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Sustainable Maryland Community Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable Maryland Certification Report of Hyattsville, a Sustainable Maryland silver certified applicant.

Hyattsville was certified on October 11, 2022 with 600 points. Listed below is information regarding Hyattsville’s Sustainable Maryland efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable Maryland contact for Hyattsville is:

Name:Jim Chandler
Title/Position:Director / Community & Economic Development
Phone:301-985-5013

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Hyattsville was approved for in 2022 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • Community Action

    Community-Based Public Art

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Driskell Park renamed and Art incorporated into the design of the park. Celebration planned. Worked with NDC on public outreach Hyattsville's Community and Economic Development and Communications teams partnered to create a public web map highlighting 20 existing public art pieces around the city. The map is hosted in the City's GIS webpage and can be found here: https://hyattsville.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=e7ab605bda5846c69487d84214d2d054 The City of Hyattsville is supporting several public murals that will be implemented this summer 2022. 1) Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center received a $2,500 Corridor Investment Grant from the City to paint the Church Street side of its building. Working with local artist John Ortiz, the mural will feature an abstract design and bright colors with possible wayfinding text (e.g. "Entrance" with an arrow). A primer coat of paint was completed this spring, and the mural will be officially completed by July. 2) SoHy Co-op also received a $2,000 Corridor Investment Grant from the City and will implement Peep Show, a small window gallery on Gallatin Street, which is an art initiative by Studio SoHy. This installation will provide a space for local artists to display their artwork and create a safe outdoor art viewing opportunity for the public. Local residents and area art lovers will view artwork displayed in a hexagonal window (33”x33”) from the sidewalk. A small mural will be painted around the window, and a neon sign will be installed above and inside to illuminate the window’s gallery space. This installation is expected to be completed by July. 3) Queens Chapel Town Center LLC received a Commercial Façade improvement grant of $21,125 from the City to install one new mural and refresh two existing murals (approximately 20 years old) and creation of a window space suitable for art and/or civic displays at four locations. Specifically they will refresh the mural on the exterior wall of Baskin Robbins, refresh/replace the History of Hyattsville mural on the exterior wall of Queens Chapel Barber Shop, install a new mural on the exterior wall of Mi Pueblita Bakery; and create of a window space in the storefront of New Century Restaurant suitable for art and/or civic displays. These installations will be done in collaboration with local artist Rafael Rodrigues, and are expected to be completed by the end of August 2022.

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Community Action

    40 Points

    Program Summary: 1. Hyattsville Clean and Safe Team 2. Solid Waste Team Daily Litter Blitz 3. Juneteenth Celebration 4. New Teen Center

    Participation in MD Green Schools

    25 Points

    Program Summary: All five schools within Hyattsville are now recognized as MD Green Schools as of 2022. Nicholas Orem MS has recertified as a Green School. Northwestern HS, Nicholas Orem MS, Rockledge ES, Hyattsville MS, and Hyattsville ES are all newly certified Green Schools.

    Conduct Community Barriers and Benefits Assessment

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Since adopted in May 2017, the City and relevant stakeholder have been implementing the 2017 - 2021 Sustainability Plan. The City has released an annual report to update stakeholders and the community on progress made implementing the plan. Per the August 2021 Report, 41.8% of action items are complete, 19.4% are in progress, 11.9% are ongoing, and 26.9% are not started. Full plan, appendix, and progress reports can be found here: https://www.hyattsville.org/873/Plans-Initiatives . The development of the next iteration of this plan, Sustainability Plan 2022 - 2026, will kick off later this year. Similar to the prior plan, it will include SWOT analysis to identify the barriers and benefits of the City and extensive community and stakeholder engagement. The City has updated the Community Sustainability Plan. As part of this update, the City is again performing a SWOT analysis to identify the barriers and benefits of the City. Approximately 150 stakeholders from different groups have been or will be invited to participate in a focus group style SWOT. Targeted stakeholder groups include the following: business owners, nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, schools, elected officials, government agencies, utility companies, developers and property owners, seniors, youth, non-native English speakers and civic groups. One month into the update, the City has interviewed 35 of those stakeholders. A summary of the responses from the SWOT analysis will be completed in the upcoming months and used to guide the priorities of the City for our 2017-2022 Community Sustainability Plan. See results link below http://www.hyattsville.org/DocumentCenter/View/4340/Appendix-Final-Copy-052417-Spread?bidId= Prior to the start of the public process for the 2010 Community Legacy Revitalization Plan, the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, in conjunction with the City’s Office of Community Development engaged the community in a classic Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The process included six publicly held Community Assessment workshops and seven SWOT Analysis workshops conducted over the course of one month. Additionally, more than 20 similarly structured stakeholder interviews were conducted with the municipal government, businesses and development communities.

