Published on: Wednesday, December 12, 2012

By Peggy Dee

Hyattsville holiday tree

Friday was a lovely, cool evening when our mayor lit the holiday tree. There was a lively gathering at the event. People enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate. The children were delighted by a visit from old Santa himself. Take a ride by the park some evening and see our lighted tree and the silver and blue decorations.

Bazaars

It was so nice to see so many familiar faces at St. Jerome’s Bazaar and Craft Sale on Saturday, Dec. 1. Many people left St. Jerome’s and headed for the bazaar at DeMatha, which was held the same day.

More public parking

Our city officials hope a plan to add 176 public parking spaces to the city this month will increase commerce and spur development, particularly along U.S. Route 1.

The new spaces will add to the existing 246 spots, which are primarily located in a lot or on the street near the University Town Center, Toledo Road, and in a lot near Franklin’s Restaurant and Brewery.

New parking lots will open on Hamilton Street, Farragut Street and Jefferson Street, each near Route 1, adding 115 public spaces. The city also will add 61 on-street parking spaces on or near Route 1 and replace old meters for 46 existing spots on Route 1.

Progress

Our city had made so much progress in the last 10 years. It is so exciting to see these changes. Many of the residents, who have moved away, are amazed at the changes that they now see in our dear, old city.

Hyattsville history: 1962

Feeling it was time to promote the city’s image, Mayor Joseph Lilly named a public relations committee consisting of Chairman Julius “Jay” Kat,  Philip Montagne, Jacob Walker, Robert Kling and Charles Armentrout.