Hyattsville Middle School

Will you be encroaching on neighborhood properties?

We will be re-orienting the school on the existing site. There will be no encroaching on neighborhood properties.

You need to be meeting with the neighborhood which will be impacted for three years of construction. How will you do this? Who will be the contact?

We will communicate to the community through bi-monthly town halls. Town hall announcements are sent to elected officials, civic and community organizations, the PTO, the City of Hyattsville, parents, as well as the growing list of neighborhood participants who attend. Our team is also available to meet with groups separate and apart from the town halls. All efforts will be led by the PGCPS Office of Public-Private Partnerships.

With virtual learning in place will staff be afforded the opportunity to retrieve items from the building before demolition?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

It is a strange layout in terms of the school. It's like the parking and field are taking up most of the lot. The school seems oddly placed in the smallest part of the land. The school will be in the lowest and wettest part of the land. How will the land be regraded?

The new school will be sited on the highest elevation on the property and the property will be regraded to accommodate the new site plan.

Will the site be regraded? It is on multiple levels now. Will it stay that way or will the ground be leveled?

Yes. The site will be regraded to accommodate the siting of the new school, parking lots, and the athletic field.

What is the cladding on the outside of the building? What are the building materials?

The exterior cladding of the building will be metal.

Have you started discussions with the city about Oglethorpe and routing all traffic on the road? It is incredibly narrow and the roads around the school are a maze of one way streets.

We have begun discussions with DPIE and the City of Hyattsville re the traffic plan and the surrounding streets.

Will there be fencing on the site that limits the pedestrian access points?

Yes. There will be security fencing around the perimeter of the school to direct pedestrians to specific access points to ensure safety and security of the site.

Are you looking at annexing people’s property for any aspect of the rebuild?

No additional property will be annexed to build on the site.

It's important that the school is built in a sustainable way - zero emissions school.

Thank you for your comment.

Hyattsville Middle School just became a Green School last year. They have to re-certify in 2022. Will any of the infrastructure take that into consideration during construction?

The new Hyattsville Middle School will be LEED Silver.

Will you exterminate the building prior to demo? Are you aware of the vermin who live there now? How will you prevent a massive exit of vermin into our neighborhoods?

The construction team will exterminate the building prior to and during the demolition to prevent a massive exit of vermin.

Who is supervising demo? How will you protect adjacent properties from asbestos and other particulate materials? What guidelines will you follow?

MDE's regulatory function occurs through a coordinated effort with the GC and MDE (Maryland Department of Environment). The demolition process is broken into two phases. The first phase is identifying and removing any hazardous materials on the site. A notification goes directly to the MD department of Environment to start the selective demolition process. Then, a certified hygienist will observe the work for safety measures for the workers and immediate environment. Once the project gets a clean bill of health to raise the building, a permit will be submitted to the county to raise the building. Specific demolition needs will be address to complete all regulated processes under MD Department of Environment.

Who will supervise the collection and disposal of hazardous materials? Who do we contact if we have a problem?

The General Contractor and 3rd Party Inspector will be responsible to supervise the collection and disposal of hazardous materials. There are very clear guidelines and requirements provided by the MD department of Environment. A POC will be added to the program website, www.pgcpsblueprintschools.com, at the start of demolition.

Why aren't you offering to buy out those two properties?

It is not part of our plans or budget to purchase the two homes on Oglethorpe.

How much grading will you be doing on the current property? Please be specific.

This will be finalized upon approval of the site development plan.

Will you infringe on any property?

No.

Our home is very near the school. What should we expect in terms of construction noise and dust? What steps are you taking to minimize disruption?

MDE's regulatory function occurs through a coordinated effort with the GC and MDE (Maryland Department of Environment). The demolition process is broken into two phases. The first phase is identifying and removing any hazardous materials on the site. A notification goes directly to the MD department of Environment to start the selective demolition process. Then, a certified hygienist will observe the work for safety measures for the workers and immediate environment. Once the project gets a clean bill of health to raise the building, a permit will be submitted to the county to raise the building. Specific demolition needs will be address to complete all regulated processes under MD Department of Environment.

It looks like Hyattsville ordinance states no power tools until after 8 a.m. Do you have special permission to start at 7 a.m.?

