COVID Update - City Facilities Closed
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ISSUE 1, JANUARY 2022
BOWIE SPOTLIGHT
COVID Update –
City Facilities Closed
In accordance with Prince
George’s County’s decision to
close recreational facilities due
to the surge in COVID cases, the
Bowie Senior Center, Gymnasium,
Historic Properties and Ice Arena
are closed to the public as of
December 30, 2021. Senior Center
staff will continue to be available
by telephone Monday - Friday,
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., to answer
questions about senior services.
Bowie City Hall, the Kenhill
Center, the Bowie Golf Course, Christmas Tree the avoidance of air and water
pollution caused by hazardous
and city parks will remain open
to the public. Additionally, city Recycling disposal. Additionally, recycling
reduces the amount of greenhouse
operations and key services gas emissions caused by the
such as public safety, trash Trees will be collected every
Wednesday in January with yard manufacturing of new items.
and recycling collection, and
water and sewer services will waste. All decorations must be
continue functioning with COVID removed and the tree placed at
the curb by 7 a.m. Do not place
precautions in place to ensure
staff safety. trees in a plastic bag. Inside This Issue
The upcoming Council meeting
on Monday, January 3 will be a Holiday Light • Upcoming City Council
hybrid meeting, with the option
to view the meeting online via the Recycling Meetings - Page 2
City website, YouTube channel, • What’s Happening at Melford?
or television channel (Verizon MOM’s Organic Market is
- Page 5
Channel 10 or Comcast Channel hosting its 11th annual Holiday
71/996). Members of the public Light Recycling Drive. Bring your
unwanted holiday lights to any • COVID Updates - Page 8-9
are still welcome to attend in
person. They will be required MOM’s location by January 31,
to wear masks, regardless of 2022 for recycling. • Contact Us - Page 10
vaccination status. Between Thanksgiving and New • Mark Your Calendar - Page 11
Year’s, Americans throw away
25% more trash. The extra waste
amounts to about one million
additional tons per week.
Recycling provides for reuse
possibilities, the conservation
of intact natural resources, and
2 BOWIE SPOTLIGHT BOWIE SPOTLIGHT 3
Let’s keep old holiday lights out Winter Weather - Bowie Public Art to please complete the following
survey at www.surveymonkey.
of the waste stream and recycle
them properly at MOM’s (locally Snow Emergency The City of Bowie intends to com/r/HOA. The survey may also
be requested via email. For more
at Hilltop Plaza). replace its iconic “living” sign
A Snow Emergency is declared at the intersection of Route 197 information, please contact Lori
For more information, contact Cunningham at 301-832-7451 or
301-809-3044 or adiaz@ whenever snow reaches a depth of and Kenhill Drive, the “Bowie”
two (2) inches. All vehicles must bushes. The existing yew shrubs lcunningham@cityofbowie.org.
cityofbowie.org.
be removed from the City streets will be removed; shrubs cannot
during a snow emergency, and be replanted in the space due to Mental Health
City Accepting parked in driveways. If driveway disease.
space is unavailable, you may Matters
Nominations for the park your vehicle on the grass on The City invited artist teams to
respond to a Request for Proposals
your property, but do not block
Hall of Honor the sidewalk. Parking on the for the design and installation
of new signage for this location.
Mental health concerns have
been prevalent in our community
grass is acceptable only during as pressures on kids, teens and
The Hall of Honor was created to the snow or ice event, therefore The design should incorporate
sustainable materials and may parents have increased. According
recognize those residents of Bowie once the snow has been cleared, to the Center for Disease Control,
have a landscape design to accent
who have made “major and lasting
contributions” to the City. The first
Workforce Meetings are in-person and open
to the public. Also view them at
immediately move your vehicle
back onto the street. the word “Bowie”. The process more than 40% of respondents
in a recent study reported mental
inductees were honored in 1994. Development www.cityofbowie.org/
viewmeetings, on FIOS Channel 10
City property owners/residents
includes community engagement
in order to assist the artists in health symptoms related to the
A nominee must be deceased are responsible for removing snow curating a design that reflects the current pandemic. Teens and
The City of Bowie will present a or Comcast Channels 71 and 996 and/or ice from the sidewalk young adults, in particular, were
for at least one year as of the interests of the community.
