.8 million for Hyattsville Justice Center.
...For Housing, Families, and Neighborhoods • $6.6 million for the Housing Investment Trust Fund. • $1 million to combat Domestic Violence. • $30 million for road repairs, median maintenance, litter removal, and tree trimming.
...and so much more.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW
DENI TAVERAS HAS BEEN WORKING FOR ALL OF US
VoteDeniTaveras.com Real Leadership Real Action Real Talk By Authority: Friends of Deni Taveras, Candice Buckner, Treasurer.
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
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HYATTSVILLE 2018
VOTING GUIDE MARYLAND STATE DELEGATE, DISTRICT 22 Democratic Primary:
Anne Healey p. 7 Ashanti Martinez, p. 9 Alonzo Washington, p. 12 Nicole Williams, p. 12
Republican Primary: Winnie Obike, p. 10
MARYLAND STATE DELEGATE, DISTRICT 47A Democratic Primary: Julian Ivey, p. 8 Jimmy Tarlau, p. 10
COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 2 Democratic Primary:
Candace Hollingsworth, p. 8 Deni Taveras, p. 12
DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE District 22:
David Hiles, p. 7
The Hyattsville Life & Times reached out to candidates registered to run in our local primary elections. You’ll find the statements of those who submitted below. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Anne Healey Candidate for Maryland State Delegate, District 22 Age: Not disclosed Day Job: Delegate Statement to the Voters: I am running for re-election to the Maryland House of Delegates, where I have served since 1991. I have lived in the City of Hyattsville since 1979, and served on the city council from 1987-1990. I hope to continue to serve our community and to use all my hard-won experience and leadership skills to advance the well-being of Hyattsville, District 22, Prince George’s County and the entire State of Maryland. Much has been accomplished, but much remains to be done, especially in the areas of education, economic development and jobs, as well as in transportation, healthcare and public safety. As a leader in the House, I have been able help bring resources to our community and to advance progressive legislation. Most recently, I have lead a successful fight to pass landmark national legislation protecting pollinators from dangerous pesticides. I have also lead on issues as diverse as protecting victims of domestic violence and spearheading projects like the Purple Line.
My professional background is in journalism, and I edited several community newspapers before I ran for office. I also freelanced as a writer/editor, but after my election to the House of Delegates, I dedicated my full efforts to representing our district in Annapolis. As part of the way I go about my work as delegate, I attend two or three community meetings just about every week.
David Hiles
Candidate for the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee Age: 60 Day Job: Supervisory Economist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Community Involvement: ACORN canvasser; HyattsvilleMount RainierBrentwood soccer coach; founding president, Prince George’s Soccer, Inc.; Riverdale Park Councilmember; Hyattsville Councilmember; Our RevolutionPrince George’s Steering Committee member Statement to the Voters: Most people have never heard of the County Democratic Central Committee (CDCC). The CDCC is supposed to be our neighborhood’s voice inside the Maryland Democratic Party. Instead, it is often controlled by the party establishment.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
Members are usually elected because they are on state senators’ slates. I’m a Bernie Democrat. I’m not on a slate. I’ll work to create a Maryland party platform with compelling policies such as Medicare for All, College for All, and a $15 minimum wage. CDCC MEMBERS:Appoint candidates to fill political offices when there is a vacancy between elections. Over a third of the members of the Maryland General Assembly were appointed to their first term. This gives the establishment too much power over new candidates; vote on state party issues; adopt official Democratic Party positions on ballot questions. PRECINCT CAPTAINS: Prince George’s is one of only two counties in Maryland that don’t have a Democratic Party precinct captain. I’m already recruiting prospective captains who can represent our neighborhoods. APPOINTMENTS: Three of our four District 22 state office holders were appointed. We didn’t pick them! Paul Pinsky was appointed to the Senate. Tawanna Gaines and Alonzo Washington were appointed to the House of Delegates. Anne Healey is the only one that we
VOTE
chose the first time. The first choice is the most important: Once someone is the Democratic incumbent, they are in for good. I’ll work to return the first choice to the people by switching to special elections. STATE PLATFORM: Unlike the Democratic Party in progressive states like California and Massachusetts, the Maryland Democratic party doesn’t have its own platform. I ask for your vote. Find me on the last page of your Democratic primary ballot. Let’s build better Democrats together!
Candace B. Hollingsworth Prince George’s County Council, District 2 Age: 36 Day Job: Mayor, City of Hyattsville
Community Involvement: Councilmember, Ward 1, City of Hyattsville (2011-15); board member, ECO City Farms (2012-16); vice president, Hyattsville Elementary School PTA (2010-14); board member, Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (2011-12) Statement to the Voters: It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your mayor for the past three years. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together — expanding city services, addressing litter issues, improving our parks and public spaces, completing longawaited projects, increasing youth and senior programs, and more — all while being fiscally responsible and civically minded. However, there is more work to be done that, unfortunately, cannot be done from the mayor’s office. It’s the important work of creating affordable housing; remedying the overcrowding and performance challenges in our local schools; making development, zoning and land use decisions that benefit our community; bringing the Gateway Arts District to its
full potential; and ensuring that cities receive their fair share of development impact fees to address their growing communities. These are the responsibilities that demand a proven leader on the county council to represent our district. It’s more than keeping the momentum; it’s about accelerating our efforts to make up for what has not been done at the county level over the past four years. We need leadership that understands the difficult issues, and then takes the initiative to tackle them. As mayor, I’ve demonstrated my ability to do this for Hyattsville, and I will continue to do so — with even more fervor — as your next county council member. What we have accomplished in Hyattsville has been the result of the continual work of the mayor and council, our staff and residents like you. You have consistently asked me to step up to the plate and act on your behalf when others will not. This endeavor is no different. I am asking for your support so I can step up to the plate of governing our great city and our neighboring areas because the need is great. I humbly ask for your vote on June 26.
Julian Ivey Candidate for Maryland State Delegate, District 47-A Age: 22 Day job: Cheverly town councilman Community Involvement: Town halls on race relations and other issues Statement to the Voters: If elected, I will serve Prince Georgians and Hyattsville residents by focusing on issues like education, crime, discrimination, immigration, senior citizens, health care and good, sustainable economic development. I will help end the school system scandals, promote early childhood literacy and invest in coding education for children in elementary school, middle school and beyond. I will embrace community policing that reduces crime, is smart on crime
MIKE LYLES
for PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY Early Voting Is June 14-21, 2018 LEGAL EXPERIENCE • Judicial Law Clerk for the Hon. Rufus King III, D.C Superior Court • Experienced Trial Attorney for over 21 years • Licensed to practice in Maryland and D.C. • Adjunct Professor(Employment Law) at UMUC
LYLES PROTECTS THE VULNERABLE Chair, Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE • City Council, City of Bowie, Maryland 2004-2007
LYLES PROTECTED OUR COUNTY • Associate County Attorney, Prince George’s County Office of Law
EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE • Director, Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission
LYLES PROTECTED OUR COUNTRY • Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Defense • U.S. Army Reserves
LYLES PROTECTED CHILDREN FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT • Deputy General Counsel, D.C. Child and Family Services
EDUCATION • J.D., Catholic University, Columbus School of Law
Vote MIKE LYLES For Prince George’s County State’s Attorney.
www.votemikelyles.com • 301-375-2400 Authority Of Friends Of Mike Lyles, Vivian P. Jenkins, CPA, Treasurer
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
and is fair on crime to promote better public safety and better race relations. I believe in town halls as a way to get community input and foster important dialogues about these issues. I also will support legislation to restrict state law enforcement officials’ cooperation with federal immigration authorities. And I will support programs that allow senior citizens to age in place. I also understand that there are many changes taking place in Hyattsville and along the Greater Route 1 Corridor, so, now more than ever, the Hyattsville community needs a champion that will listen to their concerns about these changes. I will be that champion for Hyattsville residents. And, as new residents inevitably enter the community, I am committed to supporting more resources for current residents to prioritize giving them the ability to remain in the community they have come to love.
Ashanti Martinez Candidate for Delegate, District 22 Age: 22 Day Job: Student at Howard University Community Involvement: Former vice president of membership for the Prince George’s County Young Democrats; member, Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt Demo-
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within the Prince George’s County Regional Association of Student Governments — to working alongside fellow Maryland Democrats like Rep. Elijah Cummings, Rep. Steny Hoyer, Del. and Joseline
Peña-Melnyk, and serving as a staffer for the Legislative Latino Caucus in Annapolis. I was raised in New Carrollton, attended school at St. Mary’s Landover Hills, and graduated from Parkdale High School.
I know the challenges and triumphs our community has faced. I am prepared to carry that type of leadership to Annapolis, and I’m confident that together we can move our communities forward.
