Greenfield Properties Announces 600-Home Development in Greenbelt, Targeting 1,500 New Residents

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  House and Home on Wed, Dec 10th, 2025 by BBC
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Summary of “Hundreds of Homes Planned in Greenbelt” (AOL News, 2017)

The AOL News article, published in early 2017, reports on a proposed large‑scale residential development slated to transform a portion of the Greenbelt area—a predominantly rural region just south of the city’s downtown core. The project, backed by a prominent regional developer, aims to construct roughly 600 single‑family homes on a 150‑acre tract that was formerly used for mixed agricultural and low‑density residential purposes. The developer, Greenfield Properties, has submitted a master plan that details the layout, infrastructure upgrades, and projected timelines for the project.

1. Project Overview

• Scale & Scope: The master plan calls for 600 new homes across 12 phases, with the first phase expected to break ground in early 2019 and the final phase completed by 2025. Each home will average 2,500 square feet, with options ranging from 1,800 to 3,200 square feet, depending on the subdivision block.
• Housing Mix: While the majority of the units are slated to be single‑family homes, the plan also includes 30 townhouses and 20 low‑rise condominiums aimed at middle‑income families and retirees.
• Population Impact: The developer estimates that the new homes will add approximately 1,500 residents to the Greenbelt community, boosting the local population by 12% over the next decade.

2. Location and Infrastructure

• Site: The development occupies a parcel bounded by Oak Creek to the north, Willow Lane to the east, and a former railroad right‑of‑way to the west. The southern edge of the property abuts the existing municipal highway that serves as the main artery into the city.
• Road Improvements: Greenfield has proposed a $4.5 million road‑upgrade package, including the widening of Willow Lane, installation of new traffic signals at key intersections, and construction of pedestrian crosswalks. The city’s transportation department has expressed conditional support, pending a full traffic impact study.
• Utilities: The plan includes upgrading the existing water mains, adding a new storm‑water retention basin, and expanding the municipal sewer system to accommodate the projected increase in demand. Greenfield will cover 90% of the utility expansion costs.

3. Environmental and Community Concerns

• Green Space Preservation: Critics, led by the local “Friends of Greenbelt” group, argue that the development would encroach on valuable green space and could jeopardize the environmental integrity of Oak Creek. They have requested that the developer incorporate at least 20% open space into the master plan, a stipulation that Greenfield has partially accepted, committing to an additional 15 acres of parkland beyond the 20 acres already in the plan.
• Wildlife Habitat: Environmental assessments point to the presence of a nesting colony of bald eagles along Oak Creek. The developers claim they will collaborate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to mitigate impacts, but local activists remain skeptical.
• Noise & Light Pollution: The proximity of the new subdivision to the existing residential zones has raised concerns about increased traffic noise and nighttime illumination. In response, Greenfield pledged to install low‑glare lighting fixtures and to adopt a “no‑noise” policy during early morning hours.

4. Economic and Social Benefits

• Job Creation: The development is projected to create over 1,000 construction jobs during the building phase and several hundred permanent jobs in property management, retail, and maintenance.
• Tax Revenue: City planners estimate an increase in property tax revenue of $12 million annually after the final phase is complete, which could be directed toward improving public schools, parks, and local services.
• Housing Affordability: A small portion of the homes are slated to be marketed at below-market rates, and Greenfield plans to allocate 5% of the units for first‑time homebuyers, aiming to alleviate local housing shortages.

5. Regulatory Process

• Zoning & Permits: The project requires a rezoning of the parcel from “rural residential” to “high‑density residential.” City Council members voted 7‑2 in favor of the zoning change on March 28, 2017, after a public hearing that saw mixed reactions.
• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): The developers have already completed the first draft of an EIS, which is under review by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The EIS will examine impacts on water quality, wildlife, and potential greenhouse gas emissions.
• Community Advisory Board: Greenfield has set up a Community Advisory Board comprising local residents, business owners, and environmental advocates to ensure continuous dialogue throughout the project’s lifecycle.

6. Timeline & Current Status

As of the article’s publication date, the first phase was slated to commence construction in May 2019. Greenfield has already secured the necessary land purchase and has been conducting community outreach sessions to refine the master plan.

7. Bottom Line

The proposed 600‑home development in Greenbelt represents a significant shift for the region, promising substantial economic gains, increased housing supply, and modernized infrastructure. However, it also presents a set of challenges—particularly regarding environmental preservation, traffic congestion, and maintaining the rural character of the area. The article underscores the importance of a balanced approach, noting that the city’s acceptance of the zoning change hinged on concessions from the developer to protect open space and to engage in thorough environmental reviews.

Readers interested in the project’s future should keep an eye on the ongoing Environmental Impact Statement and the city council’s subsequent votes on any additional amendments. The development’s success will likely depend on transparent communication between developers, local officials, and residents, ensuring that the Greenbelt’s growth benefits everyone while safeguarding its natural resources.