nomination deadline, have free online workforce development or Youtube @CityofBowieMD. adjacent to their property found to be at increased risk.
made both a major and lasting course for City residents aged 15 Those wishing to submit written within 48 hours of cessation of To participate in this public art
design process, please complete Here are some signs of stress
contribution to the City of Bowie, – 25 from March 5 – April 7, 2022. testimony may do so by emailing a snowfall. The City provides that may indicate a need for help:
and have been a resident of the The application period runs from cityclerk@cityofbowie.org. (It will additional time for people with the survey at www.surveymonkey.
com/r/PublicArtSign. For changes in mood, lack of interest
City either during the time of their January 10 to February 18, 2022. not be read during the meeting, considering factors such as age in once-loved activities, changes
contribution or at the time of their or physical disability, but you more information, contact Lori
Application, program information, but will be included as part of Cunningham at lcunningham@ in friendships, changes in eating
death. and session dates are all available the record.) Testimony must be must submit a waiver application, and sleep patterns, less attention
received by 7 p.m. on the day of found at www.cityofbowie.org/ cityofbowie.org or 301-832-7451.
Once an honoree is approved, a at www.cityofbowie.org/ to personal hygiene, and alcohol
worktraining. Have questions? the meeting. snowwaiver. or other drug abuse.
reception is held in the inductee’s
honor and a plaque is hung in the Contact program coordinator Kay For information, contact City Clerk For more information, please Homeowners Please know that you are not
Starr at worktraining@cityofbowie. Awilda Hernandez at contact the Code Compliance
front lobby of City Hall.
org or 301-809-3009. 301-809-3029. Office at 301-809-3008 or Association Leaders alone. If you are concerned for
yourself or a loved one, affordable
For more information, please visit codecompliance@cityofbowie.org.
www.cityofbowie.org/hallofhonor The City of Bowie will host a and confidential help is available:
or contact Matt Corley at Upcoming City City Committee Learn more about the City’s future meeting for leaders of • City of Bowie Youth and Family
301-809-3078 or mcorley@ snowplowing operations at www.
cityofbowie.org. Council Meetings Vacancies Available cityofbowie.org/snow.
homeowners associations located
within the incorporated City limits.
Services, 1-513-817-3158
The purpose of the meeting is to • Prince George’s County
The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. • January 3, 8 p.m. Hotline, 301-864-7161
March 4, 2022 at City Hall. Is one of your New Year’s discuss the needs of associations
Agenda: Auditor’s Annual resolutions to serve your and how associations can best
Presentation; Budget Guidance • Suicide Prevention Hotline,
community? If so, we have the collaborate with the City. 1-800-SUICIDE
for FY 2023; Appeal of perfect opportunity for you! Join
Bowie Advisory Planning a City committee today! See The meeting is open to the • Prince George’s County Crisis
Board Resolution BV-2-21; the vacancy list below and find president or vice president of each Response Hotline,
Water Distribution System out more at www.cityofbowie. association. An officer of each 301-429-2185
Recapitalization org/committees. With only 12 HOA or civic association is asked
• January 18, 8 p.m. meetings a year, it’s a resolution
Agenda: Economic that will be easy (and enjoyable)
Development Strategy in to keep for 2022.
Progress Briefing; Update on For more information, contact
Environmental Initiatives cityclerk@cityofbowie.org or
301-809-3029.
4 BOWIE SPOTLIGHT BOWIE SPOTLIGHT 5
Maryland Economic City Facilities What’s Happening
Homeowner Development at Melford?
