The Greenbelt City Council at its May 13 meeting discussed and approved several motions authorizing the purchase of land connecting Greenbelt Station in Greenbelt West to the Greenbelt Metro station, a second surveillance camera and a second shuttle bus, among other issues its members discussed.
Land Purchase
Council discussed and voted on an ordinance to purchase Parcel 84 which lies between the Greenbelt Station community and the Greenbelt Metro station. This parcel consists of slightly more than 22 acres, some of which includes what the agenda for this meeting describes as “significant sensitive environmental features” such as “wetlands, streams and tributaries.” There are also remnants of a dirt road which plans envision becoming part of a walking and biking trail that will connect the townhouses and apartments of Greenbelt Station to the Greenbelt Metro station.
Another reason for buying this land perhaps will be to build a proposed road connecting these two same entities. The Metro station is accessible via an exit off the Beltway, so building the proposed road to the Metro station will connect Greenbelt Road and Greenbelt Station indirectly to the Beltway. Mayor Emmett Jordan, along with Councilmember Kristen Weaver and Greenbelt Planning Director Terri Hruby, explained that purchasing Parcel 84 will maximize the city’s authority over how this land is developed. Councilmember Rodney Roberts responded that, while he supports purchasing land for conservation purposes, he opposes this authorization since constructing a road through Parcel 84 will, he believes, adversely affect its “significant sensitive environmental features.” In an annexation agreement signed by the city in 2006, Greenbelt committed itself to spending $8.4 million on building roads and bridges from Greenbelt Road through Greenbelt Station and, perhaps eventually, to the Metro station. Some of those funds have already been used for constructing the bridge and road that now dead-ends on the far side of Greenbelt Station. More of this money, adjusted for inflation, would be used to construct the proposed road. With Roberts opposed, council approved 6 to 1 spending $196,000 to purchase Parcel 84.
Council also discussed and voted on authorizing Greenbelt to spend an additional $29,000 ‒ or $225,000 total ‒ for Parcel 84 and for services such as legal expenses and a land survey. Due to time constraints, council voted to waive its second reading that normally would occur at a subsequent meeting and vote immediately on spending the additional $29,000. The ordinance also authorizes council to pay the total amount from the Greenbelt West Infrastructure Fund. Again, council voted 6 to 1 in support of the supplemental appropriation, with Roberts opposing. He fears that connecting the Capital Beltway even indirectly to Greenbelt Road will bring significant new traffic through Greenbelt Station. Resident Bill Orleans agreed with Roberts and claimed that since the present owners cannot develop the land due to restrictions on its use, council should ask that Parcel 84 be donated to the city. In response to his complaint that council had discussed this matter in closed session, Jordan chided Orleans for spending council time on speculation, and added that state law authorizes local governments in Maryland to hold closed sessions. In a later conversation Weaver, who lives in Greenbelt Station, questioned Roberts’ argument, noting that multiple impediments such as traffic circles along the street that runs through Greenbelt Station will make it unappealing to commuters. She agreed, however, that “traffic implications” resulting from the proposed road connecting Greenbelt Station to Greenbelt Metro must be taken into account.
Surveillance Cameras
Next, council discussed the motion that Greenbelt purchase a second surveillance camera due in part to the persistent issue of illegal dumping in and around three main areas of the city but also in response to more positive news that Public Works has deemed installment of the first mobile security unit to be an astounding success, with zero illegal dumping incidents reported at one of the main recycling centers within days of initial deployment. Should a second camera be purchased (at a price of $30,390), discussion turned to a monthly charge of $150 required for viewing images from both cameras together on a single screen. This capacity would be valuable for yet another purpose, to enhance safety and security at large events such as Fourth of July and Labor Day celebrations. Councilmembers noted the increased cost resulting not only from adding this monthly charge but also from additional personnel required to use the technology. More broadly speaking, however, Jordan wondered about the aesthetics of surveillance, of installing cameras at community events. Roberts questioned the need for cameras all over the place and claimed that they do not deter crime. City Manager Josué Salmerón agreed but added that cameras can provide evidence if and when needed on some occasions. Council voted 6 to 1, with Roberts opposed, to purchase a second camera using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Transportation and Climate
Weaver said that she had attended and would vote May 15 on a list of transportation projects considered to be regionally significant for air quality by the Visualize 2050 Air Quality Conformity Analysis, used to attain future National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone. While a project related to the ramp to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway from Greenbelt Road is now listed as removed, the council agenda explains: “Construction of the interchange at the Greenbelt Metro Station is listed for construction by 2030.” Concluding, the agenda notes general concerns about the process not directly addressing climate change goals, and the general dearth of transit projects compared to highway projects, as well as concerns about equity. Responding to her request for guidance from council, Roberts advised Weaver to oppose what he sees mostly as a cycle of building more highways that consequently produce more cars. Resident Michael Hartman likewise encouraged Weaver to raise her voice instead of just voting along with others. Noting the structural challenges in trying to meet climate goals, Weaver hoped that some worthy projects might be pulled out of the list and saved.
Shuttle Bus Purchase
Next, council discussed and voted on a motion that Greenbelt purchase a new shuttle bus that will seat 14 passengers and be used for purposes such as transporting seniors on excursions and children to summer activities. Preceding this discussion, during Petitions and Requests, resident Betty Timer, stating that she has lived in Greenbelt for 52 years, unknowingly made the case for this purchase in explaining that reservations for seats on the city’s present shuttle bus had filled within an hour for a recent trip, depriving many seniors of an opportunity to get out of town and explore. During the subsequent discussion resident Leon Schachter concurred in asking what could be sweeter than helping two groups most in need of assistance, children and the elderly? Comments then shifted to inquiring about electric vehicles and the possibility of buying a larger bus. Due to cost factors, however, council voted unanimously to use ARPA funds to purchase a model available now.
Petitions and Requests
Pastor Greg Amobi and church member Ehinome Okoh announced that Light Place International Ministries, located on Centerway behind and beneath DMV Pizza, wishes to connect better with and extend a helping hand to Greenbelt. Enquiries can be made at 301-404-6794, and Jordan offered to put the church in contact with the Greenbelt Interfaith Leadership Association.
Resident Bob Rand next asked that ARPA funds be spent to extend gift cards for the food pantry to the end of this year. Rand also noted what he felt to be a lack of attention given in the city’s stated goals and objectives to building a more just and equitable society. Salmerón responded that council will soon consider giving $32,000 from ARPA funds to St. Hugh’s Catholic Church’s Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels, plus commit additional money to other such programs. Jordan expressed hope that Trinity Assembly of God’s extensive food distribution program will also receive support.
Orleans reported that various federal government agencies were meeting to discuss widening Edmonston Road to provide access to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing facility to be constructed on nearby Beltsville Agricultural Research Center property.
Natalie Williams from Greenbelt West’s Franklin Park asked that funds for trapping and neutering stray cats be continued, which led to a brief discussion about the city’s inadequate animal shelter. Councilmember Silke Pope requested that Salmerón identify other such programs for stray cats until council figures out what to do about the present shelter.