There
are a number of development proposals that the CHEA Board feels you
should be aware of. This page will keep you apprised of ongoing
development proposed, planned, or underway in areas surrounding College Heights
Estates.
CHEA Letter - Comments Regarding APL Sector Plan
Click here to review the Letter sent regarding APL Sector Plan submitted by CHEA to the Planning Board.
Gilbane Project Information Request
Click here to review the public information request submitted by CHEA to the University of Maryland.
Gilbane Project Update
Updated development site plans, building diagrams and maps can be seen by clicking here.
Updated development site plans, building diagrams and maps can be seen by clicking here.
Gilbane Project
The Gilbane project is a proposed development of 440 graduate housing units and 100 townhouses located between Windsor Lane in CHE and Campus Drive. A copy of a few development maps and of a traffic study on Adelphi Road and other impacted streets can be seen by clicking here.
The Gilbane project is a proposed development of 440 graduate housing units and 100 townhouses located between Windsor Lane in CHE and Campus Drive. A copy of a few development maps and of a traffic study on Adelphi Road and other impacted streets can be seen by clicking here.
Purple Line
The Purple Line is a proposed 16-mile light rail line extending from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George's County. It would provide a direct connection to the Metrorail Red, Green and Orange Lines; at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, and New Carrollton. The Purple Line would also connect to MARC, AMTRAK, and local bus services.
Mike Madden (Purple Line Project Director, Maryland Department of Transportation) gave a briefing on the project at the 2016 CHEA Annual Meeting (April 28, 2016). A copy of the presentation can be seen by clicking here.
The Purple Line is a proposed 16-mile light rail line extending from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George's County. It would provide a direct connection to the Metrorail Red, Green and Orange Lines; at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, and New Carrollton. The Purple Line would also connect to MARC, AMTRAK, and local bus services.
Mike Madden (Purple Line Project Director, Maryland Department of Transportation) gave a briefing on the project at the 2016 CHEA Annual Meeting (April 28, 2016). A copy of the presentation can be seen by clicking here.
Cafrtiz Property Development
This mixed-use development is underway at a site located on Baltimore Avenue (Route 1) between East-West Highway and Albion Road in Riverdale Park, MD. Bounded on the west by Baltimore Avenue, Route 1 is the site’s primary street frontage and a major north-south thoroughfare in Prince George’s County. The site is bounded on the north by Albion Street, on the south by a U.S. Postal Service facility, and on the east by CSX railroad tracks. Whole Foods is placing a store on this property.
Construction updates can be found by clicking here.
This mixed-use development is underway at a site located on Baltimore Avenue (Route 1) between East-West Highway and Albion Road in Riverdale Park, MD. Bounded on the west by Baltimore Avenue, Route 1 is the site’s primary street frontage and a major north-south thoroughfare in Prince George’s County. The site is bounded on the north by Albion Street, on the south by a U.S. Postal Service facility, and on the east by CSX railroad tracks. Whole Foods is placing a store on this property.
Construction updates can be found by clicking here.
Design Plans Unveiled for New Hyattsville Library
After a three-year process, Grimm + Parker Architects have presented a design for the new Hyattsville Branch Library.
After a three-year process, Grimm + Parker Architects have presented a design for the new Hyattsville Branch Library.
Planned WSSC Watermain Replacement Work in College Heights Estates
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is planning to replace old watermain pipes in our neighborhood and in University Park during the next couple of years. You can view a map of the streets where WSSC is planning to do the work by clicking here.
Representatives from the WSSC spoke at the 2015 CHEA Annual Meeting on April 27th. The WSSC has provided written responses to many of the questions that were asked. A copy of the WSSC responses can be seen by clicking here.
We will share more information about the planned work as it becomes available.
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is planning to replace old watermain pipes in our neighborhood and in University Park during the next couple of years. You can view a map of the streets where WSSC is planning to do the work by clicking here.
Representatives from the WSSC spoke at the 2015 CHEA Annual Meeting on April 27th. The WSSC has provided written responses to many of the questions that were asked. A copy of the WSSC responses can be seen by clicking here.
We will share more information about the planned work as it becomes available.
Path from College Heights Estates (CHE) to University of Maryland (UMD) Campus
At the CHEA Annual Meeting, February 12, 2014, an investigative committee was established to look into a possible paved path from CHE to the UMD, and increased non-resident parking on Eversfield, Calverton, Windsor and Commander by students who use the path to go onto campus.
The committee (Jana Over [Chair], Ron Blunck, Klaus Hubacek and Jud Samon) has researched the history of paths from CHE to campus, the ownership of properties along the way of the current path, safety and security issues, environmental concerns, and what position CHEA might take on this.
