Local graffiti crew holds gallery event. P. 8
COMPLETE GUIDE OF CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL — PAGE 7
Aftercare, bikeshare programs in FY2018 budget By Ellen Treimel
The Hyattsville City Council and city administrative staff held their second working meeting on the fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget on March 15. City Administrator Tracey Nicholson opened the meeting by presenting accomplishments from FY 2017 and then focusing on highlights and budget priorities for the upcoming year. The total operating budget for FY 2018 is $25 million. Capital improvements are targeted to increase 39 percent, to $9.9 million, and major revenue is expected to increase in FY 2018. This increase will include real property taxes, which are anticipated to be approximately $11.3 million, and an anticipated $2.3 million in city income and operating taxes. The city currently has about $7 million in cash reserves. The Hyattsville Life & Times reached out to city council members and the city’s financial advisor for comments about FY 2017 accomplishments and the FY 2018 budget proposal. When asked about whether the city achieved its FY 2017 goals, Council President Edouard Haba (Ward 4) stated, “Yes, if you look at the overall goals. This is especially true when you look at capital improvement projects. The renovation of our Public Works Department facility is progressing according to timeline. The same goes for road improvements in the University Hills neighborhood. In the Community Services Department, I would say that they went above and beyond to provide quality programming and services.” There are a number of major initiatives introduced by the mayor
Life&Times
Vol. 14 No. 4
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
April 2017
Hyattsville one step from sanctuary By Ben Simasek
The city council voted Monday night to make Hyattsville a sanctuary city, declaring that the city’s police force and staff will not intervene in federal immigration matters. In their first vote to formally introduce the measure, councilmembers voted 8-2 in favor of the ordinance. A second vote for final adoption of the ordinance
is scheduled for the April 17 council meeting. Councilmembers Paula Perry (Ward 4) and Ruth Ann Frazier (Ward 5) voted against the ordinance. Perry, who said she was “on the fence” about co-sponsoring the ordinance after being asked, expressed concern about people potentially misunderstanding the limited scope of the legislation, leading to a “false sense of security.” “I don’t want anyone to have any false hopes
that they’re completely protected when they’re not,” Perry said. Council President Edouard Haba (Ward 4) underscored the importance of spreading public awareness about the details of the ordinance. “I invite everyone, even those who SANCTUARY continued on page 13
HERE COMES
WHOLE FOODS Riverdale Park opening shines spotlight on new development, Route 1 Corridor By Heather Wright
The first Whole Foods Market in Prince George’s County will open April 12 on Baltimore Avenue in Riverdale Park. The 40,000-square-foot store will be the primary anchor for Riverdale Park Station, the mixed-use development by Calvin Cafritz EnterWHOLE FOODS continued on page 17
BUDGET continued on page 6
CENTER SECTION: APRIL 11, 2017 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO! HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383
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