On Monday, September 15, members of the Prince George’s County Council will host a public celebration marking the official end of the proposed Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) train project. The event will be held at 6:00 PM at the Greenbelt American Legion, located at 6900 Greenbelt Road.
The celebration is being organized by Council Members Jolene Ivey (At-Large), Calvin Hawkins (At-Large), Ingrid S. Watson (District 4), Eric Olson (District 3), and Thomas Dernoga (District 1), as well as state officials and members of the General Assembly, including State Senators Alonzo Washington and Malcolm Augustine, and Delegates Diana Fennell, Julian Ivey, Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Anne Healey, Mary Lehman, Ashanti Martinez.
This gathering will honor the collective efforts of residents, environmental advocates, civic organizations, and elected officials who stood united in opposition to the high-speed rail project. The proposed Maglev train, which aimed to connect Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, faced strong pushback over concerns related to environmental impact, community disruption, and lack of local benefits.
Council Member Ivey stated, “The Maglev project was wrong for our communities from the start. Residents made it clear they didn’t want it, and we listened. This celebration is about honoring the people who fought tirelessly to defend their neighborhoods, green spaces, and quality of life.”
Council Member Hawkins stated, "This outcome showcases the awesome power of the people, through sustained and organized action, to overcome what seemed at first to be insurmountable odds. The County Council was right to repeatedly stand against this project that offered no benefit and only burden to Prince George's County's communities."
“This is a victory for the people of Prince George’s County,” said Council Member Watson. “It’s a moment to recognize what we can accomplish when we come together to protect our communities.”
Council Member Olson acknowledged, “I am grateful to our communities whose dedicated advocacy ensured that the Maglev project was stopped in its tracks. This outcome is a testament to the power of collective action.”
Council Member Dernoga added, “From day one, residents raised their voices, and they were heard. This event is a thank you to everyone who helped stop this ill-conceived project.”