VOTE BILLY BRIDGES
for Prince Georges County Executive para el Ejecutivo del Condado de Prince Georges
cratic Club; member, Parkdale High School PTSA Statement to the Voters: We need more leaders that share our values and understand the struggles of working families. For far too long, far too many of our families have been ignored and haven’t been able to get ahead. It’s time our community sends someone to Annapolis that will have our back. I’m running because our community deserves a delegate with new energy, committed leadership, and bold progressive policies for affordable housing, quality education, greater access to health care, economic security and transportation improvements. Throughout my career, I have consistently stood for change, from advocating for under-represented groups — including LGBTQ students
Building Bridges, Not Walls for All of Our Citizens! Construyendo puentes, no paredes para todos los ciudadanos “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth The Law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18)
www.bridges2018.wix/mysite facebook.com/billy.bridges.3939 Twitter: @billbridges2018 Approved by the Billy Bridges 2018 Campaign, Salema Bridges, Treasurer
Bonita Rabalais For CLERK of the COURT ➢ Shape the A. R. C. mentality within the Clerk’s office. Awareness, Respectfulness, Compassion. ➢ Build Bridges of communication throughout the Courthouse and in the community ➢ Promote understanding, patience and a willingness to LISTEN in the clerk’s office in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court
RE-ELECT
@BeaRabalaisBreaksBarriers To Donate Please Visit: www.crowdpac.com/380555-BonitaRabalais
Experienced Dedicated Compassionate
Friends of Bonita Rabalais, by authority of LaShon M. Lassiter
Authority: Friends of Anne Healey, Christopher Arthur, Treasurer.
4 VOTE
TOYIN FASAKIN
REGISTER OF WILLS INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
Vote4ToyinFasakin.com JUNE 26, 2018
www.votenwosu.com cbnwosu@gmail.com
Authorized by Friends of Toyin Fasakin
Brandi Teel, Treasurer
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
Winnie Obike Candidate for Delegate, District 22 Age: 28 Day Job: Doctoral candidate, University of Maryland Community Involvement: 40 Days for Life coordinator at St. James; member of the Nigerian Catholic Community at St. Jerome; secretary of the African Prayer Group at St. Mark Statement to the Voters: NO NEW TAXES. Period. I am running as a Republican for state delegate because we are crushed under the burden of heavy taxes. From the city to the county to the state, we
pay the government too much in taxes! In 1954, four Republicans were re-elected to the Maryland House of Delegates to represent Prince George’s County for the last time. They were Albert R. Hassall, William R. Hughes, John F. Lillard Jr. and Harry E. Taylor Jr. Regrettably, no Republican has been elected to represent Prince George’s County in the House of Delegates since then. I am running as a Republican for state delegate because I am convinced that it is time for new leadership in Annapolis. I am running as a Republican for state delegate to ensure that no new taxes are passed in the Maryland General Assembly without an equal tax cut. If you agree with this proposition, I sincerely ask for your vote on June 26 and November 6. While I am unopposed in the Republican primary, I would still appreciate your vote on June 26 as a sign of
your support for my candidacy. You can learn more about my campaign at the following: www.winnieobike.com, @ WinnieObike and wobike@ umd.edu. To order a yard sign, visit www.winnieobike.com/ orderasign. Finally, please join me to walk in the Greenbelt Labor Day parade on Monday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon. The parade route is along Crescent Road from Greenhill Road to Southway. I hope to meet you then!
Dave Hiles
Your Voice Inside the Democratic Party
“I've brought change as an ACORN canvasser, as the first president of PG Soccer, Inc., and as a city council member in Riverdale Park and Hyattsville. I'm a Bernie supporter and an active member of Democratic Socialists of America. I'll work for Medicare for All and The People's Platform.”
I will fight inside the Democratic Party for The People’s Platform: ✓Medicare for All ✓Automatic Voter Registration ✓College for All ✓Ending Private Prisons ✓$15 Minimum Wage ✓Wall Street Tax ✓Women’s Healthcare Rights ✓100% Renewable Energy
Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee ★ District 22 Paid for by David Hiles, 4105 Gallatin St., Hyattsville, MD 20781. @dave4dist22
Jimmy Tarlau
Candidate for Maryland State Delegate, District 47A Age: 70 Day job: Full-time state legislator Community Involvement: Former treasurer of the Gateway Community Development Corporation; Mount Rainier City Council Member, 2007-2014; organizer of the Mount Rainier Centennial, Mount Rainier House Tour and MR/Gateway 5K Run Statement to the Voters: As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, my work is concentrated on issues of
revenue and education. With education, the job of the legislature is to make sure there is enough revenue coming in to the county to ensure it has adequate revenues to provide a first-class education for the students in Prince George’s County. We provided a record amount of funding for K-12 education and appropriated $15 million as a first step toward providing free community college education. We will be implementing the recommendations of the Kerwin Commission and will have to raise approximately $3 billion to do that. On the issue of taxes, my priority has been to make sure that our seniors and other residents on fixed incomes can get tax relief from the increased property taxes in our area. In the past two years, the legislature passed bills that I introduced to ensure that tens of thousands of people in our county receive the Homestead and GUIDE continued on page 12
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
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Dear Hyattsville Residents: Our experience working with Candace Hollingsworth as Mayor of Hyattsville leads us to enthusiastically endorse her for County Council in District 2. Candace is a dynamic and engaged leader, with a vision for how to improve the quality of life of residents, and the understanding and skills to make that change happen. Candace has showed up for Hyattsville time and time again, and she will show up for District 2. Since her election as Mayor, Mayo Candace has taken action to place the City back on solid financial footing, clean up our neighborhoods, strengthen public safety, nurture student growth, improve public services, enhance public spaces, and improve transparency and resident engagement. Candace treats her colleagues and City staff sta with respect and honesty, serving as a role model for the larger community. Her ability and willingness to listen and thoughtfully respond to people’s concerns is remarkable. But Candace doesn’t just respond with words, she responds with action. District 2 and the County as a whole will benefit with Candace on the County Council. Please do your part to ensure that Hyattsville and the rest of District 2 continues to enjoy true leadership: vote to elect Candace Hollingsworth on June 26. Kevin Ward, Councilmember - Ward 1 Robert Croslin, Councilmember - Ward 2
Bart Lawrence, Councilmember - Ward 1 Carrianna Suiter, Councilmember - Ward 3
CANDACE FOR COUNTY COUNCIL YOU DESERVE A PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY HOME COMMUNITY SCHOOL SYSTEM GOVERNMENT THAT MAKES YOU .
prrd
Paid for by Friends of Candace Hollingsworth | Arthur Lawrence, Treasurer
Page HR1
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
the
Hyattsville Reporter No. 363 • June 12, 2018
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
NEW DATE: International Fest
day, July 2, our Public Works team will be able to pick up compost, but not yard waste. Tuesday’s regular trash route will be collected on Monday, and Wednesday’s regular trash route will be collected on Tuesday. Trash collection on Thursday and Friday will follow the normal schedule. If you have any questions, please call (301) 985-5000.
Due to heavy rain earlier this month, we’ve rescheduled this annual tradition to Saturday, June 23, 5 - 9 p.m. Join us then in Heurich Park (2800 Nicholson Street) to celebrate the diversity that makes our community great with music, dance, food, and drink from around the world. No passport needed to get to this family fun destination! Visit www.hyattsville.org/InternationalFest to see what’s in store. Civic groups, churches, craft vendors, schools, and other organizations in our community should also visit that website to find out how they can get involved. For more information, please contact Cheri Everhart at ceverhart@hyattsville.org or at (301) 985-5021.
Traffic Light at Queens Chapel and Nicholson
The Maryland State Highway Administration has told the City it will install a traffic light at the intersection at Queens Chapel Road and Nicholson Street. The specifics are still being designed by SHA, but they expect to install the light by the end of the summer.
Free Transportation
Community Survey
Hyattsville residents can ride all the University of Maryland Shuttle Routes for FREE! Route 113 loops through Hyattsville, stops at the Prince George’s Plaza Metro, and then heads to the University. To get a pass to ride, bring photo ID and proof of residence to the City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Passes are issued the same day. Route maps and schedules are available at www.dots.umd. edu.
The City’s community survey has been mailed out, seeking your feedback and suggestions on City services and local quality of life. Not all residents will get to participate, as the survey is conducted by a third party, who takes a random sample of addresses. ALL SURVEY RESPONSES ARE ANONYMOUS. If your home is selected, we’d greatly appreciate you filling out the survey online or by mail. Doing so will help your government make Hyattsville even better. If you have questions, please call (301) 985-5020.
Mosquito Control
#GoGreen #HereInHyattsville
We are embarking on a journey to #GoGreen #HereinHVL! In partnership with the Neighborhood Design Center, this summer’s Go Green Campaign will take you step by step through easy and fun ways to reduce our ecological footprint! We’ll be moving toward lifestyle choices that not only fit the planet’s biocapacity, but help us save money and feel healthier to boot! Start by checking out our Action Guides at www.hyattsville. org/GoGreen and learn how to be an environmental champion! Also be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with how #HVL is #GoingGreen!
In May, the City celebrated National Public Works Week by recognizing those who keep Hyattsville beautiful, clean, and well-maintained on a daily basis. En mayo, la Ciudad celebró la Semana Nacional de Obras Públicas por reconocer a ellos que trabajan cada día para que Hyattsville permanezca bella, limpia y bien mantenida.
soul/jazz fusion band, JaneliaSoul, will make their City of Hyattsville debut, plus we’ll have some of Maryland’s best barbecue with Smoke Rattle And Roll, delicious local beer, our moon bounce, and more! Check it Sixth in Nation for out at 4310 Gallatin Street, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Recycling & Compost Visit www.hyattsville.org/summerjam to Diversion see the details on our whole 2018 Summer Congratulations, Hyattsville! Our City has Jam Series, running the third Friday of each the sixth highest diversion rate in the United month from May to September, and be sure States—holding steady in the Top 10 for the to watch our social media for any updates! second year in a row! That’s 49 percent of our public space recycling and compost diverted Micro Farmers Market from landfills in 2017! The recognition comes Don’t forget Summer Jam’s opening act: The from Bigbelly, a company that specializes in City’s Micro Farmers Market! Come out on smart solutions for cities around the world. Friday, June 15, 4 – 8 p.m., at 4310 GallaThe City of Hyattsville currently has 16 tin Street for the best in fresh, local produce. solar-powered trash/recycling compacting Then stick around for good music, delicious stations across Hyattsville, and in the com- food and drink, and tons of family fun! For ing year, that number will go up to 41. If you more information or to become a Micro think 49 percent is impressive, just wait un- Farmers Market vendor, please email eprestil we find out the results for 2018! ton@hyattsville.org or visit www.hyattsville. org/fresh.
