Prince George's County Historic Preservation Organizations and Groups

 Newly restored Ridgeley Rosenwald School

               Prince George's County Maryland is rich in history and has historic preservation partners and friends in depth. Working with each other and with local and state agencies these county organizations provide the political will and the support-in-kind necessary to preserve the past to learn about tomorrow.

               We have a richer community and a better quality of life when we can touch the past. The county historic preservation groups enable all of us to learn more about ourselves for who we are is inextricably rooted in who we were and where we may be going.

Riverside Field / Columbia Air Center / Croom Field

               Occasionally historic preservation is perceived as an inconvenience to development. In truth, however, historic preservation, when included in broad economic development plans and execution, becomes a benefit to the entire community as part of an integrated approach to economic progress.

               As Prince George's County heads towards being a major regional if not national venue for conventions, meetings, business, and pleasure, the amenities that support this economic engine will be enhanced by tourism including historic places. The possibilities of the hospitality and tourism industry are enlarged by historic preservation. 

               Historic preservation is a tool of education for those who live here as well as those who visit. Historic places and structures are living extensions of libraries and learning. They provide a context for important conversations and debates. Historic preservation is not anti-economic-development; it is pro-community-development.  

• Prince George's African American Museum & Cultural Center "Our mission is to celebrate and inspire the Community through the cultivation, preservation, and presentation of the cultural and artistic contributions of African Americans in Prince George’s County, Maryland. As the heart of the Gateway Arts District, we believe that we have an obligation to the community to promote collaboration, engage unlikely allies in dialogue and encourage participation in the creative process. We value our role as a ‘town square’ where dreams can grow and ideas ripen, where everyone’s voice can be heard, and where we learn from each other. Only in this way will we create true bonds between our institution and our public."  http://www.pgaamcc.org/

• Prince George's Heritage  "Our goal is to assist residents and officials within Prince George's County to highlight the challenges facing our community to preserve our shared heritage. Prince George's Heritage, Inc. is the official advisory organization of the Maryland Historical Trust in Prince George's County. Its grants program supports preservation, education, and restoration projects."  http://www.pgheritage.org/

• Prince George's County, Maryland Chapter of AAHGS [Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society]  Our objectives are to promote Black History in Prince George's County, to encourage the historical and genealogical studies of African Americans currently residing in the county, and to support the goals and objectives of our national society. To reach these objectives, AAHGS-PGCM conducts activities such as: workshops, speaker forums, discussion groups, onsite research, speakers bureau, exhibits, and networking. AAHGS was organized in July 1994 and chartered 28 April 1995 as a non-profit volunteer organization."   http://pgcm.aahgs.org/

• Prince Georges County Historical Society  Our mission is one of preserving and promoting the County's long and diverse history through: Reproducing new and out-of-print historical materials; Collecting records, documents, photographs, and artifacts reflecting the County's social, economic and political history; Operating the Frederick S. DeMarr Library of County History; Providing educational opportunities through lectures, programs and tours; Recognizing and supporting individuals and organizations that are making significant contributions to the preservation of the County’s rich multi-ethnic, multi-cultural heritage.  Founded in l952, the Society is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization."   http://www.pghistory.org/

• African American Heritage Preservation Group "A preservation advocacy organization that promotes the preservation of the heritage of African Americans in Prince George’s County, Maryland."  http://www.facebook.com/pages/African-American-Heritage-Preservation-Group/10150156704560125

• Prince George’s County Historical and Cultural Trust "Is a county-chartered, independent non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a sustainable and diverse community through advocacy and education by engaging our civic and government leaders in a collaborative process that empowers the residents of Prince George’s County to explore and preserve our cultural heritage.´ http://pgchct.blogspot.com/

John Peter Thompson is looking for work - any work

              John Peter Thompson is looking for work. 

