July 21, 2026
Prince George’s County Planning Board
M-NCPPC
1616 McCormick Drive, Largo MD Via: pgcpb@mncppc.org
RE: Support for Metro Grove, Case: DET-2024-017
Dear members of the Board:
The Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG), advocates for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way for the Washington, DC region to grow and provide opportunities for all. We also support and work closely with RISE Prince George’s, a group of county residents and allies advocating for policies and practices that build shared, sustainable prosperity in Prince George’s County by creating safe, walkable, inclusive and transit-oriented communities.
On behalf of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, I wish to express our strong support for this project and detailed site plan. This proposed apartment complex fulfills many county and state goals and enhances the community. We urge the Planning Board to fulfill County Executive Braveboy’s promise to streamline the zoning approval process for key projects like this affordable transit-oriented development.
This worthy project will bring 250 affordable apartment homes to a site that is only a quarter mile walk to the Suitland Metro Station. This is a great place to build new homes for people who could save money by relying on riding Metro, and the major bus lines on Silver Hill Road. The sector plan identifies the property as a major transit-oriented development (TOD) opportunity site at the Suitland Metro Station.
Below are more details about why we enthusiastically support this project, and some recommendations to strengthen its benefits.
- This project addresses the critical need for more affordable, quality homes.
The proposed 250 apartments address an important housing need for Prince George’s families — homes for very low income residents. While the state and National Center for Smart Growth have documented an overall shortage in housing to meet the needs of Maryland residents, the research shows that Prince George’s has the most acute needs for more affordable housing. Prince George’s residents have higher housing cost burdens – paying too much of their income to housing costs — than surrounding jurisdictions and they face greater shortages of housing affordable for extremely low income families. (Source)
The shortage of affordable, available housing has many negative impacts on low income Prince George’s families. Households are forced to spend a large share of their income on housing, leaving less for other necessities. Lack of affordable housing can lead to unstable housing situations, children moving schools frequently, and vulnerability to eviction and homelessness. (Source). Quality, affordable housing helps Prince George’s families thrive.
The project is a standout in the state having won the award of a competitive 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits from Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. This is an important state contribution to building the affordable housing we need in Prince George’s County, which would serve households at or below 60% area median income, including at extremely low income households.
- Short walk to Metro — one quarter mile to the Suitland Metro station – this is the kind of transit oriented development we need
This project is a great opportunity for affordable transit-oriented development. It enables families to not only save money on quality housing they can afford, but also to have access to major transit connections with the Suitland Metro station only a short walk away, and the major bus corridor on Silver Hill Road.
The site even offers the benefit of close access to a public library across the street. Enabling more families to live close to major transit lines helps them reduce their transportation costs and have money for other necessities. Transit proximity gives families increased access to broader employment, training, and education opportunities.
This project provides several access improvements that benefit both existing and new residents:
Bus shelter –– We strongly support the project’s proposed installation a new ADA-compliant bus pad and shelter at the existing bus stop at the intersection of Maywood Lane and MD 458.
New intersection – We commend the intersection construction at Maywood Lane and Terrace Drive. This is a substantial proffer. Increased street connectivity benefits existing residents with more route choices, which distributes traffic and can shorten trips.
Access to Silver Hill Road – We also appreciate the internal sidewalk network provides ADA compliant pedestrian access to Silver Hill Road. We support the project’s other walk/bike improvements to crossings around the Suitland Parkway ramps.
- Recommendations
We have a few suggestions to bring even greater benefits to the community and the county:
- Suggested improvement: Use the 2024 Urban Street Design Standard of a 15’ corner turning radius: As we stated, we commend the intersection construction at Maywood Lane and Terrace Drive. Regarding the intersection design: while not technically required, we ask that application of the more pedestrian-friendly DPW&T Urban Street Design Standard be considered. This would provide an intersection that is more squared off with turning radii of 15 feet for each leg (see attachment). Smaller turning radii would make the intersection safer for everyone. Urban Street Design Standards are required for Transit Districts and Local Centers, but the site is just outside the boundaries for this designation.
- Suggested improvement: encourage more non-driving travel with a transportation demand management plan: We suggest that the project create a transportation demand management (TDM) plan to reduce vehicle trips from the site. The TDM plan could encourage travel by transit, taking advantage of the proximity of the Suitland Metro station and bus corridor.
- Beyond this project – state and county action to improve safety and access
Overall, this project offers new access to transit and local amenities for existing and future residents. It would be helpful for the state and county agencies to address the challenge of the larger context. The state road, Silver Hill Road, MD 458, and the Suitland Parkway pose difficult access for people walking, biking, pushing strollers, and using mobility devices.
We ask that local officials work to get Maryland State Highway Administration to further improve crossings to the Suitland Metro station by increasing pedestrian crossing safety across the on-off ramps of the Suitland Parkway, and across Silver Hill Road in general.
The Planning Board should also look for future dedicated bus lanes which are proposed for Silver Hill Road. Bus lanes will improve the performance of bus service for this high ridership corridor, a benefit to thousands of riders and nearby residents.
Conclusion
Given County Executive Braveboy’s stated commitment to streamline development approvals, we urge the Planning Board to approve this Detailed Site Plan and related approvals. This proposal advances the creation of more quality, affordable housing opportunities close to Metrorail and major bus routes. This project brings benefits to Prince George’s families and the neighborhood, and steps up to address our region’s and state’s housing shortage.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Cort
DC & Prince George’s Policy Director
Attachment – DPW&T’s 2024 Urban Street Design Standards for Transit Districts and Local Centers
Source: Prince George’s County Urban Street Design Standards, May 2024 Update