Advisory Planning Board lists traffic‑calming, 'Vision Zero' goal, and economic development support

Ben Friedman, chair of Greenbelt's Advisory Planning Board, told council the board has been reviewing the Buddy Attick Park master plan, participating in a traffic‑calming study for Ridge, Lakeside and Green, and consulting on the Better Bus Network. He said the board will prioritize traffic safety and economic-development input in the coming year.

Why it matters: The advisory planning board provides citizen review and technical comments on land-use and transportation proposals that affect neighborhood traffic, parking, parks and redevelopment sites such as the Armory location and Galway Plaza.

Committee report: Friedman said the APB reviewed the Buddy Attick Park master plan and held a departure hearing related to parking at a regional shopping center (Maryland Trade Center). The board is consulting with the Planning Department on a traffic‑calming study covering Ridge, Lakeside and Green streets and said one of its priorities is working toward a local version of Vision Zero (described in the meeting as "zero traffic deaths"). Friedman also said the board wants to be involved with implementation phases of recent master plans and with future redevelopment proposals at the Armory site and Galway Plaza.

Next steps: The board will continue to coordinate with planning staff and the council liaison on strategic plan development and redevelopment reviews. No formal action was taken at the work session.