Report sparks dispute, claiming over 50% of homes are ‘lower quality’

Monday, November 10 will hold a double-header for City Council, containing a Work Session at 5 p.m. and regular Council Meeting at 6 p.m. — both virtual. See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions. You can also watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. Note: Work Sessions generally don’t have a Public Hearing component, but you can still send me your thoughts as they are always helpful as I approach the meeting. For the Council Meeting, if you’d like to register to speak, you can sign-up by reaching out to the City Clerk’s office by 2 p.m. of the meeting day. (See my post for how to share your voice at Council Meetings.) AGENDA for Work Session * Call to Order – Kyla M. Clark, President * Ordinance No. 2052- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Laurel City Code, Chapter 11, “Planning and Development, “Article III, “Affordable Housing Program,” Section 11-53, “For Sale Affordable Housing” to Update and Supplement the For Sale Housing Requirements and Providing for an Effective Date. * Adjournment --- AGENDA for Council Meeting * Call to Order - Council President Kyla M. Clark * Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, MMC, Clerk * Approval of Minutes: October 27, 2025 Special Work Session; October 27, 2025 Regular Meeting * Report of the Mayor and City Council * Appointment: Abdul Ruknudin CAC for Senior Residents and Persons with Disabilities 11/10/25-11/10/27 Reappointment: Roy P. Gilmore Emergency Services Commission 11/10/25-11/10/30 * General Public Hearing * Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2051- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Provide an Effective Date * Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 9-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Approving and Authorizing the Purchase of 114 and 122 Lafayette Avenue, Laurel, Maryland 20707, for the Purpose of Acquiring Real Property for City Operations * Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2052- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Amend Laurel City Code, Chapter 11, “Planning and Development, “Article III, “Affordable Housing Program,” Section 11-53, “For Sale Affordable Housing” to Update and Supplement the For Sale Housing Requirements and Providing for an Effective Date. * Adjournment

»Reader’s Theater performance at Selbourne House« I thoroughly enjoyed the Readers Theater performance at the Selbourne House on Main Street back on October 24. Performers were drawn from among the senior residents at Selbourne House and members of the wider Laurel community and they delivered short stories, poetry recitations, spoken biographies of African American trailblazers, and songs. The group is led and coached by talented actor Charles Clyburn about whom every member shared how he had helped them come out of their shell, professionally embody the emotion of their part, and project their voice with confidence. It was stellar performance and a testament to the talent of the members and Mr. Clyburn. I heartily encourage anyone who has an interest in joining to reach out and I’m happy to make the connection, and to of course keep a lookout for their next performance! --- »Laurel Volunteer Fire Department’s 123rd Awards Banquet« Also in October, I joined with Council colleagues and the Mayor to help celebrate our LVFD’s 123rd annual awards banquet – I’m still astounded at the long legacy of volunteer firefighters here in Laurel, and it included a special night recognizing 50 years of service (that’s 50 years!) for Vic Whipple. Many other awards were presented, including Firefighter of the Year to Simone McCumber and awards to volunteers for the number of calls and hours they served this past year. Thank you to all our volunteers for helping keep Laurel safe, and it was also encouraging to see a great new class of volunteers being trained: be sure to check out their website if you’re interested to learn more about how you might become a part as well. (Photo credit: LFVD) --- »Chandler Robbins Mural Dedication on Main Street« Readers here have seen me share about the amazing new mural on Main Street that was worked on this fall, and on October 25 it was official dedicated with a host of guests and guest speakers making for a special (perhaps even historic) afternoon. Included among the presenters were the artist himself Jeff Huntington, Chandler Robbins’ daughter who shared touching and insightful anecdotes about her father’s love of birds, co-workers who recounted the many significant achievements Robbins made to the world of bird study and nature preservation, and more. One thing I found fascinating was how Robbins was one of the main pioneers of using sound alone to identify birds, even publishing sonograms within the bird guides he wrote and teaching others to recognize their unique tunes. Thanks again to Laurel for the Patuxent for spearheading this public art beautification and all who contributed: it also stands as a great testament to people coming together to build community! (Photo credit: City of Laurel)