Historically, there were at least three (3) informal paths from roads in CHE through the woods and onto the UMD campus. Two of these paths have recently been closed, due to new development (The Reserve) and the second by the private property owners on Eversfield whose property is now fenced and gated. Pedestrian use continues on the third path at the intersection of Chansory Lane and Calverton Drive. (Click here to view a County PLAT map. The "path" in question isn't marked, but the Eversfield Drive access point is fairly clear on the map.)
The issue came to the attention of CHEA when a University Park resident wished to bike to campus, but avoid using Adelphi Road and/or Route #1. This University Park resident suggested improving the path and possibly paving it to allow others to safely go from our neighborhoods onto campus without having to deal with traffic along major roads. Several posts to the UP/CHE List Serve on February 8, 9, 2014, suggested that the remaining path, located at a right-of-way labeled “Eversfield” on plat maps at the intersection of Chansory Lane and Calverton Drive, be made a permanent bike path and open for all to use as a public right-of-way. The “Eversfield” path exits immediately behind the Latter Day Saints Student Center. Subsequent posts and emails mentioned possible lighting, and a walking/biking bridge across the creek.
Research by the CHE committee indicated that the path crosses state properties and wetlands. Prince George's County and University Park police reported that their organizations and University of Maryland police were opposed to making improvements to any path, since it serves as a quick exit route for individuals involved in illegal activities on campus. Police cars cannot follow these individuals once they escape into the woods and then into our community on foot. Likewise, the police expressed concern about increased security issues if any improvements were made.
Conversations with representatives from Maryland Park and Planning and the UMD indicated that neither group was aware of any formal request from anyone to create a permanent path from CHE to UMD. Also, the UMD Bike Coordinator looked at the Eversfield right-of-way and did not think that it was a good place for a bike trail due to terrain, the creek bed, and property that would have to be acquired to develop the crossing. Maryland Tax Assessment e-records indicate that the State of Maryland owns the land where the current path crosses. The Eversfield right-of-way ownership is unclear and an official state property survey would be needed to confirm ownership of the land crossed by this particular path. In addition, if improvements were made, major costs would be incurred, and it was unclear who would pay for this.
After much discussion, the CHEA Board agreed to table the discussion and take no further action on the creation of a permanent path at the Eversfield right-of-way. The background on this decision will be posted on the CHEA web site.
At the CHEA Annual Meeting, February 12, 2014, an investigative committee was established to look into a possible paved path from CHE to the UMD, and increased non-resident parking on Eversfield, Calverton, Windsor and Commander by students who use the path to go onto campus.
The committee (Jana Over [Chair], Ron Blunck, Klaus Hubacek and Jud Samon) has researched the history of paths from CHE to campus, the ownership of properties along the way of the current path, safety and security issues, environmental concerns, and what position CHEA might take on this.
Historically, there were at least three (3) informal paths from roads in CHE through the woods and onto the UMD campus. Two of these paths have recently been closed, due to new development (The Reserve) and the second by the private property owners on Eversfield whose property is now fenced and gated. Pedestrian use continues on the third path at the intersection of Chansory Lane and Calverton Drive. (Click here to view a County PLAT map. The "path" in question isn't marked, but the Eversfield Drive access point is fairly clear on the map.)
The issue came to the attention of CHEA when a University Park resident wished to bike to campus, but avoid using Adelphi Road and/or Route #1. This University Park resident suggested improving the path and possibly paving it to allow others to safely go from our neighborhoods onto campus without having to deal with traffic along major roads. Several posts to the UP/CHE List Serve on February 8, 9, 2014, suggested that the remaining path, located at a right-of-way labeled “Eversfield” on plat maps at the intersection of Chansory Lane and Calverton Drive, be made a permanent bike path and open for all to use as a public right-of-way. The “Eversfield” path exits immediately behind the Latter Day Saints Student Center. Subsequent posts and emails mentioned possible lighting, and a walking/biking bridge across the creek.
Research by the CHE committee indicated that the path crosses state properties and wetlands. Prince George's County and University Park police reported that their organizations and University of Maryland police were opposed to making improvements to any path, since it serves as a quick exit route for individuals involved in illegal activities on campus. Police cars cannot follow these individuals once they escape into the woods and then into our community on foot. Likewise, the police expressed concern about increased security issues if any improvements were made.
