The CHARM Gateway
The Capitol Heights–Addison Road Metro (“CHARM”) Regional Activity Center lies at heart of GCHIC’s focus area and is envisioned to be the premier economic, housing, and commerce engine of this community. It is one of 144 areas designated by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to accommodate the majority of the region’s future growth and play a central role in achieving the metropolitan area’s prosperity, sustainability, accessibility, and livability goals. While Prince George’s County is fortunate to have 15 Metrorail stations, Capitol Heights and Addison Road–Seat Pleasant are the only two within walking distance of each other, with acres of developable land at and in between them.
Emphasizing Accessible Walkable Communities
With the right attention and public investment, the CHARM gateway could be transformed into a dynamic and exciting regional walkable urban destination rivaling familiar Metro-accessible neighborhoods like Petworth, Columbia Heights, Woodley Park, Clarendon, or Downtown Silver Spring. Unfortunately, this socioeconomically challenged community bordering the District of Columbia has all too often been disregarded by the Prince George’s County government, whose attentions are focused on more affluent Inner Beltway areas in the northern part of the county, or on far-flung suburban centers outside of the Beltway and away from transit.
Improving Economic Development and Public Infrastructure
GCHIC will be working to change that dynamic by developing a specific economic development and public infrastructure investment plan for the area and engaging directly with public officials and the business community to advance its implementation as early as possible. This plan will apply the principles of transformative placemaking to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, increase the supply of market rate and affordable multifamily housing, and create an inviting, amenity-rich community that will be attractive to a diverse array of young professionals, seniors, and working families.
