03-2023 Hyattsville Here & Now

INSIDE

COLLEGE PARK

MAYOR RESIGNS: What happens next for the city? P. 2

COUNTY PASSES

RENT STABILIZATION

MEASURE: See 'Briefs' for this story and more. P. 4

Trolley Trail extension coming

By Kit Slack

Wondering why construction has narrowed Rhode Island Avenue to one lane between Melrose Skatepark and the Hyattsville courthouse?

The answer: The state highway administration is extending the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail a half mile south from its current endpoint, which is across the

street from Arrow Bicycle and next to Go Brent Realty.

When construction is finished, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to travel on a 10-foot-wide trail along the train embankment on the northbound side of the road. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation website, the new trail will stretch from Farragut Street to Charles Armentrout Drive.

City improvement projects are reason behind fencing

By T. Carter Ross

Throughout Hyattsville, signs of construction are evident everywhere. Ground has been broken and construction activity is ongoing for new homes, mixed-use commercial and residential space, roadway

SCIENCE

By Paul Ruffins

In December 2022, an environmentalist discovered that nearly a thousand scrap tires had been dumped from Interstate 295 down into Anacostia Park. As of press time, no one knows who made the toss, but two local Maryland cases provide clues as to why they

improvements, a new middle school and an extended Trolley Trail. While most of this activity involves private developers or state and county agencies, several city capital improvement projects are in various stages of completion.

Grass buffers, ranging from 5 to 8 feet wide, will protect trail users from Route 1 traffic — extra safety for children and beginning cyclists. At bus stops, pullout lanes will replace the grass buffer. Route 1 will be reduced to one travel lane northbound, with turn lanes as well as the bus pullouts.

The narrowing of the road may slow car traffic coming into Hyattsville, giving

motorists more time to notice small businesses lining the street. Those businesses include Shortcake Bakery, Maryland Meadworks, Pizza Paradiso, Streetcar 82 Brewing and five automotive shops. The new trail should be finished by the end of 2023.

In the meantime, Cheryl Harrington, who owns Shortcake Bakery, worries that

SEE TRAIL ON 11 

may have done it.

In April 2022, Jonathan Meadows, of Riverdale, pleaded guilty to illegal transportation of scrap tires and littering. He had rented a truck and dumped scrap tires in the woods behind a commercial property in Upper Marlboro at least five times. “Meadows chose to ignore the law in favor of illegal-

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The

años de nuestro Plan Estratégico (Plan de Sostenibilidad). Este Plan es su oportunidad de dar forma nuestra Ciudad identificando programas y prioridades son importantes para usted y su familia. Animo residentes visitar hellohyattsville.com antes del 17 de compartir comentarios ideas para el Plan. Otras oportunidades de participación incluyen: unirse a un comité Ciudad, apoyar distribuciones

OF THE CITY

Why tires are a pothole along the twisty road to recycling

College Park Mayor Wojahn resigns Martinez appointed as District 22 delegate

Calls for special elections continue

By Sophie Gorman Oriani

Ashanti Martinez was sworn in on Feb. 24 as the third delegate for District 22 in the state House of Delegates. He joins delegates Nicole Williams and Anne Healey in representing the district, which includes Hyattsville, Greenbelt, New Carrollton and Riverdale Park.

Martinez, who came in fourth in the 2022 District 22 House of Delegates primary election, was defeated by approximately 800 votes.

Martinez, who describes himself on Twitter as a son of Prince George’s County, graduated from Parkdale High School in Riverdale Park in 2014. He went on to earn a bachelor’s in political science and government from Howard University.

Martinez’s résumé includes two runs for the House of

Delegates, an internship in the office of Steny Hoyer, along with work with Joseline Peña-Melynk’s campaign for Congress and with constituent services for county councilmember Thomas Dernoga (District 1). He is the first openly LGBTQ member of the Maryland General Assembly from Prince George’s County and the first Latino member from District 22.

On Feb. 9, Martinez was nominated to fill the House seat previously held by Alonzo Washington.

In Maryland, vacancies in the state legislature are not filled by special election, as they are in many other states. Instead, when a vacancy occurs, the governor appoints a new legislator based on the recommendation from the central committee of the party that previously held the seat.

In recent years, calls to

change the process for filling vacancies have been increasing. According to an opinion piece in The Washington Post, over 20% of Maryland legislators were initially appointed rather than elected, although many of them ran (with the advantage of incumbency) and were elected to serve an additional term or terms.

Healey, who has been a member of the House of Delegates since 1991, and Williams, who has been a member since 2019, were both appointed to fill vacancies.

Since at least 2019, legislative efforts have sought to change the process for filling a vacancy. A house bill, HB417, which is sponsored by 18 delegates, calls for a special election to be held alongside the regular statewide election if a delegate or senator’s seat becomes vacant early enough in the term. This means a new legislator would be elected, rather than appointed, if the vacancy occurs 55 days or more before the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy for the regular statewide election. The special election, like a regular election cycle, would have both primary and general elections.

By Alice Carlson

College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn was arrested March 2 on charges related to the possession and distribution of child pornography, the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) said.

Wojahn was first elected mayor of College Park in 2015. In February, he was elected chair of the National League of Cities' University Communities Council. He resigned from office the night before his arrest.

On Feb. 17, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children became aware of a social media account operating in the county that was distributing child pornography and notified the PGPD, according to a police department news release following the arrest. The account was identified as belonging to Wojahn; the investigation is ongoing.

The College Park City Council also held an emergency meeting and voted to remove Wojahn from all boards and committees on which he served. The city released a statement

on the mayor's resignation, which included a letter Wojahn addressed to the council and city manager. “While this investigation does not involve any official city business of any kind, it is in the best interests of our community that I step aside and not serve as a distraction,” Wojahn wrote, adding, “I have great trust in the ability of Mayor Pro Tem [Denise] Mitchell, the City Council, and our staff to carry forward what we have accomplished.”

Mitchell, who was a College Park councilmember at the time of Wojahn’s resignation, will serve as pro tem mayor until a special election is held. The city’s election supervisors will schedule that election, the winner of which will serve as mayor until the general election in November. By city charter, the special election must take place within 65 days. College Park will post details about the special election, including candidate packets and voting information, on its website (collegeparkmd.gov).

Alice Carlson is an intern with the Streetcar Suburbs News.

DeMatha swimming coach reaches career milestone

By Chris McManes

Things are usually pretty quiet for DeMatha swimming and diving coach Tom Krawczewicz after he packs up following a meet. But that wasn’t the case in late January when he notched his 300th career victory.

“As I come out to the lobby, everybody was still there,” Krawczewicz said. “They had cake, and the captains spoke, and it was really nice. I was definitely touched. I was kind of blown away.”

Krawczewicz (Kraz-a-wits), who just completed his 31st year as head coach, led the Stags to another stellar season. The team finished 15-1, placed in the Top 8 of every championship meet it entered and beat out 27 teams to win the Robert Sawyer Invitational in Greensboro, N.C., for the first time.

In addition, DeMatha set two new school relay records (200- and 400-yard free). Brett Padfield, who will swim at St. Bonaventure next season, established a new school mark in the 100 backstroke.

“It was a very successful year,” Krawczewicz said.

Krawczewicz grew up swimming at the New Carrollton Pool and coached there from 1981-86. He came to DeMatha in 1991 as an assistant to current Stags Athletic Director Ed King. He became head coach the next year.

Krawczewicz has mentored several high-level swimmers, including 48 All-Americans and 33 Academic All-Americans.

