Greenbelt · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greenbelt, MD public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Streetlights and PEPCO LED conversion
The city has been trying to buy its streetlights from PEPCO and convert to LED for years. The city is now $113,000 in arrears on the bill as leverage, and council agreed to write a letter to the Public Utility Commission to force PEPCO to act.
WSSC water restriction lifted
WSSC lifted its water-use restriction at 5 p.m. — no boil order or rationing — with an update call scheduled for the next day.
Stormwater main repairs and county transfer
GHI keeps paying to fix city-owned stormwater pipes — nearly half a million dollars a year — because the system was never transferred after the 1952 federal turnover. The county won't take the system until it's upgraded, which could cost millions.
Cell signal and wireless coverage gaps in Greenbelt
Diamond Communications mapped serious coverage gaps for all three major carriers in Greenbelt Center and proposes a 100-foot tower at the fire station serving about 4,900 residents — with no city upfront cost and revenue sharing. Council wants a community town hall first.
Cell Phone Towers and City Operations
T-Mobile has been responsive on tower issues; Verizon has not, so the city is switching police vehicle hotspots to T-Mobile.
HUD Funding Delays and Green Ridge House Service Levels
Congress approved HUD funding for 2026, but leadership changes at the HUD grant office have stalled the grant process, so the city can't request reimbursement yet — payments have only come through December 2025.
EV Chargers Near the Library
Eight level-2 chargers are installed but not yet on; the city is racing a June 30 deadline to flip them on and claim the tax credit, with tricky overnight excavation coming.
Citywide power fluctuations
Power fluctuations have damaged equipment and disrupted heating at community centers. Staff are pressing PEPCO for a formal response.