Amazon’s “National Landing” development will bolster the regional economy. However, I wonder if Prince George’s County elected officials will place a greater emphasis on “smart growth.“
In order to capture potential residents the county should consider extending the purple line to National Harbor and Alexandria, while also intensifying density along Blue and Silver-line corridor and improving the school system.
Although, I’m relatively new to Prince George’s County, I see the potential for growth and gaining desirability akin to other inner-Beltway suburban communities such as Arlington, Montgomery County, and Fairfax County. However, it is up to political willpower to invest in neighborhoods that have been disinvested for years, (such as Marlow Heights, Capitol Heights, Suitland, Oxon Hill) – instead of pursuing sprawl-y projects such as the Konterra Town Center.
It is pertinent for the county to have an image that is inclusive, and sustainable for the development community and outsiders. If the status quo continues in the form of suspicious “call-up” development reviews, a dysfunctional school system, and elected officials facing criminal charges, it will perpetuate the cycle of inequality of growth for Prince George’s County when compared to Western Beltway communities. The image has improved, but it has a way to go.
– Gerald Joseph
Joseph is originally from Tampa, Florida, and practices Social Work in Alexandria, Virginia. He is an urbanist who appreciates the diversity and cultural amenities of the Washington, D.C., region. He lives in Capitol Heights. He can be found on Twitter under the handle @GeraldUNF.
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