Full-time, part-time, piece meal, contract, and any combination of all of the above. References and detailed resume upon request. 
Will travel; will relocate                              
 contact:  ipetrus "at" msn.com   




Project manager, administrative assistant, information compiler, report writer, customer service, grant and contract writer, project organizer and facilitator, teacher...if you need it I can do it 

• Policy advocate at the federal, state and local levels of government with demonstrable ability to reach out to, and build strong alliances with, a diverse range of stakeholders in both the private and public sectors.
• Experience in management in the private sector
• Skilled strategist who transforms strategic plans into workable solutions and benchmarks performance against key operational targets/goals.
• Contractor/consultant to USDA ARS, APHIS and the Forest Service as well as the US National Park Service as a policy specialist and analysts on a range of agronomic, environmental and bioeconomic issues.
• Copy writer/editor with substantial public speaking experience

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

1.      Operational Process

2.      Problem Solving, Analysis

3.      Project Planning/Execution

4.      Strategic Planning

5.      Customer Satisfaction

6.      Multi-Site Operations

7.      Process Redesign

8.      Cross-Functional Team Leadership

9.      Financial Plan Development

10.   Negotiation, Persuasion, and Communication

11.   Decision Making

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

·        Thompson, J. P. (2011). Certified: Feasibility of Audit-Based Certification to Prevent Invasive Plant Pests in the Nursery Industry. Washington: Northeast Midwest Institute. 112 pp +xii ISBN: 978-0-578-08136-6

·        Climate Change Impact on Invasive Species and presentation – NISAW 2010

·        Green Job Certification: Entry-level, sustainable & “green” job market overview & outlook - 2009

·        Beck, K. George, Kenneth Zimmerman, Jeffrey D. Schardt, Jeffrey Stone, Ronald R. Lukens, Sarah Reichard, John Randall, Allegra A. Cangelosi, Diane Cooper, and John Peter Thompson.  2008.  Invasive species defined in a policy context:  Recommendations for the federal Invasive Species Advisory Committee.  Invasive Plant Science and Management 1(4):414-421.

·        Invasive Plant Research and Partnerships with Ornamental Horticulture and Natural Resource Management Workshop Report - US NISC - 2008

·        ALI ABA proceedings Species Protection and the Law 2006

·        Thompson, John Peter.  2005.  Introductory chapter: Invasive Species Issues, Traditions, Consumer Expectations, Current Understandings, Competing Goals, and the Law. ACS Invasive Plant Symposium Proceedings. 

TECHNICAL SKILLS

·        Proven, in demand national speaker on a wide range of horticultural, agricultural and environmental topics such as wicked problems, complex adaptive system theory, invasive alien species, systematics and classification theory, sustainability, biofuels and climate change.

·        Author, US national quarantine and inspection policy book: Thompson, J. P. (2011). Certified: Feasibility of Audit-Based Certification to Prevent Invasive Plant Pests in the Nursery Industry. Washington: Northeast Midwest Institute. 112 pp +xii ISBN: 978-0-578-08136-6

·        Writer of over 400 on line essays on topics including invasive species, natural philosophy, self-wicked problems, ecosystem services, systematics,  agriculture, economic development, politics and research advocacy.  www.ipetrus.blogspot.com "Invasive Notes" and www.PrinceGeorgian.blogspot.com  "The Prince Georgian"

·        30 years experience creating educational courses and programs for professional and lay audiences in topics ranging from horticultural arts to the sciences of agriculture and ecology

·        P&L and balance sheet management, purchasing, procurement, retail operations, production operations, management, technology (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Access, word processing, spreadsheets, podcasting, Blogger, Twitter (6790 followers), Face Book, Klout Score 49, can read rudimentary German, French, Russian and fluent in Latin.

MEMBERSHIPS

·        US NISC ISAC (federal advisory committee) reappointment Class VII 2011; Vice Chair, National Invasive Species Council Advisory Committee Class III (ISAC)

http://www.invasivespecies.gov/home_documents/isac_class7.html

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/council/advisory.shtm l

·        Maryland Invasive Plant Advisory Committee (IPAC) appointed by the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture 2012 -

·        Vice Chair, Prince George's County Historic Preservation Commission  2003 -

·        Member, Maryland Invasive Species Council (MISC) 2000 - http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/active_members.html 

·        Technical advisor, Sustainable Sites Initiative, Technical Vegetative Sub Committee (SSI/LBJ Wild Flower Center) http://www.sustainablesites.org/  2006 -

·        Director, Prince George's County Community Foundation 2007 - present

·        Former Trustee, Prince George's County Memorial Library System 2006 - 2012