Assistance Fund Strategy & Action In accordance with Prince
George’s County’s decision Melford is an employment center
and the site of a future mixed-
The Maryland Department Plan to close recreational
use community, located at the
of Housing & Community facilities due to the surge northeast corner of US 50/301
Development (MD-DHCD) At its meeting on January 18, in COVID cases, the Bowie and MD 3, at the Belair Drive
launched the Maryland the City Council will hear the Senior Center, Gymnasium, interchange. Because there has
Homeowners Assistance Fund results of the first phase of its Historic Properties and Ice been a good bit of activity there
in late 2021. The fund is open to consultant’s work to prepare an Arena are closed to the recently, we thought it would be
homeowners statewide. Economic Development Strategy public until further notice. helpful to provide residents with
and Action Plan. an update.
Visit the Maryland Homeowner
Assistance Fund webpage to learn Economic development is the City Museums Existing development includes:
more about the program and the process by which the economic 301-809-3089
eligibility requirements. well-being and quality of life of a www.cityofbowie.org/ • 440,040 sq ft of office space
nation, region, local community, museums • 430,800 sq ft of flex space
Getting help early is important. or an individual are improved sproctor@cityofbowie.org • a super-computing research
Contact a housing counselor today according to targeted goals and center
to discuss your circumstances and objectives. • a Census Bureau facility • The Berkleigh - for a future public space overlooking the
learn about the options available Bowie City Gym
4100 Northview Drive • Courtyard Marriott hotel multi-family residential wrap lake and fountain, for residents,
to you. The City has an economic • the International Masonry with 472 dwelling units workers, and visitors to enjoy.
development program in order to 301-809-2388
Institute Training Center and • Springhill Suites Hotel
generate revenue from sources www.cityofbowie.org/gym Continuing along Melford
Single Family other than homeowners. It wants
Dormitory
• the Prince George’s County
• Residence Inn Hotel
Boulevard to the left are the
to have increased revenues to pay Bowie Senior Center -
Housing Rehab for government services without 14900 Health Center Drive
911 Call Center
• the Tribute Assisted Living
Exploring Melford original Melford house and
outbuildings that are included on
If one were to take a drive through
Program Begins 2/1 asking the residential taxpayer to
carry the full burden, so it needs
301-809-2300
www.cityofbowie.org/
community Melford now, here’s what you’d the National Register of Historic
Places. Melford was the home of
find on your short tour:
to grow the number and types of seniorcenter Underway now is: the Duckett and Hardisty families.
The Single Family Housing businesses in Bowie. The City will Entering Melford, just east of
Rehabilitation Program is a accomplish this by changing and • Construction 24,375 sq ft of Route 3, the project gateway Portions of the house were
federally funded grant program improving the mix of businesses; Bowie Ice Arena constructed in the 1840s and
approved retail space at the entrance walls and highly visible
that provides City of Bowie single revitalizing areas of the City 3330 Northview Drive Retail Village West Courtyard hotel greet you. earlier. The house is a 2-story
family homeowners with grants up tarnished by age; and preventing 301-809-3090 • Construction of the Aspen, a brick and stone plantation house
to $10,000 for energy efficiency disinvestments and the erosion of www.cityofbowie.org/ 388-unit/461,819 sq ft, multi- The twin, four-story office with unique two-story semi-
related home upgrades and repairs the business base. The City also icearena family apartment building and a buildings to the right were the first circular projecting bays at the
to correct hazardous conditions, wants to maintain and enhance 1,152 square foot bath house Class-A office space constructed gable end. The grounds include
eliminate safety hazards, repair a high quality of life. It wants • Grading work for the in Melford. early 19th century outbuildings
or replace major systems, correct to bring shopping and working Encompass Rehabilitation and terraced gardens. The
interior and exterior deficiencies, Arriving at the Science Drive semi-circular bays and chimney
choices to residents, make the hospital, which will help address traffic circle, you can observe an
energy improvements, City an attractive place for future the need for more rehabilitation configuration make the building
modifications for persons with 8,125 square foot, one-story retail unique in Prince George’s County.
