The Alliance
for Greater County Transparency is fighting for Good Schools and Dry Homes. Our
kids need a good education and a dry home to come back to.
The County
is planning to build a huge, 4-story, 60 foot high, 2000 student school on the forested
wetland by the Fort Washington Road roundabout.
The forest
will be bulldozed in about one month. During the 2+ years of school
construction, storm water that had been absorbed by the forest will instead add
to the storm water which now flows OUT of overloaded storm drains and floods
homes downhill from the school site.
The County
plans to add storm drain pipes to increase the capacity of the local drainage
system. Construction is planned to start in mid-2022. The water from the
improved drainage system and the water from the school site will dump into the
National Golf Course pond south of Swan Creek Road. The privately owned golf
course drainage system has not been maintained over the years. The new
management of the course is considering an upgrade to their system and the
County is negotiating with the company for it to build enough drainage capacity
in the upgrade to handle all the roundabout area storm water so it flows safely
out to Swan Creek.
The Alliance
wants the clearing of the forest and the construction of the K-8 school to
pause so alternative sites for the K-8 school can be considered that won’t
require a cascade of storm water management upgrades each of which have their
own set of risks.
The Alliance
has hired a lawyer and storm water and traffic subject matter experts to testify
at the June 3, 2021, 10 AM, virtual Planning Board Mandatory Review (MR-2036F).
The Alliance
asks for support:
1. Signup to speak at the June 3rd
hearing.
You must register to speak and the window for signup closes at Noon on June 1st.
Go to The Planning Board schedule at http://pgplanningboard.org/
2. We need your financial support to pay for lawyers and experts. Our costs are in the Thousands of Dollars. Your donation of any amount will help. We hope many individual donors will cover these costs. Some have already donated but we have to raise much more.
How to donate:
o
Send
a check to your association president noting the donation is for the K-8 Legal
Fund.
o
Or,
use the PayPay button on the TCA website, http://tantallon.info/
to donate using a credit card. Please email TCA President Carter Ferrington,
CARTESQ@aol.com, with your name and the
amount of your donation to designate your donation for the K-8 Legal Fund.
We thank you
for your support!
How can YOU help? The Commission held the first of three public meetings in March, and the second public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 24th, from 6:30-8:30 P.M. The 3rd and final public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 19th, from 6:30-8:30 P.M.
Click here for the Prince George’s County Climate Action Plan.
"I wish to be abundantly clear about my position on the Southern Area K-8 school. I stand with PGCPS, as well as the school community of parents, students, teachers and administration in full support of constructing a new school that will relieve overcrowding and offer an innovative and inspiring space for young minds to be free to explore, play, learn, and be ready for the next phase of their educational journey.
I have however, always been a very vocal proponent of RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT and transparency that considers the impact of new development to the entire community. In this regard, I am fully aligned with a smart development process that is first and foremost, protective of our community as a whole.
Flooding in South County is a historical and resource-draining scourge throughout District 8. My concerns with this project have always been directed at the flooding impact on the residents who live in closest proximity to the school on Swan Creek Road, as well as the potential for increased flooding in surrounding neighborhoods. Ensuring the project planners are giving EVERY consideration to environmental, traffic, and flood mitigation strategies and solutions through engagement with the community, independent third-parties, and an objective analysis of the school’s master plan and proposed stormwater management plan, is paramount.
My firm position on flooding is not taken lightly or without first-hand account of the devastation deteriorated stormwater infrastructure has caused. Here are two videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VEi63ZN8SQ, https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Ro2rkgvPiV379wY0p_mxeT2x_lCVFSk/view) showing rapids-like flooding at homes located in close proximity to the school’s site on Swan Creek. I have come to know these families personally, along with many others who are experiencing similar flooding, and I’ll admit it’s very hard to be excited about a new school when there are families who are dreading the effects of this new flooding threat.
Understandably, District 8 residents who have been devastated by flooding caused by expansive areas of impervious surfaces and the reduction of tree canopy, are most desirous of suspending construction allowing for public discussion, additional studies and corrective action of the deteriorated storm water infrastructure, environmental impacts, and current traffic conditions. If you are not familiar with the term "impervious surface," this project is a perfect example. As neighborhoods grow and more development occurs, the natural landscape is replaced by roads, buildings, housing developments, and parking lots. This school proposes to develop over 174 acres removing roughly 70-80% of natural forestation and replacing it with impervious building surfaces and paving.
A comprehensive study and corrective action must be done well before any trees are removed and any construction begins and not after ground is broken. Allowing this due process that is inclusive of community input, may lead to more suitable planning decisions. It cannot be emphasized enough that deforesting this site will certainly exacerbate current severe home damage due to frequent flooding on Swan Creek Road.
Weighing the building of a much-needed school in South County against the potential destruction and further devaluing of property as a result of flooding and increased traffic is a critical issue as we move forward. If corrective measures are taken in advance of the construction, then these major issues may not exist and we can all benefit from a gold standard school that everyone can enjoy and be proud of for decades to come."
Council Member Anderson-Walker's contact information: 301-952-3860, MAABourne@co.pg.md.us
County Administration Officials involved in flooding and drainage issues:
Flood Factor is a free online tool created by the nonprofit First Street Foundation that makes it easy for Americans to find their property’s risk of flooding and understand how flood risks are changing because of a changing environment.
From Dr. James Dula, Major, USAF Retired, Veterans Affairs Officer and VA Division Manager, Prince George's County:
This is a remarkable opportunity for the 25 veterans selected to enroll in Computer Science program and 25 veterans selected to enroll in Computer Technology program.
Registration is required.
Registration is required, please do so as soon as you can. While the forum is targeting members of Civic Associations and HOAs, all are welcome to attend.