    Participate in SM Green Team Training

    5 Points

    Program Summary: A Green Team Training took place on January 11, 2022. The Green Team is comprised of the member of the Hyattsville Environment Committee. The Green Team Training helps to direct members on what environmental opportunities they can focus on that would not only meet the initiatives of the Environment Committee but also help support the City in our relationship with Sustainable Maryland. See link below for a list of members. https://www.hyattsville.org/878/Advisory-Committees-Boards-Commissions

    Green Team Action Plan

    10 Points

    Program Summary: For the Hyattsville Environmental Committee, our goals are to encourage the city to support and work with other branches of government to help achieve environmental goals. We’ve previously worked in support of the state appropriations for Sustainable Maryland and the PG County Climate Action Plan, but there are several other activities that council liaisons and committee members have expressed interest in addressing in the coming years, including: • Reducing the amount of plastic bags; • Dis-incentivizing the use of ‘single use plastics’ at restaurants; • Supporting the environmental human rights amendments . Expand the current English Ivy Program to include all residents to help save the current tree canopy . Web3 Pilot Program for Climate Action Some recent accomplishments Passage of a gas powered leaf blower ban, effective in August 2022. • Adopted resolutions in support of the Prince George’s County Climate Action Plan, dedicated appropriations for the Sustainable Maryland program, and support for the Community Choice Aggregation Act. • Began mulching Christmas trees; • Initiated the “leaf it alone” education campaign to encourage residents to leave their leaves on their properties. • Drafted the Hyattsville Watershed Implementation Plan. • Began the process of updating the City's 5 year Community Sustainability Strategic Plan. It’s a multi year process that began in February 2022. We wrapped up stakeholder interviews in July 2022 and have scheduled community engagement sessions throughout the fall (see flyer). Drafting the plan will happen early next year after engagement wraps. We will have several months to allow for public comments and then hopefully adoption by council expected by mid 2023. The impact of these environmental accomplishments are significant. GHG emissions produced in the city limits of Hyattsville will go down, largely through the gas-powered leaf blower ban and the accompanying ‘leaf it alone’ campaign. The City has been attempting to address environmental challenges in a holistic manner, working with other parts of the city to help ensure benefits are addressed across the spectrum of municipal activities. Most specifically, the SWOT Analysis in updating the City’s Sustainability Plan will allow the city to show human health and community-based benefits to maintaining the city’s parks and green space and not just focusing on conventional tree canopy and GHG emission metrics.

    Create Sustainability Resource Center

    5 Points

    Program Summary: We have created a Sustainability Page on the City website. This page helps guide residents in a variety of sustainable practices from tree care to composting of food scraps, clean energy, protecting the environments and volunteer opportunities . see link to web page. https://www.hyattsville.org/849/Sustainability-Protecting-the-Environmen

    Green Team

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Hyattsville’s Green Team was created in response to the City’s interest in becoming Sustainable Maryland Certified. The Green Team isHyattsville’s Environmental Committee and provides a diverse mixture of private citizens, elected officials and City employees. The Green Team meets monthly. On September 12, 2011, the mayor and Council designated the City’s Environmental Committee as the City’s Green Team. Current members of the Green Team are attached. Green team (HEC) meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30p.m. Next meeting is schedule for 8/9/22

  • Community Based Food System

    Create a Food Forest

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Several food forests have been planted and maintained for public use within the city. The Emerson Street Food Forest, located at 4515 Emerson Street, is open year-round for community members to harvest seasonally available fruits and greens. This pesticide free, planned garden incorporates a variety of shrubs, herbs, perennial berries, and fruit and nut trees safe for human consumption. The city's website updates residents and what is seasonal and ready for harvest. https://www.hyattsville.org/902/Emerson-Street-Food-Forest In April of 2022 volunteer and students planted 90% of the Plant materials for the new McClanahan Food Forest. These two sites are now used not only for public foresting and harvesting but also as an educational tool for residents, students as well as the permaculture classes provided by Forested Inc.

