Posts by Sanjida Rangwala — Editorial Board
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Can you tell which comments about housing are from Trump, Democrats, or upzoning skeptics?
With falling poll numbers from the inconsistent response to the pandemic, and in the midst of continued protests for Black lives across the country, the president of the United States has recently tried to appeal to suburban swing voters using language that may sound familiar to many GGWash advocates and readers. Some of this language, however, seems barely distinguishable from that used by local housing-skeptics, many of whom are avowed Democrats. Keep reading…
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Montgomery planners will survey every street to see how safe they are for pedestrians
Earlier this fall, Montgomery County started to develop a Pedestrian Master Plan, which would provide a roadmap to improve safety and comfort for those getting around the county on foot or in wheelchairs, strollers, tricycles, or training bikes—that is, our most vulnerable road users. The next step is for county employees to walk every road and street in the county to take an inventory of pedestrian safety. Keep reading…
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MoCo’s road diet dilemma: Are parked cars at least better than speeding ones?
I’ve lived in a house in Montgomery County for over five years, but almost every day I ask myself: What is going on with these huge roads? They’re a major obstacle to walkability and safety. I always dream of removing a lane, but is replacing a lane with parking really a step in the right direction? Keep reading…
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Nine Montgomery County officials agree to ditch their cars this week
This week, from June 10 to June 16, several Montgomery County elected officials and planning board members have pledged to leave their personal vehicles parked at home. These officials will put their pro-transit public positions to the test as they attempt to use public transit or active transport (foot, bicycle, scooter) to attend all work business and personal activities. Keep reading…
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Are Amazon Ring and other apps making your neighbors more suspicious of outsiders and crime?
The Amazon Ring video doorbell has become increasing popular in many neighborhoods, including where I live in Montgomery County. Everyone wants to be safe, but are Ring and similar services just trying to make us more paranoid? Keep reading…
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Four things accessory apartment opponents said at Montgomery County’s hearing, and why that’s wrong
We’ve written a lot lately about accessory apartments like English basements and granny flats—why they're an important affordable housing tool, how to build them, and how onerous regulations could be changing in Montgomery County. The council is expected to vote later this month. Keep reading…
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Soon Montgomery County renters could get greater protection from eviction
A Montgomery County delegate has just submitted a bill that would prevent landlords from evicting tenants without a good reason. That's good news for the approximately one third of county residents who are renters. Keep reading…
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Urbanist Hero of the Week: New Montgomery County councilmember Evan Glass takes the bus on his first day at work
On Tuesday, members of the council headed to work for their first day in session. Evan Glass, who promised he would take the bus if elected, followed through. He recorded and posted his journey here. Keep reading…
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County Executive forums reveal a difficult choice for Montgomery County voters who care about smart growth and transportation
This year’s Montgomery County general election for county executive has turned into an unexpectedly hot race. In recent decades, the winner of the Democratic primary could expect to win the general election, but a split field means that this year’s contest is less predictable and the choice for urbanist-minded voters is less clear. Keep reading…
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Why Marc Elrich is not the right choice for Montgomery County Executive
Marc Elrich is considered by many to be the front-runner in the Montgomery County Executive’s race. Greater Greater Washington has endorsed George Leventhal, but we know that many activists we agree with but for whom housing is not their top issue are supporting Marc Elrich. We wanted to explain why we believe he would be a dangerous choice for County Executive. Keep reading…