UP Cafritz Commette Calls Closed Session

In an unusual move, the University Park Cafritz Committee spent the majority of Tuesday nights meeting in a closed session. 

Generally, these committee meetings are open to the public, but on Tuesday a closed session was called so the committee could confer with the town's attorney. 

"Our general approach is to try to be very transparent, but once you’re involved in litigation, some other factors come into play," University Park Council Member Len Carey (Ward 4) said.

The committee was formed about a year and half ago to allow the council to go into greater depth on Cafritz issues, and to advise the University Park Town Council on the subject. The committee—appointed by the mayor and town council—is made up of both town council members and town residents. 

Currently, the committee is chaired by Councilwoman Arlene Christiansen (Ward 3), with members Carey, Mayor John Tabori, Councilman Roy Alvarez (Ward 7) and University Park resident Sara Starrett. 

Media and members of the general public are allowed not into closed sessions pursuant to the Maryland Open Meetings Act. After a brief public meeting where minutes were approved, Christiansen called for a closed session to confer with town attorney Suellen Ferguson on Cafritz legal matters. 

Tuesday's closed session, said Carey, was called at the suggestion of Ferguson. 

University Park is currently engaged in three separate Cafritz appeals. The town is appealing the detailed site plan to the Prince George's County District Council on Sept. 9, and the preliminary plan and special permit in district court. Dates for the court hearings have not yet been set.