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District 3 special election is March 11, P.6
Artist uses unique technique for fish mural, P.12
Korean BBQ experience: more than food
By LILLIAN GLAROS
Walk into either of College Park’s Korean barbeque joints and you’ll be greeted by the sizzling sounds of grilling and the hum of families and students chatting over their meals. Then, you’ll sit down and start cooking.
In the Korean barbecue style of cooking, diners grill their own meat or seafood right at their tables.
“It’s more fun, informal, the customers get involved,” said Annie Ni, the shift lead and a server at Honey Pig Korean BBQ, one of two Korean barbeque restaurants in College Park. Honey Pig opened in January, and the city’s other Korean barbeque, MeatUp Korean Barbeque & Bar, started up a year ago. A third, Iron Pig, opened in nearby Berwyn Heights in 2021.
Korean barbecue has been a growing trend for years. Market research and technology company Circana reported in September that the number of Korean restaurants, including barbecue places, increased by 10% over the past year.
Ni said the number of restaurants is growing because of how customizable the dining
MONTH
Female councilmembers
ect on political journey
By IJEOMA OPARA
When Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell (District 4) first considered running for a seat on College Park’s City Council in 2007, she hesitated.
Despite her years of involvement in community activism, Mitchell, now 61, always stayed behind the scenes.
“I never would have thought I
would be an elected official,” she said. “I was shy, bashful, scared to get in front of people to speak.”
Two years later and with some encouragement from mentors and friends, she contested against an incumbent city council official and won.
Now, Mitchell is one of four female councilmembers who serve on the city’s governing
Tenants union calls for investigation
By KATELYNN WINEBRENNER
The College Park Tenants Union urged the city council in February to investigate accusations that the landlords of six large apartment complexes participated in price-fixing for rents.
Three of the companies named in lawsuits own or manage The Varsity, Union on Knox, Atworth, Monument Village, Domain and Aster, which together make up 1,934 units in College Park near the University of Maryland (UMD).
“Local involvement is necessary to protect tenants from predatory pricing, and we would urge the city council to investigate the nature of RealPage,” Gannon Sprinkle, a cofounder of the union and a former deputy student liaison to the city council, said.
Greystar Management Services, Bozzuto Management Co. and UDR Inc. (United Dominion Realty Trust) are involved in lawsuits that allege they use RealPage, a software company that offers price-setting features based on algorithms.
The average rent in the city is $1,865 per month, which is 20% higher than the national average rent price, according to data from Apartments.com, which is owned by CoStar Group.
“The actual cost of housing is one of the most frequently brought-up concerns,” Dhruvak Mirani, co-founder of the tenants union and the 2023-24 student liaison to the city council, said.
In December, the White House Council of Economic Advisers did an analysis of the economic
COLLEGE PARK’S
Diners at Honey Pig Korean BBQ on Baltimore Avenue cook their food on a tabletop grill. LILLIAN GLAROS
UMD student creates map of missing, murdered Native Americans
By CASEY GLICKMAN
Khadijah Britton, a member of the Wailaki Round Valley Indian tribe in Covelo, California, disappeared in February 2019. Susan Fast Eagle west missing from Rapid City, South Dakota, in May 2021. Nyvelle Stone-Quick Bea was murdered in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, a year later.
These are just a few of the stories highlighted on University of Maryland (UMD) student Linaly Miyamoto’s interactive map, which pinpoints the locations where 500 or so indigenous women have gone missing or been murdered in the United States.
According to a 2016 National Institute of Justice report, four out of five Native American and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetimes, more than one in three in the past year.
“You don’t really know how big the issue is unless you see it on the map,” said Miyamoto, who is Vietnamese and Coast Salish Cowichan—a tribe of indigenous peoples from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island in Canada.
A junior information science major who lives in College Park, Miyamoto took part in the Center for Native American Youth’s digital arts fellowship last year. The Remembering Our Sisters fellowship offers a platform for young indigenous women
murdered.
to advocate for change and honor those in their culture who have fallen victim to the missing and murdered indigenous peoples epidemic.
Miyamoto, who was raised in Washington by her father and grandparents, said she was taught the value of looking out for her community. Her grandmother is
a medical assistant at the Seattle Indian Health Board, and many of her cousins work in the health industry, focusing on the well-being of the native community.
Miyamoto’s grandmother was an important figure in her life, but growing up under her wing was not always an enlightening experience, Miyamoto said. Miyamoto saw the struggles her native community faced, especially because her grandmother was not one to shy away from complaints or pessimism.
“I think seeing my grandma struggling with her indigenous identity ... really was my reason for joining the fellowship,” Miyamoto said. “When you complain about something, but do nothing about it, then I don’t see a reason why you should not be doing anything.”
Miyamoto’s grandmother often mentioned the lack of data on missing and murdered indigenous women, so Miyamoto used this to fuel her project, creating a map to centralize countless information onto one platform.
“There is not a lot of data that is accessible,” said Samantha Hintz, a program coordinator for Remembering Our Sisters, “especially done by indigenous people for indigenous people.”
Miyamoto’s data search began on Facebook, looking through pictures people
Council asks developer to include a ordable units in new building
By RILEY BOMGARDNER
College Park City Councilmembers on March 4 objected to a plan to demolish the 63-yearold College Park Towers near the University of Maryland (UMD) and replace it with two luxury high-rise apartment buildings.
A council worksession, intended for representatives of Landmark Properties to request rezoning of their property at
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4330 Hartwick Road for future development, quickly escalated into a tense conversation about the lack of affordable housing in College Park.
“Luxury apartments are replacing affordable housing,” Erica Otte, the council’s nonvoting student liaison, said. “I know students who have had to take out loans to get apartments here.”
Councilmember John Rigg (District 3) agreed.
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“What we have on site right now is an example of pretty good, market-rate affordable housing that would be difficult to replicate and if it is gone, then it is gone,” Rigg said. “I find myself not considerably enthusiastic” about the new development. Rigg pushed back on remarks by Chris Hatcher, the attorney for Landmark Properties, who suggested the council was being inconsistent with prior guidance indicating the city
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had posted of their missing relatives. The project culminated in a map highlighting each of these women’s names, any information that is known about their stories, and where they went missing or were murdered.
“I have seen some of my indigenous relatives being either missing or murdered,” Miyamoto said. “My goal is to show how big this issue is towards our people.”
By creating a visual that shows the magnitude of this issue, Miyamoto said she not only hopes to increase public awareness of the issue, but to inspire viewers to take action. For her, addressing the epidemic begins with one thing: better resources for native reservations.
“It’s exhausting to see that my community doesn’t have the resources to build up their wealth, to build up their mindset,” Miyamoto said.
Miyamoto said she hopes that after people see her map they consider visiting nearby native reservations to see how they can help support the community and offer health-focused resources. Miyamoto’s map could be the first step to inspiring this change, Hintz said. “You’re not going to be able to find another map like this out there,” she said. To view the map, visit https://tinyurl. com/5e55655v.
welcomes student housing on the east side of Route 1, the same side where College Park Towers is located.
