For immediate release: November 6, 2023

Metro to hold public hearing Wednesday on proposed changes at the Capitol Heights Station for future joint development

Metro is inviting the public to learn more about proposed facility changes at the Capitol Heights Station during an open house and public hearing on Wednesday, November 8, in Capitol Heights. The changes are necessary for future joint development on the site as part of Metro’s 10-year Strategic Plan for Joint Development and Prince George’s County’s strategy to jumpstart transit oriented development along the Blue Line Corridor. 

The public hearing is part of ongoing outreach efforts that began last month to solicit feedback on the proposal, including online information and comments. 

Under the proposal, Metro would relocate the bus loop and Kiss & Ride facilities, reduce 15 Kiss & Ride spaces to eight spaces, and eliminate the 372-space Park & Ride lot. This would improve bicycle and pedestrian access and safety and allow a mix of housing and retail on Metro’s existing property with a future joint development partner to coordinate construction of public transit facilities with private development on transit-owned property. 

Information about the proposed changes will be available during the open house along with staff to answer your questions. Following the open house, people are encouraged to participate in a public hearing to share their feedback in person, submit video testimony, or listen by phone: 

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 
Open House begins at 6:30 p.m. and Public Hearing begins at 7:00 p.m. 

WHERE: Capitol Heights Elementary School, 601 Suffolk Ave, Capitol Heights, MD 20743 

Free Shuttle Service will be provided between Capitol Heights Metro Station and the school for customers that need assistance. The school is located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Capitol Heights Station. 

BY PHONE: Dial 206-899-2028 and enter meeting code 231 232 090 # 

BY VIDEO: Email speak@wmata.com by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, to register. 

The hearing will also be available live at YouTube.com/MetroForward, or by calling the phone number above and entering the meeting code. Testimony is not required to attend or listen. Video of the hearings will also be archived at YouTube.com/MetroForward. 

Those unable to participate in the public hearing may provide feedback through 9 a.m., Monday, November 20 by visiting wmata.com/plansandprojects to submit comments online and/or upload documents. 

All public comments will be provided to Metro's Board of Directors for final review and inclusion into Metro's Mass Transit Plan. 

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. ASL interpretation will be provided. To request other accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or other language interpretation services (free of charge), contact the Office of the Board Secretary at 202-962-2511 (TTY: 202-962-2033) or send a message to speak@wmata.com as soon as possible, so Metro can make the necessary arrangements before the public hearing date.