Matt Harris, a 2005 graduate, helped Kenyon College of Ohio win four NCAA Division III national championships. He won four NCAA individual titles and was part of 11 national-championship relays.

Harris, Alex Chen, Patrick Husson and Nnamnse Ammons competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials. Ammons, in his DeMatha Hall of Fame speech,

said Krawczewicz is the reason why he came to DeMatha: “He really sold me on the culture, the academics and the opportunities.”

Riley Foran, a senior swimmer and football player, also spoke highly of Krawczewicz.

“He’s always congratulated me on any big event in my life,” Foran said. “And anything I need help with, like college applications or anything, he’s there for me and always willing to help.”

Krawczewicz led the Stags to the 2005 Washington Metropolitan Prep School Swim Dive League championship. The organization has three times (1999, 2005, 2020) named him Coach of the Year, as did The Washington Post in 2004. He was for the 2000s named Prince George’s County Coach of the Decade.

Krawczewicz has a career record of 302-68-2 (.815 winning percentage). The 1981 DeMatha graduate plans to continue teaching (English and computer science) and coaching.

“We get some really good kids at DeMatha,” he said. “I really enjoy watching them grow and mature. That part hasn’t changed.”

HOCKEY TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIP

The Stags hockey team on Feb. 27 defeated Georgetown Prep 5-2 to capture the MidAtlantic Prep Hockey League (MAPHL) championship. The crown was a surprise because DeMatha entered the tournament seeded eighth with a sub-.500 record.

The Stags (11-15-3) advanced to the championship game with wins over St. Albans (2-0), Gonzaga (6-2) and St. John’s (4-0). They had lost to Georgetown Prep in December but seized control of the final with four second-period goals.

The victory was DeMatha’s first MAPHL title since 2008. Under 21-year head coach Tony MacAulay, the Stags have also won six state championships and four Washington Catholic Athletic Conference titles. His career record is 427-254-57 (.617).

Alex Sandel, a St. Jerome Academy graduate, was a senior defenseman.

Chris McManes (mick-maynz) reports on DeMatha athletics for the Hyattsville Life & Times

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Daniel Simon had a vision for the SoHy Arts building

Elizabeth Barth needed a new home for her acupuncture studio, Artemis Alchemy

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DeMatha swimming and diving coach Tom Krawczewicz celebrated his 300th career victory Jan. 24 at Trinity Washington University. He graduated from DeMatha in 1981 and began teaching and coaching there in 1991. COURTESY OF ED KING

NEWS BRIEFS VISIT STREETCARSUBURBS.NEWS FOR MORE

COUNTY COUNCIL PASSES TEMPORARY 3% RENT CAP

As of the middle of April, Prince George’s County renters will not be subject to any rent increases greater than 3% for a period of one year.

The county council passed this rent stabilization law on Feb. 28, to take effect 45 days after it is signed by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. She was expected to sign the bill by March 6, according to the office of County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (District 7), who spearheaded the bill.

The council, which passed the measure on a 9-1 vote after more than 100 people crowded the room for a public hearing that lasted more than three hours, made clear that this is a pilot program and that they intend to spend the coming year crafting another measure to replace it.

“We know that this is not a longterm solution,” Oriadha said.

“This is to stop the bleeding.”

The one vote against was by Councilmember Mel Franklin (At-Large), who said such rent

caps don’t work and were being abandoned by the few jurisdictions across the country that had adopted them. Councilmember Ingrid Watson (District 4) was absent.

The new law exempts rental units from the cap during their first five years of use. Apartments that are part of a government affordable-housing subsidy program, such as federal Section 8, would also be exempt.

The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that 37% of county dwellings are rentals. Under the new law, landlords violating the cap will be subject to a $500 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent infraction. Oriadha noted that if a rent cap is retained after this law sunsets in a year, the county will need to spend money on increased personnel to enforce it.

On Feb. 21, the Mount Rainier City Council approved its own rent stabilization plan, limiting rent increases to 60% of the Consumer Price Index annually. Hyattsville is currently weighing its own rent stabilization and assistance fund programs.

POST OFFICE PLEDGES TO STAMP OUT MAIL WOES

On Feb. 28, Hyattsville Mayor Robert Croslin and other city staff members met with the local postmaster to address Hyattsville residents’ continued complaints about local mail service, both service at the Gallatin Street post office branch and home delivery concerns.

“The postmaster thanked us for the information that came from our community and, despite the lack of personnel, pledged to correct the problems that were highlighted,” Croslin wrote in a March 1 email to the HOPE (Hyattsville Organization for a Positive Environment) listserv.

Residents shared their concerns on the listserv in advance of the meeting. Many residents said they had experienced poor service at the post office branch on Gallatin Street, including finding it unexpectedly closed in the middle of the day, being unable to pay with cash or purchase basic supplies like stamps, and encountering

rudeness from counter workers.

Residents also noted their appreciation of the post office building, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places, as well as of its downtown location, expressing a desire to see the post office remain open — just with improved service and staffing.

Councilmember Danny Schaible (Ward 2), who attended the meeting, wrote in a March 1 listserv post that the postmaster had been unaware of the unscheduled and unpredictable closing of the post office, which was not approved.

Many residents also expressed concerns about mail delivery, complaining of missing and misdelivered mail and late deliveries. According to Schaible, the postmaster said that all the mail which comes in each day gets delivered that day, even if it is later than residents would like.

“Locally, I hope our meeting will serve as a course correction and result in improved service and delivery,” Schaible wrote.

LIFE & TIMES COLUMNIST AND FORMER PGCPS TEACHER WINS NATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD

Paul Ruffins, the award-winning “Science in the City” columnist with Streetcar Suburbs News, received another award for his writing — this time, for a mystery inspired by his experience teaching special education in Prince George’s County Public Schools and by his own challenges as an African American student with a learning disability.

Ruffin’s manuscript, The SPED Squad and the Death of Short Bus 4, received a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) 2022 On-the-Verge Emerging Voices Award. Ruffins noted that the story is intended for middle-grade readers, ages 10 to 14.

The SCBWI established its emerging voices award in 2012 “to foster the emergence of diverse voices in children’s books,” according to its website. Ruffins expressed his appreciation for a novel workshop he SEE BRIEFS ON 5 

BRIEFS

attended in the summer of 2021: “The improvements I made as a result of going to the Whole Novel workshop helped me win SCBWI’s award,” he wrote in an email. The program was sponsored by the Highlights Foundation, which publishes a children’s magazine, Highlights, and offers a broad range of workshops for children’s book authors and illustrators.

In Ruffin’s SPED Squad story, Adeben Burns is a Black fixer-geek who’s ashamed of being dyslexic in his hyper-literate family. When a stolen bowling ball crashes his school bus into a tree, Adeben and four of his peers form the SPED Squad to expose the culprit.

Ruffins studied psychology at Harvard and went on to earn master’s degrees in counseling at Columbia and in special education from the Notre Dame of Maryland University. Ruffins’ articles have appeared in The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Black Issues in Higher Education, and in all three of Streetcar Suburbs’ newspapers. He is a former senior editor of the NAACP’s magazine, The Crisis Ruffins’ “Science of the City” column first appeared in this paper in January 2021. His March 2021 article on skate parks, also published in the Life & Times, garnered a National Newspaper Association award.

FIRE AT DR. LILLY’S OFFICE ON ROUTE 1

A fire broke out in a Hyattsville doctor’s office before dawn on Feb 13. NBC4 reported that flames came through the roof starting at 3:30 a.m., and that no one was found inside.