Councilmember Alan Hew (District 1) was the first to raise concerns about Landmark Properties’ proposal.
“One thing I will always ask is that there be a percentage of affordable housing built into this,” Hew said.
Llatetra Brown Esters (District 2) echoed that request, saying UMD students are the primary residents of College Park Towers.
“Students have come to us to say that they can’t afford a lot of the housing that currently exists in the city,” Esters said. “It’s important that the individuals who are building truly consider the need to incorporate some level of affordable housing.”
Every member of the council, including Otte and Anna-Kaye McDonald, the deputy student liaison, argued for affordable housing.
Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell (District 4) argued that The Mark at College Park and its developer are trying to sell a vision that is not accessible to its main audience: students.
“We need to be more collective in letting students find housing that is affordable and that they can afford, not what you’re trying to sell,” Mitchell told Hatcher. Hamilton Reynolds, a Land-
mark representative, said the developer has not set a price for rentals in the new complex but noted that a one-bedroom apartment at The Standard at College Park, which Landmark also developed on the same block, rents for approximately $2,600 a month.
College Park Towers, completed in 1962, is surrounded by Terrapin Row, The Standard, Union on Knox and UMD student housing.
College Park Towers contains 205 condominiums owned by multiple individuals and rented mostly to students. Plans for The Mark include 600 to 690 dwelling units, along with built-in pocket parks, other green spaces, artistic crosswalks and ADAcompliant sidewalks.
The developer’s representatives, who said construction would span five years, proposed that the building be allowed to contain 150 units per acre rather than 140, which is what its current zoning allows. They also asked for zoning that would allow the structures to be closer to the street than the usual setback.
Council members called on the developer to amend the plan for The Mark to include affordable housing.
The council did not take action and scheduled a follow-up meeting with the developers for the March 18 council meeting.
University of Maryland student Linaly Miyamoto has created a map showing where hundreds of indigenous women went missing or were found
University Club to get repairs, upgrades
By JALEN WADE
The 60-year-old University Club at College Park on Berwyn House Road will undergo a major renovation starting this summer.
Matt Hurson of Cape Advisers, which bought the building in November for $10.5 million, said the leases of the 135-unit student housing complex’s tenants will expire in July, so the building will be empty.
Those who return likely will face higher rents once the building has upgraded water and electrical systems, higherend furnishings and outdoor amenities like a fire pit and patio, Hurson said.
“This property was of interest to us because of its distress pricing, but the fact that it is a property that needs a lot of work,” Hurson said. “So it’s something where our skill set can add value, because we manage architects and engineers and contractors.”
Some residents agreed the
building needs work.
“I would say sometimes the lighting goes out,” tenant Michael Harris, a sophomore business finance major at the University of Maryland (UMD) said. “Sometimes the air conditioning doesn’t work that much. So sometimes, like when it’s cold [indoors or] like when it’s hot, I will have to open the windows. And I would say, like, the water is the worst part. It cuts off here and there, like, almost every three, four weeks.”
Also called the Yugo apartments, the complex was built in 1965 and has never undergone a major renovation, Huron said. Rents range from $609 to $1,218 a month.
City Councilmember Susan Whitney (District 2) said the potential rent increase concerns her.
“There is a problem with a lack of affordable housing in general in the city, but also specifically for students,” Whitney said. “And this is one of the
more affordable … buildings in the city. And my concern is that, you know, adding amenities to the apartments, updating them … my assumption is they’re doing that so they can raise rents and command more money for the apartments.”
Still, she said she appreciates that the buyer saw value in fixing the building rather than tearing it down.
Hurson said the repairs will be extensive.
For example, adding laundry machines inside the units will require an upgrade to the electrical system. In addition, the renovation will include upgrades to the building’s plumbing system and the addition of outdoor recreational spaces.
“That is better done with vacant units, so that you can turn the power off for an extended period of time while you replace all the wire and all the electrical panels,” Hurson said, explaining the need for the building to be empty before work begins.
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College Park Woods Clubhouse opens
By OLIVER MACK
The long-awaited College Park Woods Clubhouse opened to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 6 after about a year of construction.
The city purchased the property, at 3545 Marlbrough Way, in 2018, but construction was delayed by
the pandemic.
“This is a really, really wonderful time for us to celebrate,” College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir told the audience at the ceremony. “This is your second home. Please enjoy it.”
The College Park City Council approved a $1.3 million contract with Rainbow Construction Co. in February 2024 to build the
clubhouse, which will be used as a multi-purpose gathering place for meetings, parties, classes and events.
Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell (District 4) said the new community space, which is in her district, fulfills part of the city’s strategic plan to bring College Park together.
“Having this is important, because engagement means inclusivity,” Mitchell said. “And that means people can feel like they belong together.”
Some residents who attended the ribbon cutting said the new space will bring a stronger sense of community to broader College Park.
“I hope that it will unite us as a city,” resident Mary Anne Hakes, who works on the city’s Explorations on Aging project, said.
“We’re 17 different neighborhoods. … We’re very far removed from each other. … I think to have a place that could be seen as a gathering place for all neighborhoods would really help create a sense of community.”
The clubhouse features two main rooms separated by a divider that can retract to create one larger space. The building also has a lobby and kitchen space, along with a gender-neutral bathroom.
The unused outdoor space surrounding the building could be used for another amenity to the complex, Kabir said, floating the idea of a community garden.
The property, once a privatelyowned swim club, had fallen into disrepair before the city purchased it for $585,000, using a state grant.
Broughton Construction Co.
worked with the city to demolish the existing facility, including the pool, before starting construction, but setbacks during the pandemic forced the company to leave the agreement, which delayed the project.
The swimming club was part of the foundation of the community, Mitchell said.
“When the pool leadership decided to talk to the city of College Park about the possibility of the city purchasing this, it was a winwin because it was something that’s going to stay within the actual community,” Mitchell said.
“I’m just really excited about it.” County Councilmember Eric Olson (District 3), Mitchell and College Park Councilmember Maria Mackie (District 4) also spoke at the ceremony.
“We will start a new era of acceptance and community as we meet together in this place,” Mackie said during her remarks. “I’m looking forward with great anticipation to the upcoming years of this facility being a place and a home of sweet fellowship and joyful memories.”
Barbara Pianowski, the swim club’s former president, said the new space is “wonderful.”
“It’s good to see your neighbor,” Pianowski said. “It’s a good place to meet.”
Proposal would keep beer pong tables hidden
By CHARLOTTE KANNER
The College Park City Council has scheduled a public hearing for April 1 on a proposed amendment to the city code that will forbid residents from keeping tables used for drinking games in their front and side yards.
