Terrapin Row community may worsen College Park traffic and present new pedestrian safety concerns, but should be worth the risk

Explanatory Headline: Terrapin Row community may worsen College Park traffic and present new pedestrian safety concerns, but should be worth the risk

Subhead 1: With more than 1,500 new residents on the block, expect added congestion on Knox Road, Route 1

The Terrapin Row community includes approximately 1,515 beds total. If even 20% of those residents have cars, that would be an additional 303 cars on the narrow and winding Knox Road. This has experts concerned that the slow-moving traffic from Knox Road to Route 1 will get even slower.

Video Interview here with UMD Prof. Frederick Ducca, Urban Planning and Architecture Dept.
1. How much extra daily traffic do you expect as a result of the new residents in the Terrapin Row community?
2. Do you think Knox Road and the surrounding roads are capable of handling a much higher volume of traffic?

Subhead 2: Safety is a top priority for Terrapin Row, but there could still be an uptick in pedestrian incidents, fender-benders

The influx of new residents in the area makes pedestrian safety a concern. Not only will the residents be living in a community right next to Knox Road, but they are also just steps away from Route 1. Multiple fatal accidents involving pedestrians occurred on Route 1 last year, and while steps were taken to prevent more accidents, is Route 1 prepared for 1,500 new residents crossing the road? Also, with the added car traffic, there may be an increase in low-speed accidents.

Video Interview here with UMD Prof. Frederick Ducca, Urban Planning and Architecture Dept.
1. Do you foresee more accidents on Knox Road and on Route 1?
2. What steps can the university and town of College Park take to further ensure pedestrian safety?

Subhead 3: Despite traffic and pedestrian concerns, the university and town are excited to see College Park expand

The Terrapin Row community is expected to be considered an important stepping stone in the re-branding of College Park as a chic city, as well as a recruiting tool for the university. Most people believe that the positive aspects of the development outweigh the safety risks that come with it.

Video Interview here with College Park City Councilman Robert Day
1. How do you expect the image of College Park to change after Terrapin Row opens for business?
2. What are the long-term benefits that Terrapin Row will bring to College Park?