5th Coronavirus Edition
District 1 Office Update
In July, the County Council discussed CB-48-2020, a bill that would place a Charter Amendment question on the November ballot to change the Homestead Tax Credit Cap to 10% from the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index (usually 2-3%). The Council will have heard the Bill on July 21st, so you will know the decision by now.
I opposed the Charter Amendment in Committee with my council colleagues Jolene Ivey (D-5) and Monique Anderson-Walker (D-8). Together, we hosted atTown Hall on CB-48-2020. You can view materials from that Town Hall at https://bit.ly/CB-48-2020_Town_Hall_Materials.
My opposition was based on multiple reasons. CB-48-2020 was rushed at the last minute, had misleading language, and is not the right policy during a pandemic. In addition, our homeowners already pay the highest tax rate of any county in the state, and the county does not face the level of structural deficit that proponents claim.
Depending on what happened on July 21st, I will follow up in next month’s edition.
Coronavirus Update
The County has multiple COVID-19 testing sites. Sites can accommodate those in vehicles or on foot; you do not need health insurance to get tested. To schedule an appointment, please call 301.883 883.6627.
For the latest updates, County residents can visit the County Health Department’s dedicated coronavirus web page: https://tinyurl.com/PGCcoronavirus. If you have any questions or concerns, you may also call the Prince George’s County Health Department coronavirus hotline at 301.883.6627 to receive updated information about the coronavirus disease. Information will be updated as it becomes available.
Tea Time with Tom
Join me bi-weekly for a late afternoon virtual conversation from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. We discuss a wide range of topics and answer questions you submit. You must RSVP to join. You can RSVP and submit questions at bit.ly/Tea-Time-With-Dernoga. The August dates are Friday, August 7th and 21st.
STEM Experience Summer Camp
The 2020 – Prince George’s Community College-AIE— - STEM Experience Summer Camp is a one week STEM Experience summer camp that will provide age-appropriate learning opportunities for middle school students to be exposed to a standards-based and organized curriculum promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics concepts and Next Generation Science Standards adopted by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Learn more and how to register your scholar at https://bit.ly/PGCC_STEM_CAMP.
Book Drop Available
Book drops are now open and accepting returns of Library materials at all branches. Customers can begin to place new holds on materials beginning on Monday, July 20, by calling Ask a Librarian 240.455.5451. Phase 1 (Curbside Service) begins on Tuesday, July 21. Customers will receive an email notice when holds are ready for pick-up that will direct to the curbside service booking system.
Beltsville Development to Watch
As our community continues to grow, we will keep you updated on upcoming District 1 projects. Please note, note: once a zoning application has been filed, State Public Ethics law prohibits the Councilmember from discussing the case; however; you may contact Chief of Staff, Michelle García, at mjgarcia@co.pg. md.us with questions, or to request a list of the most current Beltsville development information.
At 11300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, a dDetailed sSite pPlan for a 7-11 at the Behnke pProperty will be submitted to the Development Review Division of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).
If you wish to become a Person of Record to this application, you may submit your request online at http://www.pgplanning.org/1589/Becoming-a-Person-of-Record or by written request to the Development Review Division of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Please reference the pre-Application Number and the name of project in your request. At this time no government has reviewed the application. After the application has been filed, you may contact the M-NCPPC at 301.952.2530.
Please keep in touch!
Email us at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us or call 301.952.3887. Se habla Español. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @TomDernogaD1.