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 The council agreed to accept it as-is — even with known outdated provisions like bike registration fees — so it can go online in a searchable format sooner, with fixes to follow.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.