At the hearing, residents may also speak on a proposed change requiring them to store their trash and recycling carts on the side or back of their homes instead of in front.
The first proposed amendment, which the council briefly discussed at its March 4 meeting, would require residents with tables or surfaces for beer pong and other drinking games to store them in spots that are not visible from the street.
“One thing we’ve always struggled with, one very specific piece of furniture, and that is a beer pong table,” Councilmember John Rigg (District 3) said during a lengthy discussion at a July council meeting. “That has been very problematic.”
To play beer pong, a player tries to throw a ping pong ball into a cup of beer or another drink on an opponent’s side of a table. If the ball lands in the cup, the opponent has to drink the contents of the cup.
Rigg said he has spent years knocking on the doors of students and others to address resident concerns about drinking games in Calvert Hills, the neighborhood where he lives.
A large number of University of Maryland (UMD) students rent homes there.
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Rigg added that his efforts have not been successful.
“People really don’t appreciate drinking games next door … on their street when they are trying to encourage their children to have healthier approaches to alcohol than is exhibited by such drinking games,” Rigg said at the July meeting.
During that council meeting, members debated the language of the proposed ordinance and what constitutes a beer pong table.
“The moment you are using it for a drinking game, it becomes a table that is used for a drinking game and therefore cannot be [stored] in the [front] yard,” Rigg said.
Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1) suggested the proposed change imposes excessive restrictions on residents.
“It is a targeted policy to curb [the] behavior of a particular group of people,” Hernandez said, noting he has witnessed the “un-neighborly” atmosphere that drinking games create. Still, he questioned how much control the city should have over what residents keep in their yards.
Councilmembers on March 4 also discussed another proposal that would require residents to hide their trash and recycling
bins from street view.
Councilmember Maria Mackie (District 4) expressed concern that steep streets in her district could make it difficult for some residents to move their carts to the side or back of their homes, so they store them on their street-facing driveways close to the house or garage.
“We have many people that are on a hill, and it’s very hard for them to be taking it up and down off the hill,” Mackie said at the meeting.
The ordinance would require property owners and occupants to place their refuse and recycling carts at the curb no more than 24 hours before a scheduled trash pickup and return them to the rear or side of the property for storage by midnight on collection day. It also says residents may use their refuse bins for trash and nothing else.
“The goal is to get compliance, not to be punitive,” city attorney Stephanie Anderson said.
If the language passes, initial
violations will result in a $50 fine, with an additional $50 penalty for every day the violation is not fixed, according to the proposed update.
Residents and occupants who face difficulty moving their bins to the side or back because of hilly or rough surfaces on their property may apply for an exception from the city Department of Public Services.
Councilmembers also discussed another proposal that would require residents to hide their trash and recycling bins from street view.
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City Council candidates weigh in on federal workers, police force
By RILEY BOMGARDNER
The three candidates for the vacant District 3 College Park City Council seat said Wednesday the city should help federal workers who have lost their jobs.
In a 90-minute candidates’ forum at city hall, Michael Meadow, Ray Ranker and Gannon Sprinkle suggested that the city could offer financial assistance, job search resources and referrals to mental health agencies in the community. College Park is home to a large number of federal workers who have been fired or are expecting to be as part of an effort by President Donald Trump to scale back the size of the federal government.
“I believe that we need a strong safety net, and there have to be city programs in place to both help people find new employment and to stop as much of this bleeding that we can,” Sprinkle, a University of Maryland (UMD) junior who served as the deputy student liaison to the city council last year, said.
The forum, hosted by College Park Here & Now and moderated by WTOP anchor Shawn Anderson, came less than two weeks before a March 11 special election to replace former Councilmember Stuart Adams, who resigned in January. A full
council election is scheduled for November.
Trump also has called for the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion—or DEI—initiatives at federal agencies. So far, the order has not extended to cities that receive federal funds, but Anderson asked the candidates what the city should do if it does.
All of the candidates said they would oppose any effort to dismantle the city’s DEI programs.
“Absolutely do not scrap” DEI programs, Meadow, who works for the federal government, said. “I also believe diversity is the strength of our democracy, and I think that we should never forget that.”
Ranker, a chaplain who leads the UMD Lutheran Campus Ministry, said he would “like to have it both ways: continue doing [DEI] while still retaining federal dollars and support.” He said the city could “draw less attention” to
diversity programs if necessary.
The candidates agreed they would not vote to raise residential property taxes—the city increased taxes last year for the first time in 10 years—but each suggested new projects they would like the city to take on.
For example, Sprinkle suggested a tax credit for homeowners, while Meadow said he would like the city to create “third spaces”—places like coffee shops, bookstores and a library,
ELECTION DAY
District 3 residents will elect a new member of the College Park City Council on Tuesday, March 11.
Voters may cast ballots from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the first floor of city hall, at 7401 Baltimore Ave.
Three candidates are running for a council seat left vacant by the resignation of former Councilmember Stuart Adams in January.
The winning candidate will fill the seat until November, when the city will hold its regularly scheduled election to replace or re-elect all eight councilmembers and the mayor.
where residents can spend time outside of home or work.
Ranker and Sprinkle said they would add eco-friendly bike and walking paths.
Ranker, who lives in College Park Estates, said he is running for office to bring the community together.
“I’m passionate about building community,” he said during an opening statement. “I’m passionate about connecting people.”
He promised to make College Park feel like home and build a community that works for everyone.
“We’re living in uncertain times,” Ranker said. “In these times especially we need to be able to lean on each other to support one another.”
Sprinkle, who lives near the campus, said he is running “to bridge the gap between longterm residents and student residents here in the city of College Park.”
He added: “I won’t stop until we have done it.”
And Meadow, a lifelong resident of Old Town, said his aim is to grow the city in a sustainable way, support local businesses and make decisions that benefit city residents.
“We’ve had some real bangers … that have been wonderful pillars of the community,” Meadow said about small businesses like The Bagel Place that have closed because of rent increases or been displaced by construction. All three candidates said they would oppose the creation of a city police force, noting the high cost of starting one.
The special election will take place on March 11 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at City Hall.
The candidates for the vacant District 3 City Council seat participated in a forum on Feb. 26. From left to right, they are: Michael Meadow, Gannon Sprinkle, Ray Ranker RILEY BOMGARDNER
COLLEGE PARK POST
Spring Street Fair 2025
Don’t miss this incredible street fair on May 18, 2025 from 1-4pm at Davis Hall (9217 51st Avenue)
As the warmer days of spring arrive, there’s no better way to welcome the season than at the City of College Park’s first-ever Spring Street Fair on May 18,2025 from 1-4pm at Davis Hall (9217 51st Ave.)!
ABOUT THE EVENT
This lively celebration brings together residents, visitors, and local businesses for a day of fun, entertainment, and community connection. Whether you’re strolling through with family, meeting up with friends, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, this festival is an experience you don’t want to miss!
