UPDATE - Island Flavors Closed Oct 2013
//////////////////////////////////////////
Doc's Grille Coming to Crystal Plaza
The owner of the Subway in Crystal Plaza will open his new Doc's Grille there in a few weeks, featuring high quality hamburgers and hot dogs and related fare -- there will be no alcohol.
This new family-friendly restaurant will contribute to the growing prosperity of Crystal Plaza and South Laurel.
With Osaka Japanese Hibachi, Cameron's Seafood carry-out and the Island Flavors Caribbean restaurant and the Yums and now Doc's Grille, it looks like Crystal Plaza is becoming a desirable destination for people looking for a variety of interesting yet inexpensive dining choices.
Community Meeting About J’s Sports Café April 23
We would like to encourage everyone to attend a community meeting on Monday, April 23, to discuss the future of J’s Café, which is located in the Crystal Plaza shopping center on Route 197. J’s owners have proposed to reopen as a sports bar and grill. At previous meetings with the owners, the community’s overwhelming sentiment was for the liquor license either to be revoked or for J’s Café to reopen as a full-fledged restaurant that served wine and beer, but not as a sports bar that also serves food.
We have invited J’s owners to come to this meeting prepared to outline a new business plan more in line with the community’s request to open as a restaurant whose sales are based on food rather than liquor.
The meeting will be held at 7 pm at the Touch of Love Bible Church, 13503 Baltimore Ave. (corner of Route 1 and Contee Road, behind the new Sakura Steak House).
Many community members have already signed a petition opposing renewal of J’s liquor license due to the shooting death in January of a patron in the club’s parking lot – the third such murder there in two years. The Prince George’s County Liquor Board has scheduled a protest hearing for May 2 at 7 pm, at which time it may
change the way the club does business or revoke J’s liquor license altogether, presumably taking into account the community’s preferences.
Please plan to attend this community meeting on April 23 – and also the Liquor Board hearing on May 2 – to be assured that your voice is heard and that you are fully informed on the issues.
Let’s make Laurel a safe and prosperous community.
Maria Agres
Coordinator, Coalition for Laurel Area Safety and Prosperity (CLASP)
March 29 Judgement Against J's Sports Cafe
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GOVERNMENT BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
March 29,2007
Granville Templeton, ill, Esquire 10 N.·Calvert Street
Suite 930
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Re: J's Cafe, Class B, BLX, Beer, Wine and Liquor
Dear Mr. Templeton:
During the Administrative Voting Session of March 27,2007, the Board of License Commissioners met regarding the above captioned.
The Board approved the following finds of fact regarding the hearing held on March 14,2007.
The licensee was charged with violations which came before the Board for a hearing on March 14, 2007. The principal charge made by the inspection staff was that the operation of the licensed premises endangered the peace and safety of the neighborhood in which it is located in violation of Article 2B, Section 10-401. Certain other charges were filed alleging violation of Rules 26A(3), 26B(5), 26b(10), 26B(13) and26B 14.
At the hearing the Board heard testimony form Deputy Chief Inspector Fanelli, Captain S. Haines of the Prince George's County Police, Cpl. Jenkins of the Prince George's County Police, the licensee and the manager of the establishment. The Board carefully considered all the testimony and evidence presented to it from all witnesses. The Board has assessed the credibility of the witnesses, attached weight to their testimony and makes the following findings of fact.
The Board finds as a fact that the licensee operates a Class B, BLX restaurant located at 12617 Laurel Bowie Road, Annapolis Road, Laurel, Maryland. The Board finds that the management promotes club type atmosphere rather than a restaurant. The Board finds that on the night of January 26,2007, it employed 7-8 bartenders, 14 bouncers or security staff, and only one person on the wait staff. The Board finds as a fact that on that night a number of customers of the licensed premises became unruly and began fighting on the parking lot of the premises as the establishment was closing. Officers who were employed as security forces by the licensee attempted to restore order to the area. During the course of this melee one individual was shot and killed by a person unknown.
J's Cafe
March 29, 2007 Page-2-
The law which the Board must apply to the facts in this case consists, in part, of Maryland Code, Article 2B, Section 10-401 (a)(3) which states "Any license or permit issued under the provisions of this article may be revoked or suspended by the issuing authority for any case which in the judgment of the official, court or board, is necessary to promote the peace or safety of the community in which the place of business is situated." In addition to the statue and Rilles, adopted by the Board under the authority granted to it by Article 2B, Section 16-303(a), applies in the case. Rille #26B states as follows:
The Board may suspend or revoke any license issued under the provision
of Article 2B for any case which in the judgment of the Board shall be
necessary to promote the peace and safety of the community in which
the business is situated.
Applying the law to the facts found in this case the Board concludes that the operation of the premises causes a danger to the peace and good order of the community in which the business is located. It is clear that any citizen passing in the near vicinity of the premises at closing time on the night in question would have been in danger of being shot. The Board concludes that the licensees are in violation of Article 2B, Section 401 and Rules 26(2)(B)(10) and (13) in permitting disorderly persons to remain on the premises and permitting loud noises and brawls on the premises. There is no evidence to show that the licensee sold alcoholic beverages to disorderly persons and so the Board dismisses the charge of violating Rille 26(B)(5).
For these violations the Board imposes a fine of$10,000.00. In addition, pursuant to a request of the licensee, the Board rescinded its permission to offer entertainment.
Should you require any additional information, feel free to contact our office.
Sincerely,
[signature]
Franklin D. Jackson Chairman
County Service Building, Room 204, 5012 Rhode Island Avenue, Hyattsville, Maryland 20781-2037 (301) 699-2770
March 29,2007
Granville Templeton, ill, Esquire 10 N.·Calvert Street
Suite 930
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Re: J's Cafe, Class B, BLX, Beer, Wine and Liquor
Dear Mr. Templeton:
During the Administrative Voting Session of March 27,2007, the Board of License Commissioners met regarding the above captioned.
The Board approved the following finds of fact regarding the hearing held on March 14,2007.
The licensee was charged with violations which came before the Board for a hearing on March 14, 2007. The principal charge made by the inspection staff was that the operation of the licensed premises endangered the peace and safety of the neighborhood in which it is located in violation of Article 2B, Section 10-401. Certain other charges were filed alleging violation of Rules 26A(3), 26B(5), 26b(10), 26B(13) and26B 14.