You are correct. All construction activities will, in fact, begin at 8:00 a.m. per City of Hyattsville's noise ordinance.

What about city ordinances?

You are correct. All construction activities will, in fact, begin at 8:00 a.m. per City of Hyattsville's noise ordinance.

How close to the existing fence line will the new fence line be... and will you remove the old fence?

Currently, our site plans calls for fencing along the east of the site. However, we will work with neighbors to find the optimal barrier.

Is the site going to be graded closer to the level of 42nd? Currently it sits high above the street and the pictures make it appear lower.

The existing grade will be maintained on the perimeter at the property. We will not regrade the property.

How will Oliver Street be affected?

Oliver Street to the north is a one-way street. There will be construction activity on Oliver Street to widen the road. It will be a quick operation to help navigate oncoming traffic.

What will be done to deal with rodent abatement?

Typical a rodent company will set traps around the parameter of the site to keep any infestation confined. The goal is to control and remove the rodent population.

The city has to install drainage provisions along the northern edge along Oliver alley.

DPIE and Hyattsville Department of Public Works will ensure that the site development plan meets all stormwater management and drainage requirements.

Does the school system own the south west corner?

PGCPS owns the entire school site.

Safety/Security

Will there be a crossing guard or speed bumps/lighted stop signs/other pedestrian safety features at Oliver and 42nd?

We are working with the City of Hyattsville and the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) to ensure that the Hyattsville site adheres with all regulations and the site is best designed to minimally impact the surrounding community.

Where are fire lanes?

Fire lanes are located at the parameter of the building and the front of the building.

Oliver is a major walking road. Will pedestrians be safe?

Yes. All construction activities will comply with local, state and federal regulations and standards.

Swing Space Logistics

*Swing space meeting questions are in the process of being reviewed and answered by PGCPS staff. Please check back soon for updates*

Will the 2021-2022 school year be at HMS and not the swing spaces?

Staff and students will be relocated to either Robert Goddard Montessori or Meadowbrook beginning in Fall 2021.

To what extent has the county’s experience with distance learning through the pandemic informed the possibilities surrounding swing space? Could a hybrid model of physical school and distance learning be explored that didn’t involve bussing the kids so far?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

Why isn’t a swing location large enough for all in 1 location being considered, as we were told previously?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

What is the earliest date when you can confirm which swing school students would attend? Families are choosing if they should apply to HMS programs by the deadline this Friday 12/18/20.

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

Who is working through the swing school split?

The swing space plan is a collaborative effort led by the Departments of Capital Programs, Academic Learning, Building Services, Special Education and the Office of Public-Private Partnerships.

For the parents trying to make decisions regarding middle schools for our students NOW what advice do you have? We will have to make a decision before the spring webinar. How can we make an informed decision when there is so much that is unknown about the student/family experience?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

Are any of the other MS projects going to have to utilize swing space as well?

Yes. Drew-Freeman and Adelphi Middle Schools will also utilize swing spaces during the construction phase.

How will the kids be divided up between the two swing schools?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

How will the Creative Performing Arts programs be accommodated in the swing space schools?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

Why was the community told that the old Hyattsville Middle School would still be used while construction for the new school was occurring?

The decision to swing school programs to temporary (swing) spaces during construction is based on whether or not students and staff can safely remain on site during construction. The proximity between the construction site and the original Hyattsville building was deemed too close for the school program to stay on site. There was no feasible or safe way to utilize the site during construction.

Do you expect that children will go to school at the old HMS in Q1 and Q2 of 2021-2022? When will they be moved to the swing school sites?

The school site will be officially turned over to PGCECP on July 1, 2021 to begin construction activities. Beginning in August 2021, students and staff will operate out of swing (temporary) space.

Why wouldn't the kids go there for at least the first quarter (and possibly second) if it's not going to be torn down right away?

The school site will be officially turned over to PGCECP on July 1, 2021 to begin construction activities.

Do you anticipate that the CPA program kids will all go to one of the swing schools? Or will that program be split between two of them?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

Are there plans for a safe and organized move out?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021. However, our goal, of course is for the move out process to be as organized and efficient as possible.

When will we find out about where students will be sent during construction?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

Technology

No questions at this time.

