Week in Review: Terrapin Turf, Same Sex Marriage, UMd. Fundraising Extensions, and More

College Park residents could have a new place to wine and dine as early as the end of the semester if all goes according to plan with the Terripin Turf licensing and renovations. The College Park City council voted Tuesday to support the Class B liquor license application of Mohammad Afshar Khalaji, who has plans to add a new fire suppression sprinkler system in what was once known as Sante Fe Cafe on Knox Rd. They also plan to apply for an entertainment license so they can feature live music.

The Civil Marriage Protection Act narrowly passed the Maryland House of Delegates Friday evening. All three District 21 delegates, Benjamin Barns, Barbara Frush and Joseline Pena-Melnyk, all voted in support of the bill. Meanwhile, local residents shared their stories and views on the same sex marriage legislation currently before the Maryland state legislature. Sabrina Meyers hopes to marry her partner of 21 years in their home state, while still other residents worry about the societal impact of allowing gay couples to marry.

Tired of battling the traffic on Route 1 when you go to Ikea? Or are you frustrated with the lack of parking in the EYA Arts District in Hyattsville? Than you should catch a lift on the Route 1 Ride, which features more than 40 stops along the Route 1 corridor between Mt. Rainer and the Ikea in north College Park. It cost $1 to ride and is free for seniors and UMd. students, runs Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:09 p.m. It's also free for middle and high school students between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to help with transportation to and from after school activities.

With the end of the semester and the fundraising deadline looming for the eight teams cut from the UMd. athletic program, the administration decided to extend the fundraising deadline for the men's and women's swimming and diving teams, giving them a series of fundraising benchmarks. President Wallace Loh said other teams facing elimination are also likely to receive a fundraising extension and benchmarks if they meet with administration.

The Prince George's County Planning board released the final draft of its resolution recommending the zoning change on the Cafritz property. The next stop is the District Council for another hearing. While no date has been set for that meeting, Riverdale Park Mayor Vernon Archer said April 16 is a possible date.

The College Park City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to support the application to the Prince George's County Board of Education for the College Park Academy Charter School. The school will accept up to 600 students in grades seven through 12, and students will have the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credits. If the application is accepted, the school could open as early as the fall of 2013.