From handcrafted art to delicious feasts, and live entertainment to interactive experiences, this event has something for everyone! Be sure to check out:
• A unique marketplace: explore our dynamic street market featuring local artisans, crafters, and small businesses offering everything from handmade jewlery and pottery to custom artwork and unique goods. Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or just browsing, this street fair is a treasure trove.
• Delicious food & drinks: treat yourself to a variety of mouthwatering dishes and refreshing beverages from some of the area’s best vendors! From savory sweet to indulgent desserts, there’s a flavor to satisfy every craving.
• Live music & Entertainment: feel the rhythm of the festival with live acoustic music from local musicians, bringing everything from upbeat tunes to laid-back melodies. The
soothing strum of guitars, warm vocal harmonies, and expressive melodies will provide a soundtrack that enhances every moment.
• Interactive experiences & fun: Expect hands-on activities, including a cooking demonstration, and interactive fun for kids and adults alike. Bring the whole family for a day of fun!
This year, fair-goers can also expect live art classes, a unicorn petting zoo, spring seed giveaway, as well as arts and crafts for adults and kids alike!
Mark your calendar, bring your friends and family, and get ready to experience the sensations of spring! For more information, including street closures and traffic detours, visit collegeparkmd.gov.
VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
While the event promises plenty of excitement, we’re still looking for vendors to make this fair even more spectacular! The Spring Street Fair is an incredible platform for local artisans, makers, and business owners to showcase their talents and products.
We invite artists, crafters, and creators of all kinds to join us and share your unique work with the community. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with customers that appreciate one-ofa-kind locally made gifts!
Apply to become an Arts & Crafts vendor at www.collegeparkmd. gov/springcraftvendor.
Food & Drink vendors can apply at www.collegeparkmd.gov/ springfoodvendor.
The City of College Park is introducing a new text alert system! It’s another great way to stay connected.
For major City news and event notices:
TEXT COLLEGEPARK to 38276
TEXT CPALERTS to 38276
Hollywood Farmers Market
Explore what’s in store at the market on opening day: April 12
Visit Hollywood Farmers Market (9803 Rhode Island Ave.) from 10AM to 1PM each Saturday between April 12 and November 22 for fruits and vegetables harvested at their peak!
Did you know we accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits so
customers can purchase fresh produce and locally made products at our market?
To use SNAP benefits, customers can swipe their EBT cards at our Maryland Market Money table. We will charge the card for any amount requested in exchange for tokens that can be spent with eligible vendors.
Age-Friendly College Park
Resources for an age-friendly City
FREE SPORTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
The University of Maryland has a wide array of sports on campus. Most people know about the football team and the women’s and men’s basketball teams, but did you know that there are a variety of other sports that offer free tickets, including Softball, Field Hockey, Gymnastics, Golf, Women’s Tennis, and Track and Field?
Keep this in mind when you want to try something new, or for a fun and unique activity to share with your kids or out-of-town guests. To learn more, visit “umterps. com” (the University of Maryland’s Official Athletics website) and type “free” into the search bar.
FREE MEMBERSHIP IN COUNTY FACILITIES FOR SENIORS OVER 60
Did you know that the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation provides free membership for seniors ages 60+ to County Community Centers (including the Lakeland College Park Community Center), Senior Activity Centers (including the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center), and the Sports and Learning Complex?
Spring Clean up Saturdays
Discard bulk trash to Davis Hall on select Saturdays
The City of College Park Public Works facility will be open for City residents to drop off bulky trash, white goods, electronics recycling, brush, and yard trim.
Bulk trash brought on cleanup days does not count toward bulk trash limits, nor are any fees applied for appliances, televisions, or monitors.
You must be a resident of the City of College Park and bring proof of City residency to participate, although anyone can buy compost or wood mulch during this event.
DURING CLEANUP EVENTS, THE FOLLOWING WILL BE COLLECTED:
• Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes (small quantities) –must be intact. Includes LED lamps, U-shaped or circular fluorescent lamps, High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, Ultra Violet (UV) lamps, Incandescent Bulbs, Halogen or Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL’s).
batteries such as Li-Ion, NiCd, Ni-MH, Ni-Zn; Single-use alkaline such as AA, AAA, 9V, C, D button cell, and lithium primary. No damaged batteries; no power equipment or automotive batteries.
• Block Styrofoam for recycling (coolers and large blocks of packing material).
NOT ACCEPTED: Bricks, concrete, rocks, hazardous materials such as shingles, propane tanks, car batteries, paint, smoke detectors, etc.
*SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025SHREDDING EVENT
Onsite document shredding services will be available to City of College Park residents on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Bring your old tax records, medical paperwork, and any other confidential information to be shredded while you wait.
To get your free M-NCPPC Senior ID card, bring your proof of age and residency to any Community Center during operating hours. To learn more, visit https://www. pgparks.com/activities-events/ seniors.
FREE WALKING GROUPS
The County offers free organized walking programs for seniors.
• From the Berwyn Heights Community Center: “Walk with Ease” is class number 17476, and “Walking Adults” is class number 17437. For more information, go to https:// www.pgparks.com/ , click on “Find a Class or Activity” and enter the class number.
• Club 300: Experience different trails in Prince George’s County. The club meets weekly on Monday mornings, April through November, and once per month, December through March. Club 300 members have the option to participate in various walking challenges. Register for the Club and view the current walk schedule here: Seniors 60 & BetterPark and Recreation - Prince Georges County MD.
• Household batteries for recycling (small quantities). This includes rechargeable
All paper will be recycled. You must be a resident of the City of College Park and bring proof of residency to participate.
Wednesday + Thursday evenings during June, July, and August
ALL ARE WELCOME: including UMD commun members, faculty, staff, alumni, and students
Play: for 8 - 10 weeks
Cost: $85/per player
Register as a team
City Announcements
COMMUNITY SERVICES GRANT APPLICATIONS
The City of College Park is now accepting applications for the Community Services Grant FY2025! Applications are due by March 28, 2025.
This application is for Community Services Grants, Civic Association Grants, Direct Grants and City Sponsorships.
For more information, visit collegeparkmd.gov/ communityservices.
PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Please join City Elected Officials, Police, Department of Public Services staff, and your neighbors from all around the City, for an informative community meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 7-8:30PM.
This community meeting will discuss City-wide crime statistics, recent incidents of public interest, neighborhood watch tips, and special public safety-related topics. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Join us in-person at City Hall Community Room (7401 Baltimore Avenue) or online at collegeparkmd.ogv/ publicsafetymeeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing meeting information.
SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS
The City of College Park’s annual summer camp scholarship applications are now open!
Youth (rising K-12) who reside in the City of College Park are eligible to apply. Scholarships are granted up to a maximum of $400 per student.
Students are eligible to receive a scholarship for one camp session only. Priority is given to youth who did not receive a City of College Park scholarship in previous years.
