MINUTES OF GREENBELT CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION,
Held Saturday, May 20, 2000
Greenbelt Municipal Building

Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 9:10 AM.

PRESENT were Mayor Judith F. Davis, Rodney Roberts, Alan Turnbull and Thomas X. White.

ALSO PRESENT were Michael McLaughlin, City Manager; Celia Craze, Director of Planning and Community Development; Terri Hruby, Community Planner: Kap Kapistan, representing Beltway Plaza; and Virginia Beauchamp of the Greenbelt News Review.

Review of Greenbelt Metro Area Sector Plan: Mayor Davis began the meeting noting that the purpose of the meeting was to review the Sector Plan for the Greenbelt Metro Area published by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). The plan was released on May 19, 2000.

Ms. Craze and Ms. Hruby briefed Council on issues related to the plan and the results of their preliminary review. They distributed handouts on existing conditions, issues for discussion, and density scenarios.

Council discussed the three sections of the issues handout: Springhill Lake, Beltway Plaza and the Core Area.

A. Springhill Lake - Council did not agree with many of the Key Proposed Actions that are included in the plan. In this regard, Council made the following findings:

1. The density of Springhill Lake should not increase over existing 19 units/acre;

2. The plan should include how public facilities (i.e. schools) will accommodate proposed growth;

3. A way to transition to ownership is needed;

4. It objects to the proposed R-10 zoning;

5. The plan should address how to make the existing retail center more viable (similar to Roosevelt Center - 50,000 square feet); and

6. The plan should advocate for interconnections (e.g. overpasses) at Kenilworth Avenue and Greenbelt Road.

B. Beltway Plaza - Council supported the Key Proposed Actions listed in the staff memo for Beltway Plaza, but is looking for more detailed information regarding orienting the Plaza to Springhill Lake and infill development along Cherrywood Lane. Council asked Mr. Kapistan to be kept advised about what Beltway Plaza thinks about the plan. Mr. Kapistan indicated there are real time constraints to them responding timely. There was a desire expressed by Council for a master plan to be done for Beltway Plaza.

One suggestion included creating a boulevard in the rear of the property as a way to reorient the focus. There was also support for maintaining the configuration of Breezewood Drive. The State Highway Administration’s (SHA) plan to improve MD 193 ought to be coordinated with MNCPPC.

C. Core Area - Council members did not support development of more than 750,000 square feet since it would require a Beltway interchange. They also expressed a desire to define the environmental envelope.

It was noted that the City’s comments need to justify the City’s previous position opposing the interchange and preserving the environmental envelope. There was discussion of scheduling meetings for further consideration and follow-up meetings. There was agreement to meeting on May 30 for further discussion of the Core Area and on June 21 for follow-up to the Sector Plan hearing on June 19.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael McLaughlin

City Manager

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