It’s been rumored for years, and some agencies have already relocated, but now it might actually be in the works. The Prince George’s County Seat has been in Upper Marlboro (population 800) since 1718, but County Executive Rushern Baker wants to move it to Largo, which has easy access to both the Capital Beltway and Metro. From the Post:
The Prince George’s County government wants to move its headquarters from sleepy Upper Marlboro to Largo, an area near the Capital Beltway that is more bustling and Metro-accessible, according to County Council members who were briefed on the plans this week.
Two council members, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the briefing was part of a closed-door session, said County Executive Rushern L. Baker III would like to house his offices — and the council’s — in a newly purchased building at 1301 McCormick Drive.
Such a move would bring government leaders closer to a growing commercial center in the county, including the site of a proposed regional hospital that officials say should be a major economic catalyst.
It makes a great deal of sense, but there’s a big obstacle: Mr. President. No, not Obama, silly. Miller.
But relocating from Upper Marlboro — the county seat for nearly three centuries — could be controversial. A spokesman for Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D), whose district used to include Upper Marlboro, said the lawmaker is opposed to moving the county seat.
My guess is that Miller will do all he can to stop this from happening in the short run, but that it will happen eventually. Personally, I know a bunch of MoCo lawyers who would be much happier if the Circuit Court was in Largo. But that would require state approval and that surely is not happening on Mike Miller’s watch.