School Program

Can you tell us anything about what you are considering regarding how students will be distributed between the schools? What options are on the table? For example, will you do it by location (feeder school) or program (honors, CPA, etc.)? What else?

Additional information on the Hyattsville MS swing space plan will be provided in early Spring 2021.

Will there be outdoor basketball?

While not part of the conceptual design, this will be discussed by the Design-Build team, in consultation with the Project Planning Committee.

This is a performing arts school for all of North county. An auditorium is critical. How will teacher input be considered?

Hyattsville has established a Project Planning Committee consisting of the principal, teachers, administrators, and academic leaders who will provide feedback to the design-build team to help advance plans for the new school.

How will baseball and softball still be offered?

PGCPS is working with Prince George's County Parks and Recreation to create MOUs for shared use of county-owned fields.

So when is the last day staff and students will have access to the building?

The school site will be officially turned over to PGCECP on July 1, 2021 to begin construction activities.

Could the school use the auditorium at Northwestern for performances?

That is a decision to be determined by school-based leadership.

Will student capacity to Hyattsville Middle be increased by the new construction?

Yes. Student capacity will be 1200.

Is a 1200 student capacity an increase?

Yes. This is an increase of approximately 300+ students.

If there is no baseball/softball field, will the students still be able to participate in those sports? If so, where would they play?

PGCPS is working on an MOU with PGC Parks and Recreation to allow use of County fields for baseball and softball.

What other sports will be played on the field besides soccer? It doesn't seem very multipurpose.

The multipurpose field will be utilized by the physical education department for all program-required activities.

Accessibility

Why have you chosen to place the entrances and exits to the school and access to all traffic on a one-way, single-laned street?

The proposed layout reflects the most logical entrance and exit locations and directions based upon the building and site design for the new Hyattsville Middle School.

Are there adult bathrooms on each floor? The current design has one bathroom only on the first floor.

Gender-neutral, single-occupancy staff restrooms will be in each academic wing, the administrative suite, and the teacher’s break room.

Is the library space a pass through for other spaces? That seems highly disruptive for use of the library as an actual "library."

Yes, the library follows an open-learning, collaborative concept and is not to be a specific room.

By my count, we will only gain 9 classrooms in this design over the number of classrooms/trailers that currently exist at HMS. Is this correct? We will go from 44 class spaces to 53?

The exact number of classrooms for Blueprint Schools are determined by PGCPS' educational specifications and the school's academic programming needs. More precise numbers of classrooms and locations a are shown in the Enhanced Schematic and Final Design phases.

Will Oglethorpe Street be widened? Pick up and drop off leave the nearby roads very congested now.

We are working with the City of Hyattsville and the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) to ensure that the Hyattsville site adheres with all regulations and the site is best designed to minimally impact the surrounding community.

Are lockers being provided? Or a different student belongings storage system?

Lockers will be in the coordinators of middle school academic wings only.

Will the outdoor learning space have access to electrical/water/shading devices? Will it be primarily paved. Will furnishings be provided?

The outdoor learning space will include access to electricity and water. The space will also be paved and furnished.

Will the stage have "back stage access" for performers? Are there accommodations for spaces that could be used as a green room?

Specific access points and room utilizations will be further discussed and evaluated with Hyattsville's Project Planning Committee as the design advances. Final designs will also be shared in the spring in a community-based town hall.

Will the fields be a type of turf field for more all-weather use?

Field turf will be utilized on the multi-purpose field.

Is the cafeteria open to the stage?

The Design-Build team is looking at potential options for stage placement/orientation. However, PGCPS' educational specifications do not mandate a specific performance space, so there are no plans for a dedicated performance auditorium.

What are the spaces that are dedicated to the performing arts?

The conceptual design for the new Hyattsville Middle School includes dedicated band and orchestra rooms, dance and choir rooms, and a media production studio. These designs will be further advanced through conversations with the Hyattsville Project Planning Committee.

Are there specific band and orchestra rooms? Choir rooms? Is there a media tech space?

The conceptual design for the new Hyattsville Middle School includes dedicated band and orchestra rooms, dance and choir rooms, and a media production studio. These designs will be further advanced through conversations with the Hyattsville Project Planning Committee.

What are those two existing buildings by the new field?

Those are existing private residences.

As a Creative and Performing Arts School, will there be a dedicated performance space i.e. auditorium/ blackbox?

