History of GCDC
Barbara Simon, Gwen Vaccaro, Marsha Voight, Ed James, Peter May and Ruth Kastner founded The Greenbelt Community Development Corporation October 2012. GCDC’s corporate sponsor was Beltway Plaza Mall. GCDC has been a 501 c3 organization since May 20, 2013
Their vision was to promote and empower a locally-controlled, diverse, vibrant community that is rich in opportunity, history, and culture and that is valued by its residents, businesses owners and visitors. GCDC’s commitment to all areas of community enhancement as determined by its members. We promote green development, business attraction and provide small business encouragement and support. We also work with Greenbelt Department of Economic Development
Officers:
- President – Susan A. Walker
- Vice President – Peter I. May, Ph.D.
- Treasurer – Ed James
- Amina Khalifa – Liaison to Greenbelt News
Election of Officers is held at the Annual Meeting. Only members can vote for officers and vote on policy.
Current Goals
- Support of the Beltway Plaza Remodeling
- Support of the Greenbelt Boulevard Project
- Support of affordable housing, including senior housing
- Completion of the Greenbelt Neighborhood Analysis
- Sponsoring the HUG (Help Unite Greenbelt) Walk
- Greenbelt Non-Profit Conference
- Support tech corridor on Greenbelt Road
- Support Friends of Greenbelt East Trail
- Support of Reparations Commission
- Renewal of Recognition Group Status
- Support of Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Fighters for return of career fire fighters
Accomplishments
- Fiscal Sponsor to Greenbelt Business Alliance, Makerspace, Greenbelt News Review and Pumpkin Fest;
- Attends Greenbelt City Council Meetings and Council Work Sessions in-person and virtually;
- Analysis of Greenbelt Road in opposition to Royal Farm development;
- Letter of Support to National Park Service for the Friends of the Greenbelt East Trail and attendance of meetings;
- Greenbelt Tree Canopy Project for the City of Greenbelt and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) distribution;
- Obtained a SAM.gov number for ARPA Funds;
- Participation in People First Coalition and lobbying for ARPA funds be used primarily for people instead of projects, such as, rental Assistance, food pantry, and health care and day care vouchers;
- Attending Martin Luther King Day Celebration, 1/15/2024;
- Attending City and County meetings in support of the Greenbelt Volunteer Firefighters and to oppose the removal of the career firefighters;
- Attended Strong Town program
- Wrote letter to General Services Administration in support of the FBI Headquarters at Greenbelt Metro station
- Attended County Council Town Halls held by County Councilpersons Ingrid Watson, and Calvin Hawkins;
- Attended Delegate Alonzo Washington’s District 22 Town Hall;
- Attended Economic Development programs, City Council presentations, and Business Coffees of Kevin Simpson and John Mason, Economic Development Managers;
- Presentation regarding Treasury Building at the Beltsville Agriculture Center;
- Partnering with Caring Across Greenbelt for a Micro Grant;
- Attends City Council Budget Sessions;
- Attended Tribesy Forums and JEDI Report;
- Supported the purchase of the Greenbelt Cinema’s digital projector;
- Supported the restoration of the Greenbelt Cinema;
- Supported the local control of the Greenbelt Cinema;