·        Past Chair Prince George's County Chamber of Commerce

o   1999 - 2004         Economic Development Committee

o   2001 - 2006         Legislative Committee

o   2001 - 2002         Co-Chair, Economic Development

·        Founding Director and 3rd President, Mid Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council

·        Past President, Maryland Nursery & Landscape association 2005-2006

o   1997 - 2005       Chairman, Market Oversight Former Director,

·        Prince George's County Hospital Foundation 2000 - 2009

·        Discussion Group Lecturer in Music and Western History  Senior University, University of Maryland  2000 - 2004                                       

·        President, Union Cemetery of Montgomery County, Maryland 1994 - 2004

·        Former President, Franklin Knolls Civic Association, Montgomery County, MD 1981 - 1986

Informational Meeting on the Issues Regarding the Old Marlboro Elementary School (originally built as the Marlboro High School in 1921)

On December 23rd, 2011 I posted Connecting the Dots: Upper Marlboro seeks input on historic school’s fate - Washington Business Journal. 

The Prince George's County Historical Society and the Town of Upper Marlboro are sponsoring an informational gathering on the issue regarding the Old Marlboro Elementary School (originally built as the Marlboro High School in 1921) at 14524 Elm Street, Upper Marlboro. 

This meeting will be held on THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2012, at 7:00 p.m., at the Parish Hall of Trinity Church, 14519 Church Street in Upper Marlboro.

As you may have read, the County is considering demolishing the school building in order to build in its place a new Family Justice Center - there are logistical problems regarding the site, and because the school property is a designated Historic Site under the County's Historic Preservation Ordinance, it is important that we have a good public discussion of the issue before the case comes before the Historic Preservation Commission the following week. 

We are sending out notice of this meeting to a number of organizations and individuals who should have an interest in the subject. Any ideas you have on the subject will be much appreciated. Steve Sonnett, President of the Town of Upper Marlboro Commissioners, is preparing a press release on the subject. 

Please be sure that your organization is represented at this meeting!

INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON THE OLD MARLBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012, 7:00 P.M. TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, PARISH HOUSE 14519 CHURCH STREET, UPPER MARLBORO

In Prince George's County, Maryland's hidden-in-plain-sight, 21st century science research facility

               Where does nutrition information about beef and pork come from?  The answer: Prince George's County, Maryland's hidden-in-plain-sight, 21st century science research facility: the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL) which is part of the research campus at BARC. BARC is shorthand for the Henry A Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, the largest in the world. One would imagine that the county makes this a center piece of economic development, and one would be wrong...at least up to now.

               BARC's NDL lab just released a report of its collaboration with the beef industry and various universities. BARC has conducted several research studies designed to update or expand the nutrient data on beef and pork cuts in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR).[1] 

               According to USDA's website, "These studies have not only provided current and accurate estimates of beef [and pork] data to update SR, but the study results are now being incorporated into a data set that can be used for nutrient labeling.  NDL has developed a reference called the USDA Nutrient Data Set for Retail Beef Cuts, Release 2.0 which presents beef data in an easily usable table format.[2]   

               The question I have for Prince George's County and Maryland is why we are not actively working in partnership to take advantage of USDA's technology transfer programs as a tool for economic development? Can't we think of something else besides retail malls? How about a state and county incubator directed at bio-agro-tech solutions that takes advantage of the leasing authority for research that BARC and NAL have?[3]

               The State of Maryland has as one of its key focus for economic  development a commitment to "work with area research institutions,  universities/colleges and the private sector to develop a strategy for connecting researchers with federal and State resources and funding opportunities to aid new business development."[4] USDA-ARS BARC through its Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) program is the primary tool linking government and industry researchers. This program has sat here unsupported by any Prince George's County initiative since 1986. The program, authorized under the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, allows federal laboratories and businesses to form partnerships that help move new technologies to the marketplace.

               What exactly are we here in Prince George's County waiting for?

---

[1] Rosalie Marion Bliss. Nutrient Data in Time for the New Year. January 13, 2012. [accessed January 19, 2012] http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2012/120113.htm

[2][2] USDA Nutrient Data Set for Retail Beef Cuts, Release 2.0. [accessed January 19, 2012] http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=18961

"This data set provides retailers with easier access to the most accurate beef nutrient data for the purpose of on-pack nutrition labeling and for nutrition claims. This data set focuses on the beef cuts identified by USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed labeling regulations for fresh, single-ingredient meats in addition to some new Beef Value Cuts. The FSIS, an agency of the USDA, is the public health agency responsible for ensuring that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged."

