NextBus

NextBus has been officially launched for WMATA- the service provides real time arrival data, and Google map tracking for MetroBus and PG County transit. Check out the service here.

Hyattsville Development Hit Hard by Recession

The economy has hit new Hyattsville developments hard:

Mattress Discounters closed in November, followed by Circuit City in March. The bankrupt retailers left a gaping hole. And that's not all: The firm that leased office space on the top level of the development vacated, too.

"It just devastates developers like me," said Harvey Taylor, 72, president of the company that bears his name.

Many tenants are hurting, and replacing the bankrupt can be difficult, partly because "the tenants that are strong take advantage of the situation by asking for rent reductions and all sorts of goodies," Taylor said.

Its weird to go by the new shops at the PG plaza metro station and see that many of the retailers have closed or some storefronts that have remained vacant since the complex opened over a year ago.

proposed hyattsville budget will not increase taxes

Recent annexations of University Hills and new development in the city will help to keep the tax rate steady. Although, city residents could see rising tax bills because of increasing property value assessments. The cities 2008 budget includes new technology purchases and ongoing street maintenance.

Other figures in Gardiner’s $16.5 million working budget — a 22 percent increase over last year’s budget — include an investment of at least $2.5 million in fiscal 2008, which begins in July, for street repaving; adding an assistant city administrator and several police officers; and evaluating how the city should spend its funds over five years.

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Election day is coming up and today (10/17) is the last day to register to vote. For more information about the election check out the Maryland Board of Elections, the Prince George's County Board of Elections, and the Maryland League of Women Voters for an up-to-date voters guide.

Here is a handy tool to verify your registration and find out your polling place.

New Rental Restrictions Proposal in Hyattsville Draws Concern from Community

A new Hyattsville rental measure is drawing criticism from community activists:

Under the proposal, city code inspectors would be empowered to ask homeowners the relationships of people living with them and whether they are renters. If inspectors determine that the home is being used for rental purposes, the homeowner would be required to have a rental license and meet certain fire hazard and other standards. Owners found guilty of operating a rental unit without a license could face up to 30 days in prison, a $1,000 fine or both

Some immigrant advocates wonder what types of households would be targeted for enforcement under the proposal, which comes just weeks after the city of Manassas repealed an anti-crowding law that made it illegal for extended relatives, such as aunts, uncles and cousins, to live together as a family.

West Hyattsville Development

The Prince George’s County Council has approved a development plan for the area surronding the West Hyattsville Metro Station. Details to come.

Retail Near Metro in Hyattsville

The Washington Post reports on new retail development around the Prince George's Plaza Metro Station in Hyattsville:

The $160 million project will be developed in phases over the next three years. It will include a 300,000-square-foot office building and 260 luxury apartments, which will rent for $1,500 to $1,700 a month. It also will have about 130,000 square feet of retail, including a Staples, Bally's Total Fitness and Circuit City, according to the lead developer of the project, Taylor Development and Land Co. of Miami. The developer also plans restaurants and other small shops for the center.