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Community Based Food

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The City's Department of Community Services has partnered with surrounding local municipalities to serve as a regional distribution site since April of 2020. Approximately 450 food boxes and fresh produce provided by the Capital Area Food Bank are distributed on Tuesdays at noon in Driskell Park, 3911 Hamilton Street. Saturday distribution was also available and provided by the Prince George's County Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Pick-up begins at 10 a.m. Both drive-through and walk-up options are available. This event takes loads of volunteers as well as support from DPW Public Works and the Hyattsville Police Dept. These events are advertised through the City's website as well as Prince George's County Food Equity Council, local news outlets, and the Prince George's County Food Distribution Map (https://princegeorges.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2261972a19bb49f9b21af016cb76ade4).

    Community Gardens

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Community Gardens at Hyatt Park are still active and in use. A new Community Garden is under way at Heurich Park on the West side of Town. These gardens will include handicapped accessible garden plots. Completion is anticipated between Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. Community Gardens are Active and still in use. There are currently 29 plots and the cost is $30 per year. On December 13, 2010, the Mayor and Council authorized a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Hyatt Park Community Garden Association, which outlines the management and operations of the Community Garden, budgets costs and states membership requirements. The MOU was again renewed on December 7, 2012. The garden is located on a quarter-acre of the two-acre Hyatt Park, which is at the intersection of 36th Avenue and Hamilton Street. The Hyattsville Park Community Garden Association provides and maintains organic vegetable plots within Hyatt Park. A total of 60 Hyattsville residents participate in the garden. The garden’s website (www.hyattparkgarden.org) provides information for gardening questions and resources, as well as maps of the plots and the organization’s rules and bylaws. The group is required to have two formal meetings each year, led by informally elected co-lead, secretary, plot monitor and treasurer positions. Members pay an annual fee that is used to maintain the garden.

  • Energy

    Municipal Electric Vehicles

    20 Points

    Program Summary: The City has approximately 16 electric transportation vehicles and it is continually growing. These vehicles range from large waste vehicles to small police vehicles for special events. Hyattsville Department of Public Works added a fully electric trash truck to it's fleet in October 2021. This battery-electric, zero-emission refuse truck is the first of its kind in Maryland and first commercially deployed Class 6 refuse truck on the East Coast. The Code Enforcement division has been using 3 hybrid cars (Ford CMAX) since 2014. The Parking Compliance Division has also purchased a new Chevy Bolt which is scheduled for delivery later this year. Supply chain issues have delayed delivery. Department of Community Services has received funding to purchase two electric buses through Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments and Federal Transit Administration's Enhanced Mobility Options Grant. The Hyattsville Police Department is the first police department to utilize an all-electric police vehicle. The department is working hard to make it's vehicle fleet "greener" by utilizing all-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles whenever possible. Currently the department has eleven non-polluting or less-polluting vehicles in operation including one Chevrolet Bolt All-Electric Fully Marked Police Vehicle, two Zero DSP All-Electric Fully Marked Police Motorcycles, three Ford Interceptor Hybrid Fully Marked SUVs, one Ford Fusion Hybrid Unmarked Police Vehicle, three Segway All-Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices, and one all-electric golf cart - Fully Marked Police Vehicle for Special Events. The department has equipped seven (7) Patrol Vehicles and the "Hummer" Specialized Rescue Vehicle with "Anti-Idling Devices," which allow the officer to run the vehicle's emergency lights, radios, etc. for long periods of time without the engine running. https://www.hyattsville.org/917/Electric-Police-Vehicles All of Hyattsville's EV Charging Stations ( "Level 2," and "Level 3") were provided and installed at no cost to the city from the Electric Vehicle Institute (EV-I) of Baltimore, Maryland, through the Maryland "Alternate Fuel Infrastructure Program (AFIP)". This was done not only to provide charging for the EVs owned by the city, but also to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by the public, which ultimately affects the environment for everyone. These stations appear to be used on a routine basis but there is no way to calculate usage. We have not seen any significant jump in electricity however, thorough research has not yet been done and with the recent hikes in gas prices its been difficult to determine any gas savings.

    Renewable Energy

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The City has an agreement with Tiger Solar (formerly Altenergy) to install a 38kW turn key solar photovoltaic system. This system has been designed and sized to be expanded to over 140kW as funds become available in future fiscal years. For the current installation the City has received a grant of $50,000 from the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Maryland Smart Energy Communities (MSEC) grant program. The project is currently in permitting, and experiencing extended delays at Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE). The permitting is estimated to take an additional 8-12 weeks to receive approvals. Tiger Solar is ready to begin installation as soon as the permits are approved and installation is expected to take one week. Solar panels were purchased by the City along with the grant funding. It is not a PPA and we will keep any RECs earned. 100% of the City's energy is currently renewable wind energy purchased through Constellation and new solar panels will assist in the reduction of Wind Energy usage. We do have a "Energi" Plant at the Center of Hyatt Park that uses solar panel to generate electricity to charge USB devices for City Residents -detailed elsewhere in the report. Additionally, not mentioned we have installed over the past 3 years - approximately 30 solar powered flashing streets signs - a mix of School Cross Walks, Stop Signs and one Do Not Enter sign.

