Transparency Fight Over Fairmont Heights H.S. Redevelopment Heads to Court

Greater Capitol Heights Improvement Corporation (GCHIC) filed a lawsuit Friday in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County against the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County (RDA), former RDA Executive Director Ikenna Udejiofor, and the County government. The case stems from what GCHIC describes as months-long obstruction and retaliation: a refusal to release any public records about the historic Fairmont Heights High School redevelopment despite legal obligations to do so.

Since GCHIC’s March 21, 2025, Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) request, not a single record has been produced. That request, which sought a waiver of search and retrieval fees in the public interest, covered communications between RDA, County officials, and key stakeholders since 2023 regarding potential FHHS redevelopment.

Instead of complying, RDA demanded more than $6,600 up front for “attorney review,” later offering to halve the fee only after GCHIC lodged objection. The agency never evaluated the nonprofit’s fee-waiver request and continued to condition any records release on prepayment.

The lawsuit alleges violations of the MPIA and the free speech, right-to-petition, and equal protection guarantees under the U.S. and Maryland constitutions. It also details a pattern of selective access. County officials regularly met with and responded to groups supportive of a rumored plan to convert the FHHS site into a film studio. Yet, they denied similar access to GCHIC, which has advanced an alternative vision for a walkable, mixed-use, transit-oriented development with multifamily housing for working families and community-serving retail.

“The Fairmont Heights High School property is a public asset, funded with public dollars,” said Bradley Heard, GCHIC’s president and founder. “Residents have a right to have a real voice in shaping its future. Public records laws and the Constitution exist to protect that right. They cannot be manipulated to punish those who ask tough questions.”

The complaint asks the court to:

• Order release of all responsive public records without charge.

• Declare that defendants’ conduct violates state and federal law.

• Enjoin further retaliatory or discriminatory conduct against GCHIC.

• Award damages and attorney’s fees.

The FHHS site, at 1401 Nye Street in Capitol Heights, is within walking distance of the Cheverly and Deanwood Metrorail stations. Its transit access and location make it one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities in central Prince George’s County. GCHIC will provide updates as the case proceeds.

Read the full lawsuit.