The Design-Build team is looking at potential options for stage placement/orientation. However, PGCPS' educational specifications do not mandate a specific performance space, so there are no plans for a dedicated performance auditorium.

Where can the stage go? We will be battling with sports for performances/games?

The Design-Build team is looking at potential options for stage placement/orientation. However, PGCPS' educational specifications do not mandate a specific performance space, so there are no plans for a dedicated performance auditorium.

How flexible is this building for growth of population?

The new Hyattsville Middle School is designed for a capacity of 1,200 students, allowing room for growth in the student population.

Will we get to see an image of the stage?

As design advances there will be additional designs that will shared with the community which will include renderings of interior spaces, including the stage.

Will their be any solar panels on the roof?

No.

Are you planning to take any adjoining property through eminent domain?

It is not part of our plans or budget to purchase the two homes on Oglethorpe.

Why are the room sizes for the various musical arts not keeping with the number of students who will need to occupy them during rehearsals, be they before, during, or afterschool?

Floor plans shown are not to scale. All room sizes will meet the required educational specifications of PGCPS.

Why is the stage in the Gym? I have worked in buildings with this configuration and this never works for the promotions of the Arts.

PGCPS' educational specifications provided guidance to the development team to design the stage in either the gymnasium or cafeteria. The design-build team designed to our specifications.

Are they indigenous trees?

We will create a tree canopy plan to preserve as many indigenous and native trees on the site.

There appears to be two houses that are on Oglethorpe Street that the new construction is having to work around. Can you clarify? If it weren't for those two houses, would the field design have more options?

We do not have interest in purchasing these two houses on Oglethorpe Street. We will build around the site.

What about the interior? As a performance arts school, does the design support the arts?

The finishes of the school will accentuate features of the creative and performing arts program at the school.

What is the stormwater mitigation plan?

Once finalized and approved, we will publicly distribute the site stormwater mitigation plan.

Will there be any retaining walls required?

No.

The city has lost 30% of our canopy in the last decade. Will you be able to keep any of the existing trees? What will you plant?

We will create a tree canopy plan to preserve as many indigenous and native trees on the site.

Will there be a border to the back of the residential properties or what fencing if any will line the multipurpose field?

Currently, our site plans calls for fencing along the east of the site. However, we will work with neighbors to find the optimal barrier.

Will sidewalks be installed on Oliver?

Sidewalks will not be installed on Oliver Street.

Has any attempt been made to purchase those houses and raze them? Was thinking we could get a larger field that combined both soccer and baseball.

There are no plans to acquire the two houses on Oglethorpe.

Can you speak on how he admin and support staff area will be set up in regards to location with the main entrance, bus lot and cars?

The administration office core will face the parking lots and Oglethorpe Street. They will have clear visibility to the school perimeter.

Is there a way to acquire the two houses in front of the field and the buses?

There are no plans to acquire the two houses on Oglethorpe.

How does having a 4-story building keep it in conformity with the general neighborhood? Why do that?

Because of site limitations and the need to accommodate 1,200 students, the school had to be four stories.

If students are not going to be present during construction, why move the building from its present location?

The new school is oriented to accommodate required educational specifications and a growing school population. The current orientation would not fit these needs.

Will there be sidewalks on Oliver?

Sidewalks will not be added to Oliver Street.

Why has the school system planned to build an extra large school on an especially small site?

The school was designed for 1,200 students to account for a growing student population and increased overcrowding in the northern boundaries of the County.

Is the service entrance intended for construction or is it intended to be ongoing during school operation?

The service entrance will continue to be utilized during the operation of the school.

Will the northern side trees remain?

We will identify existing trees to remain on the eastern and western side of the property.

Will the completed building and site be at the same grade or will there be any retaining walls?

Retaining walls will not be on the property, but there will be some grading to account for the new siting of the school and stormwater management systems.

Will the property be fenced off as it is now, or will there be access from 42nd Place through to Oglethorpe for pedestrian traffic?

The site will be fenced as it now, preventing direct pedestrian access from 42nd place to Oglethorpe.

Will it be a green roof?

A green roof is not part of the school design or program.

When is the appropriate time to discuss concerns about the actual design of the facility?

Hyattsville's Project Planning Committee will continue to advise and comment on the design.