[3] USDA-ARS-BARC Seeks Expressions of Interest to Lease  This procurement is for an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) opportunity for 5 separate parcels located within the Beltsville Agriculture Research Campus in Beltsville, Maryland. USDA's objective for this RFP is to receive proposals from a prospective Offeror from qualified private or public entities interested in leading the development and long-term operation of facilities to promote the mission of ARS and the research programs at BARC. Offerors are expected to have either a collaborative agreement in place or a plan of a potential project with current research program at BARC. Before a lease can be signed a collaborator research agreement must in place. https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=fb6753a961bfc08baacf8f2cb4377708&tab=core&_cview=0 

[4] Federal Facilities Advisory Board. Interim Report To The Governor And Legislature. February 2011. [accessed January 19, 2012]  http://www.choosemaryland.org/aboutdbed/Documents/ProgramReports/Final_FFAB%20Interim_Report_3-22-11.pdf

PG 418-12 could provide property tax reductions for adaptive re-use

               Daniel Leaderman reports that Prince George's County Executive Baker seeks tax break for projects that spur growth. According to the Gazette article the county executive claims that the measure would give Prince George's County another tool to attract business.[1]  The legislation, PG 418-12, Prince George's County - Property Tax - Exemption for Economic Development Projects is sponsored by Delegation Chair Griffith at the  request of the County Executive.[2]  

               To compete with other cities and counties and attract businesses Prince George's County could offer incentives to businesses to locate to a particular area. Among the possible incentives are tax abatements, loan guarantees, municipal bonds and tax increment incentives.[3] For a company to invest in a particular location, it must assess the risks of conducting business there and not somewhere else. Jurisdictions use economic development incentives to attract and retain business in the expectation of inducing the production of goods or services that drive a local economy towards prosperity. It should be kept in mind as noted by De La Cerda." that much research shows that economic development incentives do not bring prosperity to local economies; rather, using incentives results in unfair competition among businesses. Businesses begin pitting cities and counties against each other in battles of who can provide the better development incentive."[4]

               PG 418-12 would provide property tax reductions for projects located "...within one–half mile of a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority transit station or one–half- mile of a Maryland area regional commuter transit station, as measured from the main entrance of the building to the nearest entrance of the transit station"[5] , revitalization tax credit districts, and designated urban renewal areas. The legislation would permit consideration of relief from property taxes over a fixed period time for real estate development projects that consist of newly constructed or rehabilitated commercial or multifamily residential property if  the real estate development project consists of at least one of the following:  

•      a hotel project a private capital investment of equity and debt combined of at least $20,000,000 that will provide at least 100 full–time equivalent job opportunities; and
•        an office building project with  private capital investment of equity and debt combined of at least $20,000,000 that  provides at least 150 full–time equivalent  job opportunities
•        a retail facility with a private capital investment of equity and debt combined of at least $10,000,000 that  provides at least 100 full–time equivalent  job opportunities
•        multifamily residential facility with a private capital investment of equity and debt combined of at least  $5,000,000
•        an off–street parking facility that a. contains at least 250 parking spaces  and has a private capital investment of equity and debt combined of at least $2,500,000

               County executive Baker is on the right track. PG 418-12  needs careful consideration and review, but could be a helpful tool for the adaptive re-use and revitalization of our established communities . Now we need to dream big - of projects more than just parking garages like hi-tech agroscience research centers, alternative energy industries and information technology  companies.[6]  

·        Prince George's: County of Limited Vision -

·        Adaptive re-use, sustainable development & Prince ...

·        Adaptive Re-use in Prince George's County seems be...

·        Prince George's County Maryland Talks Green but Wa...

·        Prince George's: County of Limited Vision -

·        Meet the 27 Historic Municipalities of Prince Geor...

·        Sustainable Economic Development for Prince George...

