Greenbelt · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greenbelt, MD public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cherrywood Lane Bus Stop and Sidewalk Gap
A $231,000 CDBG grant will resurface Cherrywood Lane, but the money can't fund the long-planned green/complete street design. Staff said the Vision Zero plan must be finished first to unlock bigger grants for engineering.
WAMADA bus fares and student transit safety
Youth advisory feedback says students are being charged on buses despite expectations of free rides, and bus stops on Cherrywood feel unsafe after dark. Council wants to raise this with WAMADA and possibly the county.
BARC Research Road
A draft letter to Congressman Ivey concerned BARC Research Road, an issue of local federal property access.
State Transportation Priorities and Delayed 495 Interchange
Council wants to protect Greenbelt Metro interchange funding, push for restoring Route 193 improvements, and oppose the Transurban Beltway expansion — while coordinating with WMATA on Metro-area redevelopment.
New MARC Camden Line service bypassing DC
MARC launched a twice-daily Frederick-to-Baltimore route bypassing Union Station, saving 20–40 minutes. Council hopes a Greenbelt stop could be added if it's popular.
Capital Bikeshare coverage gap at Greenbelt Metro
Council formally asked the county to expand the bikeshare geofence to cover all of Greenbelt, so riders don't hit dead zones — including a safe route over the Spelman overpass. A low-income program offers free or discounted rides.
Greenbelt Road and Spelman Overpass maintenance concerns
Council flagged high grass, potholes under the Greenbelt Road overpass, and a deteriorating Spelman Overpass pathway — safety and accessibility issues for drivers and pedestrians.
Hanover Parkway Shared-Use Path Design
A planned 10-foot shared-use path from Mandan Road to Good Luck Road would make biking and walking along Hanover Parkway safer and ADA-accessible, connecting central Greenbelt over the Spellman Overpass. Design is at 60%; construction funding isn't secured yet, and a two-phase build is possible.
Street resurfacing and concrete work contract
The council approved up to $1.15 million with VMP for resurfacing streets and concrete repairs. Residents should see paving work around the city.
Don't Block the Box Striping at Greenbelt Road and Hanover Parkway
Weekday gridlock at Route 193 and Hanover Parkway delays commuters and students heading to the B/W Parkway ramp. Council asked the State Highway Administration to install 'Don't Block the Box' striping over the summer.
Hanover Parkway Resurfacing and Greenbelt East Conditions
A resident demanded action on the crumbling Hanover Parkway, noting nothing has happened since 2018 and 2021 presentations. The city manager pointed to $1 million for resurfacing and $400,000 in park lighting, and a planned SHA letter got cut from the agenda.
Buddy Attick Park Parking and Bike Lane Blockage
Cars park along Crescent Road near Buddy Attick Park on nice weekends, often blocking bike lanes. The city plans to start citing offenders ($40+ motor vehicle infractions) and Council discussed whether to create legal parking or bag the signs for big events.
Greenbelt Connector / Microtransit
Council wants to modernize the Greenbelt Connector shuttle — over 80% of trips are single-occupancy — and explore microtransit options, though not in this budget year. A wheelchair-accessible low-floor van is under consideration as a capital purchase.
Capital Projects: Braden Field, Storm Drains, Greenbrook Trails
The Council reviewed several capital items: continued phased work at Braden Field (name needs fixing — the lights are done), storm drain rehabilitation near Lake Artemesia, and the long-stalled Greenbrook Trails connection, which staff will bring back with a cost proposal and broader policy discussion.
Opposition to Maglev, BARC relocation, and parkway widening
The city continues to fight the proposed Maglev train, a possible move of the Bureau of Engraving & Printing to BARC, and widening of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and I-495. These regional projects could significantly affect Greenbelt's environment and neighborhoods.
Regional transit funding (DMVMoves)
Council heard how the region's DMVMoves plan would fund major transportation projects, and endorsed the funding proposal at first reading. It matters for Greenbelt because projects must be in the regional plan to win federal money.
Metro Yellow Line service and Greenbelt station
Yellow Line service is restored — direct rides to the airport return, with half of Yellow Line trains stopping in Greenbelt. But Metro misprinted Greenbelt's commemorative shirts, and weekend track work will shut down Fort Totten–Greenbelt service.