The Laurel Board of Elections has finalized the tabulation of this year’s General Election results, illustrated in the graphic below. Tonight at 6 p.m., the results will be presented and certified in a public meeting at the Municipal Center — You can attend in-person at 8103 Sandy Spring Road and also watch from home via LaurelTV website, LaurelTV YouTube channel, Comcast (71/SD, 996/HD), or Verizon (Channel 12). The official meeting record can be found on the City’s meeting page and below is the planned agenda. Thank you to everyone for your participation in our local elections! AGENDA * Call to Order - Council President Kyla M. Clark * Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America- Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor * Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, MMC, Clerk * Introduction, public hearing and possible action on Resolution No. 10-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Receive the Returns of the 2025 General Election from the City of Laurel Board of Election Supervisors * Introduction, public hearing and possible action on Resolution No. 11-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Authorize the Director of the Department of Budget and Personnel Services to Pay the Election Officials for the 2025 General Election * Adjournment

One of the many federal funding sources affected by the current federal government shutdown is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The reserve funding will expire by tomorrow, Saturday, November 1. The City has put together a list of Laurel food resources that residents can avail of to help them bridge through this time, including: * Laurel Multiservice Center * Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) * Elizabeth House / Laurel’s “FISH” House * St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church * Prayer Tower Church Community Food Pantry * Smiling Souls Food Bank * Laurel Church of Christ Food Pantry, and * Royalhouse Church, Grace2Grace Center For times and locations, be sure to check out the Press Release and updates may also become available on the related City News Flash page. Thank you to all Laurelites for the care you are showing to help our neighbors in need!

 

Maryland government agencies, community leaders and local businesses have announced relief efforts for workers affected by the shutdown.

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions. Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. (Note: Work Sessions generally don’t have a Public Hearing component, but you can still send me your thoughts as they are always helpful as I approach the meeting.) AGENDA * Call to Order - Kyla M. Clark, Council President * Ordinance No. 2051- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Provide an Effective Date * Resolution No. 9-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Approving and Authorizing the Purchase of 114 and 122 Lafayette Avenue, Laurel, Maryland 20707, for the Purpose of Acquiring Real Property for City Operations

Government employees who have been involuntarily furloughed due to the federal shutdown can have evictions paused in Maryland, thanks to a state law passed after the last major funding lapse.

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions. Join in-person, watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply sign-up when you arrive in person or reach out to the City Clerk’s office. (See my post for how to share your voice at Council Meetings.) AGENDA * Call to Order - Council President Kyla M. Clark * Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America * Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, MMC, Clerk * Approval of Minutes: September 22, 2025 Regular Meeting; September 22, 2025 Closed Session; October 1, 2025 Work Session; October 15, 2025 Regular Meeting; October 15, 2025 Closed Session * Report of the Mayor and City Council * Mayoral Reappointments: Jennifer Shannon, Arts Council, 10/27/25-10/27/27; Don Gavelek, Public Safety and Transportation Committee, 10/27/25-10/2727 * General Public Hearing * Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2046- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Modify the Operation of the City of Laurel Employees Retirement Plan to Document a Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Retirees of January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2014. * Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2047- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Modify the Operation of the City of Laurel Police Retirement Plan to Document a Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Retirees of January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2014. * Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2048- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date. * Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2049- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Provide an Effective Date. * Bid Recommendation- IT- LPD Dispatch Furniture Replacement * Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2051- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Provide an Effective Date * Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 9-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Approving and Authorizing the Purchase of 114 and 122 Lafayette Avenue, Laurel, Maryland 20707, for the Purpose of Acquiring Real Property for City Operations * Adjournment

