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Held Wednesday, April 14, 1999
(This meeting was held to receive comments on proposed County local bus service routes 11, 14 and 15/15M, in Greenbelt.)
The meeting began at 7:05 p.m.
Celia Craze, Director of Planning and Community Development, welcomed everyone and provided a brief history of the process leading up to the hearing.
Deanna Archie, Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation, provided background on the bus route proposals. She noted that these routes were part of the county’s transit development master plan. Ms. Archie stated that the routes were developed based on input from City Council, city Planning staff, residents and other interested parties.
Ms. Archie described the proposed routes.
James Raszewski, Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation, outlined the rules for the hearing.
Mayor Pro-Tem Thomas White welcomed the County representatives and noted that this was the realization of a dream and complimentary to the existing Metro service. Council Member Edward Putens agreed with Mr. White and asked about the funding. Mr. Raszewski responded that the County had not received funding from the State for FY 2000.
Mike Desh, Lakeside Drive, stated this was not one of his dreams. He believed the bus routes represented urbanization. He raised a fiscal concern and indicated there was no current problem. He stated that Lakeside Drive was not very wide and expressed concern about the safety of running busses on this route. Mr. Desh also stated there were no transit dependent residents on Lakeside Drive. He suggested restricting the routes to major streets and not use side streets.
Fred Gasper, Greenbelt Lake Village, stated that "the Bus" service could be a welcome addition to Greenbelt. He requested full service including service to New Carrollton Metro, Doctor’s Hospital and the Washington Bible College. Mr. Gasper proposed three new routes. He suggested Sunday service and indicated there was no Metro service on Sundays.
Sandra Flurry, Lastner Lane, expressed concern and questioned whether this new bus service was needed. She noted that Lastner Lane experienced heavy traffic usage and had noise, air and traffic pollution and this bus proposal would increase that. She expressed concern about an increase in crime. Ms. Flurry stated she had no need to use buses. She questioned the need for a bus.
Jeannie Smith of Lakeside Drive asked about the width of the buses. Ms. Smith expressed concern about pedestrian safety on Lakeside Drive and stated that the road was not wide enough to accommodate buses. Mr. Raszewski noted that the County was planning to not use Lakeside Drive.
Tammy Johns, Lakeside Drive, agreed that Lakeside Drive was not appropriate for buses.
Steve Johns, also noted that Lakeside Drive curves and poor sight lines and was not appropriate for buses.
Michael Hesse, Lastner Lane, stated he was puzzled by the proposal and indicated it was not a dream and more like a nightmare. He expressed concern about traffic and children’s safety. He believed the frequency was unacceptable and didn’t believe the customers were there. He suggested abandoning the plan and focusing on major routes. He was against the proposal.
Sue Krofchik of Northway, expressed appreciation for the County being here. She thanked the County for their proposal. She stated that the bus service could compliment the Greenbelt Connection. Ms. Krofchik stated that the half mile walk was too much for her. She provided new proposals to bring the busses into the neighborhoods. She suggested monthly passes. Mr. Raszewski responded that monthly passes do not currently exist
Council Member Alan Turnbull thanked the County for bringing the service to Greenbelt. He suggested meshing "The Bus" schedules with Metro schedules. Mr. Turnbull suggested that the pickup/dropoff at the Metro station be closer to the station entrance. He suggested changes to Route 15.
Mayor Judith Davis (who arrived while the meeting was in progress) thanked the representatives for attending. She thanked the citizens for attending and providing input. She expressed appreciation for Route 11 in Springhill Lake. Mayor Davis noted that some changes were needed to provide better service to Greenbelt East.
Sheldon Goldberg, 7848 Jacobs Drive, endorsed Fred Gasper’s remarks. He expressed dismay that Route 15 & 15M were iffy for funding. Mr. Goldberg believed the people in Greenbelt East wanted the service. He suggested putting in the 15 routes before the 14 route.
Mr. Gasper provided examples of sections that were adequately covered by Metro and stated that this service could be shifted somewhere else.
Mr. Putens speaking as President of Greenbrook Estates Homeowner Association expressed concern about the routes on streets in their neighborhoods.
Ms. Flurry asked about bus stops. Mr. Raszewski responded that stops had not been determined yet. Ms. Flurry again questioned the need for this service on Lastner Lane.
Mr. Raszewski noted that it would be several weeks before they could present a final plan. He stated that the County does not put routes where they are not wanted. He thanked everyone for coming.
The meeting ended at 8:13 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