Land Use
Greater Greater Washington writes about where we live, work, and play, why we make the location choices we do, and what forces shape these places.
Many people would like to live in safe, diverse, walkable neighborhoods with access to transit, stores, parks, good schools, and other amenities. While our region has more walkable urban places than most, the demand still exceeds available housing, making these places more expensive (and prices keep rising rapidly).
We must ensure that there are enough housing choices so everyone who wants to live in such a neighborhood can choose to do so. We should ensure that housing in desirable areas is available to people at many points along the income spectrum, and take action to fight segregation. And we can improve the vitality of all neighborhoods by encouraging new retail and amenities to improve the quality of life for all residents.
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CVS stores that should have apartments above them, ranked
The District has more than 50 CVS stores, and most of them are in one-story buildings. While the city would benefit from new housing above each and every one, some are more worthy than others. Keep reading…
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Permit renewal for Eckington asphalt plant raises questions about air quality, health
Fort Myer Eckington asphalt plant is situated, unusually, near a lot of people, schools, and recreational facilities. With the plant’s operating permit up for renewal, a neighbor took a deep dive into what that proximity means for a growing population. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Reluctantly, officials approve $425 million Purple Line boost
Maryland approves $425 million in additional funds for Purple Line, reluctantly and with strings attached. Thousands ticketed since January 29 for violating DC’s bus lane laws. Arlington County proposes to cut low-performing bus routes in budget. Keep reading…
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Do Something: The week of March 11, 2024
This week on Do Something: weigh in on Rhode Island Avenue; the once and future Fort Myer asphalt plant; Moore Housing nears the finish line in Maryland; and get ready for endorsements in Virginia. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: MetroAlerts outage may be resolved by end of month
WMATA hopes to fix MetroAlerts and transit police textline outage by the end of March. Applications will open next week for DC office conversion tax abatement program. DC OSSE sued in federal court for alleged ADA and human rights violations related to provision of transportation for students with disabilities. Keep reading…
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Company town: Is Crystal City, part of Amazon’s “National Landing,” a “place”?
A city is more than just an urban form; it’s a collection of residents, properties, business owners, and developers crafting a place together, over time. Crystal City delivers a kind of urbanism at a large scale, as a kind of product. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Arlington faces high housing costs and low inventory
Arlington has one of the most competitive, costly housing markets in the country. Investors make up 11% of homebuyers in DC, significantly less than the national average. Montgomery County Planning Board approves 390-unit apartment building near Forest Glen Metro station. Keep reading…
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Poll says Marylanders want more homes, in more places, to fit more budgets
We asked Maryland voters what they think about Governor Wes Moore’s bill that would juice home construction across the state. They like what’s in it–and they want state leaders to make a move, because local governments haven’t done enough to fix our housing crisis. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: “Yes in God’s Backyard” policies gain steam
Region’s lawmakers look for ways to make it easier to redevelop churches to include affordable housing. Alexandria seeks public feedback on West End plan by March 31. Maryland leaders concerned about lack of revenue-generating measures for state’s $10B climate plan. Keep reading…
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Do Something: The week of March 4, 2024
This week on Do Something: historic preservation in Chevy Chase; budget season in DC; Montgomery County ditches parking minimums; and the 2000s are back (in a bad way). Keep reading…