» Maryland Municipal League Excellence in Leadership Conference « The first three days of last week I was at a Fall Conference of municipal leaders from across the state held out in western Maryland near Deep Creek. Courses I took included Municipal Budgeting and Effective Meetings and I’ve now completed all 14 classes to be certified in municipal governance save one, which I’ll complete on Nov 13. Not only is it helpful to have collected this knowledge to enhance my ability to serve, but it was also invaluable to connect with municipal leaders around the state to share information and form helpful relationships for Laurel as well. » Laurel Citizens University « Laurel Citizens University kicked off on Thursday, Oct 2 and it was a pleasure to be there to help welcome participants and to help provide insights about the City’s legislative process – One thing I emphasized with those present is the preeminent importance their voice holds in the Council’s deliberations and to never feel shy or afraid to come and participate at Council Meetings. You can learn more about this program on the LCU dedicated page, and perhaps we’ll see you in a future class! (Photo credit: City of Laurel) » Troop 1250 Eagle Court of Honor for Noah Eng « On October 11, I represented the City at the Eagle Court of Honor for Noah Eng of Troop 1250 based on Laurel. It was among the most beautiful settings I’ve been in for an Eagle Court, and it was a true honor to be present to help witness this important moment in his and his family’s Scouting experience as well as share reflections. One of the items I shared was that the path to Eagle is one of collecting experiences and developing skills like placing tools in a hiking pack – And now that he’d reached his Eagle, he’ll be able to pull from that pack to serve those he encounters along his life journey ahead. Congratulations Noah and thanks for the invitation to your special day!

Data centers are the physical infrastructure that support our digital economy, yet their impacts, both positive and negative, are often overlooked in local governance discussions.

As the federal government shutdown lengthens, its effects unfortunately widen. Below, I’ve compiled a list of resources as a support to those impacted. Please also feel free to forward me any that come to your attention and I’m happy to add them to the list here. FOOD: * Laurel Multi-Service Center — Hot meals are served Monday thru Friday from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at 204 Fort Meade Road. * Capital Area Food Bank — In addition to already existing food support, CAFB has announced additional food distributions specifically for federal employees and contractors impacted by the shutdown starting on Oct 20. HOUSING: * Laurel Advoacy & Referral Services (LARS) — Financial assistance is available for mortgage, rent, utilities, and food; 311 Laurel Avenue; 301-776-0442 * Eviction/ Foreclosure Protection — Involuntarily furloughed federal employees may request Maryland courts to pause eviction or foreclosure proceedings during the shutdown. * Gas & Electric Protections — Utility companies cannot cut off service for unpaid bills starting on the 8th day of the shutdown and continuing 7 days after the shutdown ends. Contact your provider to verify eligibility and set up a payment plan. * Utility Assistance — PG County has assembled various utility assistance programs such as those through BGE and WSSC. INCOME: * Unemployment Insurance (UI) — Furloughed employees who are not working may apply. Repayment will be required once back pay is received. * Federal Shutdown Loan Program — Beginning October 6, “excepted” employees (working without pay) can apply for a $700 interest-free loan through the state. * Credit Unions and Banks — Many financial institutions are offering emergency loans, penalty-free withdrawals, payment deferrals, and other relief. Contact your bank or credit union for details. * MD Department of Veterans — One-time grant assistance is available to active-duty service members, National Guard/ Reserves, veterans, and Gold Star families. * MD 211 — Maryland’s most comprehensive health and human services information and referral system with over 7,500 resources including food, housing, bills, & more. HEALTH: * Health Resources via County — PG County has assembled various health related resources such as for mental health, pregnant women, lapsed health insurance, and care of uninsured. (Photo credit: Capital Area Food Bank)

We’re essentially two weeks away from the 2025 Laurel General Elections and here’s a perfect way to get familiar with and hear from the candidates running for office —> The Laurel Board of Trade (LBOT) will be hosting their Candidates Forum this Wednesday, October 22 from 6 - 9 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Laurel Municipal Center. You can come in-person; watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or watch live on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. LBOT is also collecting questions to distill down into the list posed to candidates over the course of the evening — So if you have any questions you’d like to see asked, they’ve asked if you can submit them via ‘direct message’ on their Facebook page. More details below and hope you can make it!

