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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What will it cost to bury power lines?
Should more of the power lines in the region be underground? That’s a question many are asking as many residents of DC, Maryland, and Virginia remain without power over 3 days after a storm and may not get it back for days more. Most, but not all, neighborhoods in DC with underground lines never lost power. Mayor Gray thinks it’s worth talking about. He said, “People… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Down to the wire
Loudoun decide on Silver Line; Gray criticizes slow Pepco; Pepco too close to local officials?; Mapping DC’s power outages; Ohio Congressman targets streetcar funding; Apartments sell themselves through bikability; DC taxis threaten strike; And…. Keep reading…
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Morning links: More aftermath
A week to power?; Ads for CaBi; No streetcar for affordable housing?; How to succeed in public housing; Fewer foreclosure sales; VA police staying secret; Dominion dabs. Keep reading…
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How did the derecho affect you?
How has your neighborhood fared in the aftermath of the derecho? Friday’s violent storm left trees down and hundreds of thousands of residents without power across the region, especially in areas without underground power lines. Residents without power swarmed to electrified business districts in search of cooling, unspoiled food and outlets to charge a phone. On… Keep reading…
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Weekend links: Powerless
Storm leaves homes in the dark; Walmart will bring too much traffic; Nader urges little strike for statehood; CaBi strengthens local bike shops; Young men leave cars?; DC extends pool time; CUA will reduce parking, then build more; Banned intercity buses crowd out Chinatown minibuses. Keep reading…
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An attempted murder kindled DC’s first race riot in 1835
The 1830s are not a well-known period in Washington’s history. Too late for L’Enfant and too early for Lincoln, they are a mystery to most residents. But hiding beneath the quiet surface were rising racial tensions, as vividly described in Jefferson Morley’s new book, Snow-Storm in August. Morley brings the 1830s to life with an account of dramatic events… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: What a compromise
Verdict: Transpo bill pretty terrible; Bill adds oversight for Metro; What’s going on in Loudoun?; Mendo for less density; What a house costs; Relief for water; And…. Keep reading…
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“Trolleys” are good for Ward 5, if we can get them
A vocal minority in Ward 5 is pushing back against a streetcar maintenance facility at Spingarn High School, and has recently broadened its opposition to the streetcar system as a whole. But while loud, these opponents don’t reflect the views of most Ward 5 residents. It’s time for Ward 5 residents to speak up in favor of new investments in our ward. I live in… Keep reading…
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Round-shots and bridge toll repeal sparked Anacostia
Today’s Anacostia, originally known as Uniontown, started developing in 1854, much earlier than surrounding neighborhoods. A number of obscure events triggered this, including an enterprising Naval lieutenant’s arrival and repealing tolls on the Navy Yard Bridge. Most accounts suggest that a sale of lots by the Union (Town) Land Association in present-day… Keep reading…
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Building accessory dwellings in Montgomery County can be easier and more predictable
Citing increased housing costs, Montgomery County planners want to make it easier for homeowners to add accessory apartments or “granny flats” to their property and rent them out. While the new policy is a step in the right direction, balancing neighbors’ concerns with the need to provide more housing in high-demand areas will be a challenge. Last week,… Keep reading…