City Transportation
For the past year, the City of Hyattsville has worked on a citywide transportation study to help plan how we can improve City transportation over the next 20 years. A draft of the resulting recommendations is now available on Speak Up, our community engagement portal, at www.speakuphvl.com/forums. Residents can review these recommendations and provide feedback until June 15. The final draft of the transportation study is expected to be ready later this summer.
Summer Jam
Join us Friday, June 15, for the next in a series of really jammin’ Summer Jams! Nigerian-American artist Janelia and her
Reservation is confirmed upon receipt of payment in person at 4310 Gallatin Street or by mail. We accept cash and checks made out to the City of Hyattsville. If you have any questions, please call (301) 985-5058.
Movin’ with the Mayor
Join Mayor Candace Hollingsworth as you build strength and boost your endurance – all in one fun fitness session! This Conditioning Strength Circuit Training is brought to us by JM3 Health & Fitness and will take place on Saturday, June 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Magruder Park basketball court (3911 Hamilton Street). Come ready to break a sweat!
Scoop That Poop!
Summer is here, and the mosquitoes are sure to follow! The City participates in the State of Maryland’s Mosquito Control Program, which begins in June and continues into September. Mosquito Control staff will monitor adult mosquitos in Hyattsville, and if certain thresholds are met, they will conduct spraying operations on Monday evenings. Spraying will begin after dark. The City will also report issues with mosquitos to the State on a weekly basis. To report a problem in your neighborhood, please call (301) 985-5000, or visit www.hyattsville. org/pests. You can also request an exemption from adult mosquito control services on that site. Please note that exemptions must be filed each year, and must be submitted to not only the Mosquito Control Program Supervisor but also to the City. Please note that spraying is NOT EFFECTIVE against the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which can be prevalent in the City of Hyattsville. Controlling this pesky pest requires routine cleanups and emptying and rinsing containers that hold still water on a weekly basis. For more information, please visit http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/ pages/mosquito_control.aspx.
Park(ing) Day
On September 21, parking spaces across the world will be turned into pop-up parks – just for the day. The City of Hyattsville is looking for businesses and organizations who are interested in running their own Park(ing) Day spot this year. Sponsoring a Park(ing) Day spot can get you some sweet swag, like t-shirts and gift cards, as well as highlight your business on the City’s website and social media platforms. If you’re interested in this wonderful way to get out into the community, please contact Katie Gerbes at kgerbes@hyattsville.org for more details.
Did you know that there can be up to 23 million bacteria in one tiny gram of dog poop? When diseases from these bacteria find their way into local streams, our community’s water isn’t just gross—it’s unsafe. To help fight this water pollution, the City of Hyattsville Seniors On The Go is receiving support from Prince George’s We’re helping seniors get out and about this County, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and the summer! Registration for not one, but TWO Environmental Finance Center at the Unifun-filled events, opens in June: versity of Maryland. But we still can’t do it On Thursday, July 19, we’ll take you out without your help! Ten new “doggie bag” stato the ball game! It’s the Bowie Baysox vs. tions will soon be installed across town, makthe Erie SeaWolves. The cost is $5, and re- ing it easier for residents and visitors alike to We’re Hiring freshments are included. Registration is clean up after their pets. All you need to do Serve your community by working for our open June 19 - July 5. is #ScoopThatPoop! For more information, local government! We’re currently seeking And on Thursday, August 16, it’s all aboard please call (301) 985-5000. police officers, a bilingual communications for a scenic cruise down the Choptank River! coordinator, an assistant public works projThe cost is $35 and includes an all-you-can- Trash Collection Changes ect manager, and a public works laborer. For eat crab feast. Registration is open June 19 City offices will be closed in observance of more information and to apply, please visit - July 3. Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4. www.hyattsville.org/jobs. Space is limited and so registration is Emergency services will continue. On Monrequired on a first come, first served basis.
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
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el
Reportero de
Hyattsville
No. 363 • 12 de Junio, 2018
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
NUEVA FECHA: Festival Internacional
lar para los miércoles se la va a recolectar el martes. La recolección de basura de jueves y viernes seguirá como normal. Cualquier consulta, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5000.
Debido a la lluvia a principios de este mes, hemos reprogramado esta tradición anual al sábado, 23 de junio, 5 – 9 p.m. Reúnanse con nosotros ese día en Parque Heurich (2800 Calle Nicholson) para celebrar la diversidad que hace que nuestra comunidad sea tan grandiosa. Habrá música, baile, comida y bebidas de todo el mundo. Visiten a www.hyattsville.org/InternationalFest para ver más detalles. Grupos cívicos, comunidades de fe, artesanos, escuelas y otras organizaciones comunitarias pueden unirse a la diversión del día por visitar ese sitio también. Para más información, por favor contacten a Cheri Everhart al (301) 985-5021 o en ceverhart@hyattsville.org.
Semáforo en Queens Chapel y Nicholson
El Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) ha indicado a la Ciudad que planea en instalar un semáforo en la intersección de Queens Chapel Road y Calle Nicholson. El SHA todavía está finalizando las detalles, pero esperan instalar el semáforo antes de los fines del verano.
Transportación Gratis
Cuestionario Comunitario
La Ciudad ha enviado por correo un cuestionario comunitario, pidiéndoles sus opiniones y comentarios acerca de los servicios y la calidad de vida local en la Ciudad. Todos los residentes no podrán participar, ya que un grupo tercero va a realizar la encuesta con una muestra aleatoria de direcciones. TODAS LAS RESPUESTAS SON COMPLETAMENTE ANÓNIMAS. Si su hogar está seleccionado, agradeceríamos mucho que completaran el cuestionario en línea o por correo. Hacerlo va a ayudar a su gobierno en hacer que Hyattsville sea aún mejor. Si tienen preguntas, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5020.
#VamosVerde #AquiEnHyattsville
¡Estamos embarcando en un camino donde nos #VamosVerde #AquiEnHVL! En asociación con el Neighborhood Design Center, la campaña Go Green de este verano les guiará paso a paso a través de formas fáciles y divertidas de reducir su huella ecológica. Juntos, podemos cambiar nuestro estilo de vida para que se ajuste a la biocapacidad del planeta, además de ayudar a ahorrar dinero y hacernos sentir más saludables. ¡Comiencen por revisar las Guías de Acción en www. hyattsville.org/GoGreen y aprenden cómo ser campeones ambientales! Sígannos también en las redes sociales para estar informados sobre cómo nos #VamosVerde en #HVL!
Sexto en la Nación por el Desvío de Reciclaje y Composto
¡Felicitaciones, Hyattsville! Nuestra Ciudad tiene la sexta mayor tasa de desvío de reciclaje y composto en los Estados Unidos – ¡manteniendo su lugar en el Top 10 por segundo año consecutivo! ¡Esto significa que 49 porciento de nuestro reciclaje y composto en espacios públicos fue desviado de vertederos en 2017! Este logro fue reconocido por Big Belly, una compañía que realiza soluciones inteligentes para ciudades por todo el mundo. En este momento, la Ciudad de Hyattsville tiene 16 estaciones de compactadores a energía solar para basura y reciclaje. En el año que viene, la Ciudad recibirá 25 más – para un total de 41 estaciones. Si ustedes piensan que 49 es una cifra impresionante, ¡solo esperen hasta que recibamos la cifra de 2018!
Transportación en la Ciudad
Durante el año pasado, la Ciudad de Hyattsville ha realizado un estudio de transportación para ayudar a planear cómo podemos mejorar transportación en la Ciudad en los próximos 20 años. El borrador de recomendaciones resultantes ahora está disponible en Speak Up, un foro para participación co-
At the June 4 City Council Meeting, Route 1 Velo presented a check for $8,400 to the Special Olympics of Prince George’s County. Route 1 Velo, in partnership with the City, raised the money at the Cyclocross Race held in Magruder Park on October 1, 2017. (From left to right: Pete Van Riper and Chris Militello of Route 1 Velo, athletes Madeline Guay and Rory Doyle, and Todd Harris of Route 1 Velo.). En junio en la reunión del Concejo Municipal, Route 1 Velo regaló a los Olímpicos Especiales del Condado de Prince George’s un cheque de $8,400. Route 1 Velo, en asociación con la Ciudad, recaudó el dinero en la carrera Ciclocrós el 1 de octubre de 2017 en Parque Magruder. (De izquierda a derecha: Pete Van Riper y Chris Militello de Route 1 Velo, deportistas Madeline Guay y Rory Doyle y Todd Harris de Route 1 Velo.) munitario, en www.speakuphvl.com/forums. Residentes pueden revisar estas recomendaciones y dar comentarios hasta el 15 de junio. Se espera que la versión final del estudio de transportación esté disponible antes del fin del verano.
la inscripción y se la acepta por orden de llegada. Su inscripción no está confirmada hasta que recibamos pagamiento en persona en 4310 Calle Gallatin o por correo. Aceptamos efectivo y cheques hechos al City of Hyattsville.