    Residential Electric Vehicles and Public Charging Stations

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Charging stations remain free of charge. The city installed a 480 volt charger for the new Electric Trash Truck and an additional Level 2 #Charger for charging of Electric Shuttle buses that were recently ordered but delayed due to COVID. The City of Hyattsville has vowed to be a leader in the reduction of carbon emissions, and by replacing gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles with all-electric versions, we are able to continue moving in that direction. The City has several Level 2 (240 Volt) Electric Vehicle Charging Stations available in City Parking Lot 2 and 4. Charging at these stations is free, though there is a fee of .50/hr to park in the lots from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Friday (except holidays). Two 50kW DCFC Fast Charge stations are available in the Municipal Building Parking Lot at 4310 Gallatin Street. Both stations will accommodate vehicles with CHAdeMO or CCS Combo plugs. Fees are used to cover the costs of electricity and station maintenance. The City is also working with PEPCO's Utilities Public Charging Program to determine if there are additional sites within the City that could be utilized as part of the EVSmart Public Charging Network.

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Energy

    20 Points

    Program Summary: 1. Public Works Facility Completion 2. Energy Efficient Communities 3. Municipal Wind Energy 3. White Roof 4. Energy Plant Hyatt Park

    Municipal Energy Audits

    30 Points

    Program Summary: Variable frequency drives were replaced and provided more efficient heating and cooling for a few years. This year the 30 year old units will finally be replaced with 2 new energy efficient units. In March of 2022 we applied for a grant through MEA to switch the remaining city street light to LED. The grant was denied but we will continue to pursue other avenues. It is our intent to complete additional energy audits but efforts have been delayed due to the pandemic. An Energi Plant was installed at Hyatt Park in April/May of 2022 and will allow residents to charge USB powered devices. Window Shades in several meeting room at 4310 were replaced with blackout shades to assist in the reduction of heat during the summer months and drafts during winter months. Our “White Roof” continues to provide energy efficiencies. This year a section of the city’s street lights were moved to LED and 90% of the light in the Garage at 4310 has been upgraded to LED. An RFP has been solicited to change the roof top HVAC units at the Municipal building (4310) to Variable frequency drive. The new VFD’s would cost $2,905.00 and PEPCO’s incentive would pay for $2,850.00 and our cost would be $55.00. With this change we could see an upgraded efficiency cost savings of $3,194.60 annually from our energy bill. This number come from the PEPCO estimated savings of 31,946 KWH and our average per KWH of $.10 per KWH. Cooling spaces naturally using air from outside to cool whenever possible help save energy. In conjunction with our new MOU with Pepco (Energy Efficient Communities), moving forward additional energy audits will be scheduled for each phase of construction as designs are completed. Since the audits were performed, several changes have been made to the City owned building in order to improve their energy efficiency. Improvements include the installation of additional insulation and a white roof on the top of 4310 Gallatin Street; designing the new DPS building to LEED standards; changing the incandescent can lights in the Council Chambers to LED lights; and in all buildings replacing the old, magnetic light ballasts with electronic ones. Though not actually in a City building, the City is also in the process of upgrading city street lights to LED building. See previous 2011 audits in attachments below labeled Buildings 1-5. In 2011, the City contracted Hess Construction and Engineering Services, Inc. for a complete facilities assessment of all five building. The five buildings assessed are located at the following addresses in Hyattsville: 4310 Gallatin St., 3505 Hamilton St., and 4633 Arundel Place, 4318 Gallatin St. and 3911 Hamilton Street. The audits assessed a wide range of issues regarding the municipal building. Building were inspected from their foundation to their exterior to their heating, electrical and plumbing systems. The reports addressed deficiencies in the current status of the buildings and recommended improvements that among other things would make the building more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. The assessments included an existing conditions report, space utilization analysis and the development of a 20-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that identified capital replacement costing and incorporation of more efficient and renewable energy technology

  • Greenhouse Gas

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Greenhouse Gas

    10 Points

    Program Summary: 1. Police Vehicle Anti-Idling Device Installation - still using see IDP 2. Carbon Incentive Program -

