Politics & Government

Density - Questions for Council Candidates

A question about population density has Hyattsville's City Council candidates talk about development.

Editor's Note - Welcome to fifth installment of Questions for Council Candidates. Recently, Hyattsville Patch sent a 15 part questionnaire to candidates running in this year's Hyattsville City Council election. The questions, developed with the help of Hyattsville Patch readers, probe the candidates thoughts on city policy, development, and also asked the candidates to do a little self reflection. 

Between now and May 6, Hyattsville Patch will be publishing their responses to each question to help you, the reader, make a more informed decision at the polls on May 7. Here now are the responses to the fifth question. Responses are organized alphabetically by ward. 

Question - Should Hyattsville be more densely populated than it is now?

Ward 1 Candidates

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William Jenne - Editor's Note - Jenne's response to this question was added after this post was published. Jenne, citing work and family obligations, did not submit his responses to the candidate questionnaire until May 2, well after the publication deadline, and well after the first seven candidate responses had been published.

I would put the question differently because I disagree slightly with the premise of the question. Government doesn’t need to decide such questions in advance because government responds to the demands of its citizens at a unique moment in time. Planning is vital, but with the understanding that the future is unknown and there will always be contingencies. In my opinion the question should ask: Is the government adequately managing services for the current population- and does it have a plan for expansion should the population require it a certain time in the future?

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Bart Lawrence - There is room for increased density, particularly in the areas near the two Metro stations within the city’s boundaries. Increased density would have its benefits, such as an increased tax base and, presumably, increased patronage of local businesses. It would also bring challenges, such as increased vehicular traffic and an increase in the student population of already over-capacity schools. The city should facilitate and attract responsible development around the two Metro stations, while working to address the challenges that accompany increased density.

Ward 2 Candidates

Robert Croslin - I think if the undeveloped area around the West Hyattsville Metro station were developed with townhouses or condominiums and retail, it would attract young professionals. That’s where I believe increased density would be good for the city.

David Hiles (Incumbent) - “Should” is the wrong word.  We should work to guide development so that we have an attractive community.

Ward 3 Candidate

Patrick Paschall - While I think it is imperative that we maintain the nature of our neighborhoods, I think we have an opportunity to create new mixed-use and residential developments in the city’s three main development zones: the Route 1 corridor, Prince George’s Plaza, and the area around the West Hyattsville Metro/Queens Chapel Plaza.  The further development of these areas (discussed in detail in question 9 below) will include an increase in population density, but that increase in population density should be carefully measured and in proportion to the rest of the city. 

Ward 4 Candidates

Ross Gateretse - Hyattsville, like many small cities, is riding the wave of change. It may be seen as a typical Washington, D.C., suburb, but it will end up densely populated if not monitored. This city is a small suburb, a residential area that wants to preserve its administrative autonomy, and to stay a livable, quiet city suburb with trees, lawns, and single-family detached homes. We see many people wishing to start a settled life moving to Hyattsville, with a diverse mix of residents residents who desire peaceful living, evening walks, well connected neighborhoods and parks that contribute to a high quality of life. Keeping growth in check to maintain small town feeling is key.

Edouard Haba - Hyattsville is a very nice community as it right now. However, the reality is that we are part of a larger community with a growing population and we are also strategically located from Washington, DC. Thus, we need to have an open mind and promote smart development.  

Ward 5 Candidates

Pastor Herrera - Editor's Note - Herrera did not submit responses to this questionnaire before the publication deadline.

Joseph Solomon - I think this is a question to be viewed in the context of wards.  In ward three for instance, dense population is welcomed, however, Ward 5 is largely residential and not interested in become a dense population center.

Clayton Williams - “Should” doesn’t come into it. The economic reality is that Hyattsville as a whole will be denser over the coming decades. The only way that will not be the case is if life in Hyattsville is worse than in other areas and people don’t want to live here. However, unregulated growth is no better. The task before this Council and future Councils is to nurture and guide the growth of our area in a positive way so Hyattsville remains a jewel within the beltway, both for the people here already and the lucky residents that join us in the future.


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