[RP TownTalk] Jey's Auto

[James D. Holmes]

I don't disagree that the property at Jey's Auto is an eyesore.  The 
Town of Riverdale Park should continue to negotiate with the owners to 
bring the property in compliance with the Town/County Codes.  Other 
commercial properties located on Cleveland Avenue and Baltimore Avenue 
also need to be required to be in compliance with the Town/County 
codes.  I do object to the proposal of purchasing this property with 
public funds.  The only reason the property owners refuse to sell this 
property is for speculation that the property value will increase as the 
Hyattsville Arts District community is built.  According to tax records, 
Pulte Home Corp paid approximately 8.4 million dollars for the property 
adjacent to Jey's Auto.

For the next few years, Local and State Governments will continue to 
feel the pain of the double dip recession.  Federal and State aid to the 
Town of Riverdale Park will be non-existent.  This is the time for our 
elected officials to be prudent with spending. The Town Council recently 
approved the purchase of 8 new police vehicles, 3 public works vehicles 
and projects dealing with HVAC.  These appear to be needed 
expenditures.  The purchasing of degraded/eyesore properties within the 
Town of Riverdale Park is not a needed expenditure.

James Holmes
Taylor Road