Ward 3 is diverse in the types of neighborhoods situated in our community. The needs of residents and businesses within the major commercial corridor along East-West Highway differ from the needs of residents located within the University Hills or UTC neighborhoods. As a current member of the steering committee for the Hyattsville Crossing Business Improvement District (BID), I am working with city leaders, developers, and local business owners to build a vision and plan for advancing the vibrancy and safety of this city. This includes focusing city resources to activate public spaces that will create local destinations where patrons want to visit and where people feel safe.

While the commercial corridor has specific needs and considerations related to higher housing density, residents in the University Hills neighborhood have needs of their own. Currently, plans to develop the Clay property are under review by the county and a site plan is coming before the City for additional review and comment. As a member of the City Council, I am committed to working with developers to achieve the best possible outcomes for the existing residents in the University Hills area. Specific outcomes include protecting as much of the existing natural forestry as possible, preventing the connection of Calverton Drive and Dean Drive, and diverting commuter traffic away from our neighborhoods so that streets remain safe and quiet.

Anyone that launches a business—especially a small business—is taking a leap of faith as an investment in themselves and in our community. As such, our business owners are an integral part of our city’s cultural and economic landscape. I believe Hyattsville should support our small businesses so they are positioned for success. Some of the ways we can accomplish this is by providing support to small or newer businesses by providing incentive to occupy empty storefronts in Ward 3 (such as those along America Blvd.).

The City of Hyattsville has approximately a dozen police officers trained in crisis intervention response. This training gives our police additional tools to do their jobs safely and effectively. I have witnessed this training used in real-time by Hyattsville police to peacefully resolve an issue involving someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Investments in programs like this paired with fully staffing vacancies are crucial steps needed in helping to address crime in our city. While police are not the answer to resolving every issue, I believe they are an important part of an overall strategy to address crime and increase safety in our community.

The City of Hyattsville is a collection of neighborhoods separated by major roadways. Many of the roadways are under the jurisdiction of county or state agencies which leaves Hyattsville with limited ability to quickly address safety concerns. Some of these issues include speeding through our neighborhoods and having narrow and impractical sidewalks. Whether you’ve tried crossing East-West Highway, Belcrest Road, or walk or bike along Adelphi Road, you know these areas are an accident waiting to happen. Tragically, these issues contribute to Prince George’s County having some of the most dangerous roads in Maryland when it comes to automotive, bicycle, and pedestrian safety. As a member of council, I will use my position to influence the prioritization of road and pedestrian safety for everyone in our community. 

Similarly to my goal of proactive representation, I believe the best outcomes are achieved when stakeholders have input on decisions potentially impacting them. With the City and County working through complex issues such as affordable housing, addressing crime, economic development, and more, it is crucial that we hear from residents and business owners as they are important stakeholders in ensuring the safety and vibrancy of our city is available to all. This is something I have already been involved with as a member of the steering committee for the Hyattsville Crossing BID. In that role, I represent city residents in the expansion of services in Ward 3 while also ensuring whatever funds  are spent go directly to positively impacting the cleanliness and safety of our community.

I don’t know anyone that finds joy in paying taxes. Anyone that owns a home in Hyattsville or Prince George’s County can quickly attest–the tax bill is high. While Hyattsville City Council cannot change the County’s taxes, the City does have control over how it spends its funds on services and programs. I would approach budgeting with the belief the City should focus on actual impact and service execution before adding additional services. As Hyattsville continues to spend down its share of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the City will be forced to make tough decisions about what initiatives continue or discontinue once ARPA funds expire. As a member of council, I will work with city leadership to ensure we are maximizing public funds to achieve the greatest impact and benefit through our programs and services.