Riverdale Park Council Requests Cafritz Continuance, Defers Vote

The Riverdale Park town council voted unanimously Monday to request a continuance from the Prince George's County Planning Board of its  hearing.

The vote came after the developers agreed to file their own request earlier in the day from Mayor Vernon Archer.

The  town councils had previously asked the planning board for a continuance on the grounds that the PGCPB staff report on the project had been filed a day later than required.

The Riverdale Park council and developer asked for an additional 30 days to continue their negotiations. A key point of contention remains the proposed .

"I am completely uncomfortable recommending any form of approval until the crossing matter is settled," Archer told the council, adding that he wants the bridge to be built in a timely manner.

Members asked that the hearing be postponed until Jan. 12 at the earliest.

Below is the text of the letter approved by the council:

Honorable Elizabeth M. Hewlett, Chair

Prince George’s County Planning Board

14741 Oden Bowie Drive

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Re: Cafritz Property, A-10018

Dear Chair Hewlett,

The Town Council of Riverdale Park respectfully requests a continuance of the Planning Board hearing currently scheduled for December 15, 2011, concerning the Cafrtiz Property, Application A-10018, and to request that this matter be placed on the regular Planning Board hearing agenda at a meeting to occur no earlier than January 12, 2012. This continuance will allow the Town of Riverdale Park and the applicant to continue negotiations that are ongoing, the results of which are likely to change the recommendations of the Town Council of Riverdale Park to the Planning Board.

Your consideration of this request is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Vernon Archer

Mayor