Apparently VT has a different definition of a "greenbelt" than I'm used to, as that refers to a natural area surrounding a development here......what you describe are referred to here as parking or "hell" strips :-)

What kind of trees are currently planted? Generally these areas receive a fair amount of sun, as the parking strip trees are required to be smallish or high limbed to allow sufficient clearance for vehicles and parking. And because these tend to be high traffic areas also and can get a lot of abuse, durable, low maintenance plants like groundcovers are best suited for this purpose. I've attached an appropriate link to help you choose.

Here is a link that might be useful: groundcovers for Vermont