'It's a money grab': Oxon Hill apartment residents angered over sudden parking charges
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Mike Murphy has been a member of the Oaks of Oxon Hill apartment community for over 13 years -- and it's worked for him. Until the complex management sent around a letter just a couple of weeks ago.
"When I got the letter it really got my goat."
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The letter begins by claiming the new owners must address a parking problem since there are more apartments than parking spots. In italics it reads “I know...insane right!” it then states they’re “here to fix it.”
The complex's solution is a new parking program that suddenly demands residents pay $52 for a parking permit and $103 for a reserved spot. The letter also said there will be a waitlist followed by a smiley face emoji.
At the end, in bold red print, it said, "any car onsite without a permit by April 1 will be towed."
"Where did they come up with this $52 and $103 to charge us for parking? It’s a money grab. I didn’t like it one bit," Murphy said.
Prince George’s County Council Member Ed Burroughs agreed that the apartment's plan to charge its residents more is not fair.
"I’m shocked and I’m very angry about it," Burroughs said.
County Council member Burroughs called the letter "disrespectful to residents." He believes the management of Oaks at Oxon Hill is simply trying to raise the rent in defiance of the county’s new rent control law which caps yearly increases at 3%. He explained he’ll be meeting with management soon.
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"Playground fees, parking fees, walking fees, talking feesat this point it's becoming very unreasonable," Burroughs said. "We will be looking at limiting their ability to do this moving forward."
As for whether or not parking is an issue there, Murphy provided pictures of empty spots at night. He explained it’s a non-issue.
"Somebody wants a new Mercedes. It’s a money grab," Murphy said.
