WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held August 2, 2004, for the purpose of providing an update on the Greenbelt Theatre renovation.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:07 p.m. It was held in the Council Room of the Municipal Building.

PRESENT WERE: Council members Konrad E. Herling, Leta M. Mach, Edward V.J. Putens and Rodney M. Roberts and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Kristen Ward, Community Planner Carolyn Clemens, Superintendent of Operations and David E. Moran, Assistant City Manager.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Paul Sanchez & Bob Haupt, the theater operator; Melissa Cohen, the City’s project architect from GTM Architects; Emily Eig, consultant with EHT Traceries; Sheldon Goldberg, Advisory Planning Board; Virginia Beauchamp, Greenbelt News Review and Natasha Brown, Greenbelt Gazette.

Mr. McLaughlin stated that Council guidance was needed on bathrooms, lobby renovation and handicapped seating. He indicated that this would help the architect develop cost estimates.

Ms. Cohen described the proposed renovation for the ticket booth area. She indicated the Plexiglas would be replaced with glass; the doors would be replaced; and the overhead fixture lenses may also be replaced. She noted that one set of doors would be handicapped accessible.

Next, Ms. Cohen described the proposal for renovating the concession area. She noted that there was no concession area only a lobby in the original theater. Ms. Cohen reported that the original lighting fixtures were still in place above the drop ceiling. Mr. Sanchez expressed concern about a lack of lighting and also the echo, without the drop ceiling. Ms. Cohen believed additional lighting could be added.

Ms. Cohen then described plans for the foyer area. She indicated that the drop ceiling here would be removed as well. Next, she described the plans to modify the auditorium seating to accommodate wheelchairs.

Ms. Cohen described different options for renovating the bathrooms including expansion of the bathrooms and possibly switching the bathrooms. There was considerable discussion about the various options for renovating the bathrooms. A majority of Council favored Option 3 for the men’s room and Option 2 for the women’s room. Mr. Roberts expressed concern about the expansion.

Ms. Ward requested guidance from Council on bathroom choice, ticket area, concession area, foyer area, and on how to proceed to construction drawings. Council requested that this item be added to an upcoming Regular Meeting agenda. Council also directed that the concepts be referred to the Advisory Planning Board.

Other Business

Mayor Davis reported on a request from the National League of Cities.

The meeting ended at 9:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

David E. Moran

Assistant City Manager

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