The interior of the office of J. Richard Lilly and Associates, at 5804 Baltimore Avenue, appeared to be entirely destroyed.

At around 9:15 a.m., firefighters were still spraying down the building, and Heather Sanchez, an employee, stood outside turning away shocked patients. “This office serves so many in the community, especially in the Hispanic community,” she said.

Lilly opened the practice on the site in the early 1980s and still practices there, along with a team of doctors, including the popular local pediatrician Dr. Shaaron Towns. Lilly had been on leave the

past few months, according to Sanchez.

According to Dr. Lilly’s website, the practice continues to see patients at their second Hyattsville office (5806 Baltimore Avenue) and at their Riverdale Park and Bowie offices.

“While we are saddened about this event, our priority remains being available for our patients,” the online message read.

PRICE RITE CLOSES; LIDL SUPERMARKET TO OPEN

The Price Rite at 3104 Queens Chapel Road has closed, but plans are in the works to open a new affordable grocery store in the same location: Lidl intends to move into the now vacant site.

Lidl is a discount grocery store chain which opened its first store, in Germany, in 1973. Lidl established its U.S. headquarters in Arlington, Va., in 2015, and opened its first U.S. store in 2017. There are now over 150 Lidl stores on the East Coast, including one that opened in 2019 along Route 1 in College Park.

Like Aldi, which also originated in Germany, Lidl sells primarily private label products, with only a few brand options for most foods. Unlike Aldi, though, Lidl has an in-house bakery, and shoppers don’t need to deposit a quarter to unlock a shopping cart. Lidl stores also tend to be larger than Aldi stores.

Jessica Shangle, a public relations specialist for Lidl, confirmed the plans for a Hyattsville store in a Feb. 10 email. “We are still in the early planning phases for this site and do not yet have a timeline or an opening date to share at this time,” she wrote.

When Giant Foods opened in the storefront in the mid-1950s, it was the first modern grocery store in the area. In October 1957, Queen Elizabeth II, who had come to College Park to watch a football game, surprised Giant shoppers by taking a spontaneous tour of the store. According to The Washington Post, she was particularly interested in the frozen chicken pot pies and the racks of nonfood items, like clothing and school supplies. In 2013, Giant closed the store, but it reopened a year later as Price Rite.

Now, shoppers will have even more nonfood items to choose from; Lidl, like Aldi, stocks a variety of seasonal nonfood items in the center aisles. Queen Elizabeth would be delighted.

A fire broke out in the office of J. Richard Lilly and Associates, at 5804 Baltimore Avenue, before dawn on Feb 13. KIT SLACK

Poetry and jazz bring history alive at local Frederick Douglass event

By Jessica Arends

What could inspire an evening of spoken word, jazz, Maryland history and the study of law?

Why, a local Frederick Douglass celebration, of course. On Feb. 8, about 75 residents and students gathered for the “Democracy, Freedom & the Meaning of Frederick Douglass” celebration, one of the Law, Art and Ac-

tivism events presented by the University of Maryland (UMD).

The soft and steady jazz music of the Emory Diggs Band warmed up the stage at the Hyattsville Busboys and Poets while UMD students mingled in the back munching on free nachos.

Award-winning local poet Joel Dias-Porter opened with Robert Hayden’s 1961 poem “Frederick Douglass,” which drew the crowd

Flower Bouqu

to their seats. The audience listened quietly and reverently to Dias-Porter, his gospel-like cadence punctuated by the poppop of the conga drum: “This man / shall be remembered. Oh, not with statues’ rhetoric, / not with legends and poems and wreaths of bronze alone, / but with the lives grown out of his life, the lives / fleshing his dream of the beautiful, needful thing.”

Dias-Porter also read original poems inspired by American poet Wallace Stephens, the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, and the Beatles. His words, strong and urgent, wove themes of freedom, reconciliation, love and hope. The Black oratorical and radical tradition of Frederick Douglass as an abolitionist inspired both poets and activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., according to Dias-Porter.

John Muller, author of Frederick Douglass in Washington, D.C.: The Lion of Anacostia and associate librarian at D.C.’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, shared lesser-known

Tree

facts about Douglass. Douglass spent the last quarter of his life traveling throughout Maryland, including a stop in Bladensburg in 1880, to give speeches on social reform and abolition, said Muller. And Douglass played the violin, spoke at local orphanages and served on Howard University’s board of directors — all despite never receiving any formal education.

“Douglass was very skilled in what we would today call codeswitching or emotional intelligence,” Muller said. “He could hang with peasants and presidents alike.”

Muller emphasized that one of the reasons February is Black History Month is because Douglass’ birthday is in February.

Brian Gilmore, senior lecturer of the UMD MLaw Programs, coordinates the Law, Art and Activism event series and served as the emcee for the evening.

“Maryland did not secede from the union, but did have slavery — we have a very complex history,” said Gilmore. During a post-event interview, Gilmore explained that the Law,

Art and Activism series demonstrates how poetry and poets are alive and among us, not merely relics from the past. He said he also hopes the series can keep democratic values alive.

“Our politics right now are pretty precarious,” Gilmore said. “We are in a daily battle for democratic ideals. Art reminds us of who we are — our humanity towards one another.”

Chalto Watkins, a first-year UMD student from Frederick, attended the event with several other students. “I loved hearing the poetry,” she said. “We don’t realize how close we are to history. This helps us take the time to appreciate it.”

When asked how such events relate to her Justice and Legal Thought coursework, Watkins said, “It shows how poetry and music influence society and contribute to social justice — how poetry can really move people.”

Prior topics addressed by the Law, Art and Activism series have included immigration, refugees and women’s suffrage, according to Gilmore.

Keep checking the Hyattsville Busboys and Poets website or the online UMD MLaw events calendar for their April event.

Jessica Arends is the arts, culture and lifestyle columnist for the Hyattsville Life & Times.

NATURE NEARBY

e Tyrannosaurus at my bird feeder

By Fred Seitz

Ihave been somewhat remiss in keeping my bird feeders filled over the past several months. But when I have ventured into my backyard to replenish them, I’ve been closely monitored and followed by local birds. They were likely reluctant to have me encroach on their territory and potentially interfere with their other dining opportunities.

During these close encounters, I’ve contemplated my backyard birds’ ancestry and wondered if they were echoing some of their ancestors’ behaviors and traditions. And I’ve found it difficult to imagine how swallows, wrens and even pigeons evolved from some of the larger theropods, a group of carnivorous dinosaurs that includes Tyrannosaurus Rex There is a growing scientific consensus that our feathered friends are, in fact, theropod dinos of a kind.

Theropods (literally, “beast footed”) are thought to have evolved about 230 million years ago. They walked on two legs, and each foot had three thin main toes, as our modern birds’ feet do. All meat-eating dinos were theropods.

Apparently, some birds that we think of as modern — birds possessing features like toothless beaks and fused foot bones — shared the planet with Mr. Rex when he was hunting down his more land-bound neighbors. A 2020 article in Nature magazine described fossil remains of Asteriornis maastrichtensis that showed a combination of modern waterfowl and landfowl features. (“It’s like a turducken,” a paleontologist told Science News.) The remains were almost 67 million years old, which means that this modern-type bird would have lived during T. rex’s short reign. Asteriornis is now considered to be the oldest modern bird.

T. rex and his non-avian dino cronies departed the scene about 65 million years ago when that rude asteroid struck the earth, kicking up enormous clouds of ash and other debris, obscuring sunlight and changing the environment to something that Mr. Rex couldn’t handle. In contrast, many of his avian contemporaries survived and went on to evolve and thrive. Earth is now home to more than 10,000 species of birds.