---

[1] Daniel Leaderman. December 28, 2011. Baker seeks break for projects that spur growth. [accessed December 30, 2011] http://www.gazette.net/article/20111228/NEWS/799999613/1029/baker-seeks-property-tax-break-for-projects-that-spur-growth-jobs%26template%3dgazette&template=gazette

[2] Synopsis PG 418-12 [accessed December 30, 2011] http://www.princegeorgeshousedelegation.com/legislation/bill-history?local=PG%20418-12

               For the purpose of providing certain exemptions from county property tax under certain circumstances for certain economic development projects located in certain designated focus areas in Prince George's County; setting forth certain requirements in order to qualify for the property tax exemption; requiring certain annual reports on projects for which Prince George's County has entered in payment in lieu of taxes agreements; defining certain terms; and generally relating to a property tax exemption for certain property located in Prince George's County.

[3] De La Cerda, Joeseph E., "Economic Development: An Economic Impact Analysis of Tax Incentives on a Local Economy" (2010). Applied Research Projects, Texas State University-San Marcos. Paper 341. [accessed December 30, 2011] http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/341

[4] Ibid.

Discussion: Overall, the research indicates that the construction and opening of

Cabela’s had a significant impact on the immediate surge in sales tax revenue. Although, minus

the secondary benefits to quality of life and stronger business presence, the presence of Cabela’s

did not lead to a significant increase in the trend of sales tax revenue after Cabela’s opened.

[5] Op. cit. PG 418-12  

[6]  I note that this legislation does not address small business needs and hope that some incentives for small and medium size business might be considered

Prince George's County: Dismissive or Oblivious to Ecosystem Services?

Sept:2011, Prince George's County Administrative Building  flooding
http://www.co.pg.md.us/netpub/server.np?original=437&site=PGCFlooding&catalog=catalog          

               Prince George's County operates under a short-sighted, land-as-an-infinitely-replaceable-resource development strategy. It follows from this thinking that open space, woodlands and anything unpaved is a worth-little resource that needs enhancement that comes the creation of a few short term construction jobs and a lot of long term costly problems. The county's ideas and practices about development ideas often eliminate or significantly compromise ecosystem resources and the associated ecological services. As the residents of many parts of the county already know from the storms in 2011, the wanton destruction of natural area habitats results in fragmented, degraded or destroyed. In the case of Broad Creek, Edmonston and Upper Marlboro ecological hydrologic systems are altered significantly thereby causing more volatile flows and water level fluctuations and in addition reducing water quality. Necessary, increasing and inevitable development across the county beg for approaches to development that address and reduce adverse ecological impacts so that through conservation objectives sustainable communities can be achieved.[1] 

           

               Somehow, Prince George's County's governing elite has been led to believe that preservation of ecological systems (ecosystems) is a tool of those who would hinder or obstruct economic progress in the county. So they dismiss out of hand suggestions of conservation and wind up with massive flooding that residents and businesses have to deal with - repeatedly over the years long after the few dollars were made to build the original project. In an effort to paint all conservationists as anti development, the county's political leadership allows others to maintain quality ecosystems by externalizing their environmentally unfriendly projects onto us such as the coal waste disposal site in Brandywine.[2] Other counties encourage open space; we pave it over. Prince George's County builds what other counties do not want. Instead of a national intelligence university campus as proposed for Bethesda we get storage lockers.[3]  

               Flooding comes from tampering with storm management systems that were designed for specific flow loads. Building house on springs and office building on former swamps is not a rational idea though Prince George's County thinks expedient construction at any short term benefit outweighs the floods that follow. For those Prince Georgians who felt the water 's fury which resulted from quick fix economic development there are low-interest disaster loans available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and most private non-profit organizations affected by Tropical Storm Lee on Sept. 6 -14, 2011.[4] 

              

---

[1] D. M. Mensing1, MS, PWS and K. A. Chapman, PhD. Conservation Development and Ecological Stormwater Management: An Ecological Systems Approach™. Applied Ecological Services, Inc. 21938 Mushtown Road, Prior Lake, MN 55372 [accessed December 25, 2011] http://streams.osu.edu/streams_pdf/Mensing.pdf

[2] Jeff Stant. 2010. Thirty-one New Damage Cases of Contamination from Improperly Disposed Coal Combustion Waste. . [accessed December 26, 2011] http://www.environmentalintegrity.org/news_reports/documents/OutofControl-MountingDamagesFromCoalAshWasteSites.pdf

