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Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a Delicious Goodie at Brandon Byrd's Ice House


We take you to a simpler place and time where passion, integrity, quality and customer service were more than mere words.  A time period, when Dick Clarks’ American Bandstand dominated TV; and Rock & Roll artists like Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino and Chubby Checkers ruled the jukeboxes.  Allow “Goodies” to take you down memory lane, indulging you with a social experience, while delighting your taste buds with our legendary frozen custard and treats.

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Good Schools and Dry Homes

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/883/Watch-Meetings. Scroll down to June 3: Agenda           Register to attend and click on Register to attend. Fill out the form and be sure to click on check the box to get confirmation that you are properly signed up. We have heard of one instance when the selection of oppose was recorded as in favor! The case number is MR-2036F and the Agenda Item Number is 7.
The link to sign up has you fill out a form like the one below. You should check the box to get confirmation that you are properly signed up. We have heard of one instance when the selection of oppose was recorded as in favor! We hear the Technical Staff Report for MR-2036F will be available on Friday. You should read it!

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!

 

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Come Walk with Us - May 22, 2021


The Planning Board schedule is at http://pgplanningboard.org/883/Watch-Meetings.
The agenda for the June 3rd hearing should be posted 10 days before the hearing or Monday, May 24. On that day, you should be able to register to speak. You must register before Noon, June 1st!
This is what the current Planning Board schedule looks like:

Climate Commission Meeting - Friday, May 21st at 1pm


The next Climate Commission meeting is tomorrow, Friday, May 21st at 1pm. Commission meetings are streamed live at https://pgccouncil.us/LIVE. The commission webpage is https://pgccouncil.us/810/Climate-Action-Commission. Additional Commission meetings are scheduled for July 23, August 27 and September 17 from 1-3 pm.

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.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

The future is under construction in Accokeek

(Click on the above image to learn more)
From WSSC Water: 
  • The future is taking shape in Accokeek, Maryland, in the form of a cutting-edge water treatment and green energy project. WSSC Water is transforming the way the Piscataway Water Resource Recovery Facility will handle waste from five existing water resource recovery facilities. The Piscataway Bioenergy Project - the largest and most technically advanced project ever constructed by WSSC Water - will use innovative technology to recover resources and produce green energy. In the coming years, the Piscataway plant will evolve into a bioenergy production facility that uses efficiency, technology and sustainability to enhance the region's environmental and financial health. This $262 million project is expected to serve our customers for the next 100 years.
  • May 19, 2021: WSSC Water Commissioners today approved an 18-year contract with Washington Gas (WGL) for the construction and installation of approximately 900 feet of natural gas pipeline and related infrastructure to supply natural gas to, and convey renewable natural gas from WSSC Water’s Piscataway Bioenergy facility in Accokeek, Maryland in Prince George’s County.
    Washington Gas, a regulated utility that serves more than 1.2 million customers across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, will seek the Maryland Public Service Commission’s approval of the project this summer. Once approved, construction of Washington Gas’ infrastructure is expected to begin in spring 2022.
    At the heart of the Piscataway Bioenergy project is how WSSC Water handles biosolids, the nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the wastewater treatment process. Currently, WSSC Water’s five major water resource recovery facilities produce about 8,000 tons of biosolids each month. Through innovative technology at the bioenergy facility, the amount of biosolids left over from the treatment process will be significantly reduced and cleaner (Class A). The process used to create these Class A biosolids will generate methane gas, which will be captured and upgraded to renewable natural gas (RNG) that WSSC Water will sell on the open market. Selling RNG will generate Renewable Fuel Credits, which can be sold to the petroleum industry – generating additional revenue for WSSC Water.
    “This contract approval is a significant step in delivering a project for our customers that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help protect the Chesapeake Bay, create renewable energy and save our customers money,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Carla A. Reid. “I thank our Commissioners for approving this funding and Washington Gas for their partnership in delivering on a cleaner and greener future.”
    “We are pleased to partner with WSSC Water on our first innovative project to turn waste into energy so that we can further lower greenhouse gas emissions in our region,” said Blue Jenkins, President of Washington Gas. “This project will enable to us to continue to refine and learn more about this promising technology so that we can expand the use of RNG across our region as we all work together to create a cleaner energy future.”
    This bioenergy facility will help protect the Chesapeake Bay by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent and save WSSC Water customers more than $3 million per year by reducing WSSC Water’s operating costs. Construction of the $271 million facility began in May 2019, and is expected to be complete in fall 2024, weather permitting.