Birds had several advantages over that short-armed reptile

teeth and a long tail; its three fingers, with sharp, curving claws, moved independently, like other more reptilian dinosaurs of its day. Unlike those dinos, though, it had feathers and wings, like a bird.

Part of the transition and miniaturization from large reptilian dino to birds was likely facilitated by the widely varying characteristics of the dinos themselves. That not-so-cuddly Velociraptor, who has terrified us in films, was also an ancient predecessor of the cute birds at our feeders. He’s thought to

have evolved about 65 to 100 million years ago. About the size of a turkey, Velociraptor was more diminutive in size than many of his reptilian contemporaries. It had feathers but couldn’t fly.

Paedomorphosis, which is the retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood, may have helped dinosaurs become smaller, over time, so they could inhabit more diverse habitats. Some of these evolutionary changes likely occurred during the embryonic stages of development and were retained.

While I enjoy feeding the birds in my backyard and contemplating the habits of their evolutionary predecessors, I’m grateful that dinosaurs now exist only in their current avian form. When I see a certain gleam in their eyes, though, I know to make my offering and leave them to it — watching from a safe and respectful distance.

and his ilk. They had much lighter bones and could fly to more hospitable living places, thus enhancing their chances of survival. Their diets, which included seeds and insects, were more diverse. With pointy beaks, they could even crack open nuts.

Although picturing a T. rex garbed in feathers is challenging (and rather humorous), characteristics of the feathered, gliding Archaeopteryx speak to the evolution that brought us the birds we know today.

Archaeopteryx lived about 150 million years ago. About the size of a crow, it had well-developed

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Fred Seitz writes about nature for the Hyattsville Life & Times

Apparently, some birds that we think of as modern — birds possessing features like toothless beaks and fused foot bones — shared the planet with Mr. Rex when he was hunting down his more land-bound neighbors.

MISS FLORIBUNDA

Native intelligence to the rescue

Dear Miss Floribunda,

I’ve been in this area a little less than a year, and am only now thinking about gardening. My

decaying old stumps suggest it used to have several. While the full sun would be nice for a backyard vegetable garden, the horrific heat last summer has me thinking that

yard would be nice. My favorite tree since childhood has been the paper birch, but I’m told it won’t survive here. Any suggestions?

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Dear Stumped, Your predilection for paper birches (Betula papyrifera) suggests you’ve come from New England or the Great Lakes region. Hyattsville winters are not cold enough to kill the larvae of the bronze birch borer, Agrilus anxius — the paper birch’s mortal enemy.

I share your admiration for the paper birch, not only because it is so beautiful, but it is a native tree that harbors and feeds birds and wildlife during harsh northern winters. However, in the Hyattsville region, you might consider our native river birch (Betula nigra) as an alternative. The river birch, too, has fascinating bark that peels and a similarly graceful appearance — it is stunning when planted in groups of three. Although it won’t glow silver in the moonlight, it sports a fascinating blend of browns, grays, sepias and salmon — altering with the seasons. Its leaves turn gold in autumn. The river birch feeds many insects without being seriously harmed by them, and is the main host of the mourning cloak butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa. It harbors many other beneficial insects whose caterpillars feed baby birds. The bark of the tree itself is used by parent birds to make their nests.

I can’t stress enough the importance of planting trees native to whatever region you find yourself. You’ll do yourself a favor because they will be easy to grow and likely to survive. You’ll do the environment a favor, too, because these trees support local birds and pollinating insects and do not crowd out other native species of plants.

sycamores, persimmons, the eastern red cedar, and even the somewhat pesky sweetgum, whose fallen seed pods are so unpleasant to step on that it shouldn’t be planted near a sidewalk.

If you want smaller trees, Dr. Greenfinger is enthusiastic about our gorgeous springflowering redbuds and dogwoods, the fragrant sweet bay magnolia, and the American hornbeam with its ravishing autumn coloration. He also advises planting native shrubs and groundcovers around the trees to allow caterpillars to complete their life cycles when they leave their host and look for shelter on neighboring plants. He urges you not to rake up and carry away fallen leaves beneath the trees, but, rather, to leave them as protective cover.

You have plenty of time to do your homework here, because autumn is the best time to plant a deciduous tree. Autumn in Hyattsville is long and temperate, and saplings get a good chance to establish themselves before the ground freezes and dormancy begins.

Dr. Greenfinger understands that it may be tempting to plant trees during our mid-Atlantic springs, which seem long in comparison to the notoriously short New England springs, or even to the two-month springs of the plains and upper Midwest. However, spring here is followed by months of blistering heat that most newly planted deciduous trees have a very hard time surviving. They should be planted in the fall, which is long and temperate enough to get them established before the hard freezes of late December and January.

• Leaf Cleanup/Gutter Cleaning

• Landscape Spruce Ups/Clean Ups

• Bed, Weeding, Edging and Mulching

• Pruning/Trimming (Natural or Formal)

• Tree and Shrub Removal

• Plantings Trees, Shrubs and Perennials

• Interior/Exterior Painting

• Mulch/Topsoil/Compost/Gravel

• Transplanting Small Trees, Shrubs and Perennials

• Gutter and Roof Repair

• Lawn Cutting, Aerating & Fertilizing

• Snow Removal

• Grading and Drainage Projects

• Storm Clean Up and Hauling any Type of Debris

You might wish to visit the native tree list of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, dnr.maryland.gov, to choose an appropriate tree. You will see which would fit the size of your yard, which are fastest growing, which have the most beautiful flowers and/or autumn foliage, and which have the most wildlife value — and there is specific information on exactly which birds, insects or animals benefit from them.

I consulted my tree guru, Dr. Forrest Greenfinger of Chesapeake Natives, for suggestions. Always one to have facts at the tip of those green fingers, he immediately pointed out that our mid-Atlantic oak trees host 557 species of caterpillars, whereas the non-native crepe myrtle hosts exactly one.

Dr. Greenfinger approved the river birch, but also recommended maples, poplars,

On the other hand, Dr. Greenfinger urges planting young needle-bearing conifers in very early spring rather than in fall (right now is none too soon). Because these conifers don't shed their needles the way deciduous trees shed their leaves, he maintains that their root systems need months of undisturbed growth to avoid wintertime desiccation.

The Hyattsville Horticultural Society has invited an expert on native plants to speak to us about groundcovers, but a date has not been determined. Please keep checking our website, hyattsvillehorticulture.org, for finalized information.

Miss Floribunda writes about gardening for the Hyattsville Life & Times. You may email her at missfloribundav@ gmail.com.

The Hyattsville Reporter

A Message from your Hyattsville City Administrator, Tracey Nicholson-Douglas

Greetings, Hyattsville. It’s been a busy year already! As we look forward to some warmer months ahead, I’m excited to highlight several important initiatives for your awareness and participation.

Budget Season in Hyattsville: In February, City Council discussed budget initiatives for Fiscal Year 2024 and the prioritization of the remaining $8.3 million of the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds. You can view details on proposed programs and provide feedback on HelloHyattsville.com until March 20. These are your tax dollars hard at work and we encourage you to provide input!

Engagement Opportunities: This year we are entering the next five-year iteration of our Strategic Plan (Sustainability Plan). This Plan is your opportunity to shape the future of our City by identifying programs and priorities that are important to you and your family. I encourage all residents to visit hellohyattsville.com before March 17 to share feedback and ideas for the Plan. Other engagement opportunities include: joining a City committee, supporting food and diaper distributions, volunteering for invasive plant removals, and much more! Stay current on all Hyattsville City events and programming by signing up for alerts at hyattsville.org/communications.

