Smart Growth
Greenbelt, Maryland

Greenbelt, Maryland, was the first of three "green towns" built from scratch by Rexford Guy Tugwell's Resettlement Administration as part of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal in 1935. Although many more green towns were planned, only two others were actually built (Greendale, Wisconsin, and Greenhills, Ohio).

Noted for its interior walkways, underpasses, and its system of inner courtyards, Greenbelt was modeled after English garden cities of the 19th century. From the beginning it was designed as a complete city, with businesses, schools, roads and facilities for recreation and town government.

Despite standard suburban development around Greenbelt, most of the original features of this planned community still exist. Moreover, as Tugwell intended, residents perceive their neighborhoods as unique and community participation is highly valued.

Basic statistics:
Construction started: 1935
Total acreage: 2,100
Population: 22,000
County: Prince George's, Md

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