The scholarship can be used for camps hosted by:
• University of Maryland”
• Prince George’s County Department of Parks & Recreation
• Prince George’s Community College
For updated information and details on camps offered by each organization, please visit their individual websites.
Apply by March 14 at collegeparkmd.gov/ summercamp2025. For more information, contact Youth & Family Services at 240-487-3550.
City Events
More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov/calendar
DUVALL FIELD GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
MARCH 14 | 8:30AM | Duvall Field (9119 Rhode Island Ave.)
Join the City of College Park as we celebrate the groundbreaking of the Duvall Field Phase 2 project!
Duvall Field is the City’s largest recreational facility established in the 1960s. A new concession plaza and stand was built in 2018, and we are now embarking on the second phase to renovate the fields to better align with our community’s wants and needs.
The new Duvall Field will feature an ampitheatre, new multipurpose soccer and baseball fields, basketball and pickleball courts, walking and fitness trail, new playground, and more.
Funding is provided by the City’s Capital Improvement Program, with support State Bond Bills and Program Open Space.
Groundbreaking Ceremony will begin promptly at 8:30 am.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
MARCH 15 | 1PM | City Hall (7401 Baltimore Ave.)
Bring the family to “meet” Eleanor Roosevelt through a living history performance by Kate Campbell Stevenson. Stevenson, an award- winning singer/actor, combines over 35 years of professional experience in music, theatre and education to create one-woman shows that bring to life historic American women who have changed the world. You’ll be captivated by her first-person dramatic monologue and music as Eleanor Roosevelt, humanitarian and First Lady of the World, who overcomes her fears and finds her voice!
OSCARS TRIBUTE
MARCH 21 | 4PM | College Park Woods Clubhouse (3545 Marlbrough Way)
It’s Oscar Season! Gather your friends and join us at the beautiful new College Park Woods Clubhouse for an afternoon of movie fun!
We’ll pay tribute to the Oscars with movie trivia, games, and prizes, followed by a showing of the movie Thelma. Popcorn will be included.
TOWN HALL
MARCH 22 | 10:30AM - 12PM | Hybrid
Join College Park’s City and County representatives for a town hall to discuss City-wide issues.
This meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Join us in-person at City Hall Council Chambers (7401 Baltimore Avenue). Light refreshments will be served.
You can also watch this meeting virtually! Join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/92398574069. Or, watch on cable television through Comcast Channel 71 or Verizon Channel 25.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard!
2025 CONVO CLUB
Talk about the things that matter to you! Welcome to Convo Club, a place where middle schoolers can speak their minds, hear new perspectives, and build confidence expressing themselves.
Group meets Wednesdays from 6-7PM from May 2 to June 25, 2025.
Space is limited - register by April 16, 2025 to save your spot and join the convo! Call Youth & Family Services at 240-487-3550.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Our calendar includes many events and meetings sponsored by the City of College Park and local nonprofits, including arts organizations and performance venues, occurring between March 12 and April 8. For additional events and meetings organized by the city, see the College Park Post newsletter in this paper’s centerfold. Find more local events all month long in our new continuously updated online calendar, streetcarsuburbs. news/events. Please send notices of events taking place between April 12 and May 8 to jalen@ streetcarsuburbs.news by April 1.
MARCH 12
A night with Megan Piphus Peace. Groundbreaking Black puppeteer Megan Piphus Peace will share her experiences and career highlights, including her work on Sesame Street. Stephanie Shonekan, dean of UMD’s College of Arts and Humanities, will moderate the conversation. Peace will also do a short performance with her favorite puppets. Free. 7:30 p.m. Cafritz Foundation theater (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/2jb4uf49.
MARCH 13
Guest artist series: Balance Campaign. As part of its 2024/2025 residency with the University of Maryland (UMD), Balance Campaign presents a full program, featuring works by Kirsten Volness, UMD alumni Alexandra T. Bryant and Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis, and the world premiere of a new work by Jeffrey Mumford. Free. 8-10 p.m. Gildenhorn recital hall (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/4x2kx6s5.
MARCH 14
Duvall Field groundbreaking ceremony. Celebrate the ground-
breaking of the Duvall Field Phase 2 project. The new Duvall Field will feature an amphitheater, new multi-purpose soccer and baseball fields, basketball and pickleball courts, walking and fitness trail, new playground and more. Free. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Duvall Field (9100 Rhode Island Ave.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/47n78wuk.
MARCH 15
St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Celebrate St.Patrick’s Day at the Old Parish House. Hosted by Eric “Mr. M” Maring, Allison Hughes, Arun Ivatury, Greg Heelan and Patrick Lynch, with fabulous community musicians of all ages. Free. 7-9 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/ kbt3dsv.
Punch needle wall art w/ Tyler Makes Things. Unleash creativity and immerse yourself in the unique North American art form of punch needle, a craft that has its roots in 19th-century rug hooking. $54. 3-5 p.m. Shop Made in Maryland (7401 Baltimore Ave.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/3xpdfdnb.
MARCH 18
Zoom book club. Participate in this book club that does literary analysis based on material by female authors. This month’s book is “In Defense of Witches: The Legacy of the Witch Hunts and Why Women Are Still on Trial,” by Mona Chollet, translated by Sophie R. Lewis. 7-8 p.m. College Park Community Library (9704 Rhode Island Ave.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/ybm7stza.
MARCH 19
Embodying The Elements: Exploring Nature with Movement. A four-part series of playful dance
workshops to move bodies and compassionately connect hearts, minds and bodies. Each part will embody one of the four elements (earth, water, air and fire) through improvisation and elements of dance. $40 for the whole series and $15 drop in. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/5hxdupr6. Repeats March 26, April 2, April 9.
MARCH 23
College Park Chorale concert. Listen to a spring concert with the College Park Chorale at the University of Maryland Chapel. Free. 4-5:30 p.m. UMD Chapel (7600 Baltimore Ave.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/bdd7am7a.
MARCH 27
Moonlight Benjamin. Haitianborn rock/Caribbean folk and blues singer Moonlight Benjamin will be playing songs from her latest album, 2023’s “Wayo,” and tracks from her ever-growing catalog for her first-ever performance at The Clarice. $30. 8 p.m. Kogod Theater (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/yewavuj6.
MARCH 28
College Park Seniors art show and reception. Sponsored by CPAE & Explorations on Aging College Park, the Art Exhibit and Reception brings seniors together to celebrate their art and to build a more robust and lively community in College Park. Free. 4-7 p.m. College Park Airport (1909 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/yc6kmytb.
MARCH 29
Sacred circle dance. Sacred circle dance is a collective dance experience that draws from an-
cient and traditional folk dances, many from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Dancing to wonderful music and rhythms. Women ages 18 and up. Free. 2-4 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/4256a82w.
