Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission
Maryland Historical Trust
Which part of “shall” is unclear?A quick quiz for Prince George’s County. The County Charter says: “The County Executive shall appoint the members of all boards and commissions.” Subtitle 29 of the County Code creates a nine-member Historic Preservation Commission to protect the County’s historic sites and districts. Shall. Not “may.” Not “might, if we get around to it.” Shall. Here’s where things stand. The HPC has six of its nine seats filled. Three nominees were approved and have been waiting on the County Executive since January. That’s nine months. You can grow an entire human being in nine months. Meanwhile, the volunteer commissioners (no salary, no per diem, no budget) keep showing up to review Historic Area Work Permits and preservation tax credits. But with a bench this thin, a couple of absences or recusals can leave us without a quorum. No quorum means no decision, and homeowners who are waiting on a permit or a tax credit keep waiting. Sooner or later, one of them will ask a judge why the County isn’t following its own law. That’s a bill taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for a problem that takes three signatures to fix .So here’s a rhetorical question for our elected officials: what exactly does “shall” mean in Upper Marlboro these days? If you care about Prince George’s County’s history, and about a government that follows its own laws, ask them. Politely. Repeatedly. It’s election season, after all. John Peter Thompson, Chair
? ATTENTION PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY RESIDENTS & HOMEOWNERS ?
Why does this matter to homeowners in Brandywine, Baden, Croom, Aquasco, Upper Marlboro and throughout Prince George’s County? The County’s official Historic Preservation Commission webpage currently lists six active commissioners and three vacancies on its nine-member commission. HPC Chair John Peter Thompson has publicly raised critical concerns about delayed appointments and the warning that these vacancies threaten the Commission’s ability to maintain a quorum. Without a quorum, the Commission is legally unable to take official action, potentially freezing decisions affecting historic property owners who are waiting on regular property maintenance or structural right-of-way reviews. Residents deserve answers:
• Have three nominees already been approved? • Why have the vacancies remained unfilled for nine months? • Have any permit applications, minor subdivision reviews, or hearings been delayed? • When will the County complete the appointment process?
We encourage residents to respectfully but repeatedly request answers from newly elected County Executive Aisha Braveboy and the Prince George’s County Council, including our newly elected District 9 representative Tamara Davis Brown, she is very experienced in these matters. It is time for our government to follow its own charter laws! Official HPC Information: https://www.pgplanning.org/focus-areas/historic-preservation/historic-preservation-commission/
BrandywineMD.com — Keeping Southern Prince George’s County Informed
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Dear County Executive Braveboy and Members of the Prince George County Council, I am writing as a Prince George’s County resident and publisher of BrandywineMD.com to request an explanation and prompt action concerning vacancies on the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). According to the County Planning Department’s official website, the nine-member Historic Preservation Commission currently has six listed members and three vacant seats. HPC Chair John Peter Thompson has publicly stated that three nominees have been awaiting final appointment action since January 2026. I respectfully request confirmation of the nominees’ current status, including whether all required approvals have been completed and what actions remain outstanding. These vacancies raise concerns for homeowners, property owners, and residents throughout Prince George’s County. The Commission reviews matters involving historic properties, Historic Area Work Permits, preservation tax credits, and other preservation responsibilities. An insufficient number of available commissioners could affect meeting quorums and delay decisions on applications.I respectfully request written responses to the following questions:
1. Have three nominees been approved for appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission, and if so, on what dates?
2. What remaining administrative or legal steps are necessary before these appointments become effective?
3. Why have the three seats remained vacant, and what is the anticipated timeline for filling them?
4. Have any HPC meetings, hearings, permit decisions, or preservation tax-credit matters been postponed because of insufficient attendance or a lack of quorum?
5. What procedures are in place to protect applicants from unnecessary delays while vacancies remain?
I recognize that the County Executive and County Council have distinct responsibilities under the County Charter and applicable county law. I ask each office to address the steps within its authority.Prince George’s County has an important responsibility to preserve its historic sites while providing residents with a reliable and timely review process. I respectfully request a written response within 15 business days, if possible.Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,Sean S. LaGrand Publisher, BrandywineMD.com Brandywine, Maryland web@brandywinemd.com References: Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission: https://www.pgplanning.org/focus-areas/historic-preservation/historic-preservation-commission/
Prince George’s County Council — Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee: https://www.pgccouncil.us/438/Planning-Housing-and-Economic-Development
Prince George’s County Executive: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/county-government/county-executive
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