Town of Cheverly suing Bladensburg over annexation of 'Hospital Hill'

The town of Cheverly has filed multiple lawsuits against the town of Bladensburg as the battle continues over 'Hospital Hill' — the tract of land where the old Prince George's County sits. 

The two towns have been fighting for control of the site, which currently belongs to Prince George’s County. Bladensburg and Cheverly both want to annex the property, which they see as prime real estate that could see millions of dollars in new developments.

In its lawsuits, the town of Cheverly alleges that Bladensburg illegally annexed the land. In the suit, Cheverly accuses Bladensburg of: 

  • Failure to comply with notice and procedural requirements under Maryland State Law.
  • Improper handling of the public hearing process, disregarding legal standards.
  • Annexation of federal property, which is prohibited by law.
  • Annexation of non-contiguous property, violating statutory requirements.
  • Creation of an illegal enclave, further contravening annexation laws.

"These actions will cause severe economic damage to the residents of Cheverly, Prince George’s County, and the State of Maryland, resulting in economic losses amounting to millions of dollars. The unlawful annexation has jeopardized a critical development project intended to serve as a gateway to Prince George’s County. As a result, the project now faces termination or significant redesign, putting its viability in question," a news release from Cheverly leaders reads. 

RELATED: Bladensburg, Cheverly could head to court over 'Hospital Hill'

The lawsuits also allege that Bladensburg’s conduct was "knowing and intentional, with the purpose of harming the interests of Cheverly and its residents."

Back in December, Cheverly sent Bladensburg a cease and desist letter accusing the town of failing to meet the requirements to annex Hospital Hill. For one, they say 295 prevents Bladensburg from physically connecting to the land, which is required by law to annex.

But Bladensburg says they've got case law and other examples in Maryland on their side. 

Bladensburg's attorney tells FOX 5 that, "the proposed annexation of what is often called the Hospital Hill property will create a legal enclave of unincorporated territory. It is permitted and there appears to be others like it in Maryland."

Bladensburg Mayor Takisha James previously told FOX 5 she is willing to take this all the way to the Maryland Supreme Court if she has to.

"If a house is on the market for five to 10 years and I’m admiring the dream house, I’m saving my money, I’m doing all these things because one day I want to buy that house and then you come along and you’re a motivated buyer, you have the resources and you proceed to put a contract on that house in the down payment, I can’t be upset with you because you took action," James said. 

Cheverly Mayor Kayce Munyeneh has argued that Bladensburg doesn't have the right to annex the land for several reasons, including because I-295 prevents Bladensburg from physically connecting to the land, which is required by law to annex.

"The Town of Cheverly remains committed to ensuring that development and annexation processes are conducted lawfully and in the best interests of the community," Munyeneh said in Tuesday's news release. "We cannot stand by while actions that violate state law and harm our residents go unchecked. This lawsuit is a necessary step to hold Bladensburg accountable for their actions."

The Source: Town of Cheverly press release, FOX 5 reporting

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