APRIL 5
Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza. Take part in this Easter event for the family. In addition to hunting for prize-filled eggs, participants will enjoy live music, hot cocoa and coffee, crafts for kids to make and take, and an opportunity to take a photo with Peter Cottontail. Egg hunts are designed for children up to 10 years of age and will be organized by age groups. There will be two egg-hunting times to choose from: 10:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Calvert Park (4807 Drexel Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/ycu7hj25.
APRIL 7
Printmaking: 10-week class. Local artist David Brosch will be teaching how to produce linocuts and printing them as well as creating monotypes. Once these art forms are learned, students will be able to continue creating new artwork at their homes long after the class is over. $60 for a 10-week course. 10 a.m.-noon. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/mrxbvmwd.
Public safety meeting. Join city elected officials, police, Department of Public Services staff and your neighbors from all around the city for an informative community meeting. This community meeting will discuss city-wide crime statistics, recent incidents of public interest, neighborhood watch tips, and special public safety-related topics. If interested,
register before the date at https:// tinyurl.com/3m98rn4t. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. City hall community room (7401 Baltimore Ave.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/yy8zk26k. Recurring.
REPEATING
Story Time for Children. Storytelling session geared to infants and older. Free. Every Wednesday. 9:30-10 a.m. (9704 Rhode Island Ave). For more information email bokays100@juno.com.
The 2nd Thursday Book Group. Take part in a discussion of books ranging from nonfiction, fiction and historical fiction. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. College Park Community Library (9704 Rhode Island Ave). For more information email bokays100@juno.com. April 10, “Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon.
Early Bird Serenity Al-Anon. Support for friends and families of alcoholics based on the Twelve Step program. Free; all are welcome. Virtual meetings every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information and Zoom link, email ebsalanon@gmail.com.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
Calvert Hills Citizens Association. Meeting date TBD. For more information email CalvertHillsCitizensAssn@gmail.com.
North College Park Civic Association. Second Thursday of the month. 7:30-9 p.m. Davis Hall (9217 51st Ave.). For more information email NCPCivic@ gmail.com.
Berwyn District Civic Association. Regular meetings of the BDCA are held on the third Thursday of each month. 7:30 p.m. For more information email bdca-board@myberwyn.org.
NEWS BRIEFS
Election results. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy won the Democratic primary for county executive on March 4. Braveboy, 50, will run in the June 3 special election against the winner of the Republican primary, Jonathan White, who won 37% of the vote and edged out Jesse A. Peed, who took 34.34%, according to unofficial results as of press time from the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Braveboy, who had been touted as the Democratic front-runner before the primary election, took more than 46% of the vote. In second place as polls closed was Rushern L. Baker III, with 19% of the vote, followed by Calvin S. Hawkins Jr., with 16.5%, according to the unofficial results.
Nine Democrats and three Republicans were on the primary ballot. Prince George’s County voters typically elect Democrats, making Braveboy the presumed front-runner ahead of the June 3 special election.
The Upper Marlboro resident told Streetcar Suburbs Publishing—College Park Here & Now’s publisher—that she will devote her first year in
office to strengthening the county’s finances, expanding its commercial tax base, supporting local businesses and retaining residents.
She also said she will confront the county’s $171 million budget deficit without raising taxes.
If Braveboy wins the June 3 general election, she will replace Angela Alsobrooks, who won a seat in the U.S. Senate in November after serving as county executive since 2018 and as county attorney for eight years before then. Alsobrooks left her post two years before the end of her term.
Another election. A March 11 special election will determine who will fill the vacant District 3 College Park City Council seat—but only temporarily.
Voters will select a full council—a mayor and all eight councilmembers—during a regular city election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at city hall.
Candidates for mayor and city council run for office every two years.
Early, in-person voting will take place on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Davis Hall, a city-owned building in North College Park, at 9217 51st Ave.
In addition, voters may mail
their ballots or place them in drop boxes at any of five locations: Davis Hall, Mom’s Organic Market, Stamp Student Union on the University of Maryland campus, College Park Woods Clubhouse and at an as-yet undetermined location in the Lakeland community.
The city council, at its March 4 meeting, approved the purchase of three drop boxes at a cost of $9,481.25.
No more NOAA? The College Park branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reportedly is on a short list for closing.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is considering canceling the lease of the building at 5830 University Research Court in the Discovery District, which houses the Center for Weather and Climate Prediction.
The center employs more than 800 meteorologists and analysts who track the weather, including major storms, and issue forecasts.
The potential closing was first reported by The Verge Axios later quoted a senior White House official who said DOGE
City helps High Point pay for care packages
By AUDREY BENGTSON
College-bound seniors at High Point High School, including several from College Park, will take blankets, bed linens and Chromebooks to their dorm rooms with them this fall, thanks to a grant from the city.
The $2,750 grant, which the College Park City Council announced in January, is paying for the school’s Flying from the HP Nest program, which supplies care packages for students who are headed to college after graduation. Approximately 137 High Point students live in College Park.
The grant paid for care packages for 14 students. In addition, four June graduates will get Chromebooks during Senior Awards Night later this spring.
“The bulk of our work now is creating these college-bound care packages,” said Sherry Felix, an English teacher and the school’s Title I coordinator. Felix, the 10th grade’s sponsor, helps decide what the grant money will go toward.
Part of the grant pays the registration fees for 42 students to join the nonprofit First Generation College Bound, which aims to increase the number of lowincome students who graduate from high school and move on to college.
Part of the grant pays the registration fees for 42 students to join the nonprofit First Generation College Bound, which aims to increase the number of low-income students who graduate from high school and move on to college.
“I would say this is … the second year our principal is … look-
is re-evaluating the terms of the lease, and no decision about closing the building is official.
Bikeshare. Capital Bikeshare has installed three docking stations around College Park, where riders can pick up and return battery-powered and traditional bikes.
The stations are at the College Park Metro Station, The Hotel on Baltimore Avenue and Guilford Drive near Trader Joe’s.
Riders must pick up and return their rented bikes at one of those locations.
A company spokeswoman said ridership of bikes and e-bikes has increased since College Park installed designated bike lanes on Baltimore Avenue last summer.
Award winner. The Hotel at the University of Maryland snagged the No. 7 spot for best hotels in Maryland, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
The magazine considered industry awards, guest reviews and hotel class ratings when compiling its “Best Hotels in Maryland for 2025” list.
The Hotel also claimed the magazine’s top spot among hotels in College Park and No. 25 for the Washington area.
ing at college and career readiness, sort of almost as a separate, big rock where we have someone who is really focused as a coordinator,” Felix said.
“We have now a cohort of teams, counselors and other educators and administrators that are really just focused on helping students, like, put the students in the appropriate classes … to help them actually graduate,” she added.
The program aims to help the school’s 3,100 students graduate from High Point, which Felix said “does not have a high graduation rate” partly because of low incomes.
“We know that there’s an economic need, there’s a socioeconomic need for our students,” Felix said.
