Week In Review

The beginning of the week in Patch news saw an update on the cleanup of a diesel spill at Robert J. King Memorial Park. Residents called the city on March 11 after they smelled a strong odor like diesel, said Sgt. Chris Purvis, spokesman.

Upon investigation, the city found that a drinking fountain at the park on Gallatin Street was contaminated with a substance that appeared to be diesel. A Hazmat truck was called and the fountain was pumped out, Purvis said.

Land in the park had to be remediated due to the contamination, but there was no danger to the drinking water of those living immediately around the park, Purvis said.

On Tuesday, we reported that the real property tax rate for Hyattsville will not change for fiscal year 2012, after the City Council voted to maintain the rate of 63 cents per $100 of assessed value.

The vote, cast March 21, was unanimous, but council members Paula Perry (Ward 4), Nicole Hinds (Ward 5) were absent.

The current revenue from the assessable tax base is just less than $1.8 million, Mayor William Gardiner said. That amount is projected to increase by .9 percent to $1.81 million. That’s a difference of $96,201.

Northwestern High School's softball team has a new leader in Sgt. Suzie Johnson of the Hyattsville Police Department. Patch spoke with Johnson about her plans for the season and the team's academic prowess.

This week’s Viewfinder showcased Hyattsville’s small businesses. Photographer Chris Suspect took photos of shoppers and business owners around the city.

Patch reported that Big Bad Woof, a pet supply store in Takoma, Washington, D.C. dedicated to sustainable practices and selling eco-friendly pet needs, fair trade items and things manufactured in the United States, is opening a store in Hyattsville. The new store will be located at EYA’s East Village development on Baltimore Avenue.

Finally, we served up the final list of candidates in this year’s municipal elections after the registration window closed on March 25.

Next week look for articles about the city’s 2012 budget, a candidate debate and a preview of Hyattsville’s carnival.