College Park council members await approval for a grant that could bring an eco-park to the city. The council's decision in favor of the park was established by a 4-3 vote, said Councilman Patrick Wojahn.
The park, which would be located in what is now a rental house on the corner of Edgewood Drive and Baltimore Avenue, is one step in an attempt to make the city a more walkable community. The University of Maryland, located directly off of Route 1, has already taken action by limiting vehicle traffic at the center of campus to cater to pedestrian walkways.
"We're looking for the day Route 1 becomes a more eco-friendly place," Wojahn said.
The council applied for Program Open Space funds from the state to be put toward an outdoor space, but are still in talks regarding use of that space. Specifically, the city applied for the Community Legacy Grant, which should be approved or declined in early fall, and will determine the fate of the eco-park. With this grant, the city can "make something unique and give us a resource for change," Wojahn said.
For many bicyclists and pedestrians in the area, the park could serve as an ideal rest stop. Eventually, the City Council strives to make the rest of College Park eco-friendly as well, through implementation of biking and walking paths along Route 1.
Reservations for some council members include the location of the park, which would be just at the busy Route 1 intersection, and the lack of parking that comes with the space.
"It's a waste of time," said Councilman John Perry. "The property is zoned commercial and should be developed commercial."
Council members Christine Nagle and Mark Cook also voiced concerns regarding accessibility of the park in this location.
Wojahn says that the council will be looking for "significant public input" as the project progresses. Timelines for any decisions are unclear as plans remain in preliminary stages.
Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that "the council purchased Program Open Space funds from the state to be put toward an outdoor space, but are still in talks regarding use of that space." The word "purchased" should have read "applied for."
Matthew Byrd
9:19 am on Wednesday, August 25, 2010
While I'm not against the idea of an eco-friendly space, I have to question the real value it would provide to the community. If we want to put something useful in that space, I would like to see the city acquire the property next to 4703 Edgewood, and create a residential underpass (road, sidewalks, and bike lanes) from 47th Place to the College Park Marketplace.
An underpass would create a real traffic relief in that area, as residents wouldn't need to repeatedly suffer through the Edgewood/Route 1/495/Cherry Hill bottlenecks just to go to the grocery store. It would help keep our seniors and children off a dangerous section of Route 1 there, and would be a valuable resource for the community.
Creating such a pathway to the Marketplace might also help promote business and commercial development on the neglected northbound side of Route 1, which could help bolster tax revenues to the city, as well as property values in the community.
Underpasses are expensive, I know. But perhaps the city could find state funds or commercial interests willing to contribute to such a project. It might not be as pretty as an eco park, but it could certainly be designed to not detract from its surroundings, and the Route 1-facing side could still be landscaped as an attractive entry-point to the community.
Regardless of how the grant turns out, I hope the city will take some time to consider alternate possibilities for the space, and maybe turn a money pit into a cash cow.