Felix said she hopes the program will expand as the school reaches into the community for churches and others for support and funding so more students can easily transition into their post-high school education.
Right now, “this is just a small treat,” Felix said.
The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels won first place on the statewide list.
Murder in Laurel. Prince George’s County Police (PGPD) are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the Feb. 18 murder of a College Park teenager.
Officers found Jefferson Giron Cabrera, 17, who had been shot, outside a home on South Laurel Drive in Laurel. Police reported he was dead when they arrived.
According to PGPD, detectives do not believe the shooting was a random crime and are working to determine a motive and identify any suspects.
Shakes and wine. Shake Shack, which opened in College Park on Dec. 11, soon will add beer and wine to its menu.
The College Park City Council approved the burger chain’s request for a liquor license on Feb. 18.
A Shake Shack manager confirmed that the fast-casual restaurant, located on Knox Road on the street level of Union on Knox, is gearing up to sell the libations alongside its burgers, fries and shakes.
Many of the chain’s 355-plus locations sell wines vinted exclusively for Shake Shack.
experience can be, with cooking times and sauces up to the consumer.
Honey Pig Korean BBQ, at 7326 Baltimore Avenue, is part of a chain with other locations in Maryland, Virginia and Texas.
Food-delivering robots and K-pop music fill the large dining area, which Ni said is “fullhouse packed” every weekend.
The restaurant offers both á la-carte and all-you-can-eat options, and the menu includes beef, chicken, pork, lamb, sea-
food and shellfish, along with side dishes like steamed eggs and seafood pancakes.
The all-you-can-eat option has two separate menus. Menu A is less than $30 and features meats like beef bulgogi and pork belly, while Menu B, priced less than $40, offers the same meats plus seafood and other meats like LA Galbi–a style of short ribs. Some meats on the B menu are limited to one order per person.
The business attracts a lot of University of Maryland students, but the clientele isn’t solely college kids.
“It’s a really easy-going envi-
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To Lawrence Chen, owner of MeatUp Korean Barbeque & Bar, Korean barbeque restaurants aren’t just for grilling meat, but offer a place for people to gather together and for friends to learn more about each other while preparing a meal.
ronment, and it’s … it’s a fun place to be for anyone, any age,” said Ni, who pointed to beef brisket and beef bulgogi as two of the most popular dishes.
Hyattsville resident Monique Van Blaricom, a Korean barbecue fan, said she likes Honey Pig’s side dishes, as well as the atmosphere and attentive servers.
“I love Korean barbecue,” Van Blaricom said. “I also really love foods where you get to kind of make it at the table, whether it’s Korean barbecue or hot pot or, really, fondue, anything like that.”
Her husband, Justin Van Blaricom, said the couple was excited to have a Korean barbeque place close to home. He also said he enjoys the do-it-yourself
than $35. Kids younger than 5 eat for free, and kids from 5 to 12 eat for half price. In addition, smaller-portioned dishes from the ramen bar can be added to the all-you-can-eat option for $3.50.
Chen said some of the most popular dishes at the restaurant are beef bulgogi, beef brisket and shrimp, although the barbeque also offers other meats, like chicken and pork belly.
aspect of Korean barbeque.
“It’s like all the fun of cooking yourself, but you don’t have to clean anything up, and you don’t have to prepare anything,” Van Blaricom said.
MeatUp Korean Barbeque & Bar, located at 8503 Baltimore Ave., replaced Kangnam BBQ Sports Bar & Grill after the owner retired, according to MeatUp’s owner, Lawrence Chen. The interior features neon lights in a kaleidoscope of colors.
His restaurant offers not only a Korean barbeque experience, but also serves ramen and other dishes, such as bibimbap, a Korean rice dish.
The business offers an allyou-can-eat lunch option for less than $25 on weekdays, and an all-day, all-you-can eat choice on weekends for less
To Chen, Korean barbeque restaurants aren’t just for grilling meat, but offer a place for people to gather together and for friends to learn more about each other while preparing a meal.
Odenton resident Cierra Woods, a customer of MeatUp, said she loves Korean barbeque, especially bulgogi and the “fun vibe” of the restaurants.
She said she likes the K-pop music and creativity MeatUp offers for her dining experience. Woods’ friend, UMD student Jeneh Perry, said she decided to visit the restaurant because she saw it on TikTok and was intrigued by all the drinks and lights.
Her favorite dish is the spicy pork belly, and like Woods, she is a Korean barbeque fan.
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P l e a s e c h e c k o u r F a c e b o o k & I n s t a g r a m f o r u p d a t e s !
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body. Her colleagues are Maria Mackie (District 4), Susan Whitney (District 2) and Llatetra Brown Esters (District 2).
And though their policies and priorities may differ occasionally, the women agree that there is room for more female leaders in government.
The earliest days of her political career were not smooth, Mitchell said. In the male-dominated field of politics, women are not always accepted, she added.
“I think that is definitely changing,” Mackie said. “When I go to different meetings, a lot of the mayors are women. A lot of the councilmembers are women. … I think that women are really coming up to the plate.”
Although she acknowledges the improvement over time, Mitchell said women often work extra hard to prove their competence.
“This is still a man’s world in regard to politics,” she said. “A man’s, man’s world.” Mitchell unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2015 and 2023. Reflecting on the resistance she encountered during her first mayoral bid, Mitchell recalled being told that although the city once had a female mayor — Anna Owens, who served from 1987 to 1993 — there would not be another.
After spending more than three years on the council, Whitney, 53, is also not new to skepticism.
“Some people might be more skeptical of your abilities, perhaps because you’re a woman,” Whitney said. “Many of our constituents, I’ve felt full support from them. But I’ve certainly had some people who seem to doubt my expertise.”
Whitney first thought of holding political
impact of RealPage and found that renters in buildings whose owners use this algorithm pay a national average of $70 more per month. In the D.C. metro area specifically, that figure was $112.
City Councilmember John Rigg (District 3) asked the tenants union representatives to supply the council with more information for a future public discussion. Rigg represents the neighborhood where the apartments are located.
Other investigations into RealPage and property management companies have already begun.
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against RealPage and management companies in August.
In addition, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown filed a lawsuit in Prince George’s County Circuit Court in January against the software company and six of the largest residential management companies in Maryland, including the three that manage the College Park
office in 2017 when she participated in a women’s march, where the prevailing theme was having more women in leadership roles.
“I listened to that throughout the day and kind of fed off the energy of the huge crowd,” she said.
Two years after the march, the councilmember representing her district, P.J. Brennan, resigned.
She learned from Brennan that Esters was running for office in her district, so she joined her campaign team as treasurer. Esters won the seat.
Currently in her third term as a councilmember, Esters, 55, had served on the city’s Advisory Planning Commission and as an electoral judge for Prince George’s County. Like her counterparts, her first time holding elected office was on the city council.
“It’s been a good experience overall,” she said.
Esters said women in College Park have
properties.