At the hearing the Board heard testimony form Deputy Chief Inspector Fanelli, Captain S. Haines of the Prince George's County Police, Cpl. Jenkins of the Prince George's County Police, the licensee and the manager of the establishment. The Board carefully considered all the testimony and evidence presented to it from all witnesses. The Board has assessed the credibility of the witnesses, attached weight to their testimony and makes the following findings of fact.
The Board finds as a fact that the licensee operates a Class B, BLX restaurant located at 12617 Laurel Bowie Road, Annapolis Road, Laurel, Maryland. The Board finds that the management promotes club type atmosphere rather than a restaurant. The Board finds that on the night of January 26,2007, it employed 7-8 bartenders, 14 bouncers or security staff, and only one person on the wait staff. The Board finds as a fact that on that night a number of customers of the licensed premises became unruly and began fighting on the parking lot of the premises as the establishment was closing. Officers who were employed as security forces by the licensee attempted to restore order to the area. During the course of this melee one individual was shot and killed by a person unknown.
J's Cafe
March 29, 2007 Page-2-
The law which the Board must apply to the facts in this case consists, in part, of Maryland Code, Article 2B, Section 10-401 (a)(3) which states "Any license or permit issued under the provisions of this article may be revoked or suspended by the issuing authority for any case which in the judgment of the official, court or board, is necessary to promote the peace or safety of the community in which the place of business is situated." In addition to the statue and Rilles, adopted by the Board under the authority granted to it by Article 2B, Section 16-303(a), applies in the case. Rille #26B states as follows:
The Board may suspend or revoke any license issued under the provision
of Article 2B for any case which in the judgment of the Board shall be
necessary to promote the peace and safety of the community in which
the business is situated.
Applying the law to the facts found in this case the Board concludes that the operation of the premises causes a danger to the peace and good order of the community in which the business is located. It is clear that any citizen passing in the near vicinity of the premises at closing time on the night in question would have been in danger of being shot. The Board concludes that the licensees are in violation of Article 2B, Section 401 and Rules 26(2)(B)(10) and (13) in permitting disorderly persons to remain on the premises and permitting loud noises and brawls on the premises. There is no evidence to show that the licensee sold alcoholic beverages to disorderly persons and so the Board dismisses the charge of violating Rille 26(B)(5).
For these violations the Board imposes a fine of$10,000.00. In addition, pursuant to a request of the licensee, the Board rescinded its permission to offer entertainment.
Should you require any additional information, feel free to contact our office.
Sincerely,
[signature]
Franklin D. Jackson Chairman
County Service Building, Room 204, 5012 Rhode Island Avenue, Hyattsville, Maryland 20781-2037 (301) 699-2770
Prevent Air Bag Thefts -- Alert from Laurel
Twenty airbags were stolen from 10 vehicles so far this month in city of Laurel, according to the March 29, Laurel Gazette
Airbag thefts, which first became a serious problem in the city about a year ago, are surging this month after no reported cases in January and February, Laurel police said.
Prince George’s County police through Tuesday had recorded airbag thefts from 52 vehicles in 2007, 16 fewer than at the same time last year.
Even though they do not protect passenger-side airbags, steering wheel locks can deter thefts, since thieves prefer to steal two airbags at a time. (End of Gazette article extract)
Steering wheel locks are relatively inexpensive and are available free from our local Police District 6.
Airbag thefts, which first became a serious problem in the city about a year ago, are surging this month after no reported cases in January and February, Laurel police said.
Prince George’s County police through Tuesday had recorded airbag thefts from 52 vehicles in 2007, 16 fewer than at the same time last year.
Even though they do not protect passenger-side airbags, steering wheel locks can deter thefts, since thieves prefer to steal two airbags at a time. (End of Gazette article extract)
Steering wheel locks are relatively inexpensive and are available free from our local Police District 6.
PG Police Open House April 24
Major Gary Cunningham, Commander, Captain Scott Haines, Asst. Commander, and the Employees of Prince George's County Police District VI cordially invite you to attend the
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
District VI Police Station 4321 Sellman Road Beltsville, MD 20705 (map). 301-937-0910
Tours of the Station, Various Police Displays, K9, Aviation, Motorcycles, Police Patrol Cars, Crime Solvers, Crime Prevention Materials, and More…
Light refreshments will be provided.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
75th ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE
75th ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
District VI Police Station 4321 Sellman Road Beltsville, MD 20705 (map). 301-937-0910
Tours of the Station, Various Police Displays, K9, Aviation, Motorcycles, Police Patrol Cars, Crime Solvers, Crime Prevention Materials, and More…
Light refreshments will be provided.
J's Sports Cafe Mar 14 Liquor Hearing Recap
Bottom Line:
At the end of a nearly 3-hour long "Show Cause" hearing, the Liquor Board fined J's Sports Cafe $10,000 and, after considerable discussion, decided to not suspend its liquor license pending the already scheduled License Renewal Protest Hearing on May 2 (notice).
J's Sports Cafe committed to operating in future as a regular restaurant, with a full menu and operating hours patterned after other restaurants serving liquor in the Laurel area. They agreed to have the Liquor Board remove from their Class B license (and have DER remove from their Use and Occupancy Permit) all previous permissions for patron dancing, live music, DJs , cover charges, and other such "entertainment" related activities. Moreover, they committed to meet with elected officials and community leaders to determine more precisely what the community deems to be additional conditions required beyond that for them to continue to operate.
No citizen statements are permitted at Show Cause Hearings. But because of the petition signed by residents, and letters from elected officials (County Councilman Tom Dernoga and District 23 State Delegation) calling for the revocation of J's liquor license, citizens will be able to give statements at the upcoming License Renewal Protest Hearing on May 2 (notice).
J's Sports Cafe was closed on February 2 for lack of a proper Use and Occupancy permit (from the Department of Environmental Resources) and will remain closed until a Use and Occupancy permit is granted, and other violations are resolved. (For history see J's Sports Cafe)
Summary:Even though the January 28 shooting murder at J's Sports Cafe occurred under the management of the "new owner" (Alex Kim), this Show Cause hearing was actually a case against the previous owner -- because the current owner was operating under the previous owner's liquor license under a management agreement. Both the previous owner (Woo Hun Jung) and new owner (Alex Kim) agreed to the new license restrictions listed above. The new owner (Kim) still has not picked up the transferred liquor license that was approved for him in early January.
There was testimony under oath by Councilman Tom Dernoga, District 23 Delegates Gerron Levi and Distrct 23 State Senator Doug Peters, Police District 6 Acting Commander Scott Haines, another police officer, the Liquor Board's own Inspectors, and an advocate for the City of Laurel.
Then the Liquor Board established that all of the alleged violations of the conditions of the new owner's transferred license had in fact been violated -- each of which the Liquor Board Chairman cited into the hearing record.
The new owner initially testified that when he took over the Cafe, he had not been aware that previous shootings were associated with J's Sports Cafe. But he was reminded by Liquor Board members of his testimony in September 2006 when he said that he had been aware of those shootings. Those shootings were the very reason he had been required to create a security plan both inside the Cafe and in the parking lot. When asked directly by the Board, the new owner could not confirm whether on January 28 he was actually in compliance with the Security Plan that he had previously submitted to the Liquor Board and committed to as a condition of his transferred liquor license.
Councilman Tom Dernoga testified: J's Sports Cafe had circumvented P.G. County laws regarding patron dancing by getting a permit from the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission -- not indicative of respect for P.G. County law. Regarding that and operating without a Use and Occupancy Permit - "when you have owners who think the laws don't apply to them, is there any surprise that there are problems". The Councilman urged that the license be revoked -- but if citizens can agree on acceptable conditions for J's Sports Cafe's to continue operation -- he would support the citizens. But the proffered menu is not sufficient to qualify J's Sports Cafe as a Restaurant. If clientèle come mostly from outside the community, how does that benefit our community? We need a business that will make Crystal Plaza more successful for the community -- a real restaurant, not a sports bar masquerading as a real restaurant.
The new owners said their menu was just a draft -- based on a menu from a "successful restaurant", but, when asked by a Liquor Board member, the new owner declined to provide the name of that restaurant. Likewise, the proffered revised floor plan still showed a "band stand". The Cafe's lawyer clarified that the band stand would be removed and replaced with tables. A Liquor Board member told the new owner, "next time do not bring Drafts" of proffers -- show us what you are actually doing -- not drafts.
The City of Laurel advocate testified that their concern about J's Sports Cafe stems from their mutual assistance agreements with Prince George's County police -- so Laurel officers have to respond when there is are shootings at J's Sports Cafe. He said his wife is an example of those who won't go to Crystal Plaza for fear of the violence associated with J's Sports Cafe. The City of Laurel would support what the citizens of South Laurel approve -- but the city is averse to continuation of live music, DJs, patron dancing, etc.
The Deputy Chief Inspector read into the record the Chief Inspector's report in the series of shooting incidents and evidence for each license violation, determining that the peace and safety of the community was at risk.
P.G. Police District 6 Acting Commander Scott Haines testified to details of the three shooting murders, and several other shooting incidents from 2005 to Jan 28, 2007, including gunshots outside of J's Sports Cafe that hit the Rite Aid, the Post Office and the Red Roof Inn. On one occasion, a J's Sports Cafe patron declared to an officer, "I have no problem shooting police", after which he fired a total of 12 shots at police officers and fled without apprehension.
The Commander said that since October 2006 he has had to put all of his on-duty officers (from overlapping swing and mid-shifts for double presence) at J's Sports Cafe, as a show of force and to clear the parking lot at closing. Since J's Sports Cafe was closed on Feb 2, he has not had to do that -- and there have been no calls for police at Crystal Plaza since that closure -- so his officers are now available to provide law enforcement throughout the Laurel-Beltsville area.
One officer testified about the great difficulty of actually preventing shootings in the parking lot with as many as 300 patrons because you would have to watch everyone -- necessitating about "120" off-duty police officers, although about 10 was considered necessary for normal crowd control. The implication was that no number of off-duty police officers could guarantee there would be no shootings. And at one point the new owner testified that "No amount of security can prevent something from happening 100%".
The new owner testified that he had been "transitioning" to less problematic bands, but the Liquor Board had indications that such bands had been scheduled even after Jan 28. Before the Feb 2 shutdown, a super bowl party in apparent violation of the license conditions was planned and promoted featuring "Angel -- Miss XXL -- Eye Candy of the Year". A Liquor Board member expressed dismay that the owner thought he could "transition" over 3 months the scheduling of such bands instead of complying immediately with all the conditions of the newly transferred license.
Other specific violations cited by the Liquor Board were: permitting band promoters in the Cafe, having too many bartenders (8) and bouncers (14) compared to wait-staff (only 1).
Near the end of the hearing, before the Board's vote (above), the lawyer for J's Sports Cafe summarized as follows: J's new owner knows that change is needed. He has made efforts recently to meet with the community and he regrets not meeting with the community before. He asks to meet with community leaders. He should have looked more into the past violence at the Cafe before he took it over. He commits to changes: no more patron dancing, no live music, no DJs , no cover charges, and no other such "entertainment" related activities. The lawyer asserted that the community is better off with this new owner who has made these commitments, than some other unknown people. He asked the Liquor Board to allow the new owner to keep his transferred license and hold off on any fines.
But at times the new owner had continued to refer to the proffered new business format as a "sports bar restaurant".
At one point, a man in the audience stood up and declared that the January 28 murder victim was a his half-brother and that his family will be suing J's Sports Cafe's new owner for not carrying out the security plan and other conditions which he committed to when the license was transferred to him. The Liquor Board Chairman instructed the other board members to disregard those remarks, which were not under oath, because citizen statements are not taken at Show Cause hearings.
/2007/
At the end of a nearly 3-hour long "Show Cause" hearing, the Liquor Board fined J's Sports Cafe $10,000 and, after considerable discussion, decided to not suspend its liquor license pending the already scheduled License Renewal Protest Hearing on May 2 (notice).
J's Sports Cafe committed to operating in future as a regular restaurant, with a full menu and operating hours patterned after other restaurants serving liquor in the Laurel area. They agreed to have the Liquor Board remove from their Class B license (and have DER remove from their Use and Occupancy Permit) all previous permissions for patron dancing, live music, DJs , cover charges, and other such "entertainment" related activities. Moreover, they committed to meet with elected officials and community leaders to determine more precisely what the community deems to be additional conditions required beyond that for them to continue to operate.
No citizen statements are permitted at Show Cause Hearings. But because of the petition signed by residents, and letters from elected officials (County Councilman Tom Dernoga and District 23 State Delegation) calling for the revocation of J's liquor license, citizens will be able to give statements at the upcoming License Renewal Protest Hearing on May 2 (notice).
J's Sports Cafe was closed on February 2 for lack of a proper Use and Occupancy permit (from the Department of Environmental Resources) and will remain closed until a Use and Occupancy permit is granted, and other violations are resolved. (For history see J's Sports Cafe)
Summary:Even though the January 28 shooting murder at J's Sports Cafe occurred under the management of the "new owner" (Alex Kim), this Show Cause hearing was actually a case against the previous owner -- because the current owner was operating under the previous owner's liquor license under a management agreement. Both the previous owner (Woo Hun Jung) and new owner (Alex Kim) agreed to the new license restrictions listed above. The new owner (Kim) still has not picked up the transferred liquor license that was approved for him in early January.
There was testimony under oath by Councilman Tom Dernoga, District 23 Delegates Gerron Levi and Distrct 23 State Senator Doug Peters, Police District 6 Acting Commander Scott Haines, another police officer, the Liquor Board's own Inspectors, and an advocate for the City of Laurel.
Then the Liquor Board established that all of the alleged violations of the conditions of the new owner's transferred license had in fact been violated -- each of which the Liquor Board Chairman cited into the hearing record.
The new owner initially testified that when he took over the Cafe, he had not been aware that previous shootings were associated with J's Sports Cafe. But he was reminded by Liquor Board members of his testimony in September 2006 when he said that he had been aware of those shootings. Those shootings were the very reason he had been required to create a security plan both inside the Cafe and in the parking lot. When asked directly by the Board, the new owner could not confirm whether on January 28 he was actually in compliance with the Security Plan that he had previously submitted to the Liquor Board and committed to as a condition of his transferred liquor license.
Councilman Tom Dernoga testified: J's Sports Cafe had circumvented P.G. County laws regarding patron dancing by getting a permit from the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission -- not indicative of respect for P.G. County law. Regarding that and operating without a Use and Occupancy Permit - "when you have owners who think the laws don't apply to them, is there any surprise that there are problems". The Councilman urged that the license be revoked -- but if citizens can agree on acceptable conditions for J's Sports Cafe's to continue operation -- he would support the citizens. But the proffered menu is not sufficient to qualify J's Sports Cafe as a Restaurant. If clientèle come mostly from outside the community, how does that benefit our community? We need a business that will make Crystal Plaza more successful for the community -- a real restaurant, not a sports bar masquerading as a real restaurant.
The new owners said their menu was just a draft -- based on a menu from a "successful restaurant", but, when asked by a Liquor Board member, the new owner declined to provide the name of that restaurant. Likewise, the proffered revised floor plan still showed a "band stand". The Cafe's lawyer clarified that the band stand would be removed and replaced with tables. A Liquor Board member told the new owner, "next time do not bring Drafts" of proffers -- show us what you are actually doing -- not drafts.
The City of Laurel advocate testified that their concern about J's Sports Cafe stems from their mutual assistance agreements with Prince George's County police -- so Laurel officers have to respond when there is are shootings at J's Sports Cafe. He said his wife is an example of those who won't go to Crystal Plaza for fear of the violence associated with J's Sports Cafe. The City of Laurel would support what the citizens of South Laurel approve -- but the city is averse to continuation of live music, DJs, patron dancing, etc.
The Deputy Chief Inspector read into the record the Chief Inspector's report in the series of shooting incidents and evidence for each license violation, determining that the peace and safety of the community was at risk.
P.G. Police District 6 Acting Commander Scott Haines testified to details of the three shooting murders, and several other shooting incidents from 2005 to Jan 28, 2007, including gunshots outside of J's Sports Cafe that hit the Rite Aid, the Post Office and the Red Roof Inn. On one occasion, a J's Sports Cafe patron declared to an officer, "I have no problem shooting police", after which he fired a total of 12 shots at police officers and fled without apprehension.
The Commander said that since October 2006 he has had to put all of his on-duty officers (from overlapping swing and mid-shifts for double presence) at J's Sports Cafe, as a show of force and to clear the parking lot at closing. Since J's Sports Cafe was closed on Feb 2, he has not had to do that -- and there have been no calls for police at Crystal Plaza since that closure -- so his officers are now available to provide law enforcement throughout the Laurel-Beltsville area.
One officer testified about the great difficulty of actually preventing shootings in the parking lot with as many as 300 patrons because you would have to watch everyone -- necessitating about "120" off-duty police officers, although about 10 was considered necessary for normal crowd control. The implication was that no number of off-duty police officers could guarantee there would be no shootings. And at one point the new owner testified that "No amount of security can prevent something from happening 100%".
The new owner testified that he had been "transitioning" to less problematic bands, but the Liquor Board had indications that such bands had been scheduled even after Jan 28. Before the Feb 2 shutdown, a super bowl party in apparent violation of the license conditions was planned and promoted featuring "Angel -- Miss XXL -- Eye Candy of the Year". A Liquor Board member expressed dismay that the owner thought he could "transition" over 3 months the scheduling of such bands instead of complying immediately with all the conditions of the newly transferred license.
Other specific violations cited by the Liquor Board were: permitting band promoters in the Cafe, having too many bartenders (8) and bouncers (14) compared to wait-staff (only 1).
Near the end of the hearing, before the Board's vote (above), the lawyer for J's Sports Cafe summarized as follows: J's new owner knows that change is needed. He has made efforts recently to meet with the community and he regrets not meeting with the community before. He asks to meet with community leaders. He should have looked more into the past violence at the Cafe before he took it over. He commits to changes: no more patron dancing, no live music, no DJs , no cover charges, and no other such "entertainment" related activities. The lawyer asserted that the community is better off with this new owner who has made these commitments, than some other unknown people. He asked the Liquor Board to allow the new owner to keep his transferred license and hold off on any fines.
But at times the new owner had continued to refer to the proffered new business format as a "sports bar restaurant".
At one point, a man in the audience stood up and declared that the January 28 murder victim was a his half-brother and that his family will be suing J's Sports Cafe's new owner for not carrying out the security plan and other conditions which he committed to when the license was transferred to him. The Liquor Board Chairman instructed the other board members to disregard those remarks, which were not under oath, because citizen statements are not taken at Show Cause hearings.
/2007/
Sunrise Sports Bar Mar 14 Liquor Hearing Recap
On March 14, the Prince George's County Liquor Board held a Show Cause Hearing for Sunrise Restaurant and Sports Bar, 10800 R Rhode Island Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, due to a shooting there on January 28.
This brief report does not do justice to the many issues and resident concerns raised at that hearing, to which Councilman Dernoga and District 21 State Delegate Joseline Pena Melnyk testified.
After lengthy testimony and very assertive legal challenges by the Bar's lawyer, the Liquor Board withdrew three of the charges and ultimately ruled that there had been no showing of fact at that hearing that the Sports Bar was itself operating inconsistent with the peace and safety of the community.
There were outstanding issues about noise, and more, which the owner committed to resolving with the community. The owner had hired a new manager with many years experience managing multiple restaurants who said he has begun to make changes to discourage irresponsible patrons and wants very much to buy the restaurant. But the current owner is unable to terminate the 7 years left on her lease.
Due to petitions from the community, the Liquor Board will still hold a License Renewal Protest Hearing on May 2 (notice) at which the public can give statements.
This brief report does not do justice to the many issues and resident concerns raised at that hearing, to which Councilman Dernoga and District 21 State Delegate Joseline Pena Melnyk testified.
After lengthy testimony and very assertive legal challenges by the Bar's lawyer, the Liquor Board withdrew three of the charges and ultimately ruled that there had been no showing of fact at that hearing that the Sports Bar was itself operating inconsistent with the peace and safety of the community.
There were outstanding issues about noise, and more, which the owner committed to resolving with the community. The owner had hired a new manager with many years experience managing multiple restaurants who said he has begun to make changes to discourage irresponsible patrons and wants very much to buy the restaurant. But the current owner is unable to terminate the 7 years left on her lease.
Due to petitions from the community, the Liquor Board will still hold a License Renewal Protest Hearing on May 2 (notice) at which the public can give statements.
Please Attend J's Cafe Show Cause Hearing -- Wed Mar 14 7 pm
Please attend the P.G. Liquor Board "Show Cause" Hearing on Wednesday, March 14, 7 pm to clearly demonstrate our community's grave concern to stop the shooting murders at nearby J's Sports Cafe.
For a map and directions to the Hearing location, please see http://tinyurl.com/2z3g2f
You need not testify -- your simple presence in large numbers will say volumes.
For a map and directions to the Hearing location, please see http://tinyurl.com/2z3g2f
You need not testify -- your simple presence in large numbers will say volumes.
That night there will also be a show cause hearing for the Jan 28 shooting at Sunrise Restaurant on Rhode Islane Ave in Beltsville. Your attendance will show solidarity with Beltsville citizens trying to stop the same kind of shooting murders at bars in their community.
PG Liquor Board Agenda March 7, 2007 - J's Sports Cafe & Sunrise Sports Bar
UPDATE: March 7
The P.G. Liquor Board has postponed the Show Cause Hearings for the shootings at J's Sports Cafe and Sunrise Bar, due to expected dangerous icing conditions this evening (March 7).
The new date is March 14, 7 pm. For directions to the P.G. County services building, see below.
Please attend the March 14 Hearing to show community concern about the shootings and murders at J's Sports Cafe.
UPDATE: March 4
Here is the Prince George's County Liquor Control Board public "Show Cause" hearing agenda March 7, 2007 7pm regarding the shooting murder at J's Sports Cafe and a shooting at Sunrise Sports Bar both on January 28, 2007 , among other actions.
It is not yet clear if public testimony will be taken at that hearing.
Whether or not you intend to testify -- please attend -- a large turn out by residents will demonstrate our community's serious concern about these bars.
Prince George's County Liquor Control Board
5012 Rhode Island Avenue, Second Floor Hearing Room
Hyattsville, MD 20781
(301) 699-2770
Directions: Take Route 1 south (Baltimore Ave) and continue on RT 1 when it becomes Rhode Island Avenue in Hyattsville.
South of East-West Hwy, turn right onto Farragut St. and then left into the underground parking garage. [Farragut St. is marked One-Way on the map -- but Farragut St. is not one way where you enter from Rhode Island Ave]
Remember your parking space number and use the machine inside the parking garage lobby to pay the parking fee of $ .75 per hour in advance.
INTERACTIVE MAP
Ignore Red Star on Map
March 7 PG Liquor Board Show Cause Hearings Postponed
The P.G. Liquor Board has postponed the Show Cause Hearings for the shootings at J's Sports Cafe and Sunrise Bar, due to expected dangerous icing conditions this evening (March 7).
The new date is March 14, 7 pm. For directions to the P.G. County services building, see below.
Today and on March 14, check the Liquor Board phone number for possible recorded announcements about the status of Hearings (301) 699-2770.
Please attend the March 14 Hearing to show community concern about the shootings and murders at J's Sports Cafe.
UPDATE: March 4
Here is the Prince George's County Liquor Control Board public "Show Cause" hearing agenda March 7, 2007 7pm regarding the shooting murder at J's Sports Cafe and a shooting at Sunrise Sports Bar both on January 28, 2007 , among other actions.
It is not yet clear if public testimony will be taken at that hearing.
Whether or not you intend to testify -- please attend -- a large turn out by residents will demonstrate our community's serious concern about these bars.
Prince George's County Liquor Control Board
5012 Rhode Island Avenue, Second Floor Hearing Room
Hyattsville, MD 20781
(301) 699-2770
Directions: Take Route 1 south (Baltimore Ave) and continue on RT 1 when it becomes Rhode Island Avenue in Hyattsville.
South of East-West Hwy, turn right onto Farragut St. and then left into the underground parking garage. [Farragut St. is marked One-Way on the map -- but Farragut St. is not one way where you enter from Rhode Island Ave]
Remember your parking space number and use the machine inside the parking garage lobby to pay the parking fee of $ .75 per hour in advance.
INTERACTIVE MAP
Ignore Red Star on Map
J's Sports Cafe Closed -- For Now
On Monday, February 12, i noticed a sign on the locked front door of J's Sports Cafe that said:QUOTE:
"J's Sports Cafe will be closed while undergoing Change of Ownership Process. New J's will REOPEN in Mid-February Thank you for your patronage. Management" END QUOTE
The photo is from a Feb 12 Washington Post article that reported: QUOTE - J's closed temporarily after the incident because of several county code enforcement issues, bar co-owner Alex Kim said. END QUOTE
Reportedly, J's Sports Cafe was shut down on or about Feb 8 because it did not have a valid Use and Occupancy permit at the time of the murder on Jan 28. Their U&O application is pending.
The P.G. Liquor Board has not yet posted a hearing date for reviewing J's Sports Cafe's liquor license in the wake of the 3d shooting homicide there on Jan 28.
Petitions by local residents requesting a hearing to revoke the Liquor License at J's Sports Cafe must be received by the P.G. Liquor Board before March 1. [Liquor Board address and related information]
The photo is from a Feb 12 Washington Post article that reported: QUOTE - J's closed temporarily after the incident because of several county code enforcement issues, bar co-owner Alex Kim said. END QUOTE
Reportedly, J's Sports Cafe was shut down on or about Feb 8 because it did not have a valid Use and Occupancy permit at the time of the murder on Jan 28. Their U&O application is pending.
The P.G. Liquor Board has not yet posted a hearing date for reviewing J's Sports Cafe's liquor license in the wake of the 3d shooting homicide there on Jan 28.
Petitions by local residents requesting a hearing to revoke the Liquor License at J's Sports Cafe must be received by the P.G. Liquor Board before March 1. [Liquor Board address and related information]
No More "Do Overs" for J's Sports Cafe After 3 Shooting Homicides
Three Shooting Homicides and They're Out !! As i understand it, after two previous homicide shootings within the past two years associated with violence at J's Sports Cafe, in early January the P.G. Liquor Board provide fairness and due process to the new owner and did approve a Class B(LX) liquor license transfer at J's Sports Cafe, on condition (confirmable with the P.G. Liquor Control Board) that 1) J's Sports Cafe implement a security plan to prevent loitering in the parking lot and violence not only in the "Cafe" but also in the parking lot. 2) No more bands known to draw drugs and violence, as vividly demonstrated last year at Club Amazon on Route 1 Laurel, which was closed down by the county after just ONE shooting.) J's Sports Cafe's county mandated security plan failed when several security guards (uniformed off-duty PG County Police) officers hired by the Cafe were on the scene but were unable to prevent this third shooting death. It is not clear how any security plan could prevent such violence fostered by the Go-Go-style bands that seem to be what attracts violent clientèle to J's Sports Cafe. Whether of not J's Sports Cafe actually violated its liquor license provisions and conditions is a matter for the P.G. County Liquor control Board to determine at a fair hearing - - and soon i hope. It is unclear what, if any, changes at J's Sports Cafe now would actually prevent this unacceptable recurring fatal violence in our community. No More "Do Overs".
Laurel Gas Prices Break Below $2 Per Gallon
Today in Laurel gas dropped below $2/gallon, selling for $1.99/gallon at three different stations. Looking at the above Maryland gas price chart, technical stock analysts might have predicted that.
See Laurel/Beltsville Gas Prices in the News Menu on this site.
Crystal Plaza's Cameron's Seafood
https://www.cameronsseafood.com/seafood-market-locations/?fbclid=IwAR0TZ-o_Y6iy9U4EP4GEfOUd1R6oOe7oUhYiAGYS6xDu6yAIn8onrgr-MZM
Dump Trucks Racing on Muirkirk Rd
UPDATE - Jan 22:
This matter now seems to have been resolved, after Longwood Community Association (on Muirkirk Rd) contacted the relevant development company, who promptly told the dump truck contractor to correct the path of the trucks and stop the speeding. The dump trucks will now travel on RT 1, not the length of Muirkirk Rd as before.
==============================
For the past several days and still continuing there has been a veritable parade of about 15 dump trunks per hour traveling south on Rt. 197 and turning west onto Muirkirk Rd., and racing all day long past the Montpelier Elementary School at well over 50 mph.
So i joined the parade and found out that the trucks are traveling clockwise on the route marked on the map.
They are stopping at two locations:
One stop at "General Shale & Brick" on Muirkirk Rd just east of Route 1, marked B on the map.
And another stop at a construction zone on the west side of the new Laurel Centre at Contee and Route 1, marked C on the map.
And then they continue east on Contee Rd, across Route 1, over the bridge, then south on Route 197, west on Murkirik, and so on, and so on.
Looking again a the map, one wonders why they are driving the very long way around using roads east of Route 1, instead of coming back the way they came on the non-residential roads west of Route 1.
Hmmm?
This matter now seems to have been resolved, after Longwood Community Association (on Muirkirk Rd) contacted the relevant development company, who promptly told the dump truck contractor to correct the path of the trucks and stop the speeding. The dump trucks will now travel on RT 1, not the length of Muirkirk Rd as before.
==============================
For the past several days and still continuing there has been a veritable parade of about 15 dump trunks per hour traveling south on Rt. 197 and turning west onto Muirkirk Rd., and racing all day long past the Montpelier Elementary School at well over 50 mph.
So i joined the parade and found out that the trucks are traveling clockwise on the route marked on the map.
They are stopping at two locations:
One stop at "General Shale & Brick" on Muirkirk Rd just east of Route 1, marked B on the map.
And another stop at a construction zone on the west side of the new Laurel Centre at Contee and Route 1, marked C on the map.
And then they continue east on Contee Rd, across Route 1, over the bridge, then south on Route 197, west on Murkirik, and so on, and so on.
Looking again a the map, one wonders why they are driving the very long way around using roads east of Route 1, instead of coming back the way they came on the non-residential roads west of Route 1.Hmmm?
Citizens Mitigate Dangerous Excavation on Muirkirk
UPDATE Jan 16 8:30 am: Sure enough, the hole was back and two more hubcaps testified to a rough night for drivers. But by 10:30 am WSSC was repairing the valve and the excavation. At 12:30 pm they left the hole filled with more durable asphalt and no valve visible.
UPDATE Jan 15 5 pm: Sometime on the Monday holiday, the excavation was filled with loose aggregate, which by dark had been mostly knocked out by repeated traffic creating three large potholes which together were almost as large as the original excavation. All traffic cones and the DPW&T sign were removed and placed next to a tree on the adjacent verge. In the waning sunlight, some westbound drivers could still see the hole and were swerving left to avoid it, putting them into the on-coming westbound left-turn only lane. Sometime Monday night into Tuesday morning that hole will likely again become as dangerous as it was Saturday night.
====================================================
This is not a "pothole story". This is about someone who created and left a very dangerous situation in our community.Sometime Saturday, January 13, unidentified workers repairing the road at a fire hydrant's WSSC supply valve in the one and only westbound lane of Muirkirk Road near Rt. 197 left their work uncompleted with no traffic control barriers to prevent cars driving into the 2 foot by 3 foot by 8-inch deep excavation, shaped more like a tank trap than a pothole.
As evidenced by at least 6 hubcaps at the scene, sometime that rainy Saturday night into Sunday morning an untold number of cars hit that uncovered excavation, damaging vehicles (at a minimum wheel alignment), possibly injuring passengers, and risking head-on collision with opposing traffic (see below).
A father and son returning from their jolting experience Saturday night looking in vain for their lost hubcap, said that when they came through there was nothing to warn them about the excavation before they hit it. So the comically tiny traffic cone observed at 1030 Sunday morning January 14 most likely was left by another victim desperately trying to help others avoid the same fate in the dark of night. A passer-by contributed two large safety cones.
Even with citizen-provided warnings in place for the westbound traffic , the most danger was from westbound cars swerving suddenly and unexpectedly around the hazard (else risk being rear-ended by cars following close behind leaving the Rt 197 intersection) and so risk running into cars coming eastbound in the left-turn only lane -- so another two cones were added by a citizen on the yellow line to alert eastbound traffic (without changing their traffic pattern).
Police responded quickly to a citizen call at 1030 Sunday morning to the P.G. Public Safety number 301-352-1200 and assessed the situation. Public Safety called P.G. Department of Public Works and Transportation. DPW&T arrived apparently within an hour or so, putting a sign at the excavation and leaving the citizen-provided cones in place. Reference Public Safety service number: 07-014-0663 Jan 14, 2007Presumably DPW&T will contact those responsible for the road work (WSSC) to quickly and properly complete it with appropriate traffic safety measures on this and future work -- such as covering excavations with steel plates.
Caribbean Restaurant Coming to Crystal Plaza
Soon the long empty store front of the fondly remembered Chin Tao restaurant will take on new life as a Caribbean Restaurant.
Villas at Laurel Update
At a gathering of South Laurel Community Leaders at the Montpelier Arts Center on Dec 19 with the developer of the planned town house community Villas at Laurel, Mr. Kareem Abdus- Salaam, presented two new alternative plans which supersede all earlier plans.
There was frank and cordial discussion (described below) between the developer and the association leaders present on many still unresolved issues, and no commitments were made by the developer:
The two different schemes presented reflect primarily ongoing negotiations with WMATA, the state and the county about the placement of the bus lot, for purposes of convenient and safe ingress and egress by buses.
Scheme 1
Scheme 2
Both plans have 90 bus lot parking spaces
Scheme 1 will be changed to include a North Exit for residents and buses. That may reduce TH density a little.
Both new plans have now increased to 96 Town Houses
More TH Density: That is 11 more THs than the previous plan of 85.
No Rationale: The developer gave no rationale for this increase in THs & Density Claims Exception: The developer said that his "Transit Oriented Development" (TOD) "luxury townhouse" project allows him to have higher density than a regular Town House community plan (Euclidean?).
Still More Green Space Needed: The developer said that the District 1 County Councilman wants to see still more more green space in the Villas at Laurel plan -- which would consequentially reduce the number of town houses and density.
Scheme 1 has a neo-traditional park
The developer was asked to look at putting social focus centers of green space (picnic areas, etc) in several pockets distributed throughout the Villas. He was referred to an early but still representative conceptual plan (click to enlarge browser image) of the recently approved Montpelier Hills TH completion project.
Adequate Public Facilities for Schools -- The developer said that the county (and MNCPPC) rules calculating the number of public school students to be generated by Villas at Laurel -- for purposes of determining the Adequate Public Facilities for Schools fee he will have to pay -- are not appropriate for his Transit Oriented Development (implying that the total APF fees the developer would have to pay the schools would be lower than a regular TH development) .
Schools are already over capacity: There ensued a lively discussion about this point between the developer and newly elected District 1 School Board representative Rosalind Johnson (present representing Applewalk HoA
Technical Amenities for Near-by Schools
A/V & Computers: The developer has met with the principals of the four nearby public schools (Oaklands ES, Deerfield Run ES, Montpelier ES and Eisenhower MS) and is discussing how best to donate and distribute technical amenities such as computers and networks, Audio-Visual systems, etc.
The Community Center in Villas at Laurel - status unclear -- issues remain
The developer seems confident that the county and state support his proposed traffic light at Briarcroft Lane and also his proposed intelligent signaling for pedestrian crossing (seconds to go display, etc). The new traffic light is to be synchronized with lights to the south up to Cherry Lane.
The developer said that this traffic light at Briarcroft lane would actually expedite traffic up and down Rt 197 and in and out of Briarcroft Lane (from the west in/out of the Briarwood community and from the east in/out of Park View and the Church. There was some question about that -- which may or may not be adequately addressed in the county's formal traffic required later in the formal approval process after formal site plan submission --- unless citizens participate vigilantly in that study.
Sidewalk - 8-foot wide - Promised
The developer promised an 8-foot wide sidewalk along the east side of Rt 197 along the Villas at Laurel property. He said he is telling State Highway Commission that they do not need to complete their narrower sidewalk in that area because of his plans.
No Pool
A pool was deemed to be too expensive for a small community to pay for.
No Tot Lots
Rationale Unclear: The developer could not yet describe the predominant demographic for buyers of these town houses -- (Dual Income No Kids (DINKs)?. Young families?) He said he wasn't seeking senior buyers (no kids) because of so many other nearby Senior Living communities.
What Children's Recreation? There are no recreational facilities at all, much less for kids. Recreational facilities would increase open space and reduce TH density.
Homeowners Association or Condominium Association? -- Issue not Discussed.
In meetings with the developer to date, the issue has not come up whether the town houses would be owned as fee-simple homes (in a Homeowners Association) or as condominium units (in a Condominium Association) -- so any issues related to such differences have also not been discussed.
Prices & Features:
No elevations (TH exterior designs) are available yet
$450-$500K, 2300 square feet, 3-level, Rear 2-car garage, 4 to 5 Bedrooms
Buy-Down: Developer said that the PG Redevelopment authority may agree to buy-down the selling price of 10% of the units by 25-50% to create "affordable housing". Discussion suggested that Villas at Laurel may or may not qualify for redevelopment funds -- and if so, PG Redevelopment may not buy-down 25-50% for 10% of the units
TH & Guest Parking - no public visitor parking in all of Villas at Laurel. The current plans have a 2-car garage and 4 more parking spaces in each private driveway -- but no other guest/visitor parking spaces. In other words, the only parking in the plan is on private property -- so if you have more than 4 visitors -- there is no place for them park. The developer suggested visitors could use the bus lot -- but it was pointed out that the buses run at night so bus lot spaces are not always going to be available and that only helps a little for THs on the east end of Villas, and is not a very safe option at night in any case. The developer referred to the county's low parking requirements for TH parking (Euclidian?) -- It was pointed out that the current lack of real visitor parking did not constitute "luxury townhouses". The developer promised to redo visitor parking some where other than just private property. That may reduce the TH density.
Green Development
Maybe: When asked, the developer mentioned only generally some environmentally friendly features of his other developments but did not say anything specific about "green" features and options for Villas at Laurel -- such as whether roof-top solar panels would be offered.
