Pr. George's Set to Raze Much of Deadly Drug Market

County Board of Education Chairman Beatrice P. Tignor (Upper Marlboro) said the school system is exploring whether to bus all students to the school. Board policy says that students who live in a 1 1/2- mile radius of the school are not eligible for bus service.

"If we have to bus them two blocks, we have to bus them two blocks," Tignor said. "We can't subject our children to danger and crime. They don't need to be exposed to needles and condoms."

Michael Dodson, transportation director of Prince George's public schools, said he needs to examine whether there are safe sidewalks for the children. "We are going out and assessing it," Dodson said.

High has said he will increase patrols and provide extra crossing guards at Suitland Elementary. Policr also are about to open a Community Service Area substation in the neighborhood that will be staffed by officers and community members.

Raze, Then Rebuild

Some of the blocks surrounding Homer, Hudson and Huron avenues are much calmer and have well-kept, ranch-style brick homes. Officials are not targeting those for demolition.

One of the defining features of the community is the sprawling Suitland Federal Center, which houses the Census Bureau and other agencies. The complex is separated from the rest of the area by a tall, iron fence. New multimillion-dollar headquarters are planned for the Census Bureau and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and officials discuss with pride the recent completion of Windsor Crossing, the first new multifamily apartment complex in the town center in recent memory.

The county does not have an architect, builder or specifications for the redevelopment project, said Thomas R. Thompson, executive director of the county's Redevelopment Authority, which is overseeing the project. Still, he is enthusiastic.

"This is a project that's a bold step in the right direction for Suitland," Thompson said. "It's mixed-use, mixed-income. It's designed for people who want to live and work in Suitland."

Prince George's has spent $15 million acquiring properties and has relocated 131 families. It has $20 million left to spend, and 200 more families to relocate.

"One of the biggest tools against crime is revitalization," Thompson said. "Crime is on our radar. We want to make sure we get the bad guys out as soon as we can.