ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 19, 2002) -- Governor Parris N. Glendening today approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) creating a permanent panel made up of representatives from the State, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties to address day laborers, transportation and safety issues facing the Crossroads region. A day labor site selection team also has been named and will begin meeting in the coming weeks.

     "We are taking aggressive steps to work with local jurisdictions to better meet the needs of all Marylanders," said Governor Glendening. "By creating a permanent commission to address the unique and diverse needs of the Crossroads region, we ensure that day labor, public safety, transit and other important issues in this region are addressed in a coordinated and effective manner."

     The Crossroads region, an area emanating outward from the intersection of University Boulevard and New Hampshire Avenue, has been the subject of a Task Force study since July 2001. The Commission on Crossroads Development was established in response to the Crossroads Task Force report. The Task Force reviewed the needs of day laborers, balanced against the concerns of the community, and concluded that existing day labor sites all have shortcomings. The new site selection team will identify specific locations for a new day labor employment facility.

     The selection team will be chaired by Steve Cassard, Assistant Secretary for Real Estate, Maryland Department of General Services, and will be assisted by Len Foxwell, Director of Washington Area Transit Programs for the Maryland Transit Administration. Two officials from Prince George's County and two officials from Montgomery County (one from Takoma Park) will round out the site selection team.

     "We are pleased the Governor and Lt. Governor have addressed the community's request for better communication among the three jurisdictions and have approved the request to create a permanent commission to ensure further positive progress in the Crossroads region," said Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary David S. Iannucci. "The appointment of the site selection team will move this area closer to a long term solution to community concerns."

     Transit issues like bus overcrowding are among the most serious concerns in the Crossroads region. To address this and other transit issues, the Task Force recommended a new Takoma-Langley Transit Center. The site would be user-friendly and offer immediate and near-term bus overcrowding relief. The expansion of the Metro with a new Purple Line was also supported to create transit alternatives along Maryland's Capital Beltway corridor, boosting business and easing overall transit overcrowding. The Task Force also supported "TheBus," a transit line that has already been established to connect the Crossroads region with employment centers in Beltsville.

     In an effort to alleviate crime, the Task Force recommended enlarging the boundaries of the HotSpots program to increase crime-fighting efforts and also supported the establishment of a drug and alcohol treatment facility in the area. The Task Force further recommended that the three police departments involved with this area share a common communications system, as well as crime analysis and community relations information.

     The MOU will create the Commission on Crossroads Development in order to continue the work of the Task Force on a permanent basis. The Commission will consist of 21 members. The MOU will be officially signed by the affected jurisdictions in the coming weeks.

     "The City of Takoma Park is pleased to be working in partnership with Montgomery and Prince George's Counties on these very important issues," said Takoma Park Mayor Kathy Porter. "The Crossroads Task Force is an opportunity for us to jointly develop ways to address the concerns of the immigrant population, as well as the needs of the businesses in this area."

     "It's important to have a vehicle for the three jurisdictions (Prince George's, Montgomery County and Takoma Park) to communicate and work to resolve common issues, as well as pursue the resources needed to address regional issues," said Wayne K. Curry, Prince George's County Executive."I'm pleased that the needs of this diverse region will now be addressed by a permanent body," said Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "The continued coordination between the State and Montgomery and Prince George's Counties and the City of Takoma Park is critical to meeting the transportation, public safety and employment needs in this area."

     A copy of the full Task Force report is available in the "Press Room" of the Department of Business and Economic Development's website (www.choosemaryland.org)

CONTACT:

Dave Humphrey, Director of External Affairs
DGS Office of External Affairs
410-767-4652
E-MAIL: Dave.Humphrey@dgs.state.md.us

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