Greenbelt’s Green Ridge House opened May 27, 1979. The house has approximately 103 residents within its 101 one-bedroom apartments. Its four-story locale at 22 Ridge Road is on wooded grounds in an urban setting. The City of Greenbelt owns the residence facility that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designated as apartments for seniors at least 62 years old.
Christal Batey, Greenbelt community resource advocate and coordinator of Greenbelt Assistance in Living (GAIL) coordinator, said Green Ridge House is part of the city’s efforts to enhance the lives of seniors and allow them to remain in familiar surroundings. “It is providing an opportunity for residents to age in place,” Batey said. “It’s not only aging in place, it’s aging in the right place. Green Ridge House organization and resources support seniors’ needs through varied social activities, health presentations, exercise classes and educational workshops.”
Joyce Marrel-Kolenky, Green Ridge House service coordinator, plans and coordinates those programs and activities. Her support ranges from scheduling health examinations, psychological and social needs evaluations to educating residents on bureaucratic procedures addressing client rights and being an advocate for residents.
Green Ridge House has appealing amenities such as a well-stocked library with enviable décor, ceramics room, community center, beauty shop, dining area, laundry room, a newly renovated living room and exercise facility. The residents’ comments attest to Green Ridge’s extraordinary appeal. Louise Swiderski, 98, moved into Green Ridge when it opened in 1979. She has seen building updates including installation of elevators and laundry rooms and improvements in programs for residents. Swiderski lauded another attraction for residents as she modeled an onsite beauty salon-created classic hairstyle. Among her residency experiences are 15 years of teaching line dancing, golfing, years of coordinating bingo sessions, dinner cruises on the Potomac aboard the Odyssey, fresh produce delivered to her door, and pancake brunches.
Swiderski said Green Ridge is safe with no crime issues. The building uses 24-hour security cameras and key card entry. Its modern apartments, along with spacious quarters, have smoke detectors, fire suppression sprinklers and maintenance staff that respond to the rare plumbing, electrical or structural issues.
Marcie Downs, Swiderski’s daughter, moved into Green Ridge House about two years ago. She had spent more than 30 years traveling from southern Maryland to visit her mom. During those visits she gained insight into residents’ active lifestyles, and saw well-cared-for residents and property. She said moving into Green Ridge was an easy decision to make: “I like my new home and visiting Mom became a trip to the next floor instead of a long distance drive.”
Community Realty Company, Inc. has a management agreement with the City of Greenbelt. The company’s representative and onsite manager, Kimberly Potts, said although Green Ridge House is owned by the City of Greenbelt, approximately two-thirds of the revenue comes from the HUD Section 8 program. The city funds an activity budget, but no other city funds are expended on Green Ridge House. According to one real estate summary, Green Ridge House is one of the most highly regarded Section 8 apartment communities in Maryland.
Green Ridge House is a 40-yearold building and management plans for infrastructure support.
Unplanned utility and structural failures are avoided through scheduled inspections and resident and maintenance staff input. Such overview limited elevator downtime during recent upgrades because repairs were planned as opposed to waiting for unit failures. The building’s roof is being evaluated for replacement.
Potts said maintaining Green Ridge House residence quality is assured through scheduled inspections by the City of Greenbelt, HUD and various Maryland health and safety departments. Operating guidelines ensure residents meet all government requirements and that maintenance of living quarters and the building meet high standards. She said another vital source of maintaining residential quality comes from the residents association, which provides input about activities, educational programs, health care concerns and building issues and upkeep. The annual resident satisfaction survey also provides suggestions for building maintenance and programs development.
Steve Tippett, a Green Ridge resident for more than four years, said he is proud of his home. He said the building’s organization ensures an enjoyable and safe environment. Other benefits of living in the facility Tippett named were social programs, financial and health seminars, day trips, crab feasts and easy transportation. He said, “I enjoy not having to cut grass, shovel snow or do the other homeowner chores. Green Ridge House provides all that I need and I’m proud to be living here.”
Open enrollment is not available at this time. When the next open enrollment period is available, Green Ridge will publish sign-up information in this newspaper, including the dates and times. For more information about Green Ridge House visit its webpage at greenbeltmd.gov/government/departments/greenbelt-cares/senior-services-programs/green-ridge-house or call 301-474-7595.