Summer Jam
Acción con la Alcaldesa
¡Reúnanse con nosotros el viernes, 15 de junio, para el próximo Summer Jam en nuestra serie de fiestas del verano! Artista nigeriana americana Janelia se estrenará con su banda de fusión soul/jazz, JaneliaSoul - ¡y tendremos barbacoa rica de Smoke Rattle and Roll, cerveza local, nuestra brinca brinca y mucho más! Únanse a la diversión en 4310 Calle Gallatin, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. ¡Vean más detalles en www.hyattsville.org/summerjam y en nuestras redes sociales!
Mercadito de Hyattsville
No se olviden que cada Summer Jam tiene un telonero muy especial: ¡El Mercadito de la Ciudad! Tendrá lugar en 4310 Calle Gallatin, 4 – 8 p.m., ofreciéndoles lo mejor de productos frescos y locales. Luego, quédense allí para disfrutarse de música y comida muy buenas, ¡además de mucha diversión familiar! Para obtener más información o convertirse en un vendedor, visiten a wwww. hyattsville.org/farmersmarket o manden un correo electrónico a epreston@hyattsville. org.
Excursiones Para Mayores
Este verano, la Ciudad ayuda a sus mayores estar de un lado para el otro con muchas excursiones. Inscripción para los DOS eventos siguientes está abierta este mes: El jueves, 19 de julio, vámonos a un partido de beisbol entre el Bowie Baysox y el Erie SeaWolves. Sale $5 e incluye refrescos. Se pueden inscribir entre el 19 de junio y el 5 de julio. Y el jueves, 16 de agosto, les invitamos a un crucero por el Río Choptank. Sale $35, ¡e incluye un banquete de todos los cangrejos que puedan comer! Se pueden inscribir entre el 19 de junio y el 3 de julio. Espacio está limitado, así que se requiere
¡Únanse a Alcaldesa Candace Hollingsworth para entrenamiento de fuerza y resistencia física en una sesión de ejercicio muy divertida con JM3 Health & Fitness! Tendrá lugar el sábado, 30 de junio, 10 – 11 a.m., en la cancha de basquetbol de Parque Magruder (3911 Calle Hamilton). ¡Vengan preparados a sudar!
¿Qué Sucede Cuando No Recogen la Caca?
¿Sabían que puede haber hasta 23 millones de bacteria en solo un gramo de caca de perro? Muchas enfermedades de estas bacterias pueden encontrar sus caminos en las corrientes locales, resultando que el agua de nuestra comunidad sea asquerosa, además de insegura. En luchar contra esta polución del agua, la Ciudad de Hyattsville tiene el apoyo del Condado de Prince George’s, el Chesapeake Bay Trust y el Centro de Finanzas Ambientales en la Universidad de Maryland. ¡Pero no podemos hacer nada sin su ayuda! Pronto la Ciudad recibirá diez estaciones nuevas de “bolsitas para el perro,” las que vamos a instalar para que sea más fácil recoger la caca de sus mascotas. ¡Todo lo que necesitan hacer es #ScoopThatPoop! Para más información, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5000.
Cambios a la Recolección de Basura
Las oficinas de la Ciudad estarán cerradas el miércoles, 4 de julio, en observación del Día de la Independencia de los Estados Unidos. Continuarán los servicios de emergencia. El lunes, 2 de julio, nuestro equipo de Obras Públicas podrá recolectar el composto, pero no los residuos del jardín. La ruta de recolección regular para los martes se la va a recolectar el lunes. La ruta de recolección regu-
¡Residentes de Hyattsville pueden tomar todos los autobuses de la Universidad de Maryland GRATIS! La Ruta 113 pasa por Hyattsville, con paradas en la estación de metro de Prince George’s Plaza y al fin en la Universidad. Para obtener su pase para el autobús, presentan una identificación con foto y prueba de residencia a la Ciudad en 4310 Calle Gallatin, lo que está abierto lunes a viernes, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Les podemos dar el pase el mismo día de su visita. Mapas y horarios de la ruta del autobús se los pueden encontrar en www.dots.umd.edu.
Control de los Mosquitos
Ya viene el verano, ¡y los mosquitos también! La Ciudad participa en el Programa del Estado de Maryland para el Control de Mosquitos, lo que comienza en junio y dura hasta septiembre. Empleados del Estado monitorizar la población de mosquitos adultos en Hyattsville. Si los mosquitos llegan a un cierto límite, el Estado realizará operaciones de fumigación los lunes después del anochecer. Además, la Ciudad reportará problemas con mosquitos al Estado cada semana. Para reportar un problema en su vecindario, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5000 o visiten a www.hyattsville.org/pests. En ese sitio también se pueden pedir una exención de servicios de control de mosquitos. Por favor tengan en cuenta que se deben pedir una nueva exención cada año, entregando la solicitación al Programa de Control de Mosquitos y a la Ciudad, también. Les informamos que la fumigación NO ES EFICAZ contra el mosquito tigre, lo cual puede ser prevalente en la Ciudad de Hyattsville. Controlar este parásito se requiere limpieza rutina, además de vaciar y enjuagar semanalmente los contenedores que retienen agua. Para más información, por favor visiten a http://mda.maryland.gov/ plants-pests/pages/mosquito_control.aspx.
Día de Parque(o)
El 21 de septiembre, espacios de parqueo por todo el mundo se van a convertir en parques temporales – ¡solo para el día! Este año, la Ciudad de Hyattsville busca empresas y otras organizaciones interesadas en organizar sus propios Espacios de Parque(o). Participar puede resultar en recibir camisetas, tarjetas de regalo y más. Además, es una buenísima manera de destacar su organización en el sitio de web y redes sociales de la Ciudad. Si esta oportunidad comunitaria les interesa, por favor contacten a Katie Gerbes a kgerbes@hyattsville para más detalles.
Estamos Contratando
¡Sirvan a su comunidad y trabajen para nuestro gobierno local! Estamos buscando oficiales de policía, un coordinador de comunicaciones bilingüe, un gerente asistente de obras públicas y un obrero de obras públicas. Para más información y para solicitar, por favor visiten a www.hyattsville.org/jobs.
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Homeowner tax credits. We also increased the renters tax credit to give our renters relief from the increasing high rents in our area. In order to ensure adequate revenue to fully fund education, transportation, public safety and other priorities, I have introduced and will again introduce legislation to close corporate tax loopholes and raise the taxes from the multimillionaires who live in our state.
Deni Taveras
Prince George’s County Council, District 2 Age: 45 Day Job: Current County Council member Community Involvement: President, Presidential Park Condominiums; member, Maryland Climate Change Commission; member, Cultivating our Sisterhood International Association; member, Association of Black Princeton Alumni; member, Association of Latino Princeton Alumni; member, Association of National Society of Black Engineers; member, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers; member, Association of Barnard in Washington Alumni In her capacity as Prince George’s County Council member, Deni has done Clean Up, Green Ups twice a year and bulk trash events in specific neighborhoods within District 2. She has also led community organizing campaigns to support her Take Pride (quality of life) and Unity initiatives. Statement to the Voters: Deni Taveras was elected to her first four-year term on the Prince George’s County Council in 2014 for District 2. During the last three years, Deni has provided leadership to restore fiscal responsibility, enhance government services, improve our schools, protect the environment, and promote
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
smart growth opportunities to safeguard neighborhoods and revitalize blighted commercial areas. Each year, she has provided oversight and voted to approve a balanced budget. This year, the Prince George’s County Council allocated $2.1 billion for Prince George’s County Public Schools, which is the highest allocation ever made to our school system by the county. This included funds to construct six schools to alleviate overcrowding and eliminate the use of school trailers in District 2. This also includes $42 million for the Hyattsville Elementary School reconstruction and $90 million for the Hyattsville Middle School reconstruction. Deni has focused on investing in infrastructure and revitalization, with $5.7 million for the Hamilton Street Garage, $6.8 million for Hyattsville Justice Center Garage, and $30 million for road repairs and more frequent median maintenance, litter removal and tree trimming. Deni was able to approve an allocation of over $1 million to nonprofits serving District 2, with many in the Gateway Arts District. Deni also pushed for investments in affordable housing, neighborhood stabilization, and healthy family initiatives, with an allocation of $6.6 million for the Housing Investment Trust Fund and $1 million to combat domestic violence. Deni Taveras has lived in the District since 2005 with her dog Lucky. She was orphaned at the age of eight and grew up with her grandmother. Taveras holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Barnard College, a dual master’s degree in public affairs and urban regional planning from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School, and a master’s degree from the University of Utah, also in chemistry.
