Politics & Government

Mickey Lucas is Still Giving Back to University Park

The former councilman is continuing work on restoring University Park's stream.

Former Councilman Mickey Lucas has been a lifelong resident of University Park. After reaching his term limit, Lucas can no longer represent town on council, however he started working with other residents to create a living history of University Park for its 75th anniversary.

Patch: Why did you decide to run for a seat on the council?

Mickey Lucas: My parents bought a house in University Park on Pearl Harbor Day. My father raised his family here and I raised my family here. I had a job where I did a lot of traveling and once I retired I went to the meetings. I was a union officer for 33 years. I kept going to the meetings, finally a town council person retired. I said I owe this town something.

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Patch: What are you most proud of during your time on the council?

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ML: There were several things. We got the creek -Wells Run- running through the town. As a boy I played in that creek. I caught frogs and snakes. I wanted to restore it and bring aquatic life back, so that kids could have fun in it like I did.

 

Patch: What would you like to see the council do in the future?

ML: Basically I see University Park as an oasis with the nicest schools you can possibly get. Where kids can go to school and safely play on the streets. (I'd like them to) keep the University Park atmosphere over the years.

 

Patch: What are you doing with your free time now that you are not on the council?

ML: The mayor has appointed me to work with the stream committee. We are working in conjunction with the municipalities of Hyattsville and Riverdale. Also with developers — they have been quite receptive to work with us. All of that (water) leads down to the Chesapeake Bay. That thing is in worse shape than the Gulf of Mexico. 


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