Greenbelt · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greenbelt, MD public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Delinquent waste collection accounts and tax liens
After a pause during COVID, the city is placing tax liens on properties with unpaid waste collection bills — homeowners then pay through their county property tax bill. A resident asked how the process works.
Police accreditation and AED program
Police completed a three-year assessment at the gold standard of policing. Two AED saves by officers this quarter — one cardiac arrest, one severe bleeding — show the city's AED investment is working.
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.
Bradford Pear Replacement Plan — Phase 4
A resident asked the city to plant willow oaks on the Greenbelt Road medians near Beltway Plaza, noting State Highway's poor mowing and comparing favorably to Montgomery County's tree-lined medians. Councilmember Pope noted Route 193 streetscaping is tied to a legislative priority.
Street Sweeper Replacement Engine Purchase
The city's street sweeper broke down, and staff sought authorization to buy a replacement engine and parts for up to $16,054.52 to get it back in service.
District 2 Board of Education vacancy
A draft letter to County Executive Braveboy would address the District 2 Board of Education vacancy and related public information concerns.
BARC Research Road
A draft letter to Congressman Ivey concerned BARC Research Road, an issue of local federal property access.
LGBTQIA+ History Month recognition
A resolution recognizing LGBTQIA+ History Month was scheduled for introduction and possible adoption.
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.
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.
PGCMA Dues and Transparency
Council tabled its $1,884.78 dues payment to the Prince George's County Municipal Association, wanting answers from new leadership about the dues formula and how the money is spent before paying up.
Proposed DEI Advisory Board
Resident Michael Hartman, who has asked for over ten years, urged the council to give the same quick attention to a diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility advisory board that it gave the tenant board.
Campaign Finance Compliance and Reporting
Not all candidates filed final campaign finance reports last election, and the Board admits it lacks real enforcement tools. Council discussed whether fines make sense — several members argued the existing bar on running again is penalty enough.
Election Vendor Performance
Fort Orange Press performed well in 2023 but botched the 2025 election with late, disorganized work. The Board plans to switch vendors and explore print-on-demand ballots, with Council members urging contract penalties for missed deadlines.
City–GHI sustainability collaboration
Council and GHI were scheduled to explore joint work on renewable energy, energy efficiency programs and EV charging infrastructure.
Roosevelt Center façade improvements questions
A resident questioned whether property owners consented to façade improvements and whether tenants will face rent increases as a result.
Bradden Field tennis court lighting
Lakeside Drive homeowners petitioned to shut off the tennis court lights at 10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m., citing disturbances.
National Night Out and Taco Bell proposal
Five National Night Out events were held the next evening, and a meeting on the Taco Bell proposal at Beltway Plaza was scheduled for the following day.
Sister city with Voznesensk, Ukraine
Two residents asked the Council to form a sister-city relationship with Voznesensk, Ukraine, citing the city's history and the community's current wartime hardships. No vote was taken tonight.
Advisory board and committee appointments
The council met privately to discuss appointments to Greenbelt's advisory boards and committees. These volunteer panels advise the city on everything from planning to parks, so who fills the seats shapes how resident input reaches the council.
Green Ridge House meet and greet planning
Instead of a standalone event, council wants to attach a meet-and-greet to an existing Green Ridge House residents association event, though the Crab Fest's July timing conflicts with the summer recess. Staff will check the association's calendar for better options.
Greenbelt's 90th anniversary in 2027
Planning is starting for the city's 90th birthday, with a staff committee led by the Recreation Department and community listening sessions. Ideas include a 1930s-themed dance and moving fireworks to Greenbelt Day Weekend.
FY2027 Program Open Space Annual Program
The city's annual Program Open Space plan — which steers state recreation and park land funding — is up for action June 8.
Greenbelt Station Central Park Planters
Greenbelt Station residents proposed planters for Central Park with a maintenance plan and budget. Council decided the HOA will install and maintain them under a memorandum of understanding with the city, after rejecting a referral to the parks board.
Position reclassifications and HR process
Budget-neutral reclassifications — including a new Operations Manager and a Grants Coordinator bump to Grade 11 — were reviewed, with the HR director flagging that one change skipped the standard process.
Solar grant shortfall for city buildings
A grant application for a 400+ kW solar system at the Youth Center and Green Ridge House didn't make the first round, but the city plans to reapply this fall.
County permitting delays for Green Ridge House projects
Prince George's County permitting is holding up the pergola and lobby renovations at Green Ridge House. Council offered to intervene and put pressure on the county to speed things up.
Solar grant for Green Ridge House and Youth Center
The city's bid for a 400+ kW solar system covering both Green Ridge House and the Youth Center missed the cut in the first grant round, but the application will be resubmitted this fall with tweaks.
PSAC renamed to ACAPS
The Public Safety Advisory Committee is being renamed the Advisory Committee Advancing Public Safety — first reading passed; final vote comes at a later meeting.
State Legislative Priorities — SB342 Recycling Bill
Council backed Maryland's bottle deposit bill, which would create a refund program for beverage containers to cut litter.
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.