Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 8, 2016

Metro invites public to comment on proposed Greenbelt development project


Proposed changes will only occur if GSA selects Greenbelt as location of new FBI headquarters

Metro is asking the public to provide feedback on proposed changes to facilities at Greenbelt Metro Station as part of a proposed transit-oriented joint development project with Prince George’s County.  The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has expressed interest in the joint development site as the new consolidated headquarters for the FBI and the proposed changes would only occur if Greenbelt is selected.

The joint development project would include a campus for a major government services agency or large private employer on the eastern portion of the Greenbelt Metrorail Station property.  Plans for the western portion of the property include a mixed-use transit-oriented development with a hotel, office, retail and residential space and a parking garage. Additional details about the project, including renderings, are available at wmata.com/development.

The public is encouraged to comment on the proposed changes by 5:00 p.m. March 4, 2016:

  • Take an online survey at wmata.com/development
  • Provide feedback to project staff at the Greenbelt station on Monday, February 8 from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, February 11, 5-7 p.m. and Friday, February 12 from 7-9 a.m.
  • Email comments to writtentestimony@wmata.com
  • Attend the formal public hearing on Tuesday, February 23 at 7 p.m., with an information session at 6:30 p.m.

Greenbelt Marriott
6400 Ivy Lane
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(Free shuttle service provided from Greenbelt Metrorail Station starting at 6 p.m.)

Note that dates may change due to weather and to check wmata.com/development for any schedule changes.

The proposed redevelopment would reconfigure Metro’s existing transit facilities including the Kiss & Ride lots, Park & Ride lots, bus loops and pedestrian and bicycle facilities as noted below:

  • A covered bus loop with 12 bus pays and 14 bus layover spaces  to be located on the ground floor of an office building and hotel to be developed above, located northeast of the station entrance.
  • A covered Kiss & Ride lot located on the ground level of a residential and retail building with:

o 48 short-term metered/driver-attended parking spaces
o 11 accessible spaces
o Pick-up/drop-off space for 15 taxis, four shuttles and nine standard vehicles
o 20 motorcycle spaces

  • An eight-story Park & Ride garage with 3,669 parking spaces, including 47 accessible parking spaces, which will replace the existing accessible spaces in the Park & Ride lots, located southeast of the station, with a direct pedestrian connection to the station that meets WMATA access standards.
  • New well-lit sidewalks from the Kiss & Ride lot, bus facilities and parking garage.
  • Improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including replacement of the existing bike racks and lockers.
  • An event bus layover lot with 26 spaces located just to the east of the bus loop.
  • Non-rider fee of $14.50 is being proposed. A non-rider parking fee will discourage non-rider parking and compensate for loss of revenue if non-rider parking occurs.

Additional Information

The survey results, along with written statements and public hearing comments will be part of the official public hearing record and submitted to the Board for consideration and approval in spring 2016 for the transit facilities only. GSA is responsible for the final selection of the FBI headquarters.

The location for public hearing and outreach locations are wheelchair accessible. Any individual who requires special assistance such as a sign language interpreter or additional accommodation to participate in the public hearing, or who requires these materials in an alternate format, should call 202-962-2511 or TTY: 202-962-2033 as soon as possible in order for Metro to make necessary arrangements. For language assistance, such as an interpreter or information in another language, please call 202-962-2582 at least 48 hours prior to the public hearing date.

How to register to speak
All organizations or individuals desiring to be heard with respect to the proposed amendment to the mass transit plan as it relates to the Station will be afforded the opportunity to present their views and make supporting statements and to offer alternative proposals. In order to establish a witness list, individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to be heard at this public hearing are requested to furnish in writing their name and organizational affiliation, if any, via email to speak@wmata.com. The request may also be mailed to the Office of the Secretary, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 600 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, or can be made by calling 202-962-2511.

Please submit only one speaker's name per letter. Lists of individual speakers will not be accepted. Please note that all comments received are releasable to the public upon request, and may be posted on WMATA’s website, without change, including any personal information provided. Public officials will be heard first and will be allowed five minutes each to make their presentations. All others will be allowed three minutes each. Relinquishing of time by one speaker to another will not be permitted.

How to submit written statements
Written statements and exhibits may be submitted to the Office of the Secretary, Washington metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 600 Fifth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 or emailed to writtentestimony@wmata.com . Please reference GREENBELT in the subject line of your submission. All written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday March 4, 2016. Please note that all comments received are releasable to the public upon request, and may be posted on WMATA’s website, without change, including any personal information you provide.

News release issued at 2:38 pm, February 8, 2016.