Cafritz Attorney: Development Does Not Compare to UTC

An uncovered some new concerns and some new possible plans for the proposed project, which would include a Whole Foods store among other retail and residential components.

The meeting also allowed nearby residents to weigh in on the development.

Hyattsville before the conceptual site plan is approved, noting that there were some unfavorable changes made to EYA plans after the CSP was approved that Hyattsville's council had no say on.

"Certainly Hyattsville will support you, however you move forward,” he said, adding that traffic is a concern as it backs up to DeMatha Catholic High School on U.S. Route 1. 

Hyattsville Councilman Tim Hunt (Ward 3) asked:

"The current TDOZs are struggling. Why create new [or add to current] TDOZs when the current ones are struggling?

Cafritz attorney Chip Reed said although there are a lot of questions surrounding , he doesn't think the two projects compare.

"Whole Foods wants to be here,” he said. “We think they’ll be a great anchor. UTC might not be a good example with the execution of that development and the initial design. A lot of factors affect the viability of a town center."

Reed also highlighted the fact that the group is seriously considering a switch over to the more pedestrian-friendly .

Chris Jakubiak, Riverdale Park’s planner said he is concerned about the plan’s lack of detail in the second phase—the residential portion of the project—the traffic and impact on the neighborhood and the density of the project.