Downtown Largo: The Preview
District 6 County Councilmember Wala Blegay Hosts Presentations of New Projects Offering A Glimpse Of The City’s $1 Billion+ Future
Story And Photography By Raoul Dennis
Part 1 Of A Two-Part Series
For some, it was Wayne Curry's dream coming into reality. For others, it was a glimpse into what county residents have been seeking for decades. Still others wondered if the rush of progress might inadvertently push them out of the way.
No matter what the angle might have been, everyone in the standing room only presentation room on July 16 at the new Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission building in Largo sought to get a glimpse of what progress was being made in what has been touted the ‘new downtown’ – and how it might change their lives.
For over two decades, residents have longed for high-end, white tablecloth restaurants, walkable spaces populated with quaint bistros, first-class retail shopping, state-of-the-art homes, apartments, and galleries. The presentations included the Civic Plaza, Cultural Center, and Central Library.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy, who grew up in central Prince George’s and attended Largo High School, reflected on how far the dream has come.
“About 20 years ago when I worked for county government, there was a lot of conversation by then councilmember Sam Dean about ‘downtown Largo’ and I remember thinking ‘Wow, that's a great idea but who's going to start it? What are we going to do about making that ever come to fruition?’ Through the years I think the vision of downtown Largo never got lost but the timing was off back then, and the timing is right now,” she said.
“This has been a long time coming,” said County Councilmember Wala Blegay (D-Dist. 6) at the start of the meeting. “Many of you may ask ‘what has taken so long?’ There were a lot of moving pieces that weren’t moving and some that were. Rather than just continue waiting, waiting, and waiting, I decided that it was time to update you on things that are happening.”
Indeed, Blegay stood shoulder to shoulder with County Executive Aisha Braveboy and the new M-NCPPC Chair Darryl Barnes and introduced project presentations by ten project, civic and cultural planners. They include (but not limited to) PJ Benenati, Design Collective (the Civic Plaza), Skibiniski, Planner III, Project Manager MNCPPC, Rhonda Dallas, CEO and Chief Curator Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (Civic Plaza & Cultural Center Art), Charles Frazier, (Gateway Largo Station Site Plan), Heather Dlhopolsky, Wire Gill LLP (9611 Lottsford Rd – Site Plan), Omar Karim, President Banneker Ventures (Pavilion at Lottsford – Site Plan).
Representatives from the Prince George’s County Arts and Humanities Council presented the Cultural Center initiative, and Park and Planning provided an overview of the Blue Line Corridor revitalization effort that includes areas surrounding Largo.
Presentations covered site developers’ imaginings for several apartment complexes replete with luxury amenities that include everything from outdoor rooftop kitchens to widened sidewalks and ambiently lit walkways. Additional presentations displayed culturally inspired Blue Line corridor designs and artworks. All told, over $1 billion in public private investment is being invested in development in Largo, according to M-NCPPC.
“I'm beyond excited. I am on day number six,” said newly appointed M-NCPPC Chair Darryl Barnes. “I can't be more excited and thankful for the county executive believing in me enough to put me in this position. At the end of the day, it's all about creating an opportunity where we all win. All of us have to win with what we're doing here.”
The event included feedback from residents.
“This meeting is an important step in ensuring transparency, community engagement, and accountability as we shape the future of Downtown Largo,” said Council Member Blegay. “We want our residents to have a voice in what is being built in their community.”
Part 2: First-class living has a first-class price tag.