City Election : The next Citywide election to elect a new Mayor and Councilmembers is May 9! If you want to take the next step in serving as a leader for our City, the deadline for residents to file for candidacy is March 10. If you’re not ready to serve on Council, the most significant way for you to have a voice in City decision-making is to vote! The City is proud to offer both 16- & 17-year old voting and non U.S. citizen voting in City elections. Find voter information at hyattsville.org/vote.

Un Mensaje de su Administradora de la Ciudad de Hyattsville, Tracey Nicholson-Douglas

Saludos, Hyattsville. ¡Ya ha sido un año ocupado! Mientras esperamos a los meses cálidos que vienen por delante, me complace destacar varias iniciativas importantes para su conocimiento y participación.

Temporada presupuestaria en Hyattsville: en febrero, el Concejo Municipal discutió las iniciativas presupuestarias para el año fiscal 2024 y la priorización de los $8.3 millones restantes de los fondos federales de la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense (ARPA) de la Ciudad. Puede ver los detalles de los programas propuestos y proporcionar comentarios en HelloHyattsville.com hasta el 20 de marzo. ¡Estos son los dólares de sus impuestos trabajando duro y lo alentamos a que comparta su opinión!

Oportunidades de Participación: este año estamos entrando en la próxima iteración de cinco años de nuestro Plan Estratégico (Plan de Sostenibilidad). Este Plan es su oportunidad de dar forma al futuro de nuestra Ciudad identificando programas y prioridades que son importantes para usted y su familia. Animo a todos los residentes a visitar hellohyattsville.com antes del 17 de marzo para compartir comentarios e ideas para el Plan. Otras oportunidades de participación incluyen: unirse a un comité de la Ciudad, apoyar las distribuciones de alimentos y pañales, ser voluntario para la eliminación de plantas invasoras, ¡y mucho más! Manténgase actualizado sobre todos los eventos y la programación de Hyattsville registrándose para recibir alertas en hyattsville. org/communications.

Elección de la Ciudad: ¡La próxima elección de la Ciudad para elegir un nuevo Alcalde y Concejales es el 9 de mayo! Si desea dar el siguiente paso para servir como líder de nuestra Ciudad, la fecha límite para presentar su candidatura es el 10 de marzo. ¡Si no está listo para servir todavía, la forma más importante para que tenga voz en la toma de decisiones de la Ciudad es votar! La Ciudad se enorgullece de ofrecer el voto tanto para jóvenes de 16 y 17 años y residentes que son ciudadanos estadounidenses. Encuentre información para votantes en hyattsville.org/vote.

ANNOUNCEMENTS | ANUNCIOS

VOTE LOCAL!

The deadline for voters to register or submit an alternate mailing address to receive a ballot by mail for the 2023 City Election is March 17. If you are already a registered voter, you do not have to re-register for this election. Check your status at hyattsville.org/vote. Anyone 16 and older who has been a resident of the City for 30 days can vote in City elections! U.S. citizenship is not a requirement to vote. Registered voters will automatically receive a voteby-mail ballot and election guide in early April. Same-day registration and in-person voting will be available at the City Building on Election Day.

FUTURE VOTERS!

If you live in the City of Hyattsville and will be at least 16 years old on or before May 9, 2023, YOU can vote for our City’s next Mayor and Councilmembers! Kids of all can also join the fun and win a $100 gift card by participating in our “I Voted” Sticker Contest! Submit your design at hyattsville. org/futurevoter by April 1.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL RELIEF BEFORE THE DEADLINE

Hyattsville businesses, non-profits, and childcare providers have until March 31, 2023, to apply for financial relief through the City’s American Rescue Plan programs. You can learn more about the relief programs and check your eligibility at hyattsville.org/rescueplan.

Hyattsville individuals and families experiencing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for up to $5,000 through the City’s Household Emergency Relief Program until May 31, 2023. Apply at apply at hycdc.org.

COVID-19 VACCINE & TESTING SITE CLOSING

With the ending of federal COVID-19 relief programs this May, the City’s COVID-19 testing and vaccine site at the First United Methodist Church will close May 2, 2023. We are very grateful to our community and healthcare partners and volunteers who have kept the site running since 2020. If you’ve not been vaccinated or boosted there’s still time! Vaccines are available Tuesdays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Find details at hyattsville. org/covidvaccine.

RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS

It’s parking permit renewal season! All residential parking permits set to expire between March – June may be renewed online when the renewal portal opens for the zone groups. From March 1 - 30, Group 1 (Zones 3, 4, and 12) can visit hyattsville.org/res-permits to complete the renewal process. Find renewal dates for other zone groups at hyattsville.org/ res-permits. Questions? Call (301) 9855027.

COMPOST BINS ARE COMING SOON!

In December, City Council authorized the purchase of 35 gallon compost toters for all Hyattsville households serviced by the City’s Department of Public Works. The toters are expected to arrive later this spring and will be delivered to your home! Learn more about compost services at hyattsville.org/compost.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

The City is seeking to fill various positions for our, community services, police, human resources, and public works departments. Apply today at hyattsville.org/jobs!

¡VOTA LOCAL!

La fecha límite para que votantes se registren o envíen una dirección postal alternativa para recibir una boleta por correo para las Elecciones de la Ciudad es el 17 de marzo. Si usted ya es un votante registrado no tiene que volver a registrarse. Compruebe su estatus en hyattsville.org/vote. Cualquier persona mayor de 16 que haya sido residente de la Ciudad por lo menos 30 días puede votar en las elecciones de la Ciudad. La ciudadanía estadounidense no es un requisito para votar. Los votantes registrados recibirán automáticamente una boleta y guia electoral por correo a principios de abril. También estará disponible el registro y votación el mismo día el día de las elecciones en el Edificio Municipal.

¡FUTUTOS VOTANTES!

Si vives en la Ciudad y tienes al menos 16 años cumplidos el 9 de mayo o antes, ¡puedes votar por el próximo Alcalde y Concejales de nuestra Ciudad! Niños también pueden unirse a la diversión y ganar una tarjeta de regalo de 100$ participando en nuestro concurso de calcomanías “Yo voté”. Envía tu diseño vía hyattsville.org/futurevoter antes del 1 de abril.

SOLICITE AYUDA FINANCIERA ANTES DE LA FECHA LIMITE Empresas, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y guarderías de Hyattsville tienen hasta el 31 de marzo del 2023 para solicitar ayuda financiera a través de los programas del Plan de Rescate Americano de la Ciudad. Puede obtener más información sobre y comprobar su elegibilidad en hyattsville.org/rescueplan.

Las personas y familias de Hyattsville que experimenten dificultades financieras debido a la pandemia de COVID19 pueden solicitar hasta $5,000 a través del Programa de Ayuda de Emergencia para Hogares de la Ciudad hasta el 31 de mayo de 2023. Encuentre más información y solicite en hycdc.org.

CIERRE DE CENTRO DE VACUNAS Y PRUEBAS COVID-19

Con la finalización de los programas federales de ayuda COVID-19 este mayo, el sitio de pruebas y vacunas COVID-19 en la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida cerrará el 2 de mayo del 2023. Estamos muy agradecidos a nuestros socios y voluntarios comunitarios que han mantenido el sitio en operación desde el 2020. Si no se ha vacunado, ¡todavía está a tiempo! Las vacunas están disponibles los martes de 11 a.m. a 7 p.m. y los sábados de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. Encuentre detalles en hyattsville.org/covidvaccine.