Legislators also are looking into the impact of this technology.
“It was pretty troubling to me that renters were paying more in rent, really for no reason other than to fuel their landlords’ profits,” Maryland Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr told College Park Here & Now
Proposed legislation in the Maryland House of Delegates (House Bill 817) and the state Senate (Senate Bill 0609) would prevent the use of algorithmic pricing by landlords in the state.
“The lawsuit that’s been filed here in Maryland is only about one company [RealPage] and six landlords, and this problem is broader than that,” she said. “We want to make sure that no landlord and no technology company are finding a loophole in our state’s consumer protection laws. We want to send a clear signal that other technology companies should not be getting into this space.”
In the meantime, representatives of the College Park Tenants Union are asking for action from the city, Mirani said, citing
always been actively involved in local politics, but they have faced significant obstacles, including domestic responsibilities and long campaigns.
“I think that we need to do everything that we can to encourage other women to run, to serve and to participate and be active members in the community,” she said.
When another council seat became vacant in 2021, Esters encouraged Whitney to run. Whitney won in a contested election. That year, five women served on the city council.
“I was very proud to be a part of that group,” Whitney said.
As the political space continues to evolve, Mackie said, more women are not only occupying leadership roles but excelling in them.
“One of the reasons I think women are so good in government is our ability to listen and not to always criticize,” she said.
possible delays in state legislation because of budget discussions.
“The Maryland General Assembly is very busy, probably a little bit distracted, and we’ll need a little bit of support from the people and the municipal governments that are directly affected from issues like this in order to get the political momentum needed to pass a measure like that,” he said.
The fact that most of the affected units are student apartments makes city involvement even more necessary, Fran Riley, a UMD student who is a member of the Tenants Union steering committee, said.
“We’re an easy target, because we have to live near UMD, especially because a lot of students don’t have a car,” Riley said. “We’re kind of a captive audience, and unfortunately, we don’t have many choices of where to live.”
The transitive nature of student tenants also might affect their ability to handle these issues alone, Riley said.
“If you had more of a population that was here long term, it would be easier for them against
Serving her third term on the city council, Mackie said had not encountered any gender-related challenges. She also said women are encountering fewer barriers in politics.
Still, Whitney said she still feels some resistance to the progress women are making in government, which can most effectively be addressed through grassroots support.
The four women agreed that having female representation has some positive impact on policy discussions.
“Having a diverse group of people on a council is important because everybody has a different experience,” Esters said.
But they also attributed their successes to the collective effort of the council.
“I think we are a council that really prides ourselves on respecting each other’s individuality, but in the end, working together to get things done,” Mackie said.
these practices, because they’d be here for years and years, but for us, we’re here for four years, [and] then we’re gone.”
Without investigating the issue, Mirani said, the city could undermine its recent affordable housing initiatives, like its rent subsidy pilot program, which offers grants to students renting in the complexes near the university.
“The utility of these measures will remain limited,” Mirani told the council, “so long as preda-
tory landlords use technology like RealPage to line their pockets at the expense of your constituents.”
Garrett Derderian, head of external communications for Greystar, said the company does not use RealPage for The Varsity or Union on Knox, and it uses only the software’s nonrevenue management tools for Atworth.
UDR and Bozzuto did not respond to a request for comment.
Four women sit on the College Park City Council. From left to right, they are: Councilmember Maria Mackie and Mayor ProTem Denise Mitchell (District 4), and Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney (District 2). RILEY BOMGARDNER
Gold sh mural re ects UMD history
By CHARLOTTE KANNER
Five giant, wooden goldfish swim alongside blue bubbles and green leaves on the side of the building that houses Chase Bank, Stripe 3 Adidas, Blaze Pizza and Popeyes on Baltimore Avenue.
The lighted installation, called “The Last Goldfish,” was installed on the brick wall next to Popeyes in December as a nod to the University of Maryland’s (UMD) history as an agricultural college.
“I hope that this installation sparks curiosity, not only on the subject matter but also on the media type and the style,” Kendra McAbee, communication coordinator for the College Park CityUniversity Partnership, which commissioned the piece, said. “It’s something that’s slightly unconventional for College Park, which can … inspire people to be more creative.”
The artwork, created by Baltimore-based multimedia artist Andy Dahl, is the first of its kind in Prince George’s County, featuring LED lighting that mimics the glow of an aquarium, McAbee said.
Dahl got his inspiration for
the design from the university’s history.
“I think it does have a meaning in terms of its history of the area,” Dahl said. “So it relates to a real story and a real connection to the area.”
UMD began as the Maryland Agricultural College in 1856, and leased some of its flat, floodprone land and man-made lakes to businesses, including a pet store owned by Henry Bishop, known as “the goldfish king.” Bishop bred and sold goldfish from the area’s aquatic lakelands, distributing them nationwide, McAbee said.
“The Last Goldfish” got its funding from two grants: the Re-
development Authority of Prince George’s County Community Impact Grant and the College Park Department of Economic Development Facade Improvement Grant, McAbee said. The city’s economic development director, Michael Williams, collaborated with property owners to select the mural site, McAbee added.
The partnership chose Dahl, known for his vibrant depictions of birds, fish and natural life, for the project, which Mcabee said enhances downtown College Park. At the building owners’ request, the artist mounted the pieces on the wall with metal pins to make them easy to remove.
That method posed challenges,
McAbee said, noting that most of the artists who applied for the project could not come up with a solution to make the installation temporary. She called Dahl’s solution “clever.”
“I had to figure out a way to design something very carefully that would fit within the sort of complex dimensions of that wall,” Dahl said. “There’s columns and things that stick out.”
The installation’s components are made from marine-grade plywood and painted with highquality mural paint, Dahl said.
LED lights above the artwork illuminate the mural at night, making it one of the few art installations visible at night in Prince George’s County, McAbee said.
Most murals are painted on a wall and become dormant at night, Dahl said. “I’m working to really transform a wall that’s otherwise not noticed. … It completely changes the experiences of the space.”
Dahl emphasized that goldfish hold symbolic meaning across cultures, representing prosperity and everyday simplicity. The installation invites viewers to interpret its significance and meaning in their own way, he said.
Gaithersburg resident Nicole Laplante, who lived in College Park from 2013 to 2015, said she found the mural optimistic.
“I think it’s cute [and] ... colorful,” Laplante said. “I like [it] when people get to do art. I used to live here and there wasn’t much artwork like this.”
Dahl said he hopes community members find their own interpretation of the piece.
“It’s a mural that’s meant to be sort of fun and whimsical and enjoyed just by looking at it without needing to know any other information,” Dahl said. “I hope people bring their own meaning to it.”
Baltimore artist Andy Dahl created a multimedia mural called “The Last Goldfish” to display on the brick wall on the side of Popeyes on Baltimore Avenue. COURTESY OF COLLEGE PARK CITY-UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP