WEEKLY BULLETIN | May 1, 2020
ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Updates During COVID-19

Please visit the City's dedicated COVID-19 website for all the latest information about the City's response and local resources during the pandemic.

The website is updated frequently, so please check often.
Count Me in College Park!

The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States once a decade. Have you been counted yet? The data collected by the census determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and is used to distribute billions of dollars of federal funds to local communities. Please take a few minutes to respond now if you haven’t already. Go to My2020census.gov , call 1-844-330-2020 for English or 1-844-468-2020 for Spanish, or mail in your paper form. 
 
For more information, visit collegeparkmd.gov/census2020 or contact the Planning Department at 240-487-3541.
VeoRide is Still Open
 
VeoRide’s shared bikes and scooters are still operational in the City of College Park. A no-ride zone has been implemented on campus temporarily due to the University of Maryland transitioning to online classes. Micro-mobility can serve as an alternative to other forms of public transportation and there are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

  1. Wipe down any shared surface with disinfectant before and after taking a ride
  2. Wash your hands with soap before and after taking a ride
  3. Consider wearing gloves as a precaution
Register for Bike Anywhere Week
 
The City of College Park, along with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is celebrating Bike Anywhere Week May 11 through 15! Since we would normally be doling out high fives with WABA at Bike to Work Day, we’re joining them in a digital celebration of bicycling. We hope Bike Anywhere Week will capture some of the magic of bicycling in our region and remind us of the incredible community we have in our fellow bicyclists. You can sign up here .
Limited Community Garden Plots Available
 
Calling all gardeners! A few plots are available at the Old Town Community Garden and Hollywood Garden. Please email Katie at khart@collegeparkmd.gov for availability and an application form. Garden plots are $15 and are on a first-come first-serve basis. Social distancing guidelines must be followed including no more than ten people allowed in the garden at a time, stay six feet away from others, and avoid the garden if you are exhibiting symptoms of any illness.
Resource Directory of Essential Businesses Open

To see which College Park businesses are open, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/covid19#openbusinesses . The list is continually updated.

If you are a business that needs to update their information, please email planner@collegeparkmd.gov .
TERPX

Moving can be stressful, expensive and time consuming! TERPX can give you peace of mind when it comes to buying, selling or exchanging furniture, household goods, school materials, electronics and more. Looking to sublet your room? This platform will enable you to connect with other University of Maryland students looking for housing. Whether it is furniture or your room, this is where you “exchange” things.

Benefits of Terp Exchange :

  • Join a trusted community of UMD Students
  • Save money on buying used items
  • Save time finding what you are looking for
  • Provides a platform for your subleasing needs
  • Get all the above benefits completely free of charge!

For more information, visit www.terpx.us .

TERPX is sponsored by the Prince George's Property Owners Association (PGPOA)
Pepco and Energy Assistance Programs

From Pepco:

Pepco is suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges at least until May 1 and will be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options. Customers wishing to contact Pepco a nd enter into an installment plan can call them at 202-833-7500 and follow the prompts below on their automated system, or visit their website at www.pepco.com .

More information on Pepco's services during the pandemic as well as Energy Assistance Programs for Maryland/Prince George's County residents can be found here: https://www.pepco.com/SafetyCommunity/Safety/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
Washington Gas Project

Washington Gas Maryland STRIDE Accelerated Replacement Program Project at Paducah Road and St. Andrews Place to start this April. Click the image for details.
Purple Line Construction Updates

Beginning on or about April 20, 2020, the Purple Line will close a segment of Campus Drive between the Paint Branch Trail and River Road for construction. The closure will be in effect for approximately 15 weeks. The detour can be viewed here:  https://plmdnews.com/v03 .

Beginning on April 20, 2020, the Purple Line will implement a traffic shift on Baltimore Avenue at the intersection of Rossborough Lane for construction. One lane will remain open in each direction. The shift will be in effect for approximately one month. The detour can be viewed here: https://plmdnews.com/zne .

