Riverdale Park Looks to Buy Vacant Property

on Route 1 in Riverdale Park has sat vacant for over five years, while the rest of corridor especially next door in Hyattsville has transformed.

Although over the years, owner Jeyakody Edwards has asked council to allow him to use the space as a gas station, it doesn’t fit into the Mixed Used Town Center (MUTC) guidelines, and therefore hasn’t happened.

On Sept. 6, Councilman Jonathan Ebbeler .

Ebbeler said the building sits right where Hyattsville’s EYA district begins and is a bad reflection on Riverdale Park for commuters coming up the corridor.

“It’s a sore spot in terms of economic development of this town,” he said.

Town Administrator Sara Imhulse said to her knowledge the property has been vacant since late 2006.

Mayor Vernon Archer said Edward’s has pitched the gas station idea three times.

“It’s in our best interest to approach him to see if we can’t simply buy the property, resell it to another entity or use it as a ‘Welcome of Riverdale’ site,” Archer said.

Ebbeler’s resolution, he said, doesn’t allow the town to make an offer; it just allows him to ask Edward’s if he’d be interested.

“If he’s responsive, then we can decide how much it’s worth,” Archer said.

In the past, the EYA developers have also asked Edward’s to sell to them, but it’s been unsuccessful, according to Ebbeler.

Ebbeler said he doesn’t want to see a gas station there, instead maybe a park with a lovely sign.

However, some residents have been a little weary of the idea and have been voicing their concern about the possible purchase on the town's listserv. Many commenters don't believe Edward's will sell to the town, or think a park on property that was used once as a gas station wouldn't be environmentally-friendly.

Some resident also don't think the town should purchase a property with taxpayers dollars.

At this time, there has been no update about whether or not Edward's will sell. Patch has tried to reach Edward's broker, but has been unsuccessful.