April 2025 Worksession and Updates
Nicole Bryner
Hello! I created this Google Group to share information about Ward 3 and Cheverly. If you would like to be removed from this list, please use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.
As I’ve been doing a lot lately, I want to take a moment to share my perspective on the current election discourse.
The Cheverly Exchange is a valuable space, but as a Councilmember, I don’t engage with it in an official capacity. It’s not because I don’t care—I do. It’s just that engaging fully would mean reviewing dozens of messages daily, identifying those relevant to Ward 3, researching background, and crafting thoughtful responses. That’s a level of involvement I can’t realistically sustain—especially when I’m focused on doing my best in the roles I’ve already committed to. I don’t want to set a precedent I can’t always follow through on.
Instead, I stay in touch through this newsletter and by responding quickly to direct emails and texts. I count on residents—especially those in Ward 3—to reach out to me directly when they have questions or need support. On the Exchange, I mostly stick to offloading outgrown toys—and on many days, I don’t look at the digests at all.
Recently, some concerns have been raised—and certain implications made—about transparency and integrity, directed at myself and other elected officials. This stemmed from a list of 16 questions posted on the Exchange—a private listserv—by a resident outside my ward. I wasn’t contacted directly about the existence of the questions before being publicly criticized numerous times for not answering them.
If that’s how a few folks on the Exchange are choosing to talk about me, I can’t control that. What I can offer—and will continue to offer—is honesty, accessibility, and respect for every resident I serve. If you ever have a question or concern, I’m just an email or text away.
I’ll also be at the CAACO Candidate Forum tomorrow, and I hope many of you will join in person or online. Questions were submitted in advance, and I expect the conversation will touch on much of what’s been discussed recently. I also plan to share a post-Forum FAQ here to help address anything that comes up.
Let’s try to give one another the benefit of the doubt. A little grace goes a long way.
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A reminder that early voting ballots must be requested by April 28. Since election day is just ten days away, I recommend opting to pick up and drop off ballots at Town Hall rather than using mail. https://www.cheverly-md.gov/266/Mail-In-Voting
MEETINGS
April 24 Work Session
Agenda can be found here.
You can watch recordings of all town meetings here.
Office of Human Rights
A representative from the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights gave a brief presentation about their work to address and prevent discrimination based on protected class. Their efforts include:
Investigating reports of discrimination in employment, housing, education, law enforcement, and public accommodationsEnsuring language access for all county government functionsIdentifying and preventing human traffickingHosting public events and outreach to raise awareness and promote equity
I encourage everyone to visit their website and learn more about the scope of their work: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/human-rights. Their role is broader than many realize and potentially helpful in a variety of circumstances.
WMATA
A few months ago, as more federal employees began returning to offices, I asked Mr. Galloway to check in with WMATA about the limited availability in the Cheverly Metro parking lot. At the time, only about a third of the lot was open.
Since then, much more of the lot has been made accessible. Last night, a WMATA representative shared updates on ridership, solar panels, and the upcoming Better Bus Network plan.
Key takeaways:
No plans to close the Cheverly station—The representative said this on camera, so hopefully that assuages some fears! Riidership is back to pre-COVID levels.
Solar panels in the lot now generate enough electricity to power 280 homes. The installation is nearly complete and expected to wrap up by summer. The current panel structure is permanent—there’s no additional covering planned. I know some folks were hopeful it would be watertight eventually.
Metro service is improving: Half of all Silver Line trains will soon begin and end at New Carrollton. This is in addition to Orange Line service, meaning better frequency of trains. Riders should keep an eye out and board any train headed to New Carrollton—Silver or Orange.
Better Bus Network launching in June: All bus route numbers (including TheBus) will change, along with some routes. If you ride the bus, make sure to check this page: https://wmata.com/initiatives/plans/Better-Bus/Resources.cfm
Stop Sign Monitoring Cameras
We had the chance to ask more questions of Obvio, the proposed vendor for stop sign cameras, and Chief Morris during last night’s meeting. Many thanks to Ward 3 residents who raised thoughtful concerns about privacy, surveillance, and data collection during last week’s hearing.
You know I’ve pushed for pedestrian safety improvements like speed cameras on Route 202 and stop signs at Kilmer and Laurel. But I view stop sign cameras differently—they’re smaller, more embedded in residential areas, and more likely to capture everyday life. That’s why I believe we need to proceed thoughtfully, ensuring transparency and neighborhood input.
I reiterated my call for a resident advisory body to review new technologies in town and shared an idea from a Ward 3 resident: to use a process similar to our speed hump petition (60% approval from impacted residents) for approving stop sign cameras.
We’ve asked for more data from the vendor on the effectiveness of this technology. Financially, these cameras are expected to be cost-neutral, not revenue-generating. Since the company is only two years old, we also discussed the pros and cons of being early adopters. Data privacy and security will be a key area for follow-up.
