Meeting Roundup: University Park Talks Permits, 75th Anniversary and Council Pay

Two last night before the town's mayor and council meeting, which began with the council approving the closure of Queens Chapel and a few other roads for Sunday's 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Here are the other items council discussed:

• Robert Porter, of the UP Civic Association, said that the chili cookoff is planned for Oct. 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the gazebo behind University Park Elementary.
• Councilman Michael Cron asked that more people get involved with the civic association now that the president and treasurer are leaving their posts.
• Council approved the remodeling of windows and doors at 4103 Van Buren Street.
• Council approved the installation of storage shed at 3806 Calverton Drive.
• Council approved the closure of Underwood Street between 40th and 41st avenues for a block party on Oct. 30 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mayor John Tabori said that the management of the various shops at Prince George's Plaza Metro — as in The Mall of Prince George's, University Town Center and the Metro Shops at Prince George's — are coming together to work on a plan to help develop the area. The foreclosures at University Town Center may have spooked them into working together, Tabori said, however the effort is positive for the area and University Park. "The leaders are realizing they need to act together," he said.
• Councilman Len Carey said there's been a lot of talk recently about circulator buses, but that instead of having developers operate the buses, communities should because research shows it's more successful that way.
• Tabori discussed the last meeting in Riverdale Park, when Cafritz developers presented more detailed information about the proposed development including the residences. He said the new details address some of the issues University Park's council has brought forth and that the towns are in agreement on most aspects of the project except for one item - the MUTC zoning.
• Council moved money in a fund so the it can be ready to use if two other towns sign up for the market study. But the money won't be approved for use until then.
• Resident Paul Essex asked why are the town is so concerned about a market study if they are without any commercial entities. Tabori summed up that how development around University Park can actually affect the town itself, from the property value, to crime, etc.
  
• Tabori also discussed the two pieces of legislation County Councilman Eric Olson introduced which would change how MUTC and TDOZ zones could be expanded.
• The council and residents discussed the charter amendments in regards to mayor and council pay and elections. Look for a story on this item another post. Council said they will not vote on the charter amendments until late November, early December after a public hearing is held.