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Stuart has a proven record of community-focused action. He meaningfully listens and collaborates with community members to achieve high quality of life for College Park residents. Below is a list of a few key issues and ideas that Stuart has to improve College Park. The list is not exhaustive and identifying priorities requires partnerships with all communities members to achieve a vision of excellence for College Park.
LIST OF A FEW KEY ISSUES
Housing Affordability

As an engineering consultant, Stuart is at the frontlines managing technical support and outreach for resilient, affordable and sustainable housing throughout the country. At home, Stuart is a strong advocate for Smart Growth. He has experience with development from the consultant, resident and community advocate viewpoints, which enables Stuart to ask informed questions, listen with intent, and hold stakeholders accountable. Stuart's ideas include:

  • Expand College Park's Homeowners Property Tax Credit eligibility and Pilot the Income Tax Offset Credit. Model program on Montgomery County's program that gives every homeowner a $692/yr property tax credit.

  • Maintain 0% Homestead Property Tax Credit Cap for City Property Taxes.

  • Advocate for increased property tax rates for blighted and vacant properties to reduce unsightly pits and encourage housing utilization and redevelopment. Model program on Washington, DC's Office of Tax and Revenue Vacant Real Property.

  • Partner with University of Maryland, local State Delegations, and Terrapin Development Company to permanently Save Guilford Woods.

  • Pilot a needs-based Student Rental Subsidy Program to assist with off-campus student housing costs.

  • Expand eligibly for Community Preservation Trust to existing homeowners through a Legacy program. Homeowners could received up to $50k in exchange for a percentage ownership of their home and requirement to remain owner-occupied through the Trust.

  • Enact a Senior Tax Credit to assist long-term residents 65 years or older with increased property tax burdens.

Community Building

College Park must continue to embrace its opportunities, traditions and successes to build a diverse, inclusive and inviting college-town. As a former Civic Association president, Stuart has successfully advocated to local, county, and state officials to implement community-focused initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents. Stuart's ideas include:

  • Finalize plans Knox Road Pedestrian Plaza and the newly purchased barriers. Close portions of Knox Road between Baltimore and Yale Avenues on the weekends to increase pedestrian safety.

  • Continue strong support of Civic Associations through Micro Grants; enhance sponsorship of IFC/PHA tailgate; champion partnerships with UMD for community-focused events including Good Neighbor Day; support Restorative Justice for Lakeland; and encourage successful return of College Park Day and Hollywood Farmers Market.

  • Celebrate critical non-profit advocates in the community such as the College Park Community Foundation, Meals on Wheels of College Park, the College Park Community Food Bank, the Community Meals program at the College Park United Methodist Church, College Park Arts Exchange, Route One Communities Care and Helpers to Good, Inc.

  • Partner with local businesses to use the funds allocated by the Council to establish Social Sports summer leagues (e.g. pickleball, kickball, soccer, softball, bocce, bowling, ultimate frisbee) to increase social opportunities and business patronage in typically slower months.

  • Continue the City's investments in programs for mental health support and educational tutoring.

Infrastructure and Resilience

Stuart's professional expertise in building codes, standards, floodplain management, and construction enables him to quickly understand development plans and advocate on behalf of the community. This includes addressing increased risk of heavy rainfall, which has caused flooding in our neighborhoods. Stuart's ideas include:

  • Champion strong stormwater management and mitigation requirements for all new developments. Work with Prince George's County Council to eliminate fee-in lieu option and require on-site stormwater management.

  • Support enhanced sidewalk, trail, biking and pedestrian infrastructure. This includes safer connections for Yarrow and College Park Estates to Lake Artemesia, CP Metro and Old Paint Branch/Calvert Road Park.

  • Implement stormwater curb extensions and chicane rain gardens for improved stormwater management, greenery and traffic calming.

  • Partner with Prince George's County Council to substantially eliminate fee in lieu options for recreational and open-space requirements in new developments. Require public-access to recreational and park facilities in new developments.

  • Mandate equitable and enhanced stormwater management standards for the Calvert Hills Drainage Project. Hold WSSC accountable for sewage and stormwater backups, and timely resurfacing of our roads.

  • Continue to invest in College Park Academy Elementary School, daycare options including the University of Maryland Child Development Center on Calvert Road, and local Prince George's County Schools. 

Sustainability and Quality of Life

Stuart is an Envision Sustainability Professional and recipient of a College Park Green Award. He advocates for sustainable development and policies in College Park as a vocal community member. 

  • Instruct Prince George's County Contract Police to aggressively address nuisance vehicle noise on Kenilworth and Baltimore Avenues.

  • Strongly advocate to the Maryland General Assembly to pass legislation to allow noise camera enforcement of nuisance vehicle noise.

  • Mandate tree replacement requirements for new developments to be substantially planted in the City of College Park.

  • Pilot pole-mounted decibel meters in Old Town and the northern portion of Calvert Hills to proactively alert City Code Enforcement to loud parties and nuisance activities.

  • Support College Park's historical treasures including College Park Airport and Museum, Old Parish House, and Old Town College Park Historical District.

  • Support College Park's implementation of the AARP Age-Friendly Action Plan.

  • Elevate mosquito issues as a key health concern. Improve drainage by assisting property owners with implementation of Prince George's County Raincheck Rebate projects, partner with civic associations on CO2 mosquito traps.

  • Promote increased utilization of the College Park Tree Canopy Replacement Program and expand options for City-funded tree plantings on private property.

  • Partner with IFC to seek a balance with the University of Maryland on prioritizing social events on Fraternity Row instead in neighborhoods.

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