Community Investment Program

No questions at this time.

Parking/Transportation

The street is very narrow so I can see a traffic jam occurring.... how will the traffic be routed for cars and buses without having cars stuck in the lot waiting on buses to depart?

Working with our transportation peer reviewers, DPIE and the City of Hyattsville, we will create a traffic plan that will have the least impact on the surrounding community.

Where is the entrance for the buses in relation to 42nd Place?

School buses will enter and exit the campus off of Oglethorpe Street.

Couldn't you put the bus loop into the parking lot as entering off 42nd street, and the cut the parking, and make space for both a basketball court and baseball field?

We are working with the City of Hyattsville and the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) to ensure that the Hyattsville site adheres with all regulations and the site is best designed to minimally impact the surrounding community.

Why would you abandon the entrance on 42nd Ave? It doesn't make any sense to push all the traffic onto Oglethorpe, a single lane, one-way street!

The grading associated with the new school, as well as the internal traffic pattern makes utilization of the existing entrance unworkable and actually contributes to traffic congestion.

Will construction respect current traffic patterns in the neighborhood?

There will be no change in current traffic patterns associated with the construction.

How do you access 42nd Street? Oglethorpe (especially between 41st and 42) but also from Queens Chapel all the way down can be very narrow with parking on both sides and a bus route. Have you studied this?

We are currently conducting traffic studies that are forwarded to DPIE as part of the permit process to ensure that all impact on traffic by the new school will be mitigated.

What would be the maximum number of vehicles on the construction site on any given day? Both Oliver and Oglethorpe Street are fairly narrow and usually have many parked cars present. Those are the two streets highlighted as the through streets for construction vehicles traveling between Queens Chapel Road and 42nd Ave.

During construction there will be less vehicles on site to stage for materials and no parking in the neighborhood. We will arrange for vehicles to park at other locations. Please keep in mind this is not a huge excavation or concrete job. We anticipate 30 or 40 trucks per day for excavation and 10 to 12 trucks for concrete. Each day, less trucks will circulate in and out of the site.

Will you offer on site parking for construction workers? If not, where will they be parking throughout construction?

All construction workers will park on site during construction.

Will Oglethorpe and Oliver remain open to foot and vehicle traffic during construction?

Yes. All surrounding roads and streets will remain open during the construction phase of the program.

Is there any discussion about changing traffic patterns during construction on surrounding blocks (Queensbury headed north from Rt 1 to Queens Chapel, for example currently has a "Do Not Enter" before 42nd Ave) - will that be changed to allow more construction vehicles to take that route?

There have been no discussions about changes in traffic patterns. Any changes in traffic patterns would be at the direction of city and county officials and were not contemplated in our design approach.

Is there a designated area for student drop-offs?

Yes, both the car and bus lots will allow for student drop-offs at the front of the school.

Was the increase in parking and impervious surface determined necessary for the building? It seems as though the lot is 3 times the size of the current lot.

The parking lots were designed to accommodate additional staff parking, parent/public parking, as well as allow all buses to park on site during the beginning and the end of the day.

Will access on Oglethorpe be wide enough for buses to enter and exit? The road is narrow and buses currently leave onto 42nd.

The street will be wide enough for buses and cars' school entry and exit.

Will there be a steady flow where the buses and the cars will be able to move freely without trapping each other in the lots?

The parking lots allow for a continual loop of movement to prevent congestion.

Will Oliver be a two-way street then? Is that only temporary? Will there be vehicle access to the middle school from Oliver Street on a permanent place?

Yes, Oliver Street will become a two-way road up to 42nd Avenue. Only service vehicles will be allowed access to the school from Oliver St.

Will the existing driveway to the dock (shared by one of the two houses on Oglethorpe) be taken away?

Yes, the existing driveway to the dock will be taken away. The new field will be located in this parameter.

Why would you widen a street (Oliver alley) that you don't intend to use?

PGCPS needed to meet the requirements for emergency and service entrance to the school side at Oliver alley.

What type of service vehicles will access the site coming off Oliver alley?

The service vehicles that need access to the site are UPS and FedEx-sized.

No bus idling! Turn off their engines while waiting for the kids. Better for the environment. Let's set sustainable environmental standards!

Thank you for your comment.

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