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Statement from Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker - Southern Area K-8 School: Infrastructure and Environment First

"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:

  • Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T): Director Terry L. Bellamy, Director, 301-883-5600, tlbellamy@co.pg.md.us
  • Department of Environment (DoE): Acting Director Michelle W. Russell, 301-883-5810, mrussell@co.pg.md.us
  • Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE): Melinda M. Bolling, 301-636-2000, mmbolling@co.pg.md.us

Current FEMA Flood Maps for the Tantallon Area

(Click on the above image for the FEMA Flood Map Service Center)

By law, FEMA must look at community flood maps every 5 years and decide whether to update or change them. FEMA must also tell Congress every month about any planned changes to community flood maps.
There are no Maryland community flood maps listed in the most recent FEMA Notice to Congress!

(Click on the above image for the report)

Find Your Home's Flood Factor

(Click on the image above and enter your address to get your Flood Factor)

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.

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Tech Degrees for Veterans

(Click on the above image for more information)

From Dr. James Dula, Major, USAF Retired, Veterans Affairs Officer and VA Division Manager, Prince George's County:

  • GREAT NEWS!  Bowie State University is offering a three-year BA Degree program in Computer Science and Computer Technology. 
  • The 3-year program offers the opportunity to veterans who enroll in a Cohort of 25 students in each program
  • Previously earned credits will be considered.  This is an opportunity to eligible veterans, and you don't want to miss.
  • Requirements:
    a.  Be an Honorably Discharged U.S. Military Veteran
    b.  Be a High School Graduate
    c.  Be a Spouse of a Veteran.
  • In addition, BSU will help applicants locate financial aid opportunities such as use of the GI Bill, Upward Bound programs.
  • Summer program will be offered to enhance a proficiency in math and science if needed.

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.

Brandon Byrd, Tantallon Resident, Buys an Ice House

Brandon Byrd holds a pair of antique ice tongs of the sort employees of Alexandria’s Mutual Ice Co. once used. (John Kelly/The Washington Post)

"You may have seen Brandon’s food truck, Gigi, around the D.C. area. It’s a 1952 Metro van he fixed up, adorned with his red Goodies logo and put into service as a roving custard dispenser in 2012. In 2019, he added a three-wheel Prosecco van to his stable.
But what Brandon really wanted was a place of his own. He’d rented retail space at National Harbor and in the Agriculture Department building on the National Mall, but he wanted more."
Click on the image for John Kelly's Washington Post article on Brandon.

Sunday, May 9, 2021

Happy Mother's Day!

(Click on the above image for a history of Mother's Day)

 God Bless our Mothers.

Come Walk with Us on May 15th!

(Click on the above image for video and pictures of the May 5th walk.)

The Elusive Deer-Proof Garden

(Click on the image above for Margaret Roach's New York Times report)

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Come Walk with Us


 We'll walk again next Saturday, May 15th, 1 PM. Please join us!

Friday, May 7, 2021

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Health & Wellness Check-In - May 12

(Click on the above image to register)

  • The COVID-19 pandemic impacted each of us individually, our family members and our communities. This event will provide a place where we can hear concerns and discuss suggestions to strengthen our mental and physical health.
  • County impacts and successes will be provided by our guest speakers:
    Dr. Ernest Carter, Health Officer, Prince George's County Health Department
    Ronnie Gill, Director, Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security
  • This event will be simultaneously translated to Spanish and American Sign Language will be provided.

Registration is required.

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Demystifying Dementia Forum - May 22

(Please click on the above image to register)
From Flavia Walton, PhD, Team Lead:

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.