[RP TownTalk] Signs on our northern boarder

[Vernon Archer]

To all concerned about the signs marking our boarders, and related issues,

Having had the time now to clarify with our public works department exactly
what transpired regarding our sign in the proximity of our boarder with
College Park I will share the following relevant facts:

The town had worked an agreement with College Park sometime prior to June
2005 to place our welcome sign slightly within the boundaries of College
Park. This was a courtesy from College Park not a permanent right. When CP
decided to follow the example we set some years ago and place signs on there
boundaries, they removed our sign, withdrew their permission to post our
sign on their territory and returned the sign to us.

Riverdale Park's public works is systematically refurbishing all of our town
signs that need it--not just the boarder welcoming signs, but all signs--as
time and resources allow.  Our welcome signs went up in the proximity of 10
years ago and have shown the ware so are being refurbished.  I mistakenly
assumed that the one that came down on College Park's boundary was removed
by RP workers, but in fact it was removed by CP workers--this level of
detail as to who actually physically performs tasks that are directed by me
to be carried out are rarely reported to me in detail for what I assume are
obvious reasons, I just want the signs cleaned up and looking good.

Public works informs me that this sign should be back up, in its new
location within the boundaries of Riverdale Park by the end of next week.

I thank Audrey Bragg for volunteering to beautify the new location and Mr.
Addison will contact you directly to coordinate with you.

There also seems to be some confusion about the property ownership along our
boarder with CP.  The property to the immediate south of Albion Street is
owned by WMATA, not the Cafritz interest.  The Cafritz property is solely
within the boundaries of Riverdale Park--at least in the proximity of Route
1. I cannot swear the the Cafritz family does not own property in CP in the
area, whoever the "Cafritz Property" that is currently zoned for single
family houses that they wish to rezone and develop in a mixed use fashion
along Route 1 is entirely within the boundaries of Riverdale Park.

I certainly do not have time right now to give a complete review of where
the Cafritz effort to gain rezoning stands. However, it is safe to say that
all four relevant governments, Prince George's County, Riverdale Park,
College Park and University Park are waiting, and have been waiting for some
time now, for the Cafritz team to come back to us with a revised traffic
impact mitigation plan that is acceptable.  Until this happens there in no
possibility of the rezoning that the Cafritz seek ever being granted.

Lastly, I wish to remind all of you that "Town Talk" is not an official
means of giving information to the public.  Transparency as defined by state
law and town charter comes from two sources: 1) reports in public meetings
(which all are invited to attend and participate in); and 2) reports and
postings published in periodicals of general circulation--such as the Town
Crier and The Gazette.  I ordered the creation of Town Talk to facilitate
the free flow of information to the public and I think it definitely helps
to keep the public informed, but it is neither the correct way to report
problems, nor is it reasonable to expect quick or flawless answers to every
question or concern every subscriber has.

That being said, I hope that any concerns about the marking of our northern
boundary are now satisfied, but if not please bring questions or comments to
the next work session on August 31st at 8 PM at Town Hall.

Best wishes,

Vern
-- 
Vernon Archer, Mayor
Town of Riverdale Park, Maryland
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