Alonzo Washington
Candidate for Maryland State Delegate, District 22 Age: 34 Day Job: Housing & community development manager, CASA of Maryland Community Involvement:
Hosted 16 Monthly Table Talk meetings in communities around District 22, two Color & Class events in Greenbelt, two PTA ice cream socials in Hyattsville and three Back2School block parties and community resource fairs in the Palmer Park community. Statement to the Voters: Alonzo T. Washington is a life-long resident of Prince George’s County and a proud graduate of its public schools. The oldest of six children, he grew up under difficult circumstances, which caused his family to be homeless for a short time and occasionally reside in some of the county’s troubled neighborhoods. Raised by a strong single mother who believed in the power of education, Alonzo became the first member of his family to attend college. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in criminal justice. Appointed to the House of Delegates in 2012, Alonzo worked tirelessly to gain the trust of his constituents and was identified as a “rising star” in Maryland politics by The Washington Post. Since winning his first election in 2014, Alonzo’s legislative agenda has been characterized as bold and progressive as he has focused on closing the student achievement gap, implementing free tuition for community college, and reducing poverty in Prince George’s County. He has authored over 30 bills that have passed out of the House of Delegates on a wide range of topics, including college affordability, economic revitalization and criminal justice reform. Alonzo has worked closely with Hyattsville officials and residents on numerous issues. He has partnered with the city to hold the State Highway Administration accountable for traffic and pedestrian safety measures along Route 1 and Queens Chapel Road, increased investments in school construction funding to rebuild the Hyattsville Elementary and Middle Schools, and hosted ice cream socials with Hyattsville PTAs to provide residents with the opportunity to speak with the county’s administrators about the state of our schools. Alonzo has been a strong and constant presence around the Hyattsville community, attending city council meetings, Hyattsville parades, Zombie Runs and National Night Out events.
Nicole Williams Candidate for Delegate, District 22 Age: 40 Day Job: Attorney Community Involvement: Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee, At Large, District 22; president of the Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt Democratic Club; member of the City of Greenbelt Planning Advisory Board; vice chair of the Prince George’s County Commission on Common Ownership Communities; former general counsel for the Prince George’s County History Preservation Commission; former chair of NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland Fund; former member of the DNC Youth Council; former president of the Prince George’s County Young Democrats; former executive committee member of the Young Democrats of America; member of the Kiwanis Club of Mitchellville; member of the Prince George’s County Historical Society; member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter; member of Metropolitan Baptist Church Statement to the Voters: My commitment is to be accessible, accountable and transparent to the residents of Prince
George’s County and the City of Hyattsville. In my job as an attorney, I fight for my clients who are facing difficult issues and looking to make their lives better. My mom was a single mom who didn’t get a chance to finish college. We lived with my grandparents in D.C. I always say that my grandfather was my real father. He was a bricklayer with just a sixth-grade education, who taught me that it is always important to work hard and be honest about who you are and what you believe. My grandmother, who cleaned houses, was the spiritual leader in our home. I first got involved in politics after law school. I was working, but I wanted to do something more and give back to my community. Unlike the big corporations, Maryland families don’t have a lobbyist pushing for ideas and policies that will help the everyday person get a job, obtain good quality education or put food on the table. Too many of our neighbors are working two to three jobs to keep a roof over their head and put food on the table every night. They aren’t getting ahead, and they are trapped in a cycle that can push a person with a job loss or unexpected medical bill into foreclosure. Growing up, we worked hard to save every penny, clip coupons on Sundays and look for the best deal. I know where we can save and when we need to invest in Maryland families. I ask that you send me to Annapolis because I understand your worries. So I just humbly ask you for your vote and your support so that I may be your voice in Annapolis as your delegate.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
TRANSPORTATION continued from page 1
projects feature street redesigns, new roads to connect major thoroughfares such as East-West Highway, Queens Chapel Road and Ager Road, installation of multiuse paths, and new traffic signals and changes to signal timing. The top priority project, based on a point system, is the Hamilton Street Complete Street Design and Construction. Hamilton Street, which is a state highway and a major connection between the West Hyattsville Metro station, Queens Chapel Town Center and Magruder Park, has long stretches without sidewalks, no bicycle accommodations and an overly wide design that encourages speeding and other unsafe driving, according to the Toole Design Group. The study found that Hamilton Street should be redesigned as a “complete street,” with bike lanes, ample and continuous sidewalks, additional pedestrian crossings and narrower motor vehicle lanes for the safety and comfort of all users. To implement these changes, the city would work with the Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA) or assume ownership of the street. Another priority is the installation of pedestrian/bicycle-ac-
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tuated signals on the Northwest Branch Trail where it crosses 38th Street and Queens Chapel Road. These signals alert drivers to stop and give pedestrians and cyclists a safe way to cross busy roads. The plan also recommends adding multi-use paths on East-West Highway from Toledo Terrace to 23rd Avenue and from Toledo Terrace to Adelphi Road. East-West Highway is a key connection through the city, but, lacking bicycle lanes, it is largely inaccessible to cyclists. Signal changes could improve traffic flow and cut down on backups. The plan suggests studying a traffic signal change at the intersection of East-West Highway and Belcrest Road. The report states that a lack of street connections between East-West Highway, Ager Road and Queens Chapel Road adds to congestion by forcing residents on long, circuitous paths for local trips. A new street from the end of Toledo Terrace to Heurich Park Road (or 31st Avenue) would significantly improve local traffic flow. The plan suggests assessing a connection between Toledo Terrace and Heurich Park Road. The MSHA recently announced that it is planning to install a traffic signal on Queens Chapel Road at Nicholson Street, which is one of the top priorities of the plan. Queens Chapel Road is currently
the longest stretch of road in the city (1.5 miles) without a signalized intersection. Currently, pedestrians walk long distances to cross at a signal, or risk their safety crossing against a light. The plan also proposes installing a new traffic signal on Ager Road at Lancer Drive, which would create safe crossings and improve circulation within the neighborhoods. A Lancer Drive signal would also create safer access to the new residential development currently un-
der construction west of the Metro station. As Ager Road is a county route, the city would have to work with the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation on this project. Rounding out the 10 priorities is a pedestrian plaza connecting 33rd Avenue to Editors Park Drive, which is currently a deadend street. Transforming the existing path between these streets into a plaza would create a public open space and could encourage
more walking and biking to the Mall at Prince Georges. The current version of the Hyattsville Transportation Plan is posted on the Speak Up HVL website. Residents are encouraged to review the plan and map of proposed projects and submit comments by June 15. The full presentation by Toole Design Group is available online. Digital Editor Krissi Humbard contributed to this story.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
Then Then&Now Tracing the origins of the WSSC headquarters By Stuart Eisenberg
Whether it’s the villain or the beleaguered hero of your vision for a better Hyattsville, the WSSC headquarters has an origin story that ties into the Hyattsville community development story. Exploring plats, land transfers and uses prior to the present day buildings yields interesting discoveries. What never was: Filed in 1882, the plat for Wine & Johnson’s First Addition to Hyattsville has a graceful, fan-shaped block terminus at Lutrell Avenue (41st Avenue) which emanates from a semi-circular hub bounded in the back by the County Road (now 40th Place), as well as an elegant triangular walkway or pocket park. In 1921, WSSC built a twostory facility across the street from the rear of that bygone culde-sac. Revisions in 1884 and 1886 erased that promising street plan and the original vision of an idyllic neighborhood. Today, Top of the Park Apartments occupies most of that subdivision portion. The former WSSC facilities are
on two separate, contiguous parcels. The upper half (Parcel 1) and lower half (Parcel 2) have different development histories. Parcel 2, which lies in Holladay Company’s Addition to Hyattsville, traces back to transfers in the early 1940s from the Estate of William Pinckney Magruder to the MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). M-NCPPC held the northern half of the lower lot until 1950, then sold it to the WSSC. The southern part of the lower lot was transferred to the Prince George’s County Police Boy’s Club in 1946, and then to WSSC in 1963. Construction of the third wing of the headquarters in 1964 would have led to the extension of the paving, but aerial photos show that that section remained unpaved as late as 1965. Another surprising find was an automotive repair/filling station situated near the apex of the curve on Ralston Avenue (depicted on Lot 59 on 1922 and 1933 insurance maps). A previous article in this paper also associated the Parcel 2 site with Zantzinger Park and a
ballfield. Further title research is needed to connect that use with the adjacent park’s namesake, William P. Magruder. Reveals in the Parcel 1 land records gave me pause. Given the muddied legacy Magruder left upon Hyattsville, there seems to be a convergence of influence and power, where prominent Hyattsville property owners have left their imprint in the record and upon the land, and this contentious and contested site is somehow its legacy. This site coalesces the values and property interests of developer Otway Zantzinger, lawyer T. Howard Duckett (founder and commissioner of the WSSC and one-time president of the Hyattsville Building Association) and finally, Magruder (one-time mayor, businessman, real estate investor and a founder of the Hyattsville Building Association). Johnson & Wine’s Third Addition to Hyattsville was the precursor of the Hyattsville Hills subdivision. The deeds from the period of Johnson & Wine lot sales do not seem to bear the imprint of racially restrictive covenants. But that
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practice was to change. When Louis Wine died in 1905, most of the Third Addition’s lots hadn’t yet conveyed to homesteaders or builders. When Zantzinger bought the Wine estate’s interest in the remaining property in 1912,417 out of 497 single family lots were available. Ten years later, two years after the death of George J. Johnson, Zantzinger purchased that estate’s remaining interest in the subdivision. Both purchases included Johnson and Wine’s portions of Parcel 1. Zantzinger appears to have been a patient, deliberate businessman. The first official meeting of the WSSC was convened on May 15, 1918. The WSSC was under the gun to get things done, and Duckett maneuvered to bring the WSSC office to Hyattsville. The official minutes say, “… Moved by Mr. Duckett that the principal engineering office of the Commission be located in Hyattsville, Maryland.” Zantzinger conducted three transactions to convey six lots to WSSC between 1919 and 1922. Two transactions (1919, 1921)
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were completed while he and the Johnson estate co-owned the lots. He completed the final one (1922) after purchasing the remaining 400-plus lots in the Third Addition subdivision. It is in this July 1922 transaction that a racially restrictive covenant first appears on any WSSC-associated property deed in Hyattsville These transactions, relationships and contract elements are, as yet, only converging associations in our title examinations, and not yet evidence of anything other than a segregationist society. Further research is called for to drill down into the relationships between these individuals, their institutions and their intent. But it is staggering to learn that three of the wealthiest and most influential early Hyattsville builders were intimately involved in the Prince George’s County region’s planning and development and simultaneously propagating and constructing a segregationist legal structure. Their property interests and values intersect and converge at what is for me a very symbolic intersection at the entrance of Magruder Park.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
Page 15
Trees at root of MD 500 project complaint By Lindsay Myers
In the April print edition of the Hyattsville Life & Times (HL&T), a local resident submitted a letter to the editor lamenting his dismay that the State Highway Administration (SHA) agreed to reduce the number of trees proposed for the MD 500 (Queens Chapel Road) construction project by 59 percent. The HL&T fact-checked this claim and found in the discovery process that the roots of the controversy that prompted this reduction are deep and far reaching. As far as the HL&T can verify, the story goes like this: In 2017, the SHA proposed planting 144 trees in the new Queens Chapel Road median as part of the MD 500 project. At the March and April Hyattsville Corridor Community (HCC) meetings, the SHA announced that it reduced the number of trees in the initial proposal by 59 percent, leaving 59 proposed new trees. It is not clear whether the HCC asked for the reduction or whether the SHA made the decision itself, but both organizations cite safety issues — specifically the visibility of oncoming traffic at intersections — as the impetus for the decision. “The trees will be located in the center of the median,� said Christopher Bishop, the SHA District 3 community liaison, “so that they will not impede the sight distance of oncoming traffic at intersections and [in order] to provide sight line clearance for roadway signage.� Yvette Shaw, the founder and coordinator of HCC, said in an email, “HCC just wants to make sure safety is the main consideration (i.e. visibility) even as far as the year 2040 when the trees are full grown.� She added, “Queens Chapel Road has been the scene of quite a number of accidents.� Paul Steinkoenig, a member of HCC and the writer of the initial
KRISSI HUMBARD The State Highway Administration recently announced that it reduced the number of trees in the initial proposal for the MD 500 project by 59 percent, leaving 59 proposed new trees.