The Policy Subcommittee will now begin drafting a process for potential adoption and implementation. The full Council will review it in an upcoming work session.
As always, I welcome your feedback.
Fence Variance
The Council unanimously approved a resident’s request to replace a chain-link fence with a wooden one of the same size and location. While I don’t usually include variance approvals in this newsletter, I want to highlight a discussion we had about possibly revising the Code. Currently, even replacing a fence with the same dimensions but a different material requires Council approval. That may be worth reevaluating. Stay tuned.
Hometown Heroes
We briefly discussed the installation process for the Hometown Heroes banners introduced in our January work session. These banners will allow families to honor local veterans with a photo displayed on a utility pole. More information will be shared through Town News and Announcements.
Odds and Ends
Earth Day Opportunity
There will be an Earth Day cleanup at Quincy Run this Saturday, April 26. Meet behind the Publick Playhouse at 11 AM; cleanup will run until 1 PM. No registration required—just show up! Quincy Run was especially impacted by the recent water main break on Kilmer, so your help would be appreciated.
Community Spring Cleanup/Dumpster Day
Got stuff at home to be shredded or disposed of safely? Don’t forget tomorrow is Dumpster Day! More information here: Dumpster Day (Large Trash, Paper Shredding, Medication Disposal)
Air Monitor Letter
As mentioned in my last newsletter, the Town has officially sent the request for a Federal Air Monitor.
Kilmer Park Entrance
Thank you to the Friends of Kilmer Street Park and Arboretum and Cheverly Home Improvement’s Dave Bowen for coordinating repairs to the brick entrance with donated labor. Work should begin in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for activity in the area.
2025 Prince Georges Beautification Awards
Call for Entries for the 2025 Prince Georges Beautification Awards! The Prince Georges County Beautification Awards Program honors those who have contributed to the community through excellence in gardening and landscape design. You are encouraged to apply on your own behalf or nominate a friend or neighbor whose property you consider beautiful.
Budget
Mayor and Council have been reviewing the FY26 budget. We've gone through General Government, Police, and Public Works. Next, we’ll look at the full picture, including Capital Improvement Projects. As I mentioned previously, I’m impressed with staff efforts to control costs and avoid tax increases. I’ll continue to keep you updated.
Election Information
Town elections are May 5. Voter Information is here. I'm running for re-election as your Ward 3 Councilmember, and if you’ve found these newsletters helpful, I’d be honored to have your vote. I also have a few yard signs left if you’d like to show your support publicly! I’ve been truly encouraged by the support I’ve received this election season. It’s a privilege to represent such a kind, engaged, and community-minded ward.
A voter registration drive will be held tomorrow, April 26 from 8 AM to noon and from 1 PM to 5 PM. You do not need to be registered in Maryland to vote in Cheverly. This is also the first election where 16- and 17-year-olds can vote, so I encourage all eligible teens to make their voices heard!
Thank you for staying engaged! Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or feedback.
Best,
Nicole Bryner
Cheverly Ward 3 Councilmember
Where to find me
Email: CMW...@cheverly-md.gov
Text, WhatsApp, Phone: 301.892.6384
Have a neighbor who would appreciate these newsletters? Send them this link to sign up!
Upcoming Events
For more information about these and other events, check out the town newsletter
April 26
8am-noon
Town Hall
April 26
1pm
Hybrid
April 26
8am-noon
1pm-5pm
Town Hall
Budget Meeting
May 1
7:00pm
Hybrid
CPRC Spring Festival
May 3
Details TBD
May 5
7am – 8pm
Town Hall
Tentative: Constant Yield Tax Hearing
May 6
6:00pm
Hybrid
Final Budget Review
May 7
7:00pm
Hybrid
Town Meeting (First Reader of Budget)
May 8
8:00pm
Hybrid
Town Worksession (Second Reader of Budget)
May 22
7:30pm
Hybrid
Cheverly Day
Saturday October 4
Have you thought about getting more involved around town? We know that people love the sense of community here in Cheverly, and so many of the good things around town are driven by volunteers! Some opportunities:
Planning Board: Exploring future development plans and opportunities in and around town and advising Town Council on related issues
Recreation Council: Planning and executing some of the town’s favorite events, like the Halloween Parade, Easter Egg Hunt, Pickleball Tournaments, and Flea Markets
CERT (Cheverly Emergency Response Team): Responding to and planning for emergencies and natural disasters, supporting large scale town events to ensure everyone’s safety
Board of Elections: Planning and running town-wide elections
Police Chief’s Advisory Board: Connecting with residents around public safety issues and policies and making recommendations to the Chief of Police about community’s articulated needs and perspectives
Cheverly Day Committee: Planning and executing Cheverly Day
If any of these sound like your cup of tea, please let me know! I’d be happy to connect you with the right folks for a conversation.
Do you have a talent you are interested in sharing with the town, but it doesn’t line up exactly with one of these? Get in touch and we’ll see if there isn’t a town org or ad hoc committee that would work.