PERMISOS DE ESTACIONAMIENTO RESIDENCIAL

¡Es temporada de renovación de permisos de estacionamiento! Todos los permisos de estacionamiento residencial que vencen entre marzo y junio pueden renovarse en línea cuando se abra el portal de renovación para los grupos de zonas. Del 1 al 30 de marzo, el Grupo 1 (Zonas 3, 4 y 12) puede visitar hyattsville.org/ res-permits para completar el proceso de renovación. Encuentre las fechas de renovación para los demas grupos en hyattsville. org/res-permits. ¿Preguntas? Llame al (301) 985-5027.

¡LLEGARÁN PRONTO CONTENEDORES DE COMPOSTAJE!

En diciembre, el Concejo Municipal autorizó la compra de contenedores de compostaje de 35 galones para todos los hogares de Hyattsville a los que da servicio el Departamento de Obras Públicas. Se espera que los contenedores lleguen a finales de esta primavera y se entregarán a su domicilio. Encuentre más info sobre los servicios de compostaje en hyattsville.org/compost.

OPORTUNIDADES DE EMPLEO

La Ciudad está buscando cubrir varios puestos para nuestros departamentos de servicios comunitarios, policía, recursos humanos y obras públicas. Solicitud hoy en hyattsville.org/jobs.

CALENDAR | CALENDARIO

ZUMBA CLASSES

Join us for FREE Zumba fitness classes instructed by Tiny Zumba this March! Classes first-come,first-serve on Wednesdays from 4 - 5 PM at the City Building, 4310 Gallatin St. hyattsville.org/ wellness.

SENIOR TRIPS

Check out our upcoming senior trips! Call (301) 9855000 by 2 PM the day before the scheduled trip to RSVP.

March 16, 9 AM - 3 PM: Shopping at National Harbor March 30, 9 AM - 2 PM: Amish Market in Laurel

COOL GREEN BUS SHELTERS WEBINAR

Attend a webinar on March 9 at 6:30 PM to learn about the City’s new cool green bus shelters! Learn more & pre-register at hyattsville.org/ calendar.

COMMUNITY TREE DAY!

Join City Staff and Casey Trees on March 11 from 9:30 AM - noon, at Driskell Park, to help care for young trees! Details at hyattsville.org/ enviro-education.

TODOS VOTAMOS!

Join us on March 12, from noon - 2 PM, at Heurich Park, for a Spanish language voter information event! Details at hyattsville.org/vote.

SPANISH LANGUAGE CPR CLASS

The City of Hyattsville is offering a free CPR class fully in Spanish on March 15, at 6 PM., at the City Building, 4310 Gallatin St. Register at hyattsville.org/calendar.

SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

You now have until March 17 share your comments for the City’s 2022-26 community sustainability plan at hellohyattsville.com!

NIGHT OWLS SESSION

Enjoy a night out on March 17 by dropping off your little one(s) at the Driskell Park Recreation Center from 6 - 9 PM for an evening of fun! Details at hyattsville.org/ nightowls.

INVASIVE REMOVALS

Help remove invasive plants from Driskell between 10 AM - 2 PM on March 18! Student-service learning hours are available! RVSP to environment@hyattsville.org to make sure you are notified of any weather-related cancellations.

BULK WASTE POP-UP DAY

A Bulk Waste Pop-Up Day is scheduled for March 18 at the DPW Operations Center from 10 AM - 1 PM, or until containers reach capacity. Find guidelines at hyattsville. org/bulk-waste.

FRESH PRODUCE DISTRIBUTIONS

The City of Hyattsville and parnters are hosting produce distributions on March 21 at the First United Methodist Church and on March 25 at Driskell Park. Both distributions begin at noon. Produce is first-come, firstserved.

CHAT WITH THE CHIEF & COFFEE WITH A COP!

Ever wanted to ask Hyattsville City Police Chief how the Department works and his approach to keeping our City safe? If so, please attend our first “Chat with the Chief” from 7 - 8 PM on March 22 at the City Building! Can’t make that time? Meet the Chief and Hyattsviille’s finest on March 23 from 8 - 9:30 AM at Dunkin’ Donuts (2970 Belcrest Center Dr) for Coffee with a Cop!

HOUSING WORKSHOP

The City and area partners are hosting a housing assistance resource workshop for community members of all ages on March 25, 10 AM - noon, at the City Building. No registration is required. Details at hyattsville.org/ calendar.

E-RECYCLING & PAINT COLLECTION DAY

An E-Recycling & Paint Collection Day will take place on March 25 from 10 AM – 1 PM at 4633 Arundel Place. Find a list of acceptable items at hyattsville.org/recycle.

COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION

City Council is hosting a virtual budget work session on March 29, starting at 7 PM, to introduce the FY24 budget. Details at hyattsville. org/budget.

NARCAN TRAININGS

Two additional NARCAN community trainings have been scheduled for March 30 at 6 PM and March 31 at 10 AM, at the City Building. Register at hyattsville.org/ calendar.

CLASES DE ZUMBA

¡Únete a nosotros para clases GRATUITAS de Zumba dictadas por Tiny Zumba este marzo! Las clases son por orden de llegada los miércoles de 4 - 5 PM. en el Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin Street. hyattsville. org/wellness.

VIAJES PARA LA TERCERA EDAD

¡Vea los próximos viajes para personas de la tercera edad! Para reservar un espacio, llame al (301) 9855000 antes de las 2 PM un día antes.

16 de marzo, 9 AM - 3 PM: Viaje de compras en el National Harbor 30 de marzo, 9 AM - 2 PM: Mercado Amish en Laurel

REUNIÓN VIRTUAL SOBRE PARADAS DE AUTOBÚS ECOLÓGICAS

¡Asista a una reunión virtual el 9 de marzo a las 6:30 PM para aprender sobre las nuevas paradas de autobús ecológicas de la Ciudad! Obtenga más información y pre-regístrese en hyattsville. org/calendar.

¡DÍA DEL ÁRBOL COMUNITARIO!

¡Únase al personal de la Ciudad y a Casey Trees el 11 de marzo de 9:30 AM al mediodía, en Driskell Park, para ayudar a cuidar los árboles jóvenes! Detalles en hyattsville.org/enviroeducation.

¡TODOS VOTAMOS!

¡Únase a nosotros el 12 de marzo, de 12 PM hasta las 2 PM, en Heurich Park, para un evento de info al votante en español! Detalles en hyattsville.org/vote.

CLASE DE RCP EN ESPAÑOL

La Ciudad ofrecerá una clase gratuita de RCP completamente en español el 15 de marzo, a las 6 PM., en el Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin St. Registrese en hyattsville.org/calendar.

PLAN DE SOSTENABILIDAD

¡Ahora tiene hasta el 17 de marzo para compartir sus comentarios para el plan de sostenibilidad comunitaria 2022-26 de la Ciudad en hellohyattsville.com!

SERIE NIGHT OWLS

¡Disfrute de una noche afuera el 17 de marzo dejando a su(s) pequeño(s) en el Centro Recreativo Driskell Park de 6 - 9 PM para una noche de diversión! hyattsville.org/nightowls.

REMOVIMIENTO DE PLANTAS INVASORAS

¡Ayuda a eliminar las plantas invasoras de Driskell Park entre las 10 AM y las 2 PM el 18 de marzo! ¡Las horas de aprendizaje de servicio estudiantil están disponibles! Reserve su espacio contactando a environment@hyattsville. org para que sea notificado de cualquier cancelación relacionada con el clima.

