MEETING PREVIEW: Potential New Businesses, Maryland Book Exchange, M Square DSP, and More

Tonight’s Mayor and Council work session could be interesting. The agenda is packed with lots of development and business discussions, including the , M Square, and potential future businesses . 

Below you’ll find summaries of several of the agenda items. The complete agenda accompanies this post.

The council meeting will begin at 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers of , 4500 Knox Road. Those attending the meeting can pick up a parking pass from the windows just inside the building.

• What New Businesses for College Park?

The city completed a resident survey last year that identified new businesses that residents want in College Park. The planning staff will discuss with the city the next steps in matching desired businesses with available retail spaces. According to a memo from , the city’s economic development coordinator, staff has made contacts with tenant brokers for clothing stores H&M and Old Navy and grocery stores and Giant, several retail developers, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, various coffee shops and numerous independent businesses. Stiefvater wrote that while several of these businesses have shown interest, obstacles might prevent them from locating within the city, like a lack of suitable space, inability to obtain a liquor license and high rental rates.

• Follow-up on Route 1 Visioning Event

On the same note: The City of College Park held a discussion with residents in November, , and what businesses they’d like to see fill the vacancies in College Park. Councilman will recap the meeting.

• Maryland Book Exchange Appeal

The city attorney will lead a discussion about an appeal regarding the Maryland Book Exchange student-housing project. In January, the the developers’ plan for a six-story commercial and student-housing complex that tapers in height on the east side.

• Review UMd. District Vision 2020

That’s the goal of the College Park City-University Partnership, which is working to create and implement a community development strategy for the . campus and the City of College Park, dubbed the “University District.” The work session agenda includes a review of the partnership efforts so far.

• Beer, Wine, Liquor License

Council will review a property use agreement (PUA) that supports the transfer for a beer, wine and liquor license for the establishment at 4408/4410 Knox Road, Terrapins Turf. The PUA includes outdoor seating and a security plan, as there are plans for live music. Expect discussion tonight about the type of ID system that will be used at the establishment.

• M Square Detailed Site Plan

Council will review an application for a Detailed Site Plan for 450,000 square feet of office space in three buildings and a four-story parking garage, to be built in three phases, at the M Square Research Park. The city’s planning staff is recommending that the council approve the DSP with conditions, which can be viewed in the agenda. The county’s planning board hearing for the DSP is scheduled for Thursday, March 8. (A depiction of the project accompanies this post.)

• Free Weekend Garage Parking

Council will discuss a proposal for free Saturday parking over the summer in the parking garage to attract patrons to downtown College Park businesses.