letter to the editor, challenged the SHA decision and brought the issue to the attention of the wider Hyattsville community. He reports that the SHA decided to reduce the number of trees based on comments from “a few residents [who] raised comments about not liking trees for various reasons.� Steinkoenig said he primarily opposes the 59 percent reduction, however, on the grounds that Hyattsville is a certified member of Tree City USA. Although the Tree City USA organization does not mandate a certain number of trees for membership, it does require certified cities to budget at least $2 per capita annually for their tree canopies. It also requires that each certified city maintains oversight so that someone is “legally responsible for the care of all trees on city- or town-owned property� and “the public will know who is accountable for decisions that impact community trees� (Tree City USA Standards). Shaw acknowledged that a public announcement had not been made about the initial number of trees or the proposed reduction, though she has been
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diligent about ensuring that the public is aware of monthly HCC meetings. Although the SHA proposed
spacing the new trees in the Queens Chapel Road median 35 feet apart at the April HCC meeting, Steinkoenig proposed reducing the spacing to 25 feet based on the current standard of other medians in the area and his research into the recommended spacing distance between the varieties of trees slated for planting. Steinkoenig said his hope is that by reducing the distance between trees to local conventions, the SHA could theoretically plant more trees without compromising safety. It is not clear yet whether 35 feet is mandated by the State of Maryland based on the type of tree planted, or whether this number is flexible. The SHA representative at the April HCC meeting said he would check with an SHA arborist. At the May meeting, the SHA representative announced that the proposed 35 feet distance would remain regardless of species.
“I do not understand this plan at all,� said Steinkoenig. “It seems to me that someone wanted to save a little money and simply [changed] the spacing of trees as a way to do so! Yes, I am angry and saddened by this decision.� For a local issue that has not generated much attention beyond Steinkoenig’s letter, the HL&T spent a tree-mendous amount of time in communication (over 40 emails and phone calls, combined) with people affiliated with the project, including Councilmember Edouard Haba (Ward 4), three members of the HCC, two of the MD 500 project engineers and multiple members of the SHA. Although Hyattsville’s designation as a Tree City does not require the city to pack its medians full of trees, especially at the expense of safety, it does seem to suggest that transparency is as important as visibility.
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Page 16
ELECTION
continued from page 1
Here’s an introduction to the Hyattsville residents who are running in the June 26 elections and primaries: ANNE HEALEY CANDIDATE FOR STATE DELEGATE, DISTRICT 22 Anne Healey, a Hyattsville resident since 1979, is running for re-election for her seat as state delegate, a position that she has held since 1991. Before becoming state delegate, Anne got her start in politics right here in Hyattsville, largely because of a local community issue. As a reporter, Healey covered Hyattsville City Council meetings, but because of reporting ethics, she stayed out of politics. However, when the issue of dense development and increased traffic on her neighbors’ quiet street came up, Healey said she knew she had to get involved. Healey went door-to-door raising awareness of the traffic issue, while her husband, Neal Conway, who was a city councilmember, attended county hearings on the issue. Because of the work of Healey, Conway and others, the city and developer were able to find a compromise. Then, when her husband could no longer serve on the city council, Healey was appointed to fill his vacancy, and she represented Ward 2 from 1987-1990. When a seat opened in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1990, Healey ran and won. Healey tries to bring lessons learned from Hyattsville politics to the Maryland House of Delegates, in an effort to make the state as “warm, accepting, and diverse” as Hyattsville has seemed to her. Healey notes that she and her Hyattsville neighbors watched out for one another’s children. She continued, “One of the reasons we have government, is our responsibility as a society to take care of one another.” When asked about Hyattsville residents’ political involvement at the state level, Healey said, “That’s been true for a long, long time,” citing former governor Parris Glendening,
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
who also got his start on the Hyattsville city council. WINNIE OBIKE CANDIDATE FOR STATE DELEGATE, DISTRICT 22 A doctoral candidate in communications at the University of Maryland, Winnie Obike is, at the age of 28, the youngest Hyattsvillian running for state office. She is also the only candidate running as a Republican. In 2015, Obike ran for Hyattsville City Council in a heated seven-way race, and she’s using that campaign experience in her run for state delegate. Obike reflects Hyattsville’s growing population of young parents who are connected to this community and active in politics on local and national levels. When asked why she thinks so many Hyattsville residents make the commitment to run for office, Obike said, “Hyattsvillians are super active in the electoral process as voters, and as people running [to become] elected officials, because Hyattsville is a melting pot with people from all parts of the country living as good neighbors to each other. It also flows from the fact that we have an active city government that really cares about the people.” CANDACE B. HOLLINGSWORTH CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 2 After moving to Hyattsville in 2009, a place she felt her family could afford and a community in which she and her husband could confidently raise their children, Hollingsworth quickly got involved in serving the community. She was an officer with the PTA at Hyattsville Elementary, where her children (whom she cites as the largest reason for her participation in politics) attended school, before being elected to represent Ward 1 on the Hyattsville City Council from 2011 to 2014. She has served as Hyattsville’s mayor since 2015. (If elected to the county council, Hollingsworth will have to resign from the last six months of her term as mayor.) On her website, Hollingsworth says, “Our communities are full of leaders — people who invest
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their time to build better schools and neighborhoods.” Hollingsworth has seen this at a local level as a city councilmember and mayor, but says “I decided to run for a countylevel position because I’ve seen what we’ve done in Hyattsville and the pride in our city that we’ve engendered, and I want to see the same for all of our communities.” Being a part of Hyattsville’s unique brand of community, she says, has “renewed my faith in community and my beliefs in the strength of civic engagement” that has motivated so many in Hyattsville to run for office. PETER KILLOUGH CANDIDATE FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE Judge Peter Killough was appointed to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, part of the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Maryland, by Governor Larry Hogan in 2017. He is now running for election to continue in one of the 23 spots for full-time judges. Killough has spent almost 30 years practicing law and remarks that it is a difficult but fulfilling job. “When we see people in court, it can be the worst day of their lives, and you try to balance that out,” he says, by being compassionate and ethical while following the law. While voters often overlook judges on the ballot, Killough says it is important to make sure that you are voting for judges that represent the demographics of your community and will be able to undertake the large workload. The judges on the circuit court sit on jury trials, so their work directly impacts the community. He is currently the only judge from Hyattsville on the court. He says Hyattsville, where he lives with his wife Jamila and his children, is the most civic-minded and engaged community he has been a part of,
and is amazed at the number of people who not only run for office, but actively support those who do. DANNY SCHAIBLE CANDIDATE FOR DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE Danny Schaible, who has lived in Hyattsville since 2016, says that the events of the 2016 election thrust him into politics. He began with local activism, purchasing and distributing more than 200 trilingual “No Matter Where You Are From, We’re Glad You Are Our Neighbor” signs that can be seen all over Hyattsville. “Things snowballed from there,” Schaible says, and now he is running for the Democratic Central Committee. Why the leap from homegrown activism to political office? “People in Hyattsville are ready to take active roles in participatory democracy,” said Schaible. He hopes to make such participation easier by working to establish a Democratic convention in Maryland, having open primaries and abolishing superdelegates. Schaible acknowledged that he has “learned a great deal from my friends and neighbors,” and says he is inspired by “the level of thoughtful and passionate involvement from community members,” most recently residents who have spoken out about the possible Magruder Pointe development. Schaible credits community diversity with creating the political and social activism in which so many in Hyattsville participate. DAVID HILES CANDIDATE FOR DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE David Hiles has been a resident of Hyattsville since 2007. He ran and won election for Hyattsville City Council in 2009. He championed park improvement in the
city, and, as a Hyattsville-Mount Rainier-Brentwood sports league coach, he was concerned about making the city’s muddy soccer fields more usable. He served four years on the city council, helping pass policies on Monday yard-waste pickup and native species street trees. He also promoted a reformed budget process. Before serving on the Hyattsville City Council, Hiles was a member of the Riverdale Park City Council, and he helped improve the safety of the railroad crossing on Queensbury Road. Now, Hiles wants to take his service to the next level with Maryland’s Democratic Central Committee. Hiles said he wants to give Hyattsville a voice in creating the first state-wide Democratic platform. He is working on this issue to provide a structure for strong Hyattsville voices to engage more effectively in state politics. “It is amazing to me that for this energetic community, three of our four representatives in Annapolis were appointed [vs. elected] to their first terms. We should be filling these positions with people who have municipal experience and organic connections to our communities,” said Hiles. Hiles continued, “One of the best parts of Hyattsville is its openness to diversity and the international community.” Asked why he thinks so many Hyattsvillians go into politics, Hiles referenced the strength of the community, saying, “Strong municipalities help people get into government — people closely connected to the community — it’s those people who should move up and expand on that organic connection.” Hyattsville has produced diverse candidates for several levels of county and state office, and you can be proud to be part of a community that encourages and fosters political involvement at every level. Be sure to do your part to make Hyattsville’s voice heard! Early voting is from June 14 through 21.
