Council Member Taveras’ “Take Pride in Our Community” Initiative Advances
with Adoption of CB-59-2016, CB-63-2016 and CB-64-2016
The Prince George’s County Council, during the final session for Legislative Year 2016 on Tuesday, November 15, enacted a trio of bills sponsored by Council Member Deni Taveras (D) – District 2, addressing public safety and health concerns in the County.
Council Bills 59-2016, 63-2016 and 64-2016, which passed unanimously, are a part of Council Member Taveras’ Quality of Life legislative package, included in the District 2 “Take Pride in Our Community” initiative promoting safer, cleaner, and more attractive neighborhoods in Prince George’s County.
Council Bill 59-2016 expands and clarifies laws governing the use of an apartment for drug activity or prostitution. Under the legislation, landlords, owners, management staff, or tenants could be held liable if their property is used for drug activity or prostitution, including human trafficking.
Council Member Taveras says human trafficking in Prince George’s County must be stopped and CB-59 brings us one step closer to that goal.
“If we are going to eradicate human trafficking in Prince George’s County, it is important that there is a level of accountability for those who are found to be complicit,” said Council Member Taveras. “CB-59 sends a strong message that if you allow human trafficking to take place on your property, you will be held accountable.”
Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission Executive Director Michael Lyles thanked Council Member Taveras for her work on CB-59, and noted the measure’s significance.
“The Human Relations Commission applauds Council Member Taveras, her team, and the entire County Council for providing leadership in the fight against sex and labor trafficking,” said Lyles. “CB-59 -2016 gives our County agencies and business owners more tools to help Prince George’s County residents root out sex and labor trafficking in some of our more challenged communities.”
Council Bill 63-2016 prohibits the illegal sale of vehicles on County roads, more commonly known as “curbstoning.” Council Bill 64-2016 addresses public health concerns related to the accumulation of garbage or litter following an eviction, and mandates landlords to remove all garbage, litter and trash from the property within one business day.
Council Member Taveras says these bills will improve public safety and public health by eliminating “curbstoning” and mandating that accumulated debris following an eviction is collected in a timely manner.
“Residents deserve to live in an environment that is clean, safe, and attractive,” said Council Member Taveras. “This legislative package offers tools whereby residents and county agencies can better work together to improve our quality of life. This is an effort that also helps economic development because safe and stable neighborhoods go hand-in-hand with a thriving business sector.”
Council Resolution 90-2016, legislation also sponsored by Council Member Taveras and enacted unanimously by the council on November 15, designates an area of incorporated land in northern Prince George’s County as the Prince George’s County Northern Gateway.
“As the most densely populated area of the County, the Northern Gateway is potentially a strong emerging market for business development. Yet it is underdeveloped in terms of public infrastructure and community development,” said Council Member Taveras. “CR-90 will help spearhead the much-needed community bridging and economic revitalization efforts that will benefit our diverse residents, local businesses, and strategic relations with our DC and Montgomery County neighbors.”
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