MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION held
January 14, 1998, for the purpose of meeting with representatives of the State Highway Administration.

The meeting began at 8:10pm. It was held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Greenbelt Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Council members Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull Thomas X. White and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; David E. Moran, City Clerk; Celia Craze, Director of Planning and Community Development and Marty Parker, Traffic Enforcement Officer.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Charlie Watkins, Kevin Novacs, Harvey Muller and Maj Shakib, State Highway Administration; Bill Clarke, Greenbelt Bicycle Coalition; Bill Kelley, College Park Area Bicycle Coalition; Sheldon Goldberg, Advisory Planning Board and Virginia Beauchamp.

Mr. Watkins thanked Council for the opportunity to meet and indicated that he had met earlier with staff to discuss some of the issues regarding the modifications to MD 201 from the Beltway to Cherrywood Lane. He stated that a pedestrian overpass was not part of this project, but indicated he would provide the city with information on how to obtain an overpass. Mr. Watkins stressed that his staff had gone to great lengths to avoid wetland impacts and tree loss.

The SHA representatives were asked why there was not a Southbound shoulder. They responded by indicating that additional right-of-way would be required from Capitol Office Park and they would be impacting wetlands.

Mr. Roberts stressed the need for an overpass and indicated that it was an unsafe location for pedestrians and bicyclists. Mr. Shakib responded that SHA had worked closely with the city to develop the existing pedestrian crossing and they believed the new crossing would be safe. Mr. Roberts noted that Greenbelt was planned with underpasses so pedestrians could cross roads safely. Mr. Watkins responded that while a separated walkway would be the ideal, given the State’s fiscal constraints this was the best solution. Mr. Putens noted that overpasses were needed and that he wanted to continue to pursue it.

Mr. White asked about compliance with Senate Bill 641. Mr. Novacs responded that SHA believed they were in compliance with the law. Mr. White asked what opportunities there might be in the future to provide a pedestrian separation. Mr. Watkins responded SHA was not anticipating any additional projects on this section of roadway.

Mr. Turnbull asked about the budget for the project. Mr. Novacs responded that it was $2.5 million. Mr. Turnbull appreciated the improvements to the Beltway ramp going northbound onto Kenilworth Ave. and asked if SHA could just do that portion of the project and hold off on the rest. Mr. Watkins responded that the roadway needed to be maintained and because these improvements have been part of the master plans, he thought it unlikely that SHA would do that.

Mr. Roberts asked about ways to prevent people from turning into the SHA driveway who really want Capitol Office Park or the Marriott. Mr. Shakib responded that they have added several signs. Council thought moving the Marriott sign might help. Mr. Watkins agreed to contact the Marriott.

Mr. Clarke asked if the 10 foot northbound shoulder could be reduced to allow a shoulder on the southbound side. Mr. Novacs responded that the project was a compromise and believed this was the best they could do. Mr. Clarke was dissatisfied. Mr. Kelley noted that Mr. Watkins had worked on bicycle issues and challenged SHA to work this out and do it correctly.

There was considerable discussion regarding the ability to shift the shoulders and/or reduce the lane width in order to create a shoulder on the southbound side. Mr. Watkins indicated that SHA would look at it again.

Officer Parker thanked SHA for the modifications at Walker Drive. He requested increased signage and markings to indicate that the right lane on MD 193 Westbound approaching Hanover Parkway is a right-turn only and also increased pavement markings at the right-only onto Mandan Road. Officer Parker noted that the City had been experiencing problems with vehicles leaving the roadway from the ramp off 193 onto Southway.

Council discussed the new traffic signal at Southway and the BW Parkway ramp. SHA staff indicated that the light would flash during non-peak hours. Ms. Wilson noted that the bid would be awarded on March 16 and construction would occur within 60 days. Mr. Turnbull stated that the traffic signal would benefit Parkway users at the expense of Greenbelters. Mr. Shakib noted that the signal was warranted and the State had an obligation to install it.

Mr. Turnbull asked if a roundabout was a viable option. Mr. Watkins responded that he supported roundabouts and this might be a viable site in the future. However, he noted that roundabouts are much more expensive and would require design and approval time. He indicated he would evaluate the site.

Mr. Goldberg raised a concern about the ramp from northbound I-295 to westbound MD 193. He indicated that better pavement markings were needed to delineate the lanes. SHA staff responded that this was part of the Parkway and the city would have to contact the National Park Service.

Mayor Davis thanked the representatives from SHA for coming. Mr. Turnbull noted the recent heritage area designation and the city agreed to send information to SHA. Mr. McLaughlin suggested a follow-up meeting with SHA and Council agreed.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15pm.

 Respectfully Submitted,
 David E. Moran
City Clerk

City of Greenbelt, Maryland
City Offices, 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 301-474-8000 FAX: 301-441-8248