Week in Review: Speed Cameras, Looney's Pub Shuttle and Back-to-School

Snapshots of College Park over the past week.

By Shannon Hoffman
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August 21, 2011

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"It's faulty."

Richard LaDieu, who drives a truck for the University of Maryland, alleges that he did not deserve the speeding citations issued to him through data collected by Optotraffic cameras. LaDieu said he uses a computer chip in his car to record his speed. According to a AAA Mid-Atlantic news release, LaDieu was able to get a speeding citation dismissed on a technicality when he presented data from the chip, showing he was driving 29 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone on Paint Branch Parkway in College Park. The citation stated he was driving 49 miles per hour. LaDieu spoke alongside AAA Mid-Atlantic public and government affairs representatives at a press event near an Optotraffic speed camera at 3300 Metzerott Road. They challenged the accuracy of the technology used by Optotraffic, the legality of the placement of the camera on Metzerott Road, and called for College Park officials to pay more attention to the Optotraffic technology and state guidelines on camera placement.

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Richard LaDieu, who drives a truck for the University of Maryland, alleges that he did not deserve the speeding citations issued to him through data collected by Optotraffic cameras. LaDieu said he uses a computer chip in his car to record his speed. According to a AAA Mid-Atlantic news release, LaDieu was able to get a speeding citation dismissed on a technicality when he presented data from the chip, showing he was driving 29 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone on Paint Branch Parkway in College Park. The citation stated he was driving 49 miles per hour. LaDieu spoke alongside AAA Mid-Atlantic public and government affairs representatives at a press event near an Optotraffic speed camera at 3300 Metzerott Road. They challenged the accuracy of the technology used by Optotraffic, the legality of the placement of the camera on Metzerott Road, and called for College Park officials to pay more attention to the Optotraffic technology and state guidelines on camera placement.

Credit Shannon Hoffman

John Townsend II, of the public and government relations office with AAA Mid-Atlantic, speaks to a group of reporters and a few residents about the speed cameras in College Park. The press event took place Wednesday at a speed camera near 3300 Metzerott Road. AAA Mid-Atlantic challenged the authority of College Park to place the camera at that location, while motorists also challenged the accuracy of the speed cameras.

Credit Shannon Hoffman

Stray of Curious Tattoo, Inc., 7420 Baltimore Ave. (Aug. 18, 2011)

Credit Shannon Hoffman

Looney's Pub at 2900 O'Donnell St., Baltimore, MD

Credit Brett Yongerman

Pdfs (2)

Pdfs

This information was included with the press release issued by the City of College Park in response to the AAA Mid-Atlantic press conference. (Aug. 17, 2011)

Credit Shannon Hoffman http://o4.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/PATCH/resize/273x203/http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/patch/9a57b66b1b5fdf9b501d56316d50efae http://o5.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/patch/da905b7f90cfdde8d5b5c8ddad54e20c

This copy of the state law was included with the press release issued by the City of College Park in response to the AAA Mid-Atlantic press conference. (Aug. 17, 2011)

Credit Shannon Hoffman http://o5.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/PATCH/resize/273x203/http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/patch/7cda0b4cb749f94a3b09e9e510967cc6 http://o5.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/patch/66946a67bbb25d66e7c7ef0e840ab46e

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Speed Cameras
AAA Mid-Atlantic and angry motorists challenged the accuracy of Optotraffic speed cameras and the legal authority of College Park to place one of the cameras near 3300 Metzerott Road. The city responded with a release.

Back-to-School
If you're overwhelmed this weekend with the back-to-school chaos, make it a point to read the Mom Column by Gretchen Schock, who prepares the school staff for interacting with her son on the Autism Spectrum.

If you're children are starting class Monday at a county school, you'll want to check the Patch list of five things for the first day of school for information on bus schedules and school lunches. Also update yourself on immunization and physical requirements.

College Park Foundation
Neighboring Greenbelt started a foundation five years ago that has raised money for area non-profit initiatives. So far, the Greenbelt Community Foundation has donated $78,000 back into the community, and College Park is looking to start its own, similarly operated foundation.

UMd. Football
University of Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien said the season goal is to win the ACC Championship. The football program is under new direction this season with head coach Randy Edsall at the helm.

College Park Coloring Book
Patch caught up with an employee from Big Planet Comics, who created a College Park-themed coloring book, following Tom and Terry Terrapin around to area businesses.

Curious Tattoo, Inc.
Patch featured tattoo artist Jason "Stray" MacDougall of Curious Tattoo, Inc.

Joe Says Bye
Joe Smith also said good-bye with his last About Town column.

Veteran-Owned Businesses
Are you a veteran who runs a small business? College Park Patch reported that Maryland ranks 16th among states that have veteran-owned businesses. If you're one of them, and you live in College Park, reach out to me at Shannon.Hoffman@Patch.com.

Looney's Pub Shuttle and Parking
With Looney's Pub hoping to open its doors in College Park in mid-September, some have wondered if there's enough parking. Patch looked into the situation. Do you think a weekend shuttle and 100 parking spaces will be enough?

Kids' Fitness
"Ann in Motion" shared with us an event that combines racing with an amusement park, a great way to encourage kids to get active.

MOM's Organic Market
Today is the last day for the MOM's Organic Market festivities, celebrating the store expansion. Go there for free food from vendors and children's activities and face painting.

Cops on the Roof
Make sure you get out to Dunkin' Donuts today to see the cops on the rooftop. That's right, on the roof. Three University of Maryland officers will be chilling up there to raise money for the Special Olympics Maryland.

College Park at Night
Viewfinder photographer Robert Mang captured some great and glowing nighttime shots around the city. Did he get your favorite night view?

American Dream
We also unveiled a Patch initiative to stitch together the changing American Dream. What does the American Dream mean to you? Feel free to pitch us your story ideas.