  • Health & Wellness

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Health & Wellness

    25 Points

    Program Summary: 1. NFC - Fitness Court 2. Ageless Grace 3. HEAL City 4. Annual Cyclocross/5k Race/Zombie Run 5. Water Fountain Fill Stations

    Workplace Wellness Program

    10 Points

    Program Summary: New: Mental Health and Wellness program First Responders On Going • Employee Wellness Fair • Walking meeting policy • Blood Pressure machines available in each office • Desk treadmill check outs • Standing desks

  • Local Economies

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Local Economies

    20 Points

    Program Summary: 1. BigBelly Trash Compactors 2. Business Resource Guide 3. Economic Development Week

    Organic Waste Composting

    15 Points

    Program Summary: To accommodate commercial and multi-family properties the City continues to add addition "drop-off sites". There are now four compost drop-off bins throughout the City at the following locations: Driskell Park (3911 Hamilton Street), Heurich Park (2800 Nicholson Street), University Hills Duck Pond (3400 Stanford Street), and Department of Public Works Operations Center (4633 Arundel Place). Two new bins and signage have arrived on site and will be placed out in the community in July 2022. A minimum of two additional bins are anticipated in 2023. Research continues on the best collection process and equipment. Any City resident can bring compost to these bins. The City of Hyattsville offers residential compost pick up on Mondays (except for holidays). Compost can be left curbside in an appropriate container along with bagged yard waste. The program is limited to residences in the incorporated City limits. The City collects and delivers compost to the Prince George's County Organics Composting Facility. The facility uses the material to produce Leafgro Gold, a nutrient rich solution used for planting and gardening. A variety of educational materials are included on the City's website including brochures and YouTube videos. Educational pdf outlines materials accepted through compost, acceptable compostable bags, and information about what happens to compost collected in the City. YouTube videos created by City of Hyattsville and Prince George's County Parks and Recreation are linked https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXFLEUzW-yE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JqI2WwjaKk

    Local Business Roundtable

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The City of Hyattsville hosts quarterly roundtables for local property and business owners to provide relevant community updates, and share available local, state, and federal resources and grants. Roundtables typically draws between 15 - 30 local business owners. Recordings of previous roundtables at www.youtube.com/cityofhyattsville . The City's February 2022 virtual Business Roundtable discussions focused on business continuity and available local resources for the Hyattsville business community. Events are advertised via the City's calendar and business email newsletters.

    Buy Local Campaign

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The City has a 'love local' campaign every year from late November through January. The City works with the community and local businesses to promote support local business during the holiday season. Participating businesses offered a discount for residents who brought a flyer with purchase. Parking was free in city lots to incentivize support local establishments. Window decals were provided to participating businesses. Advertisements were run in local newsletter and mailed to every home in the City. Additional advertisement was done in bus shelters and in the windows of vacant properties. This is a collaborative effort between the Communication Department, the Department of Community and Economic Development, and the local business community.

  • Natural Resources

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Natural Resources

    50 Points

    Program Summary: Total of 105 Points requested 1 Wells Blvd. Green Street Project 2. Submerged Gravel Wetland 3. Leaf Mulch Program/Leaf-It-Alone 4. Trail Restoration 5. Sustainable Land and Building Management Policy 6. Organic Field Maintenance 7. Tree Inventory 8. Tree Canopy Impact 9. Ivy Removal 10. Wildlife Release 11. Phenology Study Pilot 12 Healthy Trees Hyattsville 13. Audobon Wildlife Habitat

    Tree City USA

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The City of Hyattsville has been designated a partner of Tree City USA for the past 31 years and has received the Growth Aware for the past 8 years. The City’s Manager of Environmental Programs, Dawn Taft is a certified arborist and manages Hyattsville’s Tree City USA program and application. To aid in our Tree City USA efforts, the City has created tree inventory database, which identifies species, geolocation, and tracks the health of all trees located within the public right-of-way. The City Tree Board now meets regularly the 1st Wednesday of each month.

    Adopt a Pet Waste Ordinance

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Policy still active Chapter 52-2 of the Hyattsville Charter and Code details the City’s pet was policy. The policy prohibits persons with dogs or cats from allowing excrement to remain on public property. The lone exception to this is for individuals with seeing eye dogs. Removal and proper disposal are required immediately after the excrement is put on public property.

