Purpose and Goals

The Committee for a Better Environment (“CBE”) serves the City of College Park by addressing environmental concerns that affect the quality of life of its residents.  The Committee and its activities are chartered by the Mayor & Council with the goal of providing guidance and leadership to the municipal government, as well as service and outreach to the community.

College Park Walkability Survey Results Report

 for the complete report in Adobe format click on the link below

 walkability survey results report.pdf

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Activities

In addition to its original role in promoting beautification, CBE has sponsored Earth Day and Arbor Day activities in College Park, and has provided support for local environmental projects and activities.  With the adoption of its new charter, however, CBE has begun to take a more active role in addressing planning and development concerns in our City and the Washington D.C. area.  These areas of concern include: public education; pollution reduction; recycling; commuter issues; noise and light abatement; bicycle and pedestrian trails; “Smart Growth”; environmental awareness; green-space preservation; awards programs; stream and roadside cleanup; sustainable landscaping; and regional planning.

Budget

For fiscal year 2003, the City appropriated $10,000 to CBE, to implement its programs and fund its activities.  Although money in the budget is targeted to specific goals outlined in its Charter, CBE is granted latitude in the actual use of its budgeted funds.

Composition

CBE is made up of City citizens with an interest in improving our environment and quality of life.  The Committee elects its own Chair, and receives assistance from the City Manager's Office. CBE membership is limited to a total of 25 individuals who are appointed by the Mayor & Council for renewable terms of 3 years.  Committee members serve without pay.

Meetings

With few exceptions, CBE meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 4500 Knox Road.  The City Clerk maintains a schedule of CBE meeting dates and times as a matter of public record.  The Chair of CBE works with Elisa M. Vitale, to prepare its meeting agenda, which is mailed to members of the Committee before each meeting.  Citizens who wish to propose items to the agenda should contact Elisa M. Vitale at least 2 weeks before the Committee meeting.

Green Initiatives

In an effort to mitigate our impact on the environment, the City of College Park has instituted the following practices and programs. more...

Cleaning up our act: Know someone who has started a garden? Cleaned up a street? Made their house more energy-efficient? College Park has a great way to give them a pat on the back (and $100 worth of green merchandise!): nominate them for one of the City's Green Awards! But move fast, because the deadline for entries is May 27th! Click here for more details

Committee for a Better Environment Brochures

During the past year, the College Park Committee for a Better Environment (CBE) created a new series of 10 brochures for residents and businesses. The brochures cover such topics as recycling, mosquitoes, rats, noise, grass clippings, composting, green awards, the tree fund, and information about the CBE. Click on the link to see the entire text for each of the brochures. All Brochures are in PDF Format.

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CBE Contacts

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