Hyattsville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hyattsville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Bird City designation
Hyattsville could become the first Bird City in Prince George's County, gaining recognition, toolkits, and grant opportunities for its bird conservation work. The path requires a $200 fee, ten documented actions, a council resolution, and a World Migratory Bird Day event by May 2027. The city already does 15 of the 70 recommended actions.
Climate Action Plan final draft
The task force added an update on the Climate Action Plan to its agenda and agreed to reach out for an equity-focused briefing on the draft plan.
Trash collection and public cans
The committee is refining a cost document for various waste reduction strategies to eventually hand to Public Works and the city. Questions for the vendor Waste Zero are being collected before the next meeting.
Waste reduction options and cost estimates
The committee is refining cost estimates for city waste reduction options using new data from the City on trash trucks and related details. Outreach to vendor WasteZero has stalled, and the committee may move on if a renewed outreach attempt fails.
Illegal tree removals and fines
Three trees were illegally removed this month, two on one property, drawing the maximum $1,000 fine each — appealable by the resident. The board also wants clarity on whether cutting multiple trees at once counts as a “repeat” offense with steeper penalties.
Board membership discrepancy
The board discovered it had been carrying one member too many, so open seats stay unfilled until Zach's term ends in December.
Tree ordinance revisions and hazard claims
Storms prompt residents to ask for tree removals citing vague hazards. The board is considering adding explanatory language to the city's “Welcome to Hyattsville” webpage and awaits legal guidance on the ordinance.
Heritage Tree program for the City's 140th Anniversary
The board approved its heritage tree plaque design and confirmed it will staff a table at the county Green Fest on October 10, expanding public outreach on tree preservation.
Invasive vine removal efforts
The city runs vine removals the first Saturday of each month, and CCAN runs its own on the third Saturday through at least 2028. The Committee plans to promote both and attend as a group.
City waste reduction options
The Committee has drafted questions about waste-reduction options for the city but hit a wall reaching vendor WasteZero. The questions will now go to the Department of Public Works through Council Member Haba.
County Green Festival participation
The county-run Green Festival happens in Hyattsville, and the Committee wants to keep showing up for it. Members volunteered to staff a table and use it to gather feedback on the Climate Action Plan.
Proposed merger of Shade Tree Board with Hyattsville Environment Committee
The ordinance says the board has nine members but doesn't clearly say whether the staff liaison counts toward quorum. The board wants legal clarification folded into the ordinance revisions before they go to Council.
Tree permit appeals process
A denied tree permit has been appealed, and a hearing with public comment will be scheduled. The board's decisions directly determine whether residents can remove street or yard trees.
Hyattsville Environment Committee Appointments
Invasive vine removals and other environmental events struggle to draw attendance. The committee is brainstorming outreach ideas — from aggressive advertising to having members attend events in person — to get more neighbors involved.
Climate Action Plan and vehicle electrification
The council heard a presentation on the city's Climate Action Plan and its draft vehicle replacement policy. Members discussed adding more electric vehicles to the city fleet and installing EV charging stations and a solar canopy. Several residents urged evidence-based decisions on the plan.
Regional COG Committee Representation
Mayor Croslin was slated to represent Hyattsville on four regional Council of Governments policy committees covering everything from public safety to climate and the Chesapeake Bay. Regional decisions on transportation and environment affect the city directly.