For all Purple Line updates, please visit www.purplelinemd.com/construction/construction-updates .
Maryland Department of Transportation / Maryland Transit Administration Purple Line Construction Project

Buses will be temporarily relocated due to Maryland Department of Transportation / Maryland Transit Administration Purple Line construction on Campus Drive effective Monday, April 20, 2020. This will effect buses on River Road and on the Westside of the College Park-U of MD station. Click the image for details.
A WEEK IN REVIEW
Department of Public Works
Temporary Electronics Drop Off Location: City of College Park residents can bring electronics to a temporary drop off box near the entrance of the front doors to Davis Hall. Must have a valid College Park ID. No more than 3 items to be disposed of.

Two new EV (electric vehicle) charging stations were installed at the Department of Public Works for 2 new EV (electric vehicle) cars due to be delivered to replace 2 existing gasoline vehicles in the next few weeks.

During the week of 4/27 the Department of Public Works resumed limited bulk and brush collections.
During the week of 5/4 electronic recycling collections will resume and the new Bulk Trash rules are in effect; there is a $20 fee for all televisions and monitors.

During the week of 5/4 metal and appliance collections will resume and the new Bulk Trash rules are in effect; there is a $20 fee for all appliances.

To schedule a collection appointment call 240-487-3590, or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov. Please do not put anything out prior to scheduling an appointment.

The compost and wood mulch program has resumed on a limited schedule. During the week of 5/4, self-service pick ups resumes (customers shoveling their own product). All buildings are closed to visitors; therefore, customers should call 240-487-3590 from the parking lot to pay by credit card for their product prior to entering the yard. All visitors must wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Pick up hours for all customers are Tuesday – Friday, 8:00 - 11:30 am and 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Deliveries are being scheduled for Thursday and Friday. To request a delivery please click here. For more information call 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov.
For any information related to refuse, recycling, or other Public Works related items, contact the Department at: 240-487-3590 or

The Department is located at 9217 51st Ave. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Notice of Adoption of Ordinance 20-O-01

In January 2020, the Mayor and Council adopted Ordinance 20-O-01 which made changes to the collection of Special Trash. It prohibits placement of materials at properties that did not generate the materials; sets fees for collection and fees for Refuse, Recycling and Yard Waste receptacles; and sets penalties for violations.

Effective May 1, 2020, the following bulk trash collection changes will take effect:

1.    No Contractor-generated construction materials will be collected; however, small home-improvement material that is generated by the resident and properly set out will be collected.
2.    Soft and Woody Yard Waste that is properly set out will be collected; however, Soft and Woody Yard Waste that is oversized and requires the use of a crane will be charged at a cost of $100 per collection, per hour
3.    Certain materials set out for collection will require a fee. These include:
a.    Appliances - stoves, air conditioners, refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers, furnaces, water heaters, grills, etc. - $20 per item
b.    Televisions and monitors - $20 per item
c.    Tires - $4 per tire
4.    Mattresses must be wrapped in plastic, or placed in a plastic mattress bag, in order to be collected.
5.    Oversized, overweight, improperly sorted material, or collections requiring use of a crane, will be assessed a fee of $100 per collection, per hour. 
6.    Refuse Carts: The City will provide up to two refuse carts free of charge per household. There will be an annual cost of $50 for a third refuse cart. A maximum of three refuse carts are allowed per household.  
Help Protect our Department of Public Works Crew from COVID-19

