Greenbelt · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greenbelt, MD public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Recodification of the Greenbelt City Code
Staff expects the recodified city code within 30 days. The council agreed to accept it as-is — even with known outdated provisions like bike registration fees — so it can go online in a searchable format sooner, with fixes to follow.
City Community Pledge Repeal and Reenactment
Council was scheduled to adopt a resolution repealing and reenacting the City Community Pledge, first introduced by Councilmember Fritz.
Right of first refusal on surplus County property
A resolution coming Monday asserts the city's right of first refusal on surplus county property — including the historic Greenbelt High School building — prompting a debate about the Historic Preservation Commission's role.
Private schools in residential zones (CB-069-2026)
A county zoning change would let certain private schools open in residential zones without a special exception — the path for St. Jerome Institute to move into the former St. Hugh's school. Council supported it with a caveat about city oversight.
Senate Bill 1005 - County Planning Board Restructuring
A late-filed bill would restructure the park commission's IT, legal, and HR functions, drawing heavy resident concern over its ~$10 million fiscal note. Lobbyist says it has minimal municipal impact but councilmembers worried about the agency's long-term independence.
Antennas and towers on city-owned property
Council is reconsidering its history of opposing towers — including one at Eleanor Roosevelt High School — and exploring city assets like the water tower, schools, police station, and light poles as antenna sites. State law limits municipal say over small cells, but full towers remain negotiable.
Common Ownership Communities regulations
The county passed CB-005-2026 with new HOA/condo rules: resident-majority boards, quarterly open meetings, board training, and notice when reserve funds run out. Councilmembers flagged questions about training costs and reserve fund checks.
HB 1178 — Municipal Annexation Limitations
A state bill Greenbelt opposes would limit how municipalities annex land. It passed the House and sits in a Senate committee; lobbyists advised watching rather than actively opposing for now.
County Master Plan of Transportation Comment Period
The Planning Board endorsed comments on the county's draft transportation plan, pushing for Greenbelt priorities like the Cherrywood Lane project and the Innovation Corridor along Route 1 and MD-193.