Resident warns Bowie council the Hilltop construction will worsen traffic and environmental impacts

Margaret Gooden, a resident of Midsummer Lane, addressed the Bowie City Council during the public-comment portion to express opposition and worry about the Hilltop construction project and associated parking-lot expansion.

Gooden said residents around Marquette, Race Track Road and Route 450 already face heavy congestion because of traffic to Bowie State University, Bowie High School and nearby churches. "If we have additional houses in our area, that means additional traffic," she told the council, urging officials to consider commute impacts on routes including MD-197 and the Baltimore–Washington Parkway.

She warned of daytime construction noise and large machinery using local roads, disruption for seniors and night-shift workers, and localized environmental risks from tree removal and potential soil erosion that could increase flooding risk. Gooden also said she had observed people living in tents near the planned construction area and asked that the city share the HOA letter and notify Bowie residents about a March 18 community meeting at Bowie High School's library.

Acting Mayor Wolfley thanked Gooden for bringing the matter to the council's attention and asked her to leave a copy of the HOA notice with the city clerk so staff could include it in the public record.