The Prince George’s County Council today convened Day One of its three-day Annual Retreat “Start Strong, Finish Stronger,” at the Hotel at the University of Maryland, in College Park.  The Hotel is also the site of tomorrow’s planned memorial service for David Hillman, hotel owner and CEO of the Southern Management Corporation, among the largest owner-operated property management companies in the country.

Council Chair Dannielle Glaros (D) – District 3, who represents College Park, opened the retreat with a reflection on the life of David Hillman and his impact on Prince George’s County.

“This Council offers our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and associates of David Hillman.  We have the unanticipated honor of being here at The Hotel for the Council’s retreat at the very time the memorial service will celebrate his life and high achievements.  Among the many strong examples of Mr. Hillman’s deep commitment to our County are the student scholarship programs he established at both the University of Maryland and Prince George’s Community College.  David Hillman made a difference in Prince George’s County.”

The opening agenda for the Council retreat included a five-hour work session focused on rewriting the County’s 50-year-old Zoning Ordinance, which Chair Glaros noted has been a focus of the Council over the last three years. 

“This was an excellent session.  Our continuing work to rewrite the County’s outdated Zoning Ordinance is a collaborative effort with the Planning Board and County residents.  Updating zoning codes will better position our County to compete economically, attract quality development, and revitalize our communities.”

Council Members spent the afternoon discussing ways to improve economic development and transportation in Prince George’s County.   

Day Two of the Council Retreat, which begins as 10 a.m. on Thursday, will examine the issues of housing, fiscal matters, education and school construction, as well as a discussion about the upcoming 2018 General Assembly session and legislative priorities.

The Annual Council Retreat is an open meeting and the public is invited to attend.  For more information and updates, visit  https://pgccouncil.us/468/Council-Retreat

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