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Plans for Springhill Lake

This article is the third in a series of articles to ensure that Greenbelt residents are aware of the development and redevelopment proposals that are being considered for Greenbelt West. Greenbelt West is that area of the City west of Kenilworth Avenue, east of the Metrorail tracks and between the Capital Beltway and Greenbelt Road. Last week’s article described the proposed plans for the area adjacent to and south of the Greenbelt Metro Station, an area called Greenbelt Station. This week’s article is about the plans for Springhill Lake.

Springhill Lake is a 2,900 unit apartment complex, often referred to as the largest apartment complex on the East Coast. Built in the 1960’s, Springhill Lake was often people’s first introduction to Greenbelt, either as a University of Maryland student or a newcomer to the Washington area. Given its age, it is in need of a significant reinvestment. Rather than just rehabilitating it, the owners of Springhill Lake, AIMCO (Apartment Investment and Management Company) have presented to the City, the County and other reviewing agencies a plan to build a new Springhill Lake community.

The new community would be comprised of a variety of housing types, rather than the garden apartments that exist now. There will be mid to high-rise buildings, units in which a person can live and work, four-story units consisting of two two-story units over each other, buildings with internal structured parking, and townhouse units. At least thirty-five (35) percent of the units will be for-sale units, providing more of a sense of investment in the neighborhood. In order to create a more vibrant community, AIMCO is proposing to double the density to 5,800 units and to build a small downtown area of neighborhood servicing retail shops. The type of shops to be included are a coffee shop, dry cleaner, convenience store, but not likely a grocery store.

Springhill Lake’s proximity to the Metro Station allows AIMCO to envision the community as being attractive to people commuting to downtown Washington. They want to create a more direct pedestrian connection to the Metro station than currently exists. They are also intending to offer a level of amenities that will attract a higher level of rents in some of the housing. The City Council has stressed the need to keep a portion of the housing in the affordable range. AIMCO has agreed to provide housing for a variety of income and rent levels.

Part of AIMCO’s initial plan was a proposal to tear down Springhill Lake elementary school and build a new elementary school on the grounds of Greenbelt Middle School. The reason being the location of the school is the low point on the property and it would serve as a storm water management facility as well as a lake water feature. After discussions with the Prince George’s County Board of Education, the plan is now to build a new combined elementary and middle school on the grounds of Greenbelt Middle School. Greenbelt Middle School has been slated for renovation since 1988. Limited funding and the need to construct or renovate other schools by the Board in response to the settled desegregation lawsuit have pushed the Greenbelt Middle School project back. If ultimately approved, the AIMCO project will most likely result in enabling the construction of a new middle and new elementary school much sooner than would other wise be possible.

AIMCO’s plans are currently being reviewed by the City Planning Department. They will likely be presented to the Advisory Planning Board in March and to the City Council in April. These meetings and any related work sessions are open to the public.

If there are questions about this article, please forward them to the Planning Department at 301-345-5417 or email pcd@greenbeltmd.gov. The next article will describe what the City’s role is in the reviewing these development proposals.