Hyattsville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hyattsville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY27 Legislative Priorities
The city is lining up bond-bill asks for the Maryland General Assembly: temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness, city building renovations, the environmental depot, Hamilton Street corridor improvements and a recreation storage facility. The Council will rank the five before November 16.
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.
Letter to Prince George's County on ADUs and tenant safety
Prince George's County is authorizing accessory dwelling units, and the council discussed where they'll go and what fire-safety rules will apply. The task force was asked to review the county's ADU policy with an equity lens — the Equity Plan's housing section already references ADUs.
Driskell Community Center renovation
Roof and HVAC repairs totaling up to $160,000 were proposed at the Driskell Park Recreation Center, which hosts community programs and recreation for Hyattsville residents.
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.
Accessibility and disability inclusion
A Ward 5 resident with spina bifida asked for a disability advisory committee, an updated ADA transition plan and a public accessibility tracker, noting only 48% of residents are satisfied with park accessibility. Nisbett confirmed a task force structure is already in the works.
Council survey on service costs and workload
The committee is building a survey to find out whether low pay keeps people from serving, and how many hours council work really takes. The survey needs to be finalized at next week's meeting so respondents have time to complete it.
Thrive grant program
Thrive Program applications open September 1, 2026, and the committee will review the application at its August meeting.
Speaker series recreation events
The committee is lining up free community events: an October cooking demo, a virtual microplastics talk focused on children's health for January 2027, and fall outdoor events like forest bathing and bird watching.
Public question on possible forensic examination
A resident asked whether the auditors would recommend a multi-year forensic examination of city finances, citing roughly $11 million in bond anticipation notes and a $15 million bond issuance. The city hasn't answered yet.
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.
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.
2026 College and Trade Fair Planning
The committee wants to help students learn about college and trade paths — Mercy Ogutu will check what schools already have planned, and Jacquelyn Smith will promote trade resources. Target is fall, before trade program applications are due.
2026 Principal's Luncheon
The college/trade fair is being planned for November, possibly open to the public, and the Principals' Luncheon is moving to early November with a possible combined format featuring a student panel.
Committee Vacancies and Leadership Transition
Co-Chair Daniel Amador Renard is stepping down after this meeting as the task force shifts to an advisory role. Recruiting a replacement is underway, and co-chair selection will be on the next agenda.
Finance staffing and close processes
The committee asked whether finance staffing is sufficient and how long month-end and year-end closes take. Understaffing and slow closes can delay the city's audits and financial reporting.
Annual Campaign Finance Compliance
Three city employees still haven't filed their required annual financial disclosures, even though filings from elected boards are complete. The Commission tracks these to keep city government transparent about officials' financial interests.
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.
Naming the new Youth Center on 40th Avenue
The city wants help from the Youth Advisory Council to name its new youth center. Residents will get to submit name ideas and vote on finalists in a community survey, similar to the snowplow naming contest.
Minimum Road Standards for Common Ownership Communities
A council motion would create an ordinance defining minimum road standards, and a sample Public Realm Street Standards Ordinance was shared. This affects HOA-maintained private roads and what the city may require or accept.
HOA Residential Parking Permit Zones by Board Vote
A draft ordinance would let HOA boards request or dissolve residential parking permit zones with a simple majority board vote. That could change street parking rules in HOA neighborhoods without a resident-wide vote.
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.
Trail Safety and Maintenance
Helmets can't be handed out at Summer Jam without a certified bike helmet fitter present; the committee is reaching out to Arrow to arrange one.
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.
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.
2027 Citywide Election Preparation
FY27 is a big election year — a mayoral race plus one seat from each ward, with vote-by-mail ballots, poll books, and required mailings driving a big jump in the election board budget.
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.
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.
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.
State grants for economic development and bike infrastructure
The translated Bike Rodeo flyer is finished and will be promoted on social channels in late July, with print flyers distributed through the City.
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.
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.
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.
Crime data tracking
Committee members and Deputy Chief Lanham talked about how Hyattsville can better mine and track its crime data.
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.
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.
Ward 5 Discretionary Funds and Equity Concerns
Council members control roughly $2,500–$2,700 per ward in discretionary funds for community events, but many residents — especially non-English speakers and undocumented neighbors — don't know the funds exist or what they cover. The task force wants better website and social media outreach about the program.
Formula 2040 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan
Member Jocelyn Medallo briefed the group on Prince George's County's Formula 2040 plan for parks, trails and open space — a long-range visioning project the task force may weigh in on from an equity perspective.
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.
Access to information and reporting for Council and residents
Council Vice President Redmond proposed better tools for Council and staff information access and reporting; residents also pressed for more transparency. A software demo is being arranged.
Senior Services and Community Programs
The part-time Call-A-Bus driver position was converted to contract drivers to add flexibility. Councilmember Lee worried about coverage when drivers are out, but staff said two on-call contractors can fill gaps.
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.
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.
Public Works Staffing and Equipment Gaps
Council questions revealed vacant mechanic positions and understaffing in Public Works, plus a need to upgrade snow plows. Grant funding status for Lower Ward 1 and "The Spot" also came up.
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.
Werrlein lower parcel purchase price
Two residents urged the council to keep negotiating a lower price for the purchase of the Werrlein lower parcel. No council action on the purchase occurred at this meeting.
Portland Loo public restroom at Hyatt Park
The council approved up to $195,000 to build a public restroom at Hyatt Park, contingent on NZI Construction extending its contract with Prince George's County. Residents get new park restroom facilities, with annual costs and tree replacement at the site also discussed.
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.
Baltimore Avenue Signalization at the Canvas
Staff gave an update on the long-delayed traffic signal at the Canvas apartments: the equipment is bought and the contractor hired, with State Highway Administration approval expected by end of April.