ORIGINAL PETITION TO STOP SIGNATURE CLUB EAST FROM ILLEGAL DEVELOPMENT in ACCOKEEK, MD

Keep Accokeek Green: Preserve Our Forest at Berry Road and Manning Road East

TO: Prince George's County Planning Board, Sydney Harrison County Council District 9 Representative, and County Executive Aisha Braveboy

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, residents and concerned citizens of Prince George's County, strongly oppose the proposed Signature Club East development (Applications CSP-23002 & TCP1-052-97-03) that would destroy 16.9 acres of mature forest for 300 apartment units and commercial space.

WE ARE CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS DEVELOPMENT WILL:

✓ WORSEN TRAFFIC DEATHS - Add 600+ vehicles to Highway 210, already one of Maryland's most dangerous highways, without safety improvements

✓ OVERCROWD OUR SCHOOLS - Push more children into our already overcrowded K-8 school that remains over capacity despite the new Fort Washington school

✓ INCREASE FLOODING - Eliminate 456,000 gallons of natural stormwater absorption capacity, putting our homes and businesses at greater risk

✓ DESTROY WILDLIFE HABITAT - Eliminate irreplaceable habitat for native birds, deer, foxes, and pollinators

✓ WORSEN CLIMATE CHANGE - Remove trees that absorb 33.8 tons of CO2 annually, contradicting the County's Climate Action Plan

✓ CREATE HEAT ISLANDS - Increase local temperatures by 5-9°F, threatening public health and increasing energy costs

✓ VIOLATE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS - Fail to comply with Maryland's Forest Conservation Act and County woodland preservation requirements

 WE THEREFORE DEMAND THAT:

1. The Planning Board DENY applications CSP-23002 and TCP1-052-97-03

2. If not denied, the Board must DEFER action until:

   - A comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement is completed

   - Alternative designs that preserve at least 50% of the forest are presented

   - Adequate time for meaningful public review is provided

   - Cumulative impacts with other area developments are assessed

3. The County prioritize sustainable development that:

   - Preserves existing forests and green infrastructure

   - Directs growth to already-developed areas

   - Protects residents from flooding and heat impacts

   - Maintains quality of life for current residents

OUR FORESTS ARE NOT EXPENDABLE. ONCE DESTROYED, THEY CANNOT BE REPLACED.

Prince George's County must choose between short-term development profits and long-term environmental sustainability. We urge you to stand with residents and protect our remaining forests.

SIGN BELOW TO SAVE OUR FOREST!

KEEP ACCOKEEK GREEN 💚 

 

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO?

 1. ATTEND THE HEARING - even if you aren't speaking!!! (details below)

Even if you don't speak, your presence matters!

 2. SIGN UP TO SPEAK

- Email: www.pgplanningboard.org/participate

- Deadline: July 8 at noon (you can also register onsite if you attend in-person)

- Just 3 minutes to save our forest!

 3. SPREAD THE WORD

- Share this flyer with neighbors

- Post on NextDoor and social media

- Every voice counts!

 4. CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

County Council District 9: Sydney Harrison, 301-952-3820

Tell them: "Vote NO on Signature Club East!

🚨 PLANNING BOARD HEARING 🚨

📅 WHEN: Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM 

📍 WHERE: 1616 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD  

⏰ DEADLINE: Sign up to speak by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, July 8

 

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