Work Session Preview: Development and Shuttle Service

The Mayor and Council work session agenda is teeming with development discussion, including the M Square Research Park, public transportation and U.S. Route 1.

The work session begins at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of , 4500 Knox Road. (This is half an hour earlier than the normal start time.) The meeting is open to the public.

Here is a summary of some agenda items:

• U.S. Route 1 Development

Staff and council will discuss how to leverage funds for continued development along U.S. Route 1. Now that the State Highway Administration (SHA) has identified , staff recommends that the council finalize a Tax Increment Financing policy by the end of the calendar year to help fund an estimated $10 million for undergrounding utilities, which is not included in the SHA funding. The Baltimore Avenue segment in focus right now is between Paint Branch Parkway and MD Route 193.

• More U.S. Route 1 Development

The will begin before this fiscal year is over, according reports from Maryland staff to College Park staff. A report recently released by the Maryland Department of Transportation allots $1 million between 2012 and 2014 for the reconstruction; $5.8 million is allotted for 2015.

• Transportation Funding

Also in the MDOT report, there is no funding currently allotted to College Park through the Bikeways Network program and transit oriented development implementation. City staff recommends that council request funding for U.S. Route 1, the , MARC train service expansion and programs that support pedestrian and bicycle improvements.

• M Square Research Park

Staff recommends that council vote down the current plan for development at M Square Research Park, due to several of its shortcomings. For example, staff said the current plan fails to comply with several development requirements for the area and does not maximize safety and efficiency. Staff also said the plan does not meet several purposes of the zone, including promotion of the use of transit facilities and providing adequate pedestrian access to metro stations.

• UM-Shuttle Service

Council is working with the University of Maryland Student Government Association (SGA) to negotiate a lowered annual fee for College Park residents to use the university shuttle service. The city was pushing for a $5,000 annual fee. On Sept. 16, SGA amended the bill to require a $6,000 payment from the city. College Park staff recommends approving the fee. , the shuttle service is not greatly utilized by College Park residents.