    Implement a Pet Waste Education Program

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The City Continues to expand dog waste stations. We have added and additional 9 stations bring our total to 26 stations and have diverted approximately 785 lbs of dog waste from our streams and waterways this FY year. Our map is in process of being updated and can be found on the city website. Signage continues periodically in our BigBelly displays and Scoop the Poop brochures (English and Spanish) and doggy bag keychains are distributed at Hyattsville Events. The City has a total of 17 Pet Waste Station installed and another 4 to be installed by the end of 2019. As part our our educational program signs were created and are posted in our Big Belly trash compactors (see Sign #1 & 2) for location of signage. Brochures and doggy bags are also distributed to residents at city events in English and Spanish (last event distribution Arbor Day in April and Food Forest Tour in June. Lastly, dog waste tidbits are periodically posted on the City's two electronic signboards located at opposite ends of the City as well as on the City list-serve.

    Stormwater Management Program

    15 Points

    Program Summary: In 2019 the City solicited an RFP and contracted with two Stormwater Companies; Stormwater Maintenance Consultants (SMC) and Low Impact Development Center (LID) for ongoing design and installation of stormwater facilities around the city. The FY23 Capital Budget includes $1,000,000 for stormwater mitigation with an additional $200,000 in the Operating Budget. SMC has currently been tasked with the assessment and evaluation of all city stormwater facilities to define routine maintenance requirements and/or any needed repairs. This project task is due to be completed and submitted sometime in the Spring of 2023 along with mapping of all locations. Crittenden Street Rain Garden, Melrose Park Trail Conservation Landscaping and Rain Garden, Crittenden Street Renovation Rain Gardens, Huerich Park Rain Garden, Magruder Park Rain Gardens and Carrollton Terrace Rain Gardens have been installed and remain intact and functioning. Bio-retention areas are now inspected annually. Catch basins are cleaned on an annual basis, sometimes more depending on the amount of incoming sediment. Weeding is done at minimum 4 times per year and replacement planting is done annually in spring. Additionally the City has GIS located every bio-retention, rain garden and conservation landscape to assist in maintenance and tracking. The City of Hyattsville’s Department of Public Works has created a stormwater manage ment program that has targeted areas on City property that can be transformed into bio-retention features. The 2014 to 2016, the City has installed over 10,000 square feet of rain gardens and bio swales along streets, parks, and at City owned buildings, which helps to mitigate thousands of gallons of stormwater. Each year, DPW targets new areas to retrofit and projects get designed and installed with City staff as community build projects. Projects for FY15/16 that are currently in the process of being installed or are complete include: Crittenden Street Rain Garden, Melrose Trail Conservation Landscaping and Rain Garden, Crittenden Street Renovation Rain Gardens, Huerich Park Rain Garden, Magruder Park Rain Gardens and Carrollton Terrace Rain Garden. These projects have been supported by City funds and grants from outside resources.

    Stormwater Manager / Coordinator

    15 Points

    Program Summary: This position has elevated to Manager of Environmental Programs and funding was approved and solicitation has begun for an Environmental Program Coordinator to assist with these responsibilities. The Position of Environmental Program Supervisor was created and filled by Dawn Taft in July 2018 to manage a broad range of Environmental initiatives for the city. This position is responsible for maintaining our Municipal Storm Water (MS4) Permit and compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Standards (NPDES). This includes assisting with the tracking, management and implementation of all storm water facilities such as Rain Gardens, conservation landscape and bio-retention areas. The development of a Storm water database to include site specifications (size, maintenance requirements/schedule, plating dates etc.) for all city storm water facilities/green infrastructure is scheduled for completed in spring of 2020.

    Provide Voluntary Opportunities for Citizen Engagement in Watershed Stewardship

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The City has been holding extensive volunteer watershed stewardship opportunities over the past several years. Hyattsville has monthly invasive non-native plant removals at Magruder Park. The monthly removals average 12-15 volunteers and includes UMD students. The program is led by Dawn Taft, Manager of Environmental Program and organized by Colleen Aistis, the City's Community Services Manager. In addition to the monthly activities, the City also utilizes a wide range of other organizations to facilitate greater opportunities for its citizens. UMD Terps Services participate in the invasive Program every semester providing removal of invasives and maintenance of trees and the Anacostia Meadow from 10a.m. to noon every Saturday during each semester. Hyattsville partners with the Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission, PG Parks Park Ranger’s Office, Anacostia Watershed Society, Maryland Native Plant Society, our local schools, colleges and universities in the Washington Metro Area. Volunteers are pursued in a vast array of strategies. Hyattsville utilizes traditional methods through the City’s Office of Communication; The Hyattsville Reporter, Hyattsville Life & Times, HCTV cable channel, flyers and contacts of both individual & groups volunteers through previous engagements. Public Involvement and Participation Events – River cleanups, park cleanups, storm drain stenciling activities, etc.: Volunteers learned how to identify invasive plants and removed invasive plants in Magruder Woods on the third Sunday Saturday of every month, weather permitting. July 1 2021 to June 30, 2022 We had 52 volunteers donate 318 hours. We removed 100 small bush honeysuckle, 10 bags of multiflora rose, 29 bags of Garlic mustard, 11.5 bages of trash, saved 55 trees from vines, removed 312 square feet of bamboo, 100 square ft of Japanese knotweed, 630 square ft of Wine Berry and 860 square feet of porcelain berry vine. In 2019 How many volunteers attend these events? 113 volunteers - 225 hours (includes UMD Terp Service Student every Sat for 8 weeks) How much invasive plant material has been removed between 1/1 and 6/30/19? trash in 10gal bags/invasives in 55gal bags 84 trees saved from English Ivy and/or honeysuckle vine 14 bag trash 25 multiflora rose 485 Bush Honey suckle - from 10' to sappling size 1 Oriental bittersweet 1/10th acre of Henbit 25 bags of Garlic Mustard 5 bags of porcelainberry DeMatha Catholic High School 4-6-2019~ 42nd Ave, Madison Street: 10 bags of trash, recycling sorted Northwestern High School, Teen Center at Magruder 4-6-2019~ Pond 9 (area adjacent to University Christian Church) 40 bags of trash, 10 tires, desk chair, automotive parts, assorted clothing and camp equipment BSA Troop 224 ~4-6-2019 Melrose Skate Park: 10 Volunteers 20 bags of trash, 5 tires, construction debris, 15 broken skate boards The Neighborhood ~ 5-25-2019 city wide, corner of Hamilton Street & Queensbury Road: 15 Volunteers 35 bags of trash, 3 grills, 4 mattresses, clothing, assorted camp equipment (chairs, tarps, tents) The Greater Washington Urban League Young Professionals. 6-29-2019~ Magruder Woods: 10 Volunteers: 10 bags of trash, recycling sorted

    Facilitate Engagement in Existing Watershed Stewardship Opportunities

    20 Points

    Program Summary: The City continues work with AWS. Terps student maintain the Meadow planting on the NW Branch as well as the re-caging and maintenance of trees recently planted in Driskell park along the Branch. Additionally the city partnered with AWS and other organizations to provided multiple workshops throughout the last two year on Trees and their impact on stormwater and wildlife, chemical impacts on stormwater etc. Work with the Anacostia Wastershed Society (AWS) is ongoing. We continued maintenance- weeding, staking, etc., of trees planted in previous years. This maintenance is done with city volunteers during our invasive removals the 3rd Sat. of each month in addition to individual groups led by AWS. Using city volunteers helps educate them on the importance of trees and their relationship to the watershed while also teaching them about the effects and control of unwanted invasive plants. We will ramp up activities with AWS this fall. We are planning a more detailed partnership - and are currently organizing an under story planting on the West side of Magruder to fill vacant space where invasive bush honeysuckle has been removed and a community planting of Stormwater bmps in University Hills. We will continue to ensure the survial of previous plantings and look to assist AWS with maintenance of the Meadows that line the North West Branch trail at the edge of Magruder Park. We currently work with UMD Terps for Change Stundents on invasive removals in the spring and fall of each semester. This program helps students organize and guide a group while helping the environment, removing invasive species and helping to maintain the understory. Because these students work every Saturday during the semester they are teamed up with community volunteers on the 3rd Sat. of each month which has proven educational for all involved. This year AWS sponsor a Boat tour of the Anacostia River for UMD volunteers. This tour will help drive home the impact they are making on the watershed by their involvement/volunteer efforts removing invasives and helping maintain the urban forest at Magruder Park. Additionally we held a public Tree Pruning Workshop sponsored by the Department of the Environment (29 registered and 14 attended) and a city wide search for the largest tree in Hyattsville (28 submissions and 1,2 and 3rd Place Winners), all geared toward education on how to maintain a healthy watershed and the import role of trees in this process.

    Implement Watershed Stewardship / Pollution Prevention Outreach Program(s)

    10 Points

    Program Summary: In 2o20 the City Sponsored 10 Master Watershed Stewards from the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS). In 2021 Capstone graduates planted a total of 19 trees and shrubs along the border of Melrose Park Soccer fields. In 2022 (approved for the FY23 budget beginning July 1 2022), the City will roll out a new program "Healthy Trees Hyattsville". As part of this program the city will sponsor 4 residents to take the Master Watershed Stewardship Program through AWS . We have also set aside $300 in funding for each student to assist with the implementation of their "Capstone Projects" Additionally, we will begin yard surveys utilizing a UMD intern to determine how residents can better guard against mosquitos, analyze the types of mosquitos and introduce subsidized purchase of mosquito traps. These progressive efforts will ultimately afford the City a way to stop the chemical spraying for mosquitos which contaminates our waterways and also kills beneficial insects.

    Create a Watershed Plan

    20 Points

    Program Summary: The draft WIP is due to be presented to council for Official approval and acceptance sometime in November or December of 2022. With support from a University of Maryland Graduate Student and Faculty Research Specialist the City has developed our own Watershed Implementation Plan. As such we are one of the few Municipalities to have our own WIP. The draft is currently being circulated for edits and updates/recommendations and is scheduled for final submission and acceptance at the July or August council meeting.

  • Planning & Land Use

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Planning & Land Use

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Total Points requested 60 1. IPS Smart Meters/Solar Meters 2. Driskell/Magruder Park Re-Imagining 3. Hyatt Park Placemaking

    Participation in DHCD Sustainable Communities

    20 Points

    Program Summary: Hyattsville renewed it's Sustainable Community Designation in 2021. The updated application is attached. Hyattsville received a Sustainable Community Designation from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development in October 2011. The designation lasts for five years, meaning that it will expire in the fall of 2016. The City’s application details the current situation and areas for improvement in the four key areas in the City (Prince George’s Plaza Transit District, West Hyattsville, U.S. Route One Corridor, and Neighborhoods and Parks). The application contains a profiles of the City’s demographics, as well as information on recent projects and sustainable policies. For several years now the City of Hyattsville has used DHCD Community Legacy funding to implement a commercial facade program in the City's three revitalization districts (Prince George's Plaza, West Hyattsville and Gateway Arts District). In order to receive Community Legacy Funding, a municipality must be deemed a DHCD Sustainable Community. Our Commercial Facade Program provides matching grants of $10,000-$45,000 to commercial businesses making approved improvements, such as new signage, windows, masonry or painting to the exterior of their building. Our program guidelines, application and information can be found at: http://www.hyattsville.org/477/Commercial-Facade-Improvement-Program

  • Transportation

    Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

    15 Points

    Program Summary: In 2018, the City of Hyattsville commissioned a study with Toole Design to develop a comprehensive plan to improve existing transportation infrastructure, carry out new projects, and determine priorities for the next 20 years. The City continues to prioritize and implement bicycle and pedestrian improvements recommended in the 2018 Citywide Transportation Study and Countywide Plans such as the Prince George's Plaza Transit District Development Plan. As of 2022, the City is implementing several recommendations from the Transportation Study including: 1. 3100 Block Nicholson Street Improvement to replace curbs, sidewalks, and driveway aprons in preparation for road resurfacing in the Spring of 2022. Trees were planted in the Fall. Additional cleanup and repair work may be done to prepare for paving in the spring of 2022. 2. Jefferson Street Bike Boulevard to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety. City staff presented recommendations provided by a Toole Design Group study to determine appropriate traffic calming measures along Jefferson Street from Queens Chapel Road to Baltimore Avenue. 3. Queens Chapel Road Streetscape Project. The City of Hyattsville and Maryland State Highway Administration are working to enhance pedestrian and traffic safety along Queens Chapel Road from Hamilton Street to the DC boarder at Eastern Ave. This project is including new sidewalks, lighting, and bike lanes. 4. University Hills Streets and Sidewalks. All streets in the University Hills neighborhood have been reconstructed. Work is completed as of Summer of 2022. Many of these plans are too large to attach but are available on the Capital Improvements Page here: https://www.hyattsville.org/859/Capital-Improvement-Projects This is a joint effort between the Department of Community and Economic Development, Department of Public Works, and various County and State entities.

    Innovative Demonstration Projects - Transportation

    40 Points

    Program Summary: Total Points 55 1. Citywide Biking Improvement 2. Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) 3. Sidewalk Retrofit Pilot 4. Shuttle UM Partnership 5. Living Bus Stops 6. New Wayfinding Signage 7. FTA/MWCOG Enhance Mobility Grant Recipient