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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Support local charities this holiday season
The season of giving is upon us, and many of us make meaningful contributions to charitable organizations at this time of the year. When thinking about what groups to support, please consider helping out some of our local nonprofits which work to improve the lives of people in our region and create better communities. Here are a few nonprofits which our contributors listed as some… Keep reading…
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Urban hipster? Long-time resident? We all need an affordable place to live
How does a growing city ensure that affordable housing is available to its population? As DC gains population for the first time in decades, we must take advantage of creative new tools and cross class and cultural boundaries if the city wants to be affordable for all. Tuesday’s Coalition for Smarter Growth forum, “Urban Hipsters and Long-time Residents Unite! Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Things change, things stay the same
Taking on the Height Act; “Urban plaza” proposed for Tysons; Twinbrook TOD stuck in neutral; Signs, they are a-changin’; Federal government increases telework options; DDOT portal more cool, less useful; Community radio held up by commercial lobby; Breathing your neighbor’s smoke; And…. Keep reading…
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Then and Now: General Post Office to Hotel Monaco
She’s a grand old lady, an exquisite neoclassical landmark, and Washington’s first all-marble building. But the old General Post Office between 7th, 8th, E, and F Streets NW, nevertheless is not well-known and hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves. It is now leased out as a boutique hotel because the government couldn’t summon the wherewithal in the… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Shiny new things
Developments at Dunbar; Screens lighting up with data; Is BRAC a priority for McDonnell?; How Moscow handles its escalators; Post: Keep up Klein’s work; Wells talks bikes; Bad privatization hits New Jersey; More on the federal transit benefit; And…. Keep reading…
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Terrible Aldi design shows need for new parking zoning
Carver-Langston is a dense, urban neighborhood, and is about to benefit greatly from the H Street-Benning Road streetcar, which will run across the entire southern edge of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, commercial developers still seem to think they are located in a far-flung suburb, miles from the city. Along with the increase in transit options for the over 5,500 residents… Keep reading…
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Added height with design review proposed for Union Station railyards, Lower Barracks Row
Two zoning proposals, one for the Union Station railyards and one for Lower Barracks Row near the Navy Yard, provide opportunities to allow some development and ensure good urbanism in any projects. On Thursday, the Zoning Commission will review proposed zoning for the railyards north of Union Station, on either side of the H Street “Hopscotch” bridge. The Office of Planning… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Moving along
DC area to start TIGER projects; 15th St. bike lanes almost complete; Long Branch starts to deal with reality of Purple Line; Why PG is corrupt, McCartney version; Transit benefit preserved; Montgomery launching snow map; I-395 project gets another face lift; AAA: Stop hating on bikes and peds; And…. Keep reading…
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Give new streets meaningful names
Montgomery County has over two hundred years of historic people, places and events that deserve recognition. Meanwhile, new streets and neighborhoods are being laid across the county as it grows, and they need names. Why can’t we think of more creative titles for them? Back in September, county officials and developers Washington Property Company celebrated the groundbreaking… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: How to talk about mobility
Transportation alternatives a social justice issue; Cycling with the right; Klein restored transportation balance; Assault on red line, train operator does nothing; Developments at Walter Reed; The rich have it tough; DC’s parking tax a sticky political situation; Alexandria’s new waterfront plan; And…. Keep reading…