COUNCIL MEMBER INGRID WATSON SUPPORTS LEGISLATION ADDRESSING SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Council Member Watson Works with Community Members to Successfully Stop Planned Consolidated Storage Facility Impacting District 4 Community
Prince George’s County Council Member Ingrid Watson voted in the affirmative on CB-11-2023, during Council session on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. The legislation, authored by District 5 Council colleague Jolene Ivey, limits where new Consolidated Storage facilities are located within Prince George’s County.
Plans to build a new storage facility in their neighborhood struck a nerve with District 4 residents in Bowie’s Covington community, prompting their testimony during Tuesday’s public hearing on the legislation. Dannielle Hussein said that the planned location for the facility is just blocks from her home.
“This proposed storage facility would be entirely surrounded by townhomes, our community pool, our community center, and right across the street from Glen Allen Park. It doesn’t match the nature of the neighborhood. It would be an eyesore. It just doesn’t fit.”
During Council session, Council Member Watson shared that the storage facility located at 3610 Elder Oaks Boulevard in Bowie, would not move forward.
“The attorney for the applicant confirmed that they are not proceeding with the project. Additionally, the pre-application deadline as stated in the bill is April 1, 2023, which leaves no time for any other applicant to propose a similar project.”
Council Member Watson says she appreciates the leadership of Council Member Ivey, the work of her colleagues and most importantly, the partnership of residents who shared their concerns about the location of storage facilities in their community.
“The people have power, and it is that power that makes a difference. Community action, in partnership with the Council enactment of a new policy on storage facilities that locates them more appropriately in industrial zones, yielded a positive result for the Covington neighborhood, and improves the quality of life for communities throughout Prince George’s County.”
CB-011-2023 will take effect 45 calendar days after it becomes law.
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