DÍS EMERGENTE DE BASURAS GRANDES

Un día emergente de basuras grandes está programado para el 18 de marzo en el Centro de Operaciones DPW, 4633 Arundel Place, de 10 AM. a 1 PM, o hasta que los contenedores se llenen. Encuentre pautas en hyattsville.org/bulk-waste.

DISTRIBUCIONES DE ALIMENTOS

La Ciudad de Hyattsville está organizando distribuciones de verduras y frutas el 21 de marzo en la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida y el 25 de marzo en Driskell Park. Ambas distribuciones comienzan al mediodía. Los productos se sirven de orden de llegada.

CHARLAS CON EL JEFE DE POLICÍA

¿Alguna vez quiso preguntar al Jefe de Policía de la Ciudad cómo funciona el Departamento y su enfoque para mantener a nuestra Ciudad segura? Si es así, por favor asista a nuestro primer Charla con el Jefe de 7 - 8 PM el 22 de marzo en el Edificio Municipal ¿No puedes asistir? ¡Conoce al Jefe y a los oficiales de Hyattsviille el 23 de marzo de 8 - 9:30 AM en Dunkin’ Donuts (2970 Belcrest Center Dr) para tomarse un café con ellos!

TALLER DE VIVIENDA

La Ciudad y socios están organizando un taller de recursos de asistencia de vivienda para miembros de la comunidad el 25 de marzo, 10 AM - mediodía, en el Edificio Municipal. No se requiere registro. Detalles en hyattsville.org/calendar.

RECICLAJE DE ELECTRÓNICOS

Un día de reciclaje de Electrónicos y recolección de latas de pintura se llevará a cabo el 25 de marzo de 10 AM a 1 PM en 4633 Arundel Place. Encuentre una lista de artículos aceptables en hyattsville.org/recycle.

SESIÓN DE TRABAJO PRESUPUESTARIA

El Concejo Municipal está organizando una sesión de trabajo de presupuesto virtual el 29 de marzo, a partir de las 7 PM, para presentar el presupuesto del año fiscal 2024. Detalles en hyattsville.org/budget.

ENTRENAMIENTOS PARA USO DE NARCAN

Se han programado dos entrenamientos adicionales para aprender como aplicar NARCAN para el 30 de marzo a las 6 PM y el 31 de marzo a las 10 AM, en el Edificio Municipal. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/ calendar.

HIGHLIGHTS | LO DESTACADO

ROBERT J. KING MEMORIAL PARK REDESIGN

Robert J. King Memorial Park on Gallatin Street has been fenced off since November 2022 in preparation for its redevelopment. With a grassy central area, gazebos and a variety of play structures, the park has long been a popular spot for young children. The city's renovation plans include improving the site's stormwater management and updating its play structures and landscaping.

In the redevelopment plans shared on Hello Hyattsville, the city’s community engagement platform, the park would incorporate grassy areas for reading and relaxing, with play equipment for 2- to 5-year-olds filling the center of the park. According to city posts, this would allow for improved stormwater management and provide a buffer between the park and neighboring homes.

Initial comments on the plan appear split between those who like the idea of a small park for younger children and those who see a need for more play equipment in the city for children older than 5. Others voiced concerns about the loss of common green space available to the community. Several commenters raised questions about whether or not St. Jerome Academy’s Montessori program would continue to use the park as a recreation space for students during the school day.

Since closing the park in November 2022, the city has been doing work to prepare for the renovation, including tree repair, root aeration and survey work, according to Hyattsville Public Information Manager Cindy

Zork’s Hello Hyattsville posts. In a follow-up phone interview, she said the city expects to start removing the existing playground equipment “soon.”

One possible complication for the site is an underground oil storage tank believed to belong to the Spencer Street School, a predecessor of Hyattsville Elementary School. In 2011, the park was closed for several weeks after installation of a new water fountain disturbed the forgotten tank, spilling old fuel that had not been properly removed from the tank when the school closed in the 1940s. The construction team is using ground-penetrating radar to map the site to help ensure the tank is not an issue.

The city gathered community feedback on the project at an in-person Feb. 23 meeting and via Hello Hyattsville from Feb. 22 through March 6. The city is working with the Low Impact Development Center, which will analyze the public feedback and develop final plans for the site later in the spring.

Zork said that the new park is expected to open no later than summer 2024.

A NEW TEEN CENTER BUILDING

In September 2022, fencing also went up around Nicholson Park and the former commercial building next to it. In 2019, the city purchased the building and adjoining green space for $500,000, with plans to redevelop it as a home for the city’s teen center program.

The fencing went up after neighbors voiced concerns about people loitering around the building and in the park. Since then, Zork said, demolition and reconstruction of the interior of the building has been progressing well. She noted that the building’s old front steps have been removed to install a porch and ramp to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

According to initial plans released in 2021, the building will include study carrels, a kitchen,

breakout spaces and some small meeting rooms. Zork said the city hopes to have reinvention of the building complete in time for the teen center tutoring program to use the space this fall. The green space around the building will be designed in partnership with the Neighborhood Design Center. Concept drawings for the space are expected in the next few months, according to Zork. She said that the space will be designed as a multigenerational space with more seating and natural areas. The 2021 drawings included a mix of recreation and relaxation spaces, including a handball court, for the site.

NEW POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY

Finally, the city’s largest capital improvement project is the new police and public safety facility on Hamilton Street. With an expected completion date of summer 2024, the facility will house the Hyattsville Police Department, along with public

meeting spaces and some social services.

When the police move to the new facility, the city will begin work to repurpose space in the Hyattsville Municipal Building. Zork said that the city is planning to commission a space utilization survey in fiscal year 2024 to determine how the vacated space can best be used. Currently, the city staff is out of space on the third floor of the municipal building, so the study will look at both the immediate needs and more longterm plans for the space.

FUTURE PLANS

As these projects head towards completion, Zork noted that future improvements to city parks and facilities are in the early planning stages. For example, grant funding is currently being sought for a redesign of Burlington Park. She suggested people keep an eye on the Hello Hyattsville platform for opportunities to provide input on future projects.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS:

“Really great pre-sale preparation advice. Great communication throughout and a quick sale. Fantastic!”

“As a total novice, it helped immensely to have someone so knowledgeable and professional yet down to earth in my corner. 110% satisfied!”

“Ann did a great job and managed to be present and helpful in the key, clutch moments. That kind of instinct is pretty impressive to see.”

“Ann knows the Hyattsville market and was right on about what we needed to do to sell our house. She listened to our concerns and guided us through the entire process including summarizing and presenting offers from buyers. We do recommend her expertise and the care she took with us.”

Demolition work at Robert J. King Memorial Park, which has been fenced off since November 2022, is expected to begin soon. T. CARTER ROSS

TIRES

ly pocketing a few bucks,” stated then-Attorney General Brian Frosh. Under Maryland law, commercial businesses disposing of scrap tires must use a licensed hauler, and those haulers must dispose of the tires at a licensed facility. Illegal haulers try to skirt the law by simply dumping them and pocketing the fees they collect.

In May 2019, a licensed scrap tire hauler pleaded guilty to a similar violation. At the time, Thomas Okoronkwo, of Glenarden, owned auto repair and tire shops in Brentwood, Suitland and Capitol Heights. Okoronkwo admitted that he was dumping tires at a Midas service center in Upper Marlboro to avoid being fined for storing

WHERE'S THE EVENTS CALENDAR?

