Published continuously since the New Deal City of Greenbelt was founded in 1937, the News Review is delivered free to most Greenbelt residents. In 1970 we won a landmark First Amendment case in the Supreme Court. 

Article Author: Laura Charleston

Profile of a Hometown Officer: Officer Roberson, Greenbelter

When the Greenbelt Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Unit was awarded a Unit Citation for its work on major violent crime cases (see May 7 issue), Master Police Officer Carl Roberson was among those recognized. It’s an honor that, for him, reflects both professional achievement and a personal commitment to the city he has long called […]

Officers Recognized for Closing Major Cases, Talk Modern Policing

Four police officers stand side-by-side, each holding a framed certificate. A yellow Lab dog sits in front of them. Behind them on the wall are the words Greenbelt Police Department: Service, Integrity, Respect" and two large round logos, mostly obscured by the officers.

The Greenbelt Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Unit (CIU) was recognized with a Unit Citation for its work investigating violent crime between July 2025 and January 2026, including three homicides and multiple shootings. Detectives Carl Roberson, Oscar Rodas-Flores, Aidan Simms and Eric Alvarez received the citations on Monday, April 20. Officials say the recognition reflects months […]

Recreation Center Expansion Has Been Waiting 20 Years

A top-down, blueprint-style diagram of the Springhill Lake Recreation Center, showing a prominent gymnasium at the top of the diagram and other rooms below it. Red rooms at left, at right, and below the gymnasium represent potential additions.

Plans for Springhill Lake Recreation Center’s (SLRC) expansion began over 20 years ago. Now, recent federal funding may make it a more imminent reality. Greenbelt received over $1.8 million in federal funding, which included $250,000 for SLRC expansion and approximately $1.5 million for the Youth Center roof replacement (see the March 12 issue). “These facilities […]

International Flavor, Family Focus Will Drive Beltway Plaza’s Future

Beltway Plaza is doubling down on small, culturally diverse businesses and family-friendly entertainment as part of a long-term strategy to keep the mall relevant in a changing retail landscape. With new international dining options and community-centered attractions underway, management and tenants say the mall’s future depends on maintaining its identity as a local, welcoming hub. […]

Beltway Plaza Redevelopment Six-year Extension Approved

An overhead drawing of the planned Beltway Plaza expansion behind the AMC and Target, with trees surrounding courtyards and new buildings.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Prince George’s County Planning Board has accepted Quantum Companies’ six-year extension for the redevelopment of Beltway Plaza, citing financing challenges tied to high interest rates and shifting economic conditions. The redevelopment of Beltway Plaza, which originally opened in 1963, has been discussed for nearly 30 years, according […]

Noise, Poor Notice: Standpipe Project Disrupts Neighbors

Residents living near the Greenbelt Standpipe Rehabilitation Project say construction and ongoing sandblasting began without adequate notice, bringing prolonged noise and disruption to dozens of nearby households. Neighbors say while they understand the need for infrastructure repairs, a lack of consistent communication from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has left families scrambling to cope […]

Springhill Lake School Plans Shared at Town Hall Meeting

On Thursday, March 12, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) officials and project designers shared updated plans for replacing Springhill Lake Elementary School (SHLES), an $82 million construction project expected to be completed in 2028. The new school will replace the current building with a two-story facility on the same ground. It will feature accessibility […]

Greenbelt Celebrates $1.8 Million In Funding for Youth Recreation

A group of children stand around and in front of adults holding a large presentation check. About half the children wear orange T-shirts, and half wear dark blue T-shirts.

Federal officials joined Maryland and county politicians as well as local leaders in Greenbelt on Monday, March 9 to announce more than $1.8 million in federal funding for youth recreation projects, including repairs to the Greenbelt Youth Center and improvements to the Springhill Lake Recreation Center. The funding, secured through congressionally directed spending, will support […]

Criticism as PGCPS Uses Muslim Holidays as Snow Make-up Days

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will hold classes on March 20, Eid al-Fitr, and May 27, Eid al-Adha, converting the Muslim holidays into instructional make-up days after winter weather closures, citing state requirements to meet mandated requirements for 180 school days and instructional hours. The decision, discussed at a recent Board of Education meeting, […]

Snowcrete Recovery Challenging; Franklin Park Felt Forgotten

Three children, holding hands, walk across snow, in front of a brown brick apartment building and a green hedge. The three children are in black, pink, and blue winter coats, left to right, respectively.

As various communities in the city attempted to deal with the aftermath of the storm, some areas were clear sooner than others and some sidewalks remain under snow at time of press. Residents of Franklin Park and Greenbelt Station apartments say they dealt with uncleared snow and ice for nearly two weeks following the recent […]