[3]  US ARMY Corps of Engineers. Miscellaneous Notices [accessed December 26, 2011] http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Public%20Notices/Misc.htm 

On behalf of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District has prepared an EA and FNSI for the proposed redevelopment of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency - Sumner Site located in Bethesda, Maryland as the Intelligence Community Campus, Bethesda (ICC-B) site. The EA describes the potential environmental consequences resulting from the proposed redevelopment and operation of the ICC-B. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to develop a collaborative intelligence community campus for the relocation of roughly 3,000 intelligence workers in the Washington National Capital area. The Proposed Action is necessary because: 1) there is a shortage of secured administrative building space in the Washington National Capital area; 2) a shared intelligence community campus supports congressional desires for a collaborative community environment and the consolidation of an intelligence community facility strategy; and 3) it supports the reuse of existing government facilities.

[4] Applications and program information are available by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at             800-659-2955   ( 800-877-8339   for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Business loan applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/4/2818/news/35681

Connecting the Dots: Upper Marlboro seeks input on historic school’s fate - Washington Business Journal

Upper Marlboro, Maryland Historic School site marke of Dr Beanes  & family graver

Upper Marlboro seeks input on historic school’s fate - Washington Business Journal

• Now to connect the dots...
• Adaptive re-use, sustainable development & Prince ...
• Adaptive Re-use in Prince George's County seems be...
• Prince George's County Maryland Talks Green but Wa...
• Prince George's: County of Limited Vision -
• Meet the 27 Historic Municipalities of Prince Geor...
• Sustainable Economic Development for Prince George...
• 
  
• Wait til Prince George's County tries to commemorate the War of 1812 by removing the grave of the man whose detention caused the writing of the Star Spangled Banner. Among other things Dr Beanes brought the first public school and library to Upper Marlboro in 1817.

"Prince George’s County officials say they are undecided on whether to demolish a historic building in Upper Marlboro to build a Family Justice Center, despite the town commissioners’ unanimous vote last week to request a review of the plans and seek greater input on related decisions going forward, The Gazette reports.
County officials are considering razing the Old Marlboro Elementary School, an amalgam of two school buildings built in 1891 and 1921, which includes the grave of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 doctor William Beanes, but town officials would like to see the building preserved or restored so it can be used." -  Washington Business Journal Date: Friday, December 23, 2011, 10:52am EST

Residents oppose possible demolition of historic Upper Marlboro school - 

Gazette.net http://www.gazette.net/article/20111117/NEWS/711179900/1082/residents-rally-behind-historic-upper-marlboro-school-threatened-with&template=gazette

Meet the 27 Historic Municipalities of Prince George's County, Maryland - Ready for Adaptive Re-use

               Adaptive re-use of building is not in and of itself an answer to the development challenges and problems Prince George's County faces today. But adaptive re-use is part of a sustainable economic development tool box. The ideas of sustainable development are a solution to the problem of meeting the material needs of the present population of Prince George's County, while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of the environment. The environment and the resources that provide free ecosystem services to our communities are infrastructure that our current policies seem to think we can do without. Economic growth can happen with environmental protection by focusing on "...development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987:43)[1] Prince George's County has 27 incorporated municipalities that are candidates for sustainable economic development using adaptive re-use principles. Why can't we enhance what we have before we destroy what is left?