generations, and protect its unique beds in this part of the state for building in the Retail Village West
disabilities and eliminate lead character. those recovering from serious
based paint hazards. under construction. Townhouses will be built in the
surgeries or medical conditions. open areas between Melford
The City Council would appreciate Continuing on Melford Boulevard,
The City will begin accepting • Site development work for Boulevard and the Melford house.
the residents’ input on the opposite its intersection with Tesla
applications February 1, 2022. Retail Village East, which will
development of this Plan. Drive, site development work Heading down Melford Boulevard,
Applications will be available eventually have 57,845 square
online and by contacting the Please provide your thoughts and feet of retail space for the Retail Village East can be one can see the Census Bureau
Office of Grant Development suggestions using this survey seen on the left. This includes Data Center, flex space, and a
and Administration at gjones@ link, https://www.surveymonkey. Future projects include: construction of Lake Melford two-story professional office
cityofbowie.org. com/r/LXL2TB2 Boulevard, the main spine road for building.
• Melford Mansion - 435 multi- Melford Village.
For more information, please family dwelling units/705,919 Traveling around the Curie Drive
contact 301-809-3042 or jhking@ gross square feet and a The Retail Village East will offer traffic circle, the Tribute Assisted
cityofbowie.org. clubhouse building shopping and dining opportunities, Living facility is highly visible,
as well as carefully designed
6 BOWIE SPOTLIGHT BOWIE SPOTLIGHT 7
fronting on the northwest side of
the circle.
and an additional multi-family
project known as The Berkleigh.
The primary developer of Melford
is St. John Properties, one of the
Bowie Water System
Mid-Atlantic region’s largest The City of Bowie is aware that
Continuing on Melford Boulevard, Looking northwest from Curie commercial real estate firms.
there is vacant land for additional Drive/Lake Melford Boulevard some customers on its water and
Headquartered in Baltimore, St. sewer system are experiencing a
office or flex space on the right, there is a large, graded open area John Properties has developed,
just prior to the Prince George’s where the foundation for The recurring problem with discolored
constructed, and owns 21 million water and has been working to
County 911 Call Center building. Aspen Apartment building is square feet of office, flex/
getting started. resolve the issues.
Immediately after the 911 Call research and development, retail,
Center on the right is a graded As you continue north, at the warehouse, and residential space The system serves approximately
area for a future one-story office traffic circle, is a future multi-story in Maryland and seven other 7,900 customers in
building. office building site in front of the states. neighborhoods built by Levitt
International Masonry Institute, & Sons in the 1960s. Most
Opposite the 911 Call Center, on According to the latest (2020) customers are not experiencing
and heading back toward the City Annual Financial Report,
the left, is the large open area gateway entrance, just after the the problem. Their water is clear,
recently graded for additional St. John Properties is the largest or discolored only when hydrant
Sherwood Manor Access Road, is principal property taxpayer in the
townhomes and, beyond that, for the Courtyard Hotel. flushing has occurred nearby, or in
future multi-family development. City, with the Melford properties the rare instances where there is a
The owner has approval to build comprising 1.5% of the City’s total water main break.
The next parcel under substantial two additional hotels behind the assessed value.
grading and utilities construction Courtyard - a Residence Inn and a The City’s goal is to provide top
on the right, at Melford Springhill Suites. quality drinking water to every
Boulevard/Marconi Drive, is the customer on its system. The
Encompass Health Rehabilitation water currently meets or exceeds those experienced in cities across • Working with state and federal
Center, a one-story, 61,809 square or all federal and state drinking the country. partners to identify other
foot, 60-bed in-patient physical water standards, however there funding sources
rehabilitation facility. are some who customers who In 2015 and 2016, the Public
experience discolored water on Works Department performed a • Increasing the frequency of
At the end of Marconi Drive is a detailed assessment of the system hydrant flushing program to
large archive facility related to the a regular basis and this is not
acceptable. and determined that rust buildup twice a year to help keep lines
US Holocaust Museum. of the cast iron pipes was causing clear
Returning to the Curie Drive/ The City is working to address the flow problems and discoloration
problems and to secure funds to at various points throughout the The first 12-year project to
Melford Boulevard traffic circle revitalize the entire Water &
and then proceeding north on pay for the repairs. “Rest assured system.
