There appears to be no shortage of check-cashing businesses in Langley Park. At least four of the businesses are located at the intersection of University Boulevard and New Hampshire Avenue.
The many check-cashing businesses throughout Prince George's County have sparked members of the County Council to suggest a change that would require any new check-cashing businesses to receive council approval before opening. The bill was introduced June 2 by Councilman William Campos (D-Dist. 2) of Hyattsville, whose district includes Langley Park, along with Thomas Dernoga (D-Dist. 1) of Laurel, Eric Olson (D-Dist. 3) of College Park and Ingrid Turner (D-Dist. 4) of Bowie.
About 107 check-cashing businesses are located within the county's ZIP codes, according to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Those locations make up about 22 percent of the 484 check cashing businesses registered in the state.
Campos said the businesses are often a sign of blight and tend to target low-income areas.
"You don't see them in nice neighborhoods," said Campos, adding that he feels there is an "overabundance" of the businesses in the county.
The proposed legislation would not affect current check-cashing businesses operating in the county and does not pertain to banks. Instead, new check-cashing businesses would be listed as a "special exception" in the zoning code, requiring council approval.
The sign above one of the Langley Park businesses, Alante Financial, advertises its services for check cashing, loans and money orders. Customers can cash their checks at the business for a fee of $1 for every $100 in the check, among other financial services, according to a clerk, who declined to give her name.
"People need these places," she said.
Some of the businesses also serve as sites to process money orders, buy cell phone cards for international calls and pay utility bills.
"People do a whole lot of services at these stores," said Stephen Altobelli, spokesman for the Financial Service Centers of America, a trade group representing more than 7,500 check-cashing businesses, who said the accessibility and later hours make them a preferred option for many low- and middle-class customers.
"We're very misunderstood by folks, but our customers love us," Altobelli said. "We do a variety of transactions, and all the costs are transparent and upfront. It works for an awful lot of people."
Owners of the businesses in Langley Park did not return requests for comment. Several customers who declined to give their names said the convenience often is worth the fee.
"It's hard to get a bank account sometimes," said one man. "You've gotta have an address, Social Security card, ID … it's tough."
E-mail Daniel Valentine at dvalentine@gazette.net.
