Greenbelt Cinema

Urged Council to revisit the cinema's request for an additional $25,000, saying the new 2027-2032 strategic plan presentation should answer their concerns.

Longtime supporter urged council to fund the theater, citing its youth employment, Roosevelt Center benefits, and its Washington City Paper 'best nonprofit movie theater' honors.

A 20-year resident, she described how the theater has transformed Roosevelt Center's foot traffic and vitality.

A UMD professor and neighbor of Councilmember Pope, he praised the theater's ties to the university and its role in arts and humanities, calling the funding a worthwhile investment.

A Bladensburg resident who calls herself an honorary Greenbelter, she said the theater drew her to the co-op and New Deal Cafe and argued arts funding is worth it.

A former BSG library employee, she shared that colleagues in Bowie rave about the cinema and urged funding it rather than letting it close.

Agreed the theater is worth far more than it costs and argued the city should do all it can to retain ownership of Roosevelt Center properties owned by Mr. Christakos.

A young resident testified that the cinema is part of Greenbelt holiday traditions and that neighborhood kids love walking to movies on snow days.

Joined her friend in supporting the cinema, praising its popcorn and the effort staff put in for audiences.

The cinema director said she's secured over $500,000 in grants for the building, called it the county's only historic independent cinema, and said the ask isn't one she wants to repeat.

Argued cinema money really supports every Roosevelt Center business — diners eat before and after movies — and called it vital for kids.

Questioned the undisclosed departure of the city treasurer, endorsed backing the cinema, and suggested the city absorb theater operations — even buy Roosevelt Center.

Commented on the cinema's use of the term "social" for streaming, asked about rent for the second screen space (about $2,000/month), and told council that a few extra dollars to sustain the cinema would be well worth it.

Since 2014 he's supported the nonprofit takeover of the theater; he praised Dr. McGrath's community work, accessibility efforts, and said the city's investment return is fantastic — put in more money.

A member since the beginning, he asked about summer blockbusters, praised the theater's transformation, and warned that closure would hurt Roosevelt Center restaurants.