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Page 17
COMMUNITY CALENDAR June 14
Riverdale Farmers Market. Weekly farmers market featuring produce, handmade goods, food vendors and music. 3 to 7 p.m. 4650 Queensbury Rd., Riverdale Brent wood Gay Pride Day. Cele b r ate co n t r i b u tions of the LGBT community with a picnic. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips/ salsa and soft drinks will be provided. Bring a covered side dish to share. Free. 6:30 p.m. Bartlett Park, 4301 38th St. 301.927.3344
June 16
Public Art Workshop. Join Art Works Now, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Urban Arts Leadership Program and the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance to create public art for display at MilkBoy ArtHouse in College Park. Free. Open to all ages. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Art Works
Now, 4800 Rhode Island Ave, Suite 1. 301.454.0808 HyFest Live Music Showcase. Featuring four local bands and Maryland vendors. Doors open at 4 p.m.; music starts at 5 p.m. Family-friendly until 8 p.m. No pets, no smoking. Donation requested to cover cost of the bands; free to kids under 18. Polka Dot Park, 4320 Hamilton St. Ticket info: www.eventbrite.com/e/hyfesttickets-46473924760; hyfest@ gmail.com
EMAIL EVENTS TO THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR AT MARIA@HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM
June 16 and 17
Freedom of Expression Dance Project. Lesole’s Dance Project, in partnership with the South Africa Embassy, honors South Africa’s Youth Day and Juneteenth. $40 for VIP, $25 for general admission, $15 for children under 15, students and seniors. June 16 at 8 p.m. and June 17 at 4 p.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier. www.joesmovement.org
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda,
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Last fall I moved into my home in Hyattsville. There wasn’t much happening in the garden then, but this spring it was simply gorgeous with flowering azaleas, and lots and lots of daffodils. Now it looks like ... Gehenna ... Hades ... you name the nether region! The withered flowers on the azaleas are dropping off on their own, but I want to get out and clip off those biliously mottled daffodil leaves flopping everywhere like nasty tentacles. A friend warned me to leave them on or there won’t be any flowers next spring. She insists that I wait till they fall away on their own, which she says takes six to eight weeks, and then I can pick them up and compost them. Looking out of the window in revulsion, I realize I can’t tolerate this hideousness that long. Tell me what I can do now, and in the future. Living in the Styx on Livingston Street Dear Living in the Styx,
The University of Maryland’s Legacy Leadership Institute on Public Policy, in partnership with the state of Maryland, is looking for volunteers age 50+ to serve as volunteer legislative leaders during the 2018-2019 session of the Maryland General Assembly. The twelve week classroom training (two days per week) begins September 13, 2018, at the College Park campus, with site visits to the state complex in Annapolis. The volunteer assignment in Annapolis will be for a minimum of two days per week, starting January 9, 2019 and ending April 8, 2019. The placements will be in the office of members of the Maryland General Assembly. For more information, or for an application, contact Wesley Queen at wqueen@umd.edu or call (301)405-2529
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The bad news is that you do have to wait till you can easily pull the leaves out of the ground manually, and that takes a few weeks. You certainly want your daffodils to return all their energy back into their bulbs so they can bloom for you again next spring. Obviously, you can and should remove the shrivelled flowers and any pods that have already formed, so as to prevent the plants from putting their energy into seed production. What is less obvious is that you must allow those discolored leaves to finish converting sunlight back into the sugars that will fortify the bulbs during dormancy. Some people tie back or even braid the leaves, but that is a lot of work for as many daffodils as you have. In addition, it reduces the light the leaves can receive to produce nutrition for the bulb, which only
prolongs the die-back process and harms the plant. The good news is that you can hide the leaves with other plantings. Just as some us will put on a cap or kerchief on a bad hair day, something similar can be done for plants during a bad foliage month. So just buy some packs of colorful annuals and plant them where they will camouflage the unsightly leaves. That will do for the short term. For the long term, you might consider perennials that would consistently cover the daffodils at the end of their bloom time. In my cousin Asphodel’s shade garden, leaves of her hostas, which were nowhere in sight when the daffodils were in bloom, have popped up and are all one notices. In the sunny area of her garden, her peonies have performed the same service, but they also will die back fairly soon. Cousin Asphodel foresaw that in her planning, so by the time your letter is published, daylilies will have succeeded the peonies. Their leaves will stay green and perky even after the flowers have finished blooming. In addition, there are various groundcovers that would effectively cover your daffodils without preventing them from coming through and reblooming next spring. Probably the easiest and prettiest would be creeping phlox or foam flower. You do want to avoid deep-rooted perennials that might draw away moisture and nutrition from the regenerating bulbs. And please don’t forget that daffodils are among the loveliest and most reliable of spring flowers. Forgive them for not always looking their best. To meet other gardeners and ask more questions, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural society on Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. It will take place at the beautiful home of Jeff and Marsha Moulton, 6122 42nd Avenue.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
HEADMASTER
continued from page 3
of America in Washington, D.C. Hanby described Crawford as meeting all the criteria the SJI board sought for its headmaster: someone who had launched a school, had a solid administrative background and had experience teaching in a classical setting. He continued, “Someone who would be a teacher of teachers” and “who had the heart and spirit to grasp and create the culture of joy and of wonder and of adventure that we have envisioned for this school, and that are intrinsic to true education and to a life lived nobly and well.” Handby ended, “Someone who loves children and remembers what it’s like to see the world through their eyes.” After noting that “SJI is going to be in excellent hands,” Hanby quipped, “Rumor also has it [Crawford’s] a pretty good brewmaster.” Contacted via email after his talk, Crawford explained, “Alas, I can in no way claim to be a brewmaster … I am merely an all-grain homebrewer who enjoys making Belgian and Scottish style beers as a hobby.” In his address, Crawford noted that education is a very controversial topic in American society. He said, “And yet beneath the clear lines of contention … there is a striking consensus in today’s culture surrounding education, and that is that the state of contemporary American education is one of alarming failure.” Crawford indicated that there was no consensus, however, on what the problem was or how to move forward, other than “a general trend of trying to throw more money
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and technology at the problem, even if schools have declined at almost a similar rate as technology has been injected.” Crawford said that parents and educators need to ask themselves, “What is it we truly want for our children?” In the U.S., there is a widespread industrial view of education that sees the child as an input-output machine to load with facts in a push to attain rapid content mastery and specialization as quickly as possible. Crawford, in the classical tradition, holds a different perspective: He views education as rooted in the broader task of raising a child, helping a child to know that “they have a purpose not created by themselves but built into their humanity, their nature.” He continued, “Their task is to embark on the adventure of coming to know this purpose, coming to realize it and receive it as the greatest of gifts.” Crawford cited Robert Spaemann’s essay “Education as an Introduction to Reality” in its assertion that education is not primarily about knowledge acquisition but about introducing a child to reality. If education is technical knowledge mastery, the student is placed in a position of dominance and their job is to master the facts. Crawford said, “Questions about the purpose of life, beauty or almost any question starting with a ‘why’ are irritating to a teacher because they are distractions from the purpose [of mastering facts]. The why doesn’t matter … The standard for fact assimilation is
COURTESY OF DEIRDRE MCQUADE/ST. JEROME INSTITUTE Peter Crawford, the new headmaster of St. Jerome Institute, addressed a standing-room-only crowd in the St. Jerome Academy library on May 24.
