Prince George’s planning chair resigns, avoiding showdown with County Council

Darryl Barnes resigned over the weekend as chair of the Prince George’s County Planning Board amid investigations into his alleged misconduct during his 10-month tenure, according to an internal message from the acting executive director of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

His resignation, which took place just days after The Banner reported on the complaint accusing him of misconduct, took effect Saturday, wrote Bill Spencer, the commission’s acting executive director.

“It should be noted that any ongoing investigations remain underway, and it is important that we allow our processes to move forward without interference or speculation,” Spencer wrote in a message to staff reviewed by The Banner.

Barnes could not immediately be reached for comment.

In a letter accepting Barnes’ resignation, County Executive Aisha Braveboy thanked Barnes for his “public service and contributions” to the county.

“Your willingness to serve in this important leadership role is appreciated,” she wrote.

On Friday, Braveboy had called for Barnes’ removal, though she needed the County Council’s approval for the decision. The council had scheduled a virtual meeting for Friday, May 22, to hold a public hearing and vote on whether to oust him.

With his resignation, Barnes avoids a potential showdown with the council. It also prompted a series of leadership changes at the M-NCPPC, which oversees parks and planning in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Billy Okoye, who was named vice chair of the planning board on Thursday, will chair the board’s meetings, at least temporarily.

Braveboy is expected to appoint a replacement for Barnes, and the County Council will vote on whether to confirm her choice.

Barnes was also serving as chair of the M-NCPPC when he resigned. The Prince George’s and Montgomery planning boards combine to serve as the commission’s governing body, and the boards’ respective chairs take turns serving as its presiding officer under a power-sharing agreement.

Artie Harris, who chairs the Montgomery County Planning Board and was scheduled to take over as M-NCPPC chair in July, will now be the commission’s presiding officer.

“The community of our bi-county region should know that our focus on the mission of this organization remains unchanged,” Harris said in a statement.

This story has been updated to include comments from County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s letter accepting Barnes’ resignation and from Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Artie Harris.