There was frank and cordial discussion (described below) between the developer and the association leaders present on many still unresolved issues, and no commitments were made by the developer:
The two different schemes presented reflect primarily ongoing negotiations with WMATA, the state and the county about the placement of the bus lot, for purposes of convenient and safe ingress and egress by buses.
Scheme 1
Scheme 2
Both plans have 90 bus lot parking spaces
Scheme 1 will be changed to include a North Exit for residents and buses. That may reduce TH density a little.
Both new plans have now increased to 96 Town Houses
More TH Density: That is 11 more THs than the previous plan of 85.
No Rationale: The developer gave no rationale for this increase in THs & Density Claims Exception: The developer said that his "Transit Oriented Development" (TOD) "luxury townhouse" project allows him to have higher density than a regular Town House community plan (Euclidean?).
Still More Green Space Needed: The developer said that the District 1 County Councilman wants to see still more more green space in the Villas at Laurel plan -- which would consequentially reduce the number of town houses and density.
Scheme 1 has a neo-traditional park
The developer was asked to look at putting social focus centers of green space (picnic areas, etc) in several pockets distributed throughout the Villas. He was referred to an early but still representative conceptual plan (click to enlarge browser image) of the recently approved Montpelier Hills TH completion project.
Adequate Public Facilities for Schools -- The developer said that the county (and MNCPPC) rules calculating the number of public school students to be generated by Villas at Laurel -- for purposes of determining the Adequate Public Facilities for Schools fee he will have to pay -- are not appropriate for his Transit Oriented Development (implying that the total APF fees the developer would have to pay the schools would be lower than a regular TH development) .
Schools are already over capacity: There ensued a lively discussion about this point between the developer and newly elected District 1 School Board representative Rosalind Johnson (present representing Applewalk HoA
Technical Amenities for Near-by Schools
A/V & Computers: The developer has met with the principals of the four nearby public schools (Oaklands ES, Deerfield Run ES, Montpelier ES and Eisenhower MS) and is discussing how best to donate and distribute technical amenities such as computers and networks, Audio-Visual systems, etc.
The Community Center in Villas at Laurel - status unclear -- issues remain
- Will there really be a Community Center? How firm is this amenity in the plan?
- Will it be publicly accessible (such as Seniors at adjacent Park View) or only for Villas at Laurel residents? Where? When asked where the community center was on the plans, the developer pointed generally to the area in the lower center of Scheme 1 where there are two buildings that don't look like town houses.
- Who pays? The developer said that Parks ("Sam Parker" = MNCPPC?) would "maintain and operate public recreational and educational programs at the Community Center -- but nothing is firm yet.
- Villas at Laurel Residents to Pay: The developer said that costs for Community Center maintenance, operation and insurance, etc. would be paid by Villas at Laurel residents through their association fees.
- Technical Amenities at Community Center? Unlike the developer's offer of computers etc for the schools, there has been no discussion of such technical amenities for the possible Community Center (a computer center for checking email, web research, etc?) which would be particularly useful since there is no public library in South Laurel.
- A Library Annex? The was no discussion of the Community Center serving as a P.G. County Library Annex, since South Laurel has no public library
The developer seems confident that the county and state support his proposed traffic light at Briarcroft Lane and also his proposed intelligent signaling for pedestrian crossing (seconds to go display, etc). The new traffic light is to be synchronized with lights to the south up to Cherry Lane.
The developer said that this traffic light at Briarcroft lane would actually expedite traffic up and down Rt 197 and in and out of Briarcroft Lane (from the west in/out of the Briarwood community and from the east in/out of Park View and the Church. There was some question about that -- which may or may not be adequately addressed in the county's formal traffic required later in the formal approval process after formal site plan submission --- unless citizens participate vigilantly in that study.
Sidewalk - 8-foot wide - Promised
The developer promised an 8-foot wide sidewalk along the east side of Rt 197 along the Villas at Laurel property. He said he is telling State Highway Commission that they do not need to complete their narrower sidewalk in that area because of his plans.
No Pool
A pool was deemed to be too expensive for a small community to pay for.
No Tot Lots
Rationale Unclear: The developer could not yet describe the predominant demographic for buyers of these town houses -- (Dual Income No Kids (DINKs)?. Young families?) He said he wasn't seeking senior buyers (no kids) because of so many other nearby Senior Living communities.
What Children's Recreation? There are no recreational facilities at all, much less for kids. Recreational facilities would increase open space and reduce TH density.
Homeowners Association or Condominium Association? -- Issue not Discussed.
In meetings with the developer to date, the issue has not come up whether the town houses would be owned as fee-simple homes (in a Homeowners Association) or as condominium units (in a Condominium Association) -- so any issues related to such differences have also not been discussed.
Prices & Features:
No elevations (TH exterior designs) are available yet
$450-$500K, 2300 square feet, 3-level, Rear 2-car garage, 4 to 5 Bedrooms
Buy-Down: Developer said that the PG Redevelopment authority may agree to buy-down the selling price of 10% of the units by 25-50% to create "affordable housing". Discussion suggested that Villas at Laurel may or may not qualify for redevelopment funds -- and if so, PG Redevelopment may not buy-down 25-50% for 10% of the units
TH & Guest Parking - no public visitor parking in all of Villas at Laurel. The current plans have a 2-car garage and 4 more parking spaces in each private driveway -- but no other guest/visitor parking spaces. In other words, the only parking in the plan is on private property -- so if you have more than 4 visitors -- there is no place for them park. The developer suggested visitors could use the bus lot -- but it was pointed out that the buses run at night so bus lot spaces are not always going to be available and that only helps a little for THs on the east end of Villas, and is not a very safe option at night in any case. The developer referred to the county's low parking requirements for TH parking (Euclidian?) -- It was pointed out that the current lack of real visitor parking did not constitute "luxury townhouses". The developer promised to redo visitor parking some where other than just private property. That may reduce the TH density.
Green Development
Maybe: When asked, the developer mentioned only generally some environmentally friendly features of his other developments but did not say anything specific about "green" features and options for Villas at Laurel -- such as whether roof-top solar panels would be offered.
Major Transformation of Laurel Mall?
This very informative article from the Just Up the Pike blog is a detailed and comprehensive Special Report on soon to be announced plans for major transformation of the Laurel Mall complete with photos and graphics of the proposed plans.
For a growing compilation of information related to this development project, see the link Laurel Mall under Nearby Development in the sidebar menu of this site.
For a growing compilation of information related to this development project, see the link Laurel Mall under Nearby Development in the sidebar menu of this site.
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