Conversations with representatives from Maryland Park and Planning and the UMD indicated that neither group was aware of any formal request from anyone to create a permanent path from CHE to UMD. Also, the UMD Bike Coordinator looked at the Eversfield right-of-way and did not think that it was a good place for a bike trail due to terrain, the creek bed, and property that would have to be acquired to develop the crossing. Maryland Tax Assessment e-records indicate that the State of Maryland owns the land where the current path crosses. The Eversfield right-of-way ownership is unclear and an official state property survey would be needed to confirm ownership of the land crossed by this particular path. In addition, if improvements were made, major costs would be incurred, and it was unclear who would pay for this.
After much discussion, the CHEA Board agreed to table the discussion and take no further action on the creation of a permanent path at the Eversfield right-of-way. The background on this decision will be posted on the CHEA web site.
Extensive Non-resident Parking on CHE Streets and Possible CHE Parking Permits
People who do not live or rent a home in CHE are parking all day on weekdays on residential streets and walking out of the neighborhood to places of work or school. Non-resident cars are parked on Commander Drive, Windsor Lane, Calverton Drive and Chansory Lane. Concern has also been expressed about the potential for increased on-street parking by non-residents when the Purple Line is built.
The committee established at the CHEA Annual Meeting on February 12, 2014, recommended that CHE obtain the necessary signatures required by the Prince George’s County Digital Parking Permit Program to establish non-residential parking restrictions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, on five streets within CHE: Commander Drive, Windsor Lane, Calverton Drive, Chansory Lane, and Lovell Drive.
Prince George’s County established a Digital Parking Permit Program on May 2, 2012. The program allows residents to set parking restriction days and times so that they control non-resident parking on neighborhood streets. The county does not require hang tags, stickers or decals. However, the CHEA committee recommended that CHEA separately purchase decals and hang tags (for visitors) so that CHEA residents know which cars belong to residents and thereby can notify the Prince George’s County police when a non-residential car is parked in a restricted zone. Various surveys of residents are required for this to occur. If CHE residents approve this action via an initial survey and signed petition, it is estimated that the time from submission of an approved community petition to completion (having signs posted on CHE streets) would be about 9 months.
A motion was made by Joel Scheraga, seconded by Ron Blunck, and approved unanimously that the CHEA Board should initiate the first required survey to determine whether residents are in favor of parking restrictions being initiated on the five CHE streets noted above.
People who do not live or rent a home in CHE are parking all day on weekdays on residential streets and walking out of the neighborhood to places of work or school. Non-resident cars are parked on Commander Drive, Windsor Lane, Calverton Drive and Chansory Lane. Concern has also been expressed about the potential for increased on-street parking by non-residents when the Purple Line is built.
The committee established at the CHEA Annual Meeting on February 12, 2014, recommended that CHE obtain the necessary signatures required by the Prince George’s County Digital Parking Permit Program to establish non-residential parking restrictions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, on five streets within CHE: Commander Drive, Windsor Lane, Calverton Drive, Chansory Lane, and Lovell Drive.
Prince George’s County established a Digital Parking Permit Program on May 2, 2012. The program allows residents to set parking restriction days and times so that they control non-resident parking on neighborhood streets. The county does not require hang tags, stickers or decals. However, the CHEA committee recommended that CHEA separately purchase decals and hang tags (for visitors) so that CHEA residents know which cars belong to residents and thereby can notify the Prince George’s County police when a non-residential car is parked in a restricted zone. Various surveys of residents are required for this to occur. If CHE residents approve this action via an initial survey and signed petition, it is estimated that the time from submission of an approved community petition to completion (having signs posted on CHE streets) would be about 9 months.
A motion was made by Joel Scheraga, seconded by Ron Blunck, and approved unanimously that the CHEA Board should initiate the first required survey to determine whether residents are in favor of parking restrictions being initiated on the five CHE streets noted above.
New Science and Technology District
With the University of Maryland, the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center and M Square Research Park, there is a great deal of research and employment in science and technology occurring in our area. Businesses are incubated at the University of Maryland, but often move out of the county after they are established. In order to make our area even more attractive for newly created businesses and to attract firms in the science and technology fields, Council Member Eric Olson proposed CR-7-2014, establishing a Science and Technology District in the Beltsville, College Park, Riverdale, Riverdale Park, Berwyn Heights and Greenbelt area. This legislation passed on March 18th. With this new Science and Technology District, we have more tools to grow investment and employment in our community.
With the University of Maryland, the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center and M Square Research Park, there is a great deal of research and employment in science and technology occurring in our area. Businesses are incubated at the University of Maryland, but often move out of the county after they are established. In order to make our area even more attractive for newly created businesses and to attract firms in the science and technology fields, Council Member Eric Olson proposed CR-7-2014, establishing a Science and Technology District in the Beltsville, College Park, Riverdale, Riverdale Park, Berwyn Heights and Greenbelt area. This legislation passed on March 18th. With this new Science and Technology District, we have more tools to grow investment and employment in our community.
