WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held Wednesday, March 14, 2001, for the purpose of meeting with Civic Association Representatives.

The meeting began at 8:05 p.m. It was held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Community Center.

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

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager and David E. Moran, Assistant to the City Manager

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Barbara Smith & Nancy Warruch, Greenbriar Community Association; Jean Cook and Ari Goldberg-Strassler, Boxwood Civic Association; Sheldon Goldberg, Greenbelt East Advisory Committee; Gary Thomas & Arlene Sphiegelman, Greenbriar Phase II; Mark Davis, Woodland Hills; Angeline Butler, Greenbriar Phase III, Rob Thomas, Greenbrook Estates; Lary Noda, Greenbriar Phase I, D. Scott Frison, Greenspring II and Judy Bell, Greenbelt News Review

Ms. Cook stated that there were very few problems in Boxwood. She noted that she had worked with Ms. Craze on traffic calming on Lastner Lane.

Mayor Davis asked representatives to send copies of newsletters if they had them. Mr. Turnbull asked about the status of Lastner traffic calming.

Mr. Noda expressed concern about level of crime and police patrolling. He expressed concern about equity of City services, particularly trash removal.

Mr. Thomas asked about a problem with access to 7802 where the unit was in a state of disrepair. Mr. McLaughlin explained that the City had successfully obtained an administrative warrant. Mr. Putens noted that code enforcement tools could be used effectively in single family home developments. Mayor Davis noted these kinds of problems occur in other parts of the City as well.

Ms. Butler reported on a problem with youth engaging in destructive behavior and that a community meeting with residents and the police had been very successful. She also noted that Phase III had garden plots on the former water treatment plant site. Ms. Butler also expressed concern about Housing and Urban Development (HUD) units, and a cycle of purchase, default, bankruptcy in these units. She noted that HUD pays 12 months of condo fees up front but then the tenants have difficulty paying condo fees on month 13.

Mr. Frison noted a similar problem in his community. He also referenced a website and noted that HUD was supposed to work with homeowner associations. Mr. Turnbull stated that this procedure with HUD was cruel to the HUD homeowners.

Mr. Frison also reported that Greenspring II had sued the builders, over construction issues. He noted that the association had begun to assess late fees and interests.

Mr. McLaughlin suggested Greenbriar send a letter to the City describing the problems with HUD units. Ms. Butler asked for an update on certain public safety problems in Greenbriar.

Ms. Smith expressed the need for traffic calming at Hanover Parkway & Greenbelt Road. Council noted red light cameras were coming but that location was not included because of engineering problems. Ms. Smith noted that there were certain locations in the community where drug dealing was occurring. She also noted that there was considerable student traffic and hanging out in the buildings.

Mr. Davis stated the speed humps on Northway were working well. He noted confusion with the City’s recycling contractor about which materials could be taken. Mr. Davis stated it had been 12 years since Woodland Hills had asked for curb and gutter. He also noted problems with water coming up through the road. He asked the city to look at the walkway between 117 & 119 Northway. Mr. Davis indicated problems with gypsy moths.

Mr. Frison praised the Police department and also Bill Phelan for their professionalism. He expressed concern about speeding in the community and concern for safety of neighborhood kids. Mr. Frison wanted speed humps in his community.

Mr. Thomas stated that maintenance and development of the paths and bridges had been a major issue in the community. He noted that 48 people wanted to grant an easement to the City to take over path maintenance. Mr. Thomas also noted that speed was an issue in his community as well.

Mr. Goldberg thanked Council for renewing the lease on the substation. He asked about electricity aggregation. Mr. Moran reported that both the City and MML were lobbying hard for legislation that would allow municipal aggregation.

Mr. Thomas asked about newspaper vending boxes. Mr. Noda expressed concern about landscaping in the median, particularly the crepe myrtles. Ms. Warruch agreed that the crepe myrtles were a hazard.

The meeting ended at 9:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

David E. Moran
Assistant to the City Manager

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