Our events calendar is online this month. Go to streetcarsuburbs.news to see upcoming activities.

too many at his own locations. Why do tires get dumped? While the scrap metal and parts in used cars have the highest recycling value of any consumer product, tires stack up in a very different category. The physical properties that make modern tires strong enough to survive potholes also make them uniquely difficult and expensive to recycle. And there are a lot of them; the Maryland Department of the Environment estimates that the state amasses almost 6 million scrap tires annually.

THE ECONOMICS OF DISPOSAL

At Prince George’s Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill, residents can drop off up to five tires a year for free. Businesses, which are charged $25 a ton to dump scrap steel, pay a whopping $400 a ton to dump tires, in part because those tires can’t go into landfills in Maryland — this restriction holds in 37 other states, as well. Instead of being disposed of, tires are sent for processing, which is paid for

Associate Editor Heather Wright heather@hyattsvillelife.com

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by the hefty dumping fee at the landfill. A compact SUV’s tires weigh approximately 30 pounds each, and tires on large SUVs and pickup trucks can weigh as much as 60. Assuming an average of 40 pounds per tire, then, 50 tires weigh in at a ton. Work the math: A commercial tire hauler would currently pay about $8 to dispose of each tire at the landfill, not factoring in their own hauling costs. They could probably save money by selling them to a company that recycles tires, but those companies can be hard to find.

WHY ARE TIRES SO HARD TO HANDLE?

Once they’re no longer useful on the road, tires present significant challenges. They’re noncompressible, and their shape makes them tend to rise to the top of evershifting landfills. They hold water, making them a perfect breeding place for mosquitoes and other pests. And they present a considerable fire risk. In October 1983, a tire fire in Mountain Falls, Va., sent toxic smoke across four

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Board of Directors

Joseph Gigliotti — President & General Counsel

Melanie Dzwonchyk — Secretary

Stephanie Stullich — Treasurer

Gretchen Brodtman, Bette Dickerson, Nora Eidelman, Maxine Gross, Joe Murchinson, T. Carter Ross

states. The fire burned for nine months and consumed some 5 to 7 million tires, and cleanup cost $11.8 million. In 1996, a tire fire destroyed a portion of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia; a similar fire laid waste to Interstate 85 in Atlanta in 2017. Because of this fire risk, many states strictly limit the numbers that can be stored at a single location.

CAN TIRES BE REUSED?

Worn-out passenger car tires are rarely reused on vehicles. According to Consumer Reports, it was common to retread passenger car tires when bias-ply tires only lasted 10,000 to 20,000 miles. This practice became obsolete when the gas crisis of 1973-74 led to the widespread adoption of steel-belted radial tires, which get better fuel mileage and can last 60,000 to 80,000 miles. On the other hand, commercial truck or rear bus tires, which can cost as much as $375 to $400 each, can safely be retreaded three or four times.

HOW ARE TIRES RECYCLED?

Recent data from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association gives us a glimpse into how tires are recycled. In 2021, 32% of America’s scrap tires were used to manufacture tire-derived fuel, 32% for ground rubber, 17% were landfilled (but only in states that allow this), and 6% were used for civil engineering projects. The remaining 13% went to unspecified uses.

Tire-derived fuels. Tires produce approximately the same energy per ton as coal and oil, so many tires are simply shredded and burned to help power cement kilns and steel mills. While burning tires does conserve other

fuels (and keeps tires out of landfills in states with restrictions), there is concern that using tires as a supplement to other fuels produces more toxic pollution than burning coal alone. Fortunately, the percentage of scrap tires being burned has dropped from about 48% a decade ago to 32% in 2021. (A process known as pyrolysis turns tires into diesel fuel, but it’s rarely used in the U.S.)

Ground rubber, which is simply rubber from scrap tires that’s separated from the steel wire and shredded, is combined with asphalt to improve pavement performance and reduce noise. Ground tire rubber is also used to give spring and durability to athletic fields and running tracks. Used as fill between railroad ties, it absorbs sound and vibrations.

In civil engineering, whole tires can be used to build retaining walls and underlay concrete roadbeds or septic drain fields. Shredded tires are often used as a backfill dirt equivalent, in part because the material is often cheaper than soil. Tires are also used as soundproofing, as blasting mats to buffer controlled explosions and as bumpers on loading docks.

Even as tires can be put to good use after their road years are over, we still burn or landfill about 125 million tires every year in the U.S. You can help bring this number down by buying quality tires, keeping them properly inflated and rotating them regularly to make them last as long as possible.

Paul Ruffins is a citizen scientist and professor of curiosity.

The owner of Ameritech Tires, located in Brentwood, pleaded guilty to unlawful disposal of tires in 2019. PAUL RUFFINS

some may not know she is still open. Her bakery is near the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and Charles Armentrout, where construction has been heavy as new curbs and crosswalks are being put in place.

“People are confused by this intersection anyway, and then you add to that the construction, and they are just not sure.” Still, she says, getting in and out of her business is already safer for cars now that clearer traffic signals have been installed.

Both Harrington and Ken Carter, who owns Maryland Meadworks, say construction

crews have been great about getting everything cleared out and put back together so that customers can get to them by Thursday, when both businesses open for the weekend.

Carter, a long-time advocate of the project, has been impressed with the construction’s rapid daily progress. According to Hyattsville Transportation Manager Taylor Robey, current work involves upgrading drains and digging trenches for electrical conduits.

The new trail will connect the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, which runs through Hyattsville, Riverdale Park and College Park, with the Anacostia River Tributary Trail sys-

tem. It will allow for quicker connections to trails like the Sligo Creek Trail, which winds through Takoma Park and Silver Spring, all the way up to Wheaton Regional Park. And the trail will connect to trails along the Anacostia that run from Bladensburg Waterfront Park down to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and beyond.

Area residents will be able to bike from Fairland Regional Park, outside of Laurel, all the

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way to the Navy Yard neighborhood on Capitol Hill in the District. Parts of the trail follow the trolley route that connected Laurel to D.C. from 1902 to 1948. Hyattsville’s advocacy for the project began in 2015, and the groundbreaking took place at the end of June 2022.

According to the state highway administration, the project will cost $6.4 million.

The trail extension project will put the focus on bicycles on a

stretch of Route 1 once famous for its auto industry, adding to the bike-friendly reputation established by Arrow Bicycle, College Park Bicycles and the annual Cyclocross bike race.

“This is going to be great for Hyattsville, increase bike commuting and be good for our customer base,” said Carter.

To be added to the project email list, contact Carm Saimbre at csaimbre@mdot.maryland.gov.

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including Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center and Pathways in Annapolis, as well as Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center and Doctors Community Rehabilitation and Patient Care Center in Lanham.

The end of the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, soon to be extended further south KIT SLACK

VOTE MAY 9TH | VOTA EL 9 DE MAYO

Hyattsville friends and neighbors! Thank you for allowing me to be your mayor over this past year. It’s been an honor and a privilege. With your help and support, I want to continue to work on your behalf for another four years. I’m asking for your continued confidence in my leadership and hope you will vote for me in the May election. Working in partnership with our city council and staff, I am committed to completing the good work we’ve begun to create an inclusive, sustainable, and thriving Hyattsville.

¡Amigos y vecinos de Hyattsville! Gracias por permitirme ser su alcalde durante este último año. Ha sido un honor y un privilegio. Con su ayuda y apoyo, quiero seguir trabajando en su nombre durante otros cuatro años. Les pido su continua confianza en mi liderazgo y espero que voten por mí en las elecciones de mayo. Trabajando en colaboración con nuestro concejo municipal y el personal, me comprometo a completar el buen trabajo que hemos comenzado para crear un Hyattsville inclusivo, sostenible y próspero.