Politics & Government

University Park No Closer to Cafritz Stance

But the towns affected by the project may issue joint recommendations to the planning board, says Mayor John Tabori.

The University Park town council met Monday night  on the proposed Cafritz development — but they didn't get very far.

Reiterating some of the majors ares of concern with the project — including the , , and storm water management — Mayor John Tabori told the council that he'd spent two hours over the weekend discussing the development with the mayors of neighboring municipalities.

Tabori said that the mayors proposed using common language on their rezoning conditions and that they are even considering a joint letter to the Prince George's County Planning Board to strengthen their position.

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The planning board is set to hear testimony on the Cafritz rezoning proposal at its . Any written recommendations or letters must be received by that date in order to be considered at the session.

In a possible preview of that meeting, many of the 30 local residents in attendance on Monday voiced concerns about air pollution, increased traffic, decreased property values, and the fast-track nature of the process.

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Nearly all of the residents who gave comment said that the council should reject the rezoning of the Cafritz parcel to , arguing instead that it should retain its residential (R-55) designation.

After hearing residents' comments, councilmembers said they were unsure whether their materials would be ready by Dec. 5 as originally planned. Tabori said the town may want to wait until the Jan. 7, 2012 planning board meeting to submit its recommendations.

The council will continue its discussion on the Cafrtiz development 7:30 p.m. Thursday at University Park Elementary.


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