that the areas experiencing regular Sewer system is underway will
Curie Drive, the graded areas In late 2016, City Council received cost $14.4 million to complete.
that can be seen on both sides problems are our top priority.
We are developing plans and by the report and directed staff to It will address 7 miles of pipe. To
of Curie Drive are in preparation take immediate steps to begin replace the entire 90 miles of the
for townhomes to be constructed the end of the fiscal year in June,
we intend to award a contract to addressing the problem. system will likely cost more than
there. $125 million and will take many
address the worst of the problem These steps included:
Arriving at the intersection pipes” said City Manager Alfred years to complete.
of Curie Drive and Lake Lott. • Collecting more data about the Learn more about the Bowie
Melford Boulevard (now under scope of the problem Water & Sewer System and the
construction), you have reached The pipe issues are caused by an
aging water distribution system. • Identifying priority areas Recapitalization Program at www.
the center of Melford Village. cityofbowie.org/waterfacts.
Revitalizing the entire system where the needs were greatest
A public plaza area will be created will not be simple, quick, or The next meeting of the Bowie
on the northwest corner. Lake inexpensive. The Water and Sewer • Establishing a user fee to help
fund a revitalization of the City Council is on January 3, 2022
Melford Boulevard will continue infrastructure is more than 50 at 8 p.m. The Water & Sewer
to the east going to the bottom of years old and the problems being system
System Recapitalization Program
the hill where an amphitheater will experienced here are similar to will be on the agenda.
be constructed, adjacent to the
stormwater management pond
and parkland.
Future development along the
north side of Lake Melford
Boulevard, east of Curie Drive,
includes the Melford Mansions
8 BOWIE SPOTLIGHT BOWIE SPOTLIGHT 9
• Bunker Hill Fire Station | 3716 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood
Mon-Fri from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. [OPEN Dec 31 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.]
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) will open two new COVID-19
testing sites tomorrow to support increased demand. The sites will be located at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake
Health in Bel Air and at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.
At-home Test Kits - The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) has been offering free COVID-19 at-
home test kits at select library branches over the past several weeks. Due to high demand, those test kits are currently out of
COVID Prevention Reminders: Wear Masks & Get Vaccinated stock. Libraries are expected to have a new supply of tests to distribute by January 5. Updates on library supplies are being
posted to their “Ask a Librarian” line - 240-455-5451 and their social media accounts.
If you have not already done so, health officials strongly recommend that all eligible individuals get a COVID-19 vaccine, The County says another county test kit distribution site will be announced in early January. For more information about
booster shot, and flu shot as soon as possible. Flu shots can be administered at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine shot. COVID-19 testing or to use the testing site locator to find a testing site near you, visit the County Health Department website
Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID and getting your COVID booster dose when you are eligible remain the best here.
ways of protecting yourself, preventing the spread of COVID, and easing the growing strain on hospitals.
People with COVID-19 can have a wide range of symptoms, ranging from being fairly asymptomatic to severe illness. In many
Vaccinations
cases, those with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 may experience only mild, cold-like symptoms. Symptoms appear to be
milder for those who have received their COVID vaccine and booster. The County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic has relocated to Prince George’s Community College at the
Largo Student Center. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are now only accepted between the hours of 10:30
Severe illness, hospitalization, or even death are still possible with the Omicron variant. Receiving COVID vaccines and a.m. and 1 p.m.
booster remain the most effective method for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Fight the
spread of COVID and variants of concern by doing the following: Free COVID-19 vaccines are also available at retail and grocery store pharmacies, urgent care facilities, and other health care
providers in the County. For more information about COVID-19 vaccinations and to find your nearest vaccination site, visit the
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster as soon as you can - Vaccinations are available at health facilities and pharmacies County Health Department website here.
throughout the area, usually by appointment. Visit covidvax.maryland.gov to find a vaccine center near you.
