Furthering a relationship between this university and the city remains a top goal this year for city officials and university liaisons. 

Increased ties between residents and students could help improve the quality of life for both parties, said Prince George’s County Police District 1 Cmdr. Daniel Weishaar, who gave opening remarks at last night’s City Council meeting. 

“We’ve got top quality officers assigned here to District 1, and we have a great relationship with the community here,” Weishaar said. “We will strive to make that relationship stronger and make College Park a safe place.”

Weishaar previously served as Prince George’s County Police District 1 Captain, District 1 Assistant Commander and Commander of District 6, which covers Beltsville. He replaced Robert Brewer, who was the District 1 Commander for the last two years. 

“This is the fourth time I’ve been assigned here to District 1, so it’s like coming home,” he said. “I started my career here, and now I’m back here as commander.”

Junior journalism major Jatara McGee, who addressed the council as the reigning Miss College Park, said it’s also important to build connections with local children and families. 

“I love being able to be an ambassador on campus as well as for the city,” McGee said. “It’s a very unique and special experience to be able to represent the two simultaneously.”

As Miss College Park, McGee has participated in College Park Princess, a program through the Miss College Park Scholarship pageant for girls ages 5 to 12, McGee said. They’ve held tea parties, holiday events and other outings to provide a positive environment as the girls mature while enabling them to enjoy being kids, she said.

“These young ladies are taught that they are not only princesses when they hold their crowns but every day of their lives, and that is a life-changing lesson,” McGee said.

The $2,200 scholarship that comes with winning the pageant has allowed McGee to explore her interests without feeling the weight of a financial burden. 

“This scholarship gave me the opportunity to be a Terp and all that comes with it, instead of being overwhelmed,” she said. “I truly understand the value of scholarship and am forever grateful to all of those who invested in the College Park Pageant and in turn invested in my dream.”

Following McGee’s presentation, city council members discussed how they could help develop more community and university partnerships.

District 3 Councilwoman Stephanie Stullich said she supports a partnership between the two parties toward downtown redevelopment and revitalization.

“There is a lot of potential to transform and revitalize our downtown in a way that is consistent with the Route 1 sector plan, but also bring some higher quality development and retail and restaurant options to our downtown as well as potentially housing for faculty and staff and professionals,” Stullich said.

This concept plan specifically calls for redevelopment between College Avenue and Guilford Road, which District 1 Councilman Patrick Wojahn said has the potential to impact the area greatly.

“I’m really excited about the concept we are putting in place here,” Wojahn said. “It’s very likely that in five to 10 years College Park will be a very different city.”

During the Neighborhood Stabilization and Quality of Life Workgroup session, council members discussed several issues presented by the work group and possible strategies to mend them. They mentioned progress on initiatives such as encouraging community development, adding opportunities for staff and graduate housing, improving safety and security and discussing the possible expansion of on-campus tailgates. 

“In the area of community building, changing culture takes time and effort,” said Carlo Colella, administration and finance vice president at this university. “We’re really pleased with the progress we’ve made together.”

CORRECTIONS: A version of this story misquoted District 3 Councilwoman Stephanie Stullich. She said “Route 1 sector plan,” not “Route 1 center plan.” Also, Carlo Colella was misidentified; he is administration and finance vice president, not facilities management assistant vice president. This story has been updated to reflect these corrections.