Follow these steps when putting out your trash and recycling:
  • Maintain social distance
  • Carefully bag all waste
  • Keep recyclables loose
  • Put all bags and recycling into carts
  • No plastic bags or tissues in recycling
  • No medical sharps or syringes in recycling
  • If needed, rinse containers. Make sure all containers are empty and dry
  • Wipe down your carts, especially handles and lids, once you placed them on the curb
  • Put carts out on time and retrieve carts quickly
(Graphic by the National Waste & Recycling Association)
Noise and Nuisance Municipal Infractions
April 20 - April 26, 2020
There were no Municipal Infractions issued for the Noise or Nuisance (Unruly Social Gathering) Ordinances.
Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity
April 17 - April 23, 2020
4/17 Contract officers responded to a call for service for a Breaking and Entering in the 4700 block Cherokee Street. Suspect smashed the glass door to the building and entered the facility. While entering the suspect received a laceration to his leg. The suspect was apprehended and charged by the on duty beat officer.

4/18 Contract officers responded to a call for service for the activation of a burglary alarm in the 9600 block of Baltimore Avenue. Alarm was accidentally activated by the owner.

4/18 Contract officers responded to a call for service for a Home Invasion (Shooting) in the 8700 block of Baltimore Avenue. The victim was shot multiple times by the suspect. This incident is NOT a random act as the victim was transported to the hospital in serious condition. Investigation is ongoing.

4/18 Contract officers responded to a call for service for a disorderly at the Parking Garage located at Knox Road and Yale Avenue. The suspect was sitting in the victim’s vehicle as they approached the vehicle. The suspect started yelling at the victim as he was rummaging through her vehicle. The victim fled and called police. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to DOC for processing. The suspect appears to be homeless.

4/19 Contract officers responded to a call for service for the report of 4 males that locked themselves in a room at the Enclave Apartments as they smoked marijuana. The suspects did not live at the apartment building. 2 juveniles were released to their parents as 1 adult male was placed under arrest for an outstanding warrant. The remaining adult was SOW.

4/21 Contract officer observed an occupied (2X) vehicle in the 9500 block of Baltimore Avenue. A field interview was conducted, and the persons were sent on their way.

4/23 Contract officer on routine patrol observed a male sleeping in the elevator of the City’s parking garage. A field interview was conducted. The male was infected with body and hair lice. The male was sent on his way. The Contract officer will obtain a warrant for the individual.

There were several premise checks conducted throughout the City.
Statistical Data and Issued:
MD State Citations:0
Warnings:0
Equipment Repair Orders: 0
Distracted Driving Citations: 0
Parking Citations: 0
Field Observation Report: 1
Youth Field Observation Report: 0
Citations in Lieu of Arrest:0
Civil Citation: 0
Criminal Arrests: 1
DWS Arrest: 0
DWI Arrest: 0
Warrant Arrest: 0
Premise Checks: 15
Referral Student Code of Conduct: 0
Downtown Area Pedestrian Warnings: 0
Downtown Area Pedestrian Citations: 0
Berwyn-Lakeland Pedestrian Warnings: 0
Berwyn-Lakeland Pedestrian Citations: 0
North College Park Pedestrian Warnings: 0
North College Park Pedestrian Citations: 0
Monthly Public Safety Maps
The January maps are now available. For monthly Prince George's County Police public safety maps and statistical data for the City of College Park, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/publicsafety .
CITY EVENTS AND RECREATION
Parks and Playgrounds

All City playgrounds, tot lots and fit lots are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. When using trails or other outdoor spaces, please make sure to follow social distancing guidelines.
Reversing Global Warming
Introduction to Drawdown
Saturday, May 30, 2020
10:00 am - 12 noon
Virtual Zoom Meeting

Join the City of College Park's Committee for a Better Environment for this virtual two-hour workshop. The workshop material is provided by the Pachamama Alliance and includes video clips of Paul Hawken.

Register at https://projectdrawdowndmv.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Todd Larsen at toddlarsen_99@yahoo.com.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Community Meetings
Note: These are not City meetings but have City staff or Contract Police as a host.
District 1 Coffee Club: TBD
Community Police Meeting: TBD
Office of the City Manager | 240.487.3501 | cpcommunications@collegeparkmd.gov | collegeparkmd.gov