PGCPS Considers Altering School Start Times
The Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) system is considering standardizing school start times, something that parents across the county will undoubtedly welcome.
Currently, schools that are mere streets away from each other may have start times that vary by as much as an hour, and school leaders say this has contributed to transportation issues in the county.
“Our focus is clear: to provide students with safe, punctual transportation, while enhancing customer service for all involved,” said Keba Baldwin, the school system’s director of transportation. “We firmly believe these recommendations will swiftly bring about improvements in on-time arrivals, transportation safety and timely communications.”
PGCPS leaders will propose that all elementary schools start at 7:30 AM, all middle schools and academies start at 8:30 AM, and all high schools start at 9:30 a.m.
The time changes would also affect dismissal times. With these changes, 90% of schools would receive 15 minutes or less of a time shift. If approved, the school will begin during the 2024-2025 school year.
Local Chef Advances in Cooking Tournament
Former NFL player and owner of Huncho House Tobias Dorzon is in the quarterfinals for the Food Network show Tournament of Champions. The owner of the Hyattsville, Maryland-based restaurant is proud to represent Prince George’s on the national stage.
In the show, hosted by Guy Fieri, competitors have to use random equipment and ingredients of the judge’s choosing to test their culinary skills outside of their familiar palate.
He will be competing head to head with 2021 Tournament of Champions winner Manet Chauhan, who specializes in Indian fusion cuisine.
“When I’m in the kitchen, I’m just creating things. It gives me the opportunity just to see people smile, see people happy from what food can do for them,” said Dorzon, adding that he hopes to add a second location in the county.
National Harbor Hotel Sold for $47 Million
The Hampton Inn & Suites in National Harbor was sold to northern Virginia-based SAK Developers for $47 million, roughly $305,000 for each of the 154 rooms.
The hotel sits just across from the MGM National Harbor, a bustling hotel, casino, dining and entertainment venue.
SAK owns other hotels, including six across Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.
Miami Developer Plans Upper Marlboro Development
Miami-based developer Global City Development is planning a primarily residential mixed-use community of over 1,000,000 square feet in Upper Marlboro.
The potential site, called the Carozza Property, would host an estimated 600 residential units and 50,000 square feet of retail on Marlboro Pike.
The property sits on 60 wooded acres neighboring Joint Base Andrews.
Their plans have been received by the county’s land use agency and the initial application was approved in late March.
