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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>There are three different conversations being had on this topic that are being combined erroneously into a single argument:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1) Public land held by organizations whose primary mission is to provide parkland and preserve public open space (examples include the National Park Service for Greenbelt Park and M-NCPPC’s Department of Parks and Recreation’s Riverdale Recreation Center)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2) Public land held by organizations whose primary mission is NOT to provide parkland and preserve public open space (examples include RP’s Field of Dreams and the University of Maryland’s parcels at M-Square)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3) Private land held by organizations or individuals whose primary mission is development (examples include Riverdale Plaza, Cafritz, privately held parcels at M-square).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While no one can predict the future it is helpful when having this discussion to understand who owns the land, what their mission is etc. I think an entirely likely prospect of future land use in the area will indicate that for #3 the parcels will assuredly be developed, for #1 the parcels will assuredly not be developed, and #2 parcels will be a mix of preservation of parkland and development. The master plan along River Road indicates that all of UMD’s land holdings there will be developed into a research park. It is incredibly likely, IMHO, that RP will maintain control of its parks for the enjoyment of all although on that point future generations will decide that and none of us are in a position to state conclusively. On that subject however, I think the FOD (along with numerous other RP-owned parklands) needs some significant investments and improvements – it is a bit embarrassing to drive past a park called the ‘Field of Dreams’ and be greeted by a dilapidated sign, a port-a-potty, and underutilized field. It is hardly an inviting space or activated public space and we as a town can do better. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Best,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jonathan <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#000040'>Jonathan W. Ebbeler | </span></b><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'>Councilman Ward 1</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>