1.  Bladensburg (incorporated in 1854) was established in 1742 as a regional commercial center. 
2. Laurel (inc. 1870) grew up around the site of an 1811 grist mill eventually becoming a chartered factory mill town with the coming of the railroads in 1835. 
3. Upper Marlboro (1870), originally spelled Upper Marlborough, was first settled around 1695 was a shipping port for tobacco  and the Prince George's County seat since 1726. 
4. Bowie (1882) came into existence with the 1853 railroad charter to construct a rail line into Southern Maryland. A land speculator and developer, sold building lots around the railroad junction and named the settlement, Huntington City, which was renamed Bowie in honor of a Maryland Governor from Prince George's County. 
5. Hyattsville (1886) was named for its founder, Christopher Clark Hyatt in 1845. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad tracks and the telegraph lines made the area a good site for a town. 
6. Berwyn Heights (1896), originally Charlton Heights, was part of the ongoing suburban development of farmland due to the commuter rail lines in the area. 
7. Capital Heights (1910) began as a developer's promise in 1904 to provide paved roads, sidewalks, street lights, and other public services —including the electric railway to a new subdivision. The citizens incorporated in major part to fix the problem themselves. 
8. Mount Rainier (1910), on the farm site of Thomas Clemson of Clemson University fame, growth was in part based upon the presence of affordable and modern transportation, connecting Mount Rainier with downtown Washington. 
9. Riverdale Park (1920) started as a small community of 30-40 homes clustered around a stop on the B&O Railroad on land once belonging to the Calvert family. 
10. Brentwood (1922) developed beginning in the 1890s around the Highland Station of the Washington Branch of the B & O Railroad and the Columbia and Maryland Railway. 
11. Cottage City (1924) started out during the 1870s as developers began to promote a residential community with large lots and a grid pattern of streets, stating the advantages of the community called the "The Highlands". Multiple attempts by different developers failed until 1915 when the housing attractive to veterans returning from World War I found the economical homes ready to inhabit. 
12. Edmondston (1924) came into being World War I, when residents of East Hyattsville and Palestine began a movement toward incorporation to improve services for their residential communities. 
13. North Brentwood (1924) is the first African-American incorporated Town in the Prince George's County. According to the town's website: "In 1887 Captain Wallace Bartlett formed Holladay Land and Improvement Division. He sold plots of land in the low area, subject to flooding, to African-Americans. He dedicated this land in memory of the black regiment which served under him in the civil war." 
14. Colmar Manor (1927), site of a famous duel fought on March 22, 1820, as well as battles in the War of 1812 and the Civil War, was developed in the early 20th century offering homeowners modern water and sewer lines. 
15. Eagle Harbor (1929) originally known as Trueman Point, was a river port established in the early 18th century to serve as a shipping point for tobacco plantations. in 1925, developer Walter L. Bean purchased land adjoining Trueman Point to create creating a resort community for middle class African Americans.
16. Cheverly (1931) first platted in 1904 and incorporated in order to address concerns for better roads and services - a by now reoccurring theme in Prince George's County. 
17. Seat Pleasant (1931) was established  around a Washington, D.C. and Chesapeake Beach, Maryland rail line station and the confluence of suburban mass transit lines in the early years of the 20th century.
18. Fairmount Heights (1935) whose earliest settlers were black families who purchased small plots of land in 1903 now claims the title of the second oldest African-American-majority municipality in Prince George's County. 
19. District Heights (1936) was developed on former farmland purchased and held by the District Heights Company in 1925. The city charter was proposed in part to get back part of gasoline tax for roads. 
20. University Park (1936) interestingly has no easy-to-find history on line (hoping a resident will fill in the blank here). 
21. Greenbelt (1937) on the other hand has a deep and richly recorded history as a "planned" public cooperative community and showcase for USDA research and science. 
22. Glenarden (1939) started when 1919 when W. R. Smith purchased a group of properties for development and received its charter establishing it as a middle-class suburban community making it the next predominately black incorporated town in the State of Maryland after Fairmount Heights.
23. College Park (1945), home of the University of Maryland, was platted in 1872 with development beginning in earnest around1889 on the College Station stop of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. 
24. Landover Hills (1945) started out in 1940 as a planned a subdivision of 148 acres of wooded farm land along Defense Highway. 
25. Forest Heights (1949), originally a part of a 6,478-acre plantation established in 1687, the town was developed between the 1940s and the 1960s. 
26. Morningside (1949) with its access to Joint Base Andrews was established as a community for many World War II veterans. 
27. New Carrollton (1953) was built on the former estate of a horse racing figure after whose death in 1957, the land was acquired by developer to create a planned suburb.[2]

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[1] Sustainable Community Development: An Interactional Perspective.

Jeffrey C. Bridger and A.E. Luloff http://nercrd.psu.edu/community/legacy/bridger_community.html

[2] information mostly taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sustainable Economic Development for Prince George's County?