• Mask up - Masks offer protection against all variants - Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect
yourself and others. If a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe
disease, or is unvaccinated, it is even more important to wear a mask.
• Utilize free COVID-19 tests - Test to prevent spread to others. Self-tests can be used anywhere, are easy to use, and
produce rapid results. Please keep in mind, however, that testing centers are currently experiencing long waits as demand
for testing has grown rapidly.
• Maintain social distancing - Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you, whenever possible.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water - Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available. Clean high touch
surfaces regularly or as needed after having visitors in your home.
Testing Centers
Free COVID-19 testing is available to County residents, regardless of insurance coverage, at various locations throughout the
County. Sites are walk-in, unless otherwise noted; however, you must present identification.
• City of Praise Family Ministries | 8501 Jericho City Dr, Landover
Mon from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Wed from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Sat from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. [CLOSED Saturday, January 1, 2022]
• First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville | 6201 Belcrest Rd, Hyattsville
Mon & Thurs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Sat from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. [CLOSED Saturday, January 1, 2022]
• Roseu Medical Center | 7350 Van Dusen Rd, Laurel
Book testing appointments online or call 301-604-8000 | Monday – Friday [CLOSED Monday, January 3, 2022]
10 BOWIE SPOTLIGHT BOWIE SPOTLIGHT 11
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR
January
City Council CONTACT US
Monday, January 3 Monday, January 17 Looking Ahead:
Mayor Tim Adams Main Telephone: 301-262-6200
Mayor Pro Tem Adrian Boafo Fax: 301-809-2302 City Council Meeting Marthin Luther King, Jr. - City Wednesday, February 1
Michael P. Esteve TTY Line: 301-262-5013 8 p.m., Bowie City Hall Holiday
City offices are closed. There is no Single Family Housing
Henri Gardner Rehabilitation Program
Ingrid Harrison • Animal Control 301-809-3002 • Human Resources 240-544-5613
Friday, January 7 refuse or recycling service on this
date. Service will resume on the Application Opens
Roxy Ndebumadu • City Clerk 301-809-3029 • Ice Arena 301-809-3090 SAGE Class Registration begins
Dufour Woolfley next regularly scheduled day. Ceramics Workshop Begins
• City Council 301-809-3029 • Museums 301-809-3089 Bowie Senior Center
Bowie Senior Center
• City Manager’s Office • Parks & Grounds 301-809-2353
Monday, January 10 Tuesday, January 18
City Manager •
301-809-3030
Code Compliance 301-809-3008
•
•
Planning 301-809-3047
Police Non-emergency City Council Meeting
Workforce Development Course 8 p.m., Bowie City Hall
• Communications 301-809-3032 240-544-5700 Program Application Opens
Alfred D. Lott • Community Services Department • Public Works 301-809-2344 Thursday, January 27
301-809-3030 301-809-3008 • Recreation 301-809-3002 Saturday, January 15
• Elections 301-809-3029 • Senior Center 301-809-2300 Registration Opens for Series 3
Bowie City Hall • Emergency Management • Special Pickups 301-809-2344 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Group Skating Lessons (tent.)
15901 Fred Robinson Way 301-809-3079 • Trash + Recycling 301-809-2344 Tribute Classes begin 2/3, Bowie Ice
Bowie, MD 20716 • Finance 301-809-3025 • Youth & Family Services 10 a.m., www.cityofbowie.org/ Arena.
• Grants 301-809-3009 301-809-3033 viewevents
• Gymnasium 301-809-2388 • Water Service 301-809-3016
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