Approved Central US 1 Corridor Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment
This sector plan and associated Sectional (Zoning) Map Amendment relates to the US 1 Corridor located in the City of College Park. The plan builds upon and updates the 2002 College Park/US 1 Corridor Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment, implements the 2002 General Plan, incorporates recommendations from functional area master plans including the Green Infrastructure Plan, and addresses issues relating to land use, development pressure, urban design, and transportation.
This sector plan and associated Sectional (Zoning) Map Amendment relates to the US 1 Corridor located in the City of College Park. The plan builds upon and updates the 2002 College Park/US 1 Corridor Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment, implements the 2002 General Plan, incorporates recommendations from functional area master plans including the Green Infrastructure Plan, and addresses issues relating to land use, development pressure, urban design, and transportation.
The Knox Boxes
The Knox Boxes are 300-400 apartment units situated on 5.5 acres just southeast of the University of Maryland campus. Toll Brothers has acquired these properties and plans to develop four separate building complexes, each with its own green space, courtyards, and other amenities. All units within each building will be furnished and rented to university students. Units will range from smaller studios to larger 4-bedroom-4 bath units with living space, washer and dryer and kitchen.
A parking garage to handle up to 500 automobiles will be situated within one of the buildings. Once completed, Toll Brothers envisions having more than 1500 beds available in the four separate buildings. The height of individual buildings will range from 4-6 stories depending upon location. The fact that residents of this development could potentially have 1500 autos, whereas the parking garage only holds 500, was seen as a possible concern in terms of parking and congestion.
Under the proposal, Knox Road, now a one-way street, will handle traffic in both directions. A "mews" is planned to connect these buildings as a walkway with steps directly into campus in the direction of McKeldin Library. Retail space is planned for each building.
Toll Brothers indicated that this coming academic year will be the last year for the Knox Boxes. They anticipate breaking ground on this development in summer 2014 with occupancy planned for fall 2016.
The Knox Boxes are 300-400 apartment units situated on 5.5 acres just southeast of the University of Maryland campus. Toll Brothers has acquired these properties and plans to develop four separate building complexes, each with its own green space, courtyards, and other amenities. All units within each building will be furnished and rented to university students. Units will range from smaller studios to larger 4-bedroom-4 bath units with living space, washer and dryer and kitchen.
A parking garage to handle up to 500 automobiles will be situated within one of the buildings. Once completed, Toll Brothers envisions having more than 1500 beds available in the four separate buildings. The height of individual buildings will range from 4-6 stories depending upon location. The fact that residents of this development could potentially have 1500 autos, whereas the parking garage only holds 500, was seen as a possible concern in terms of parking and congestion.
Under the proposal, Knox Road, now a one-way street, will handle traffic in both directions. A "mews" is planned to connect these buildings as a walkway with steps directly into campus in the direction of McKeldin Library. Retail space is planned for each building.
Toll Brothers indicated that this coming academic year will be the last year for the Knox Boxes. They anticipate breaking ground on this development in summer 2014 with occupancy planned for fall 2016.
Belcrest
Mixed-Use Development
Percontee Inc. is redeveloping 25 acres of existing property along Toledo Terrace, immediately north and northwest of The Mall at Prince George's. The mixed-use redevelopment, located in the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District Overlay Zone, is replacing 566 garden-style low-density apartments with a high-density transit-oriented development, including 2,675 residential units, 40,000 sq ft of public amenity space and over 235,000 sq ft of retail and office space.
You can learn more about this project on the "Development Project" page of the city of Hyattsville’s website. You can also download two slide presentations prepared by Precontee:
1. "Belcrest Mixed Use" (This is a large file and may take some time to download.)
2. Program Summary"
Percontee Inc. is redeveloping 25 acres of existing property along Toledo Terrace, immediately north and northwest of The Mall at Prince George's. The mixed-use redevelopment, located in the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District Overlay Zone, is replacing 566 garden-style low-density apartments with a high-density transit-oriented development, including 2,675 residential units, 40,000 sq ft of public amenity space and over 235,000 sq ft of retail and office space.
You can learn more about this project on the "Development Project" page of the city of Hyattsville’s website. You can also download two slide presentations prepared by Precontee:
1. "Belcrest Mixed Use" (This is a large file and may take some time to download.)
2. Program Summary"
Arts District Hyattsville
Arts District Hyattsville is a $200 million mixed-use revitalization development along the U.S. Route One Corridor in historic downtown Hyattsville.
Arts District Hyattsville is a $200 million mixed-use revitalization development along the U.S. Route One Corridor in historic downtown Hyattsville.
