MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
held Monday, August 24, 1998
for the purpose of meeting with George Christacos.

The meeting began at 8:34 p.m. It was held in the Council Room of the Municipal Building.

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 and David E. Moran, City Clerk.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: George Christacos, Owner or Roosevelt Center Buildings; Sheldon Goldberg and Altoria Ross, Greenbelt News Review.

Mr. McLaughlin presented the renovation plans for the Roosevelt Center Mall. Mayor Davis reported that City was also pursuing renovation of the statue and the theater marque, and also installation of security cameras.

Mr. Christacos indicated he was not making any money on the theater. Mr. Christacos reported that the theater was paying $1500 a month for 8000 square feet when it should be paying $3500 month. He indicated that he needed to get a tenant that could pay more rent or to develop a partnership with the city that compensated him. Mr. White and Mr. Turnbull stressed that the theater provides a synergy that helps the other businesses succeed.

Mr. Roberts and Mr. Putens asked if Mr. Christacos would be interested in selling the theater to the city. Mr. Christacos responded that he would be willing to sell the theater. After further discussion, Mr. Christacos indicated he would be willing to sell all of the buildings he owns to the City.

Ms. Davis stated that the City planned to close the mall area at 11:00 p.m. Mr. Christacos expressed concern about an incident of vandalism and his belief that Police did not respond timely. He believed that the City needed to take action against troublemakers. Council asked staff to investigate the city's response to the incident. Mr. Roberts believed there needed to be more police presence at the Center.

Mr. Christacos raised the issue that he had been given permission to build on the corner next to the Beauty Shop, but that later he was denied permission to build there. Council disagreed that this had ever been approved by the City. Mr. McLaughlin noted that there had been discussions about this, but later it was determined that this project would not be consistent with the historic aspect of the buildings. Staff was asked to check the chronology of this matter.

Mayor Davis asked if there were any other anticipated changes in the tenants. Mr. Christacos responded that there were no other changes in tenants proposed.

Council thanked Mr. Christacos for meeting with Council.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

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