During Council’s Work Session held October 1, there was an update proposed to Laurel’s Code for “tourist homes” – these are essentially short-term rentals often facilitated via platforms like AirBnB, VRBO, and the like. Right now, Laurel’s Code reads that: * There can only be one tourist home per street, and * The rental period must be for three days or more The change proposed is that: * There is no limit on the number of tourist homes * There is no minimum number of days for the rental period Following the Work Session, the Ordinance was temporarily removed from the legislative calendar to allow more time for review and conversation – And I’d like to ask you, the residents of Laurel, to reach out to me with any feedback or thoughts you have on the topic so it can be incorporated into the conversation. Thank you as your input is critical toward helping shape legislation for our City! (Note: A proposed change was also to disallow tourist homes in multi-family units, like apartments.)

Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, October 25 from 2 - 4 p.m. to join with Laurel for the Patuxent in their official celebration event to mark the completion of the beautiful Robin Chandler mural now adorning the side of the Quik Stop Food Mart in the 500 block of Main Street. From L4P’s event page, where you can also RSVP: We will be gathered in front of the mural on 5th street. We’ll have live music and food, activities, you can meet the artist and friends and colleagues of Chan Robbins, and mingle with other bird lovers! Please park along Main St., in the Old Town neighborhood, or in one of the lots along Main St. It’s gonna be a lot of fun and great community-building event! (Photo credit: L4P)

From our Department of Public Works: Public Works is happy to bring back our October Recycling Drop-Off Event. Gather up your old, important papers, old electronics, lightly used home goods, certain Styrofoam products and your wet and dry paint - and come down to Public Works, 305-307 First Street, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon). This is a great semi-annual opportunity to clear out your house of the items that shouldn’t go into the normal trash stream and can pile up (I know I had to replace a TV that finally gave out this year, so I’ll be there). :) AND you can check off multiple of these ‘odd-items’ that would otherwise mean running to multiple locations: GreenDrop will be there for regular donations, paper shredder for secure document destruction, clear out computers including hard drive destruction, even recycle used paint (nominal fee for this one). Note: This is only for residents inside the City limits, and more details can be found on DPW’s related event page. See you there!

See the City of Laurel’s meeting page for the official record, and if any agenda item holds interest for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions. Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, you can sign-up by reaching out to the City Clerk’s office by 2 p.m. of the meeting day. (See my post for how to share your voice at Council Meetings.) AGENDA * Call to Order - Council President Kyla M. Clark * Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, MMC, Clerk * Report of the Mayor and City Council * Mayoral Appointments/Reappointments: Lakisha Muhammad, Historic District Commission, 10/15/25-10/15/28; Abisola Ude, Education Advisory Committee, 10/15/25-10/15/27; Ed Rowe, Public Safety and Transportation Committee, 10/15/25-10/15/27; Diane Van Hassel, No-Kill Community Animal Shelter CAC, 10/15/25-10/15/27; Maria Gonzales Jackson, Education Advisory Committee, 10/15/25-10/15/27 * General Public Hearing * Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2046- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Modify the Operation of the City of Laurel Employees Retirement Plan to Document a Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Retirees of January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2014. * Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2047- An Ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Modify the Operation of the City of Laurel Police Retirement Plan to Document a Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Retirees of January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2014. * Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2048- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date. * Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2049- An Ordinance Amending the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Provide an Effective Date. * Adjournment