:"At the turn of the 20th century,  businessman Malcom A. Keyser built the Fireproof Store Company in downtown Salt Lake City.  Over several decades, the building housed a variety of businesses, including a recording studio and storage units. Located near the Gateway Shopping District in Salt Lake, the 140,341 square-foot condominium project now houses 55 residential units and two commercial spaces, while retaining the original historic building. The lofts include five existing floors with the addition of a sixth floor and mezzanine with steel and timber framing."  Copyright © Lloyd Architects, All Rights Reserved   

               The American Institute of Architects strongly supports adaptive reuse of historic buildings, a smart approach to construction both for its green elements and the preservation of history. Adaptive re-use is one of many tools that can be used for sustainable economic development  The Westgate Lofts in Salt Lake City, was completed a few years ago, and involved converting an old warehouse building to mixed-use housing and retail spaces.[1] Prince George's County needs a sustainable economic development policy that cleverly takes advantage of what is has and smartly uses these resources to move forward. Adaptive re-use is not the only tool let alone a magic bullet for the challenges that face our county. Understanding the underlying precepts of sustainable economic development is the first and most important step towards finding the tools to build a thriving, exciting and growing Prince George's County, Maryland.

               So what is sustainable economic development? What it is not is short sighted, near-term, quick-fix projects touted as solutions to economic and social problems. Sustainable economic development in Prince George's County should be about promoting the clustering of businesses that offer 21st century products and services, such as energy, water, and resource efficiency; renewable energy; alternative transportation; and pollution (waste) prevention and recycling. Sustainable economic development in Prince George's County should not be always about creating new development in open spaces where there is no infrastructure currently, but should be focused on the enhancement of the environmental and financial performance of existing firms where existing infrastructure can be enhanced. Sustainable economic development in Prince George's County should not be about designing and building faculties with a ten year operational life, but dreaming of and building walkable, mixed-use, mixedincome, transit-oriented real estate development – both infill and new communities. And sustainable economic development in Prince George's County should include more than just the few members of the historic political machine; rather sustainable economic development in Prince George's County should be guided by policies that include the wants of the wealthy but the dreams of underserved or ignored communities with the appropriate business acceleration services and engagement of low- and moderate-income employees and residents in saving money through ecological efficiency.  Prince George's County needs to focus on the strengths it has in its existing diversity of people and access to organizations and become the optimal place for green and clean tech businesses to start-up, locate, expand, and grow over the long term.[2]  

               Lon term is the watch word here, not the promise of short term projects that promise over-night solutions and deliver more problems. Because new economic thought puts the citizen and the common good at the center of its concerns, leaders in Prince George's County need to look in new directions for new visions of what is possible.  The challenging of truths still recently considered to be universal has swept through the world of pure science and now of economics but remains distant and foreign even obscure to the county. The clash between the accepted truths of yesterday's economics and the new ideas

launched by the current of sustainable development brings up short a number of certainties and beliefs solidly anchored in our county's elite's system of thinking. A 2005 report entitled The New Economics of Sustainable Development by James Robertson lays out concisely the objectives which Prince George's County might at least consider: [3]  

· systematic empowerment of people (as opposed to making and keeping them dependent), as the basis for people-centered development;
· systematic conservation of resources and environment, as the basis for environmentally sustainable development;
· evolution from a “wealth of nations” model of economic life to a one-world model, and from today's inter-national economy to an ecologically sustainable, decentralizing, multi-level one-world economic system;
· restoration of political and ethical factors to a central place in economic life and thought;
· respect for qualitative values, not just quantitative values;
· respect for feminine values, not just masculine ones.

Adaptive re-use in Salt Lake City; The Westgate Lofts  Copyright © Lloyd Architects, All Rights Reserved   

 

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[1]   Lloyd Architects,  Adaptive Reuse in Salt Lake City: The Westgate Lofts adaptive reuse, before & after, commercial work, Every Building Tells a Story, neighborhoods, preservation, sustainability http://www.lloyd-arch.com/tag/adaptive-reuse/

[2] Sustainable Economic Development: Initiatives, Programs, And Strategies For Cities And Regions. http://www.globalurban.org/Sustainable%20Economic%20Development.pdf

[3] James Robertson. 2005. The New Economics of Sustainable Development. http://www.jamesrobertson.com/book/neweconomicsofsustainabledevelopment.pdf