correctness: Do the recited facts correspond with the textbook?” In contrast, if education is an introduction to reality, the student is placed into a position of humility. Crawford said, “The teacher’s job is to remove prejudice in the child, to ask them to consider carefully the world, which they receive in the structure of gift as a whole, to see the language of reality, to be convicted by it, to ask, ‘why?’” Crawford quoted Plutarch, “The mind is not a container to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” Crawford spoke about the classical approach, which will be implemented in SJI classrooms. This approach incorporates the Socratic method of questions and discussion, which promotes a spirit of inquiry. Crawford said
that when a student walks into a classroom, he wants them to relinquish their prejudices and approach the subject matter with a receptive and humble attitude. He said, “This humility unshackles the reality for the student, and, in turn, frees the student to see the reality as it is. The reality is infinitely more interesting than the student’s prejudice, and it fills a student with awe.” This humility is not just essential to the subject matter of the class but to the formation of the community of the classroom. Crawford said, “It does not take long to discover that the full richness of whatever we are learning, whether in a science lab, Crime and Punishment, or a discussion on functions, that I, by myself, encounter only part of the full
spectrum of this reality.” A student learns to be humble before others in the class, said Crawford, “as I realize that they, more often than not, see many things that I do not.” However, a student also learns “that [they] must be courageous and generous with [their] own thoughts.” During this process, Crawford said, “Each student is donated the full wealth of insight that belongs to the community,” while the process sets the stage for them to be active in their own formation through ever-deepening inquiry. During the Q&A session that followed his address, Crawford said that the most important factor in a child’s education is the faculty. He said, “The student culture will always reflect the beauty or dysfunction of a faculty.” Crawford described a headmaster’s main job as being not an administrator or a bureaucrat, but a teacher of teachers. In his current job as the headmaster at Great Hearts Monte Vista North, for example, Crawford observed his first-year teachers once a week, and gave them written and verbal feedback on each occasion. About one of his master teachers — “One of the greatest Latin teachers I’ve ever seen” — Crawford wryly noted, “He gets observed only once every two weeks.” SJI will be hosting numerous events between Crawford’s July start date and the fall of 2019. To learn more about the development of SJI and upcoming enrollment events, visit stjeromeinstitute.org.
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GROWTH
continued from page 1
the site of the future Riverfront at West Hyattsville is almost ready for construction. This development will be built in two phases: first, construction of 183 townhouses, and later, a multifamily building of 300 to 400 apartments. The target date for completion is 2020. Land has been cleared for the planned Landy neighborhood. Preliminary plans submitted to the city council in February call for 341 townhouses off Belcrest Road and behind Northwestern High School. An additional major project is underway at Belcrest Plaza.
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
When completed, this project will offer 2,400 apartment units and 500,000 square feet of office and retail space. This development abuts Hyattsville, but falls outside the municipal boundaries. Renovation of the Metro II building within University Town Center (UTC) is slated to start later this year. This adaptive reuse of the former office building is projected to add 311 rental apartments, along with residential amenities and parking just a short distance from the movie theater, shops and restaurants. On May 7, a proposal for Hyatt View, which would add eight new townhomes near the intersection of Oglethorpe and 44th
Avenue, was presented to the city council. This plan is currently under review and was scheduled to come before the planning board on June 7. On June 4, the city council voted against supporting a conceptual plan submitted by Werrlein Properties to construct 16 single-family homes and 67 town homes on the site of the former Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) headquarters. Development of this Magruder Pointe plot has engendered a significant amount of passionate discussion, with many neighbors sharing opinions both in favor of and against the Werrlein plan at council meetings, on the Speak Up HVL online forum, and the HOPE in Hyattsville email listserv. The council rejected changing the Gateway Arts District Table of Uses to permit residential development in the lower parking lot area of Magruder Park, but did not preclude future redevelopment of the vacant WSSC site. Altogether, the city government projects that the approved developments within city limits will bring around 3,000 new residents to Hyattsville. If current proposals under consideration are approved, Hyatt View and the Riverfront at West Hyattsville Phase II developments would further increase the city’s population by an estimated 562 to 742 people. At full occupancy, Belcrest Pla-
za would house an estimated 4,320 residents. More families living in and around Hyattsville means that the school system will have to accommodate more students. Prince George’s County charges companies building in Hyattsville a $9,317 fee per unit for improvements to schools in the county. The city council can also lobby the county council and Prince George’s County Board of Education to increase funding for local public schools. Jim Chandler, assistant city administrator and director of Community and Economic Development, said he expects the residential growth will boost business for Hyattsville’s shops and restaurants and open additional commercial opportunities. “Retail follows rooftops,” Chandler said. Most of the city’s new growth is burgeoning near the city’s three unique commercial corridors and two Metro stations. This fits with the city’s strategy of encouraging higher-density development near public transit routes, improving accessibility and walkability and mitigating traffic impacts. Chandler recognizes that the local markets for owners and renters are linked to the increasingly expensive ones in Washington, D.C. “We are seeing this boom of development in large part because the private sector has recognized that there
is unmet demand, and Hyattsville’s proximity to D.C. and the quality of life that it offers is appealing to buyers,” he said. For several years, Hyattsville has been featured in Washingtonian Magazine as one of the hottest communities in the D.C. area, especially for those looking for their first home. The city’s aesthetic appeal, affordability, Metro accessibility, vibrant shopping and dining options, and diverse and welcoming community are consistently cited as reasons to live in Hyattsville. The new apartments, condos and town homes broaden housing options in Hyattsville, which largely consists of single-family homes, and the increased supply is expected to help slow inflation in the local housing market. The city council is also pursuing policies to ensure that Hyattsville remains an affordable community for new and long-time residents alike. These policies include a possible tax credit for developers who build new inexpensive units and subsidies for necessary renovations to existing affordable housing. Detailed information about proposed and ongoing development projects, as well as the development review process and how residents can share their perspectives can be found on the city’s website. Readers can also view the latest semi-annual economic development report.
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
Page 21
CulturalConnections From the Costa Rican rainforest to Hyattsville find an excuse to be with friends. In Costa Rica, people will just show Mirieth Valenciano hails from San up; they never make an appointCarlos, Costa Rica, a region re- ment. They’ll stop whatever they’re nowned for dairy farms: “It’s only doing to feed you, give you coffee.” 100 km (62 miles) from San José, Costa Rica’s motto “pura vida” but because the roads are (meaning “pure life”) is reso bad, it takes about flected in the country’s two hours to get infrastructure, which there.” Valenciano’s places a strong emphachildhood was sis on education and steeped in family — environmental consershe is one of seven sibvation: “When the army lings and has many was eliminated in the relatives — and filled MIRIETH VALENCIANO 1940s, one of the main with outdoor adobjectives was to invest ventures. She would often visit her money in education. Everyone grandparents’ farm where she says gets a free education. There is she “would climb a tree, find a good also a strong focus on protecting branch and study from it. My friend nature. My family is nuts about and I would find a mud pit on our recycling everything. If somebikes and get dirty. I remember get- thing breaks, you fix it and use it ting bitten by a goose.” until it doesn’t work any more. It’s Because of the relaxed nature very different in the U.S., where if of the culture, Ticos (a colloquial something breaks you get rid of it term for Costa Ricans) “are super and buy a new one. There is not friendly and welcoming, even more as much focus on consumerism with foreigners. Any chance they [in Costa Rica]. People are sathave, they will go to the beach and isfied with what they have. The By Julia Gaspar-Bates
focus is to relax with friends and not overwork.” While studying law at university in San José, Valenciano met her future husband, William, an American who was spending the summer there: “We were on a camping trip knee-deep in mud in the rainforest. For me, it was love at first sight.” For the next four years, they maintained a long-distance relationship, eventually marrying in Costa Rica and then moving to Baltimore, where William was working on his doctorate. Valenciano’s first culture shock concerned the racial tension she felt in the U.S., something she never experienced in Costa Rica. She doesn’t “recall any racial tensions [there], even though we are pretty mixed. You never hear about skin color classification. There is a class system based on money, but it is not super strong. People intermingle across classes.” She also encountered challenges making American friends: “I am very open, and I tried to adapt and
be flexible. Americans are open in the sense that they are free about saying things without judgments. But it’s easy to misinterpret their intentions that they want to be friends because they share personal things. People would make comments about getting together and then wouldn’t follow up, and I thought there was something wrong with me. People are much more individualistic and more competitive. They think more about their advancement, and other people are not necessarily taken into account.” American food choices presented difficulties, as well: “I also found the food so unhealthy and processed. It’s difficult to find healthy food that is affordable. In Costa Rica it’s the opposite. Even today, if the food is not made from scratch I try not to eat it.” After spending five years in William’s hometown in Florida, the couple returned to the Mid-Atlantic, as William got a job in Washington, D.C. After a couple of years, they heard about the EYA develop-
ment in Hyattsville from one of her husband’s co-workers. “We didn’t know about the community. We drove around and thought it was nice.” Three and a half years later, they are settled in. “I like that there are a lot of families with kids, and now that I have a son, there is the possibility for him to grow up with friends. I also like the diversity and the sense of community. I’ve seen it at the moms’ group. People can ask people for things at any time, and they are willing to help.” Although Valenciano misses her family and the relaxed lifestyle in Costa Rica, she is unsure if she wants to return: “I feel that it’s safer here. You have to have bars on your windows [in Costa Rica]. You can’t leave anything outside because someone will steal it. You have to live in a cage so people can’t get into your house. I’m comfortable here and feel like I’ve found my place. This is where I belong now.” “Cultural Connections” seeks immigrant and foreign residents to highlight. Interested? Contact Julia Gaspar-Bates at jagsatori@hotmail. com.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2018
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