The timing appears strategic. District Heights evolved from farmland into a post-World War II enclave for federal workers and veterans. Now, as Prince George’s County experiences a surge in technology and cybersecurity firms, District Heights wants its share of the prosperity. City Manager David Street emphasizes the municipality’s readiness to compete: “We’re a very quiet, safe pocket within the bustling and active Washington DC beltway. We’re within 15 minutes of major metro stations, but we’ve maintained that quiet residential character that’s attractive to both people who live here and prospective residents.”The city’s average household income of $95,144 exceeds the national average, though it trails neighboring Montgomery and Fairfax counties, a gap city leaders aim to close through strategic development initiatives. REVITALIZING MARLBORO PIKE After a year of planning and public engagement, District Heights has shifted from strategizing to executing its commercial corridor transformation. The appointment of Darren Swain as Economic Development Director signals this transition. Swain brings fresh perspective to a corridor where commercial space currently leases between $25 and $35 per square foot annually, rates the city considers undervalued. “We’re in the process of doing our proper analysis of our commercial corridor,” Swain explains.“Our goal is not to reinvent the wheel. It’s to really look at some of those examples that are happening here in the region, certainly in Prince George’s County, that are actually taking root as we speak.” He points to Route 1 corridor and College Park’s integration of municipal facilities with retail development as models worth emulating. Street underscores the city’s willingness to invest alongside private developers. “The government is willing to put skin in the game,” he states.“We’ll come to a joint venture with land, financing, cash, whatever it takes to really be that first spark of redevelopment.” This approach aligns with broader county trends, where public-private partnerships have attracted major investments like the $543 million University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. The existing commercial landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. “A lot of our existing commercial developments are sixties, seventies, eighties strip centers,” Street notes. “They’re set far back from the street.They’re heavily parked up front, and it’s just not an inviting environment to drive through.” With land pricing favorable for acquisition and redevelopment, the city sees potential for transformation. Vice Mayor Gyasi Gomez captures 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD
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