Riverdale Park Council Backs Cafritz Rezoning, 5-0

The Riverdale Park Town Council voted 5-0 Tuesday night in support the the proposed rezoning of the .

The recommendation—which will be delivered to the Prince George’s County Planning Board—is accompanied by a set of conditions and covenants agreed to between the town and the developers after months of negotiations.

Councilman Jonathan Ebbeler said that he had assurances from County Executive Rushern Baker that the Cafritz development would support the revitalization of Riverdale Park’s town center.

“This has never been just about Cafrtiz,” Ebbeler said. “This has always been tied into the redevelopment of the town center.”

The decision followed Monday night's vote by the University Park Town Council .

After Tuesday's session, Mayor Vernon Archer and several council members headed to College Park, where the City Council was considering its own stance on the Cafritz plan.

Both Archer and University Park Mayor John Tabori gave comments at the meeting, encouraging their neighbors to the north to support the rezoning.

"All municipalities in this area would have a voice and ability to know about and participate in the development should it go forward,” said Archer.

Despite their efforts, College Park's council ultimately voted to oppose the plan by a 6-2 margin.

The Prince George’s County Planning Board will hear the application to rezone the Cafritz property Thursday in Upper Marlboro. Archer is set to attend the meeting and speak on behalf of Riverdale Park.