From the Office of Council Member Tom Dernoga August 2026

 (From left to right) Chief of Staff Michelle García presenting a proclamation to Acting Principal Michelle Campbell for James E. Duckworth Elementary School, celebrating their groundbreaking as part of Phase 2 of the Blueprint Project through Prince George’s County Public Schools. 

Transitions

Now that the Primary Election has passed and Michelle García has been certified as the winner of the District 1 County Council seat, with no opposition in the General Election, expect her to take office on Monday, December 7. As my longtime Chief of Staff, the transition will run smoothly, and there should be significant continuity. We started transition meetings shortly after the election and are regularly discussing matters so that we do not take contradictory positions that will lead to course correction when December arrives. District 1 is fortunate to have Michelle as the next Council Member, and she is already stepping up to be fully ready on day 1.

Updates on the Resurfacing of Cherry Hill Road

As I shared in June, the County’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) has reported that Cherry Hill Road, from the Montgomery County line to Powder Mill Road, will be repaired and restriped by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water) after the current utility project is completed.

My team was initially informed of WSSC’s White Oak Water Main Replacement Project in December 2025, at which point the projected completion was June 2026. The projected completion is now set for Fall 2026. I will continue to monitor WSSC closely to ensure this is completed as soon as possible.

Save the Dates

I am excited to announce the last two District 1 Shred Days of my tenure. Shred Days have been among the most popular events that we hold. Start going through your paperwork so you are ready come September. The upcoming dates are Saturday, September 12 at Beltsville Academy, and Saturday, September 19 at Montpelier Elementary School in Laurel.

Council Legislation

I was pleased to be a co-proposer of Council Resolution CR-66-2026, a 2-year moratorium on data centers to provide sufficient time for the County Council to develop and implement appropriate policies, procedures, and regulations.

Council Bill CB-074-2026 concerns Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The General Assembly has mandated that every County enact a zoning law that allows homeowners to build an additional dwelling unit on their property. CB-074-2026 seeks to do this, although Draft 1 is rather basic and should be amended to address parking, stormwater management, and potential overcrowding issues. This will be a much-discussed bill this Fall.

CB-048-2026 and CB-071-2026 (Prohibited Home Businesses and Vehicles) are companion bills that I have proposed to strengthen the prohibition on illegal businesses in residential communities by altering the definition of business vehicles to include more of the vehicles that businesses have been using to avoid the general prohibition on home businesses. The bills also increase the penalties for violations.

Bills to Enhance County Enforcement: There are many things prohibited by the County Code with the intent of promoting strong communities. But, as we know too well, getting actual enforcement can be difficult. Council Chair Oriadha has proposed a suite of bills on which I am a co-proposer that, together, are intended to improve resident quality of life.

CB-041-2026 (Clean Corridors and Rapid Response Act) for expediting removal of illegal dumping and litter in designated areas.

CB-042-2026 (Clean Communities Transparency Dashboard Act) creating a website Dashboard to inform residents of the County’s illegal dumping and litter clean-up efforts.

CB-043-2026 (Vacant Property Maintenance and Abatement Act) strengthening enforcement of housing and property standards on vacant properties and providing for administrative citations for unmaintained vacant properties.

CB-044-2026 (Illegal Signage Enforcement Act) strengthening enforcement against the placement of illegal signs and illegal objects in County rights-of-way and requiring public utilities to remove illegal signs and objects placed on their infrastructure.

CB-045-2026 (See It, SNAP IT, GET PAID Act) establishing a Prince George’s County Beautification Enforcement Incentive Program where residents who report violations may receive a portion of fines collected to enhance the aesthetic conditions and environmental quality and well-being of the County.

If you have any questions about these bills or resolutions, or if you have ideas for a bill or resolution, please contact us. You can find the bills and resolutions (with background documents) on the County Council website (https://pgccouncil.us) under the "Legislation and Zoning" menu.

Contact Us

Please keep in touch by emailing us at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us or calling 301-952-3887.