Hyattsville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hyattsville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Potential Litigation — Hyattsville Spirits & Grill
The council plans two closed sessions, including one to get legal advice about potential or pending litigation involving Hyattsville Spirits & Grill — a local business matter being handled out of public view.
$600,000 Police Communication Encryption Grant
The council will consider accepting a $600,000 state grant to fund encrypted police radio communications — a public-safety technology upgrade that comes to the city at no local cost.
Late-Night Noise and Gunfire Near Burlington Road
Residents near Burlington Road and Buchanan Street described months of pre-dawn loud music and, recently, dozens of gunshots tied to car rallies centered in Edmonston. Hyattsville police say they lack jurisdiction in Edmonston and are coordinating with Edmonston, Bladensburg, Prince George's County and Colmar Manor on a joint response.
Immigrant Emergency Relief Services Contract
A budget initiative to create a $100,000 immigrant resident relief fund drew split public testimony — two speakers opposed it citing the budget deficit, one supported it, and councilmembers discussed how it fits among existing direct-assistance programs. Councilmember Haba's initiative will be taken up with budget amendments.
Automated License Plate Reader technology
A large bloc of residents urged the Council to cancel the Flock ALPR contract, citing privacy risks, data sharing with ICE, and lawsuit exposure in other cities. The Police and Public Safety Committee will make a recommendation to the Council in early 2027.
Automated Stop-Sign Camera Enforcement Program
The city is rolling out automated stop-sign cameras to slow speeding, and the task force worries the cameras could be placed disproportionately in lower-income neighborhoods or communities of color. They want a city presentation on how camera sites are chosen before the program advances.
Hamilton Street amplified music enforcement
The commercial strip's outdoor music drew more than ten complaints; code compliance has issued one $100 citation with a two-week compliance window under the due-process warning-first process. Solomon pressed why a resident would face the same standard differently.
ICE Facility Expansion Near the Plaza at Prince George's
The city is pushing back on ICE's office expansion in a building near schools and a bus stop. The Council's letter asks the County Executive for monitoring and inspection rather than revocation, after debate over how far the city can legally go.
Queens Chapel Town Center noise
A resident reported loud overnight music from the Queens Chapel commercial area; staff confirmed the music has been lowered to code-compliant levels but agreed to keep working with the property owner.
Return to in-person Council meetings
Residents repeatedly pressed for hybrid or in-person meetings, noting Hyattsville has been fully virtual for years. Council chambers renovations are on track for a January 2027 return.
Grass violation compliance period stays at 14 days
The city's grass-length violation timeline doesn't match what state law allows for appeals and payment — meaning current deadlines may shortchange due process. The City Attorney says the days allowed should go up to 20.
Snow fine reduction recommendation
DPW crews worked around the clock since Saturday to clear ice-coated streets, but most of the city is still in the early phases of clearing arterials and intersections before curb-to-curb cleanup. The city extended the sidewalk-shoveling deadline and code compliance will focus on business districts first — not ticketing residents still digging out.
Code enforcement fines don't match violations
Right now an overgrown lawn and an unsafe rental structure carry the same fine. The committee wants the city attorney to help restructure fines so penalties actually deter repeat violations.
Vacant Property Registry
With about 90 vacant commercial units citywide — 58 in Ward 1 — the Council wants owners to register vacant buildings, keep them secure, and provide emergency contacts. Residential properties will likely be included too.
Police Grants — Recruitment and Accountability
Two GOCCP grants were on the consent agenda: one for police recruitment and retention, one for police accountability and transparency.
Crime data tracking
Committee members and Deputy Chief Lanham talked about how Hyattsville can better mine and track its crime data.
Civil liberties letter to City Council
The committee sent the council a letter of recommendations on protecting civil liberties — backing immigrant support, multilingual services, and youth outreach. A council liaison said it's on the right track but lacks a direct ask.
Bulletproof Vest Grant for Hyattsville Police
The city was set to accept a $23,806.92 federal grant to buy body armor vests for police officers, requiring a small budget amendment.
Police Misconduct Allegation
A Ward 3 resident said a February complaint against a Hyattsville police officer has gone nowhere and demanded answers on that case and citywide complaint data by June 12.
WMATA police overtime agreement
A second agreement lets Hyattsville police officers take paid off-duty shifts for WMATA — a routine supplemental employment arrangement.
Purple Line Mutual Aid Police MOU
The Council authorized an MOU with the MTA Police, New Carrollton, and Riverdale Park departments to provide police coverage along the Purple Line once it opens.
Volunteer snow shoveling program
A proposed program would use volunteers to shovel snow for neighbors, supported by City-purchased snowblowers. Staff will price out equipment before any budget decision.
Police Department Funding and Officer Wellness
The proposed police budget sparked Council questions about mental health check-ins for officers, fleet management, and counseling for first responders — part of a broader look at how the city supports its police force.
Mental Wellness Check-in Initiative Office Space
Council debated whether the city should keep requiring twice-yearly mental health check-ins for all police employees, with Councilmember Schaible questioning compulsion and Councilmember Waszczak and Dhokai defending the program as essential for officer wellbeing and community safety.
Speed Camera and Parking Fund Transfers to General Fund
The city will credit back about $940,000 from built-up speed camera and parking fund balances to the general fund over roughly four years. Council asked whether that money is sustainable or a one-time band-aid.
Opioid Settlement Funds Appropriated
About $34,000 in national opioid settlement money was added to the FY26 budget, restricted to opioid remediation uses.
Creation of the CERT Committee
The volunteer Community Emergency Response Team was formally adopted by the city, letting it pursue FEMA-recognized status and more advanced county trainings; it will seek funding in the FY27 budget.
Noise camera pilot in University Park
The city joined University Park's installation of a noise camera to catch loud vehicles, with Hyattsville's police chief collaborating on tracking whether the technology works.
Appointment of New Police Chief
Hyattsville just named its first female police chief, a historic pick to lead the city’s police department. The moment got a little viral shine thanks to her daughter’s excited “high five!” reaction. It matters because leadership of the police department affects public safety and community trust.
Police Leadership Appointment
Hyattsville just made history: its first Black mayor swore in the city’s first woman and first African American police chief. It’s a symbolic milestone that puts a new leadership voice in charge of public safety.