September zipped by, but I wanted to be sure to highlight a few of the great events I had a chance to be a part of during the month. » Emancipation Day 5k « For over a hundred years, Laurel’s historic African American community has celebrated Emancipation Day, among the longest continuously running celebrations in the nation. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church has been at the heart of these celebrations, and in addition to the parade and picnic (featured below), has also hosted a 5K in recent years to benefit those impacted by diabetes. It was a pleasure to help celebrate and cheer runners on in the course of the morning, and many thanks to Jackie for her efforts in organizing the 5K which brought out scores, if not hundreds, of runners – congrats all! (Photo credit: City of Laurel) »Doggie Dip Day« It was a busy day, as shortly after the 5K I headed on over to the City’s Greenview Pool to witness a fun fest being had by canines and their owners as the pool wound down for the summer. I fully expected to get sopping wet with dogs shaking dry but happy to report that it only happened two or three times. ;) And while there were many dogs all running around having a good time and doggy paddling, everyone was well behaved (even the humans). ;) If your dog loves water and playing in groups, this has got to be one to mark down on your calendar for the Saturday after Labor Day each year. (Photo credit: City of Laurel) »Emancipation Day Parade« After a brief respite, it was back across town to help process in the annual Emancipation Day Parade starting at the Municipal Center and ending at the grounds around St. Mark’s. There were marchers, musicians, and dancers, and at the parade route’s end, food, music, games, and socializing. Thank you Rev. Walter Smith, Jr. and the St. Mark’s community for this important celebration with deep roots and meaning, and an honor to share in with you! (Photo credit: City of Laurel) »City Team Building Event« The over 200+ members of the City Team are diligent about their work day-in and day-out, but believe it or not, it’s rare that they have an opportunity to gather as one – That’s why events like the one in September bringing all the City Team together to connect and have fun can be a great opportunity. As I walked around, I was able to say “hi”, chat, and express thanks from residents to members of Public Works, Communications, Laurel Police, Parks & Rec, Budget, Emergency Operations, and more. And with everyone gathered as one, you can really see the breadth of what we as a City have to be able to support the people of Laurel. Thank you team for your care for our community! (Photo credit: City of Laurel)

Fall always brings the new school year, cooling temperatures, breezy leaves, and bundling up for winter – And, plenty of great annual Laurel traditions you’ll want to be sure to mark on your calendar – such as: * Final Farmer’s Market, Thursday, October 16 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Quill Lot on Main Street * Trick-or-Treat on Main Street, Thursday, October 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. * Harvest Moon Hayride & Bonfire, Friday, November 7 from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. at Riverfront Park * Veterans Day Flag Placements, Sunday, November 9 starting at 11 a.m. at Ivy Hill Cemetary * Holiday Parade & Armory Illumination, Saturday, December 6 from 3:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. along the parade path from Municipal Center and ending at Laurel Armory * Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Partnership Activity Center * And more! Hope you find opportunity to enjoy at least a few of above in the coming months, and please don’t hesitate to come up and say “hi” at any of these or other events we happen to be at! 👋🏼 😃

At this Wednesday’s Work Session, Council will be presented a proposal for potentially significant changes to the City’s youth curfew laws. The proposed Ordinance 2045 can be read in its entirety as part of the packet for the Oct 1 Work Session, but provisions include: * Removing reference to parental accountability for their child during school hours. * Enabling the Mayor to modify the curfew under emergency powers. * Fines for juveniles of $250 + 10 service hours for First Offense; $500 + 25 service hours for Second Offense; and $1,000 + 40 service hours for Third Offense * Parental civil liability up to $10,000 for damages caused by their children in connection with curfew violation. * Parental fine of $250 for Second Offense of their child; $500 for Third Offense of their child; $1,000 for Fourth and subsequent Offenses by their child Please reach out to me with any thoughts, suggestions, and observations, as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions. And you can watch the meeting either live or recorded using the links provided in my post with the meeting info.

Title: AN ACT CONCERNING HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT for the purpose of establishing the homestead property tax credit for the County property tax for the taxable year beginning July 1, 2026, as req...

I’ve seen a number of “Fix It Fairs” around our area and’ve always thought they were cool – And now Laurel has one of its own! We’ve all got various items around the house that have a small part broken, missing, or just doesn’t quite work right – You don’t want to throw it away because you know it just takes a knowledgeable hand and the right tool a few minutes to patch up, but maybe you don’t have one or the other. Well bring that item with you this Saturday, October 4 to the Multiservice Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and have skilled merchants there help you get that item back up and running (and not needlessly in a landfill somewhere). Items include: * Sharpening gardening tools, knives, and the like * Fabric repair on your clothing, backpack, and similar * Electronics battery corrosion, game controller drift, Bluetooth troubleshooting, etc. * Bike shifter adjustments, flat tires, brakes, and minor tune-ups Just use the QR code below to reserve your spot, then grab your item and come on out on Saturday. And if you’re just curious to see and learn what the skilled merchants are doing, I’m almost certain you can simply come on out to watch and pickup a few tips that’ll serve you well down the road. More details below and encourage you to check out!