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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My favorite streets in DC, part 1
Last week, I listed some of my least favorite streets in DC (part 1, part 2). But the District also has many of the finest city streets in the world. From Georgetown to Anacostia, Waterfront to Brightwood, Chevy Chase to Brookland, The Mall to the Atlas District, Washington, DC has hundreds of fascinating streets that exude the spirit of the nation and the soul of the city’s… Keep reading…
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Washington’s unbuilt highways
This is a map of the Washington that almost was. If mid-century planners, dedicated as they were to driving and the clearance of historic neighborhoods, had their way. It is a map of the highway network proposed for Washington during initial planning of the Eisenhower Interstate System, in 1958. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Transit power
Another MARC screwup; Overhead wires approved by Council; Let me out!; Unsuck DC Metro riders; Very early fare hike news; Gray for Smart Growth, not bike lanes?; LaHood the superstar. Keep reading…
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Montgomery planning science hub in White Oak
Tomorrow, Montgomery County planners will hold an open house to discuss the East County Science Center Master Plan. They propose creating a new center for technology and commerce around the FDA’s new campus and a relocated Washington Adventist Hospital. The eastern side of Montgomery County hasn’t always enjoyed the fruits of its prosperity. It doesn’t… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Slow down, speed up
WMATA’s house; Suicide on Metro not involving train; Other ideas for station retail; Gas station proposal out of gas; ACTing through letters; Church parkers speak loudly; Shoup on DC parking pilots; Destruction in Europe. Keep reading…
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Zoning Commission too important for thoughtless pick
At a DC Council hearing on Zoning Commission nominee Greg Selfridge, it became evident that he lacks the experience and policy depth for this extremely important board. As Lydia DePillis reported, Selfridge is a developer, but seems to have little knowledge of zoning issues or citywide policy, and didn’t even specifically want to be on the Zoning Commission: Selfridge… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Bike hate and Smart Growth love
Weekend car-nage; Bike lanes and you; Trite, indeed; Best McCartney column ever; Dr. G to Metro: “Fix something”; Fight over Clarendon outdoor seating; MoCo employees not sharing. Keep reading…
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Weekend video: Virginia Avenue park and garden
The residents trying to keep the park and community garden on Virginia Avenue on Capitol Hill from becoming another Marine facility have created a video (via Housing Complex): During the last time this came up, some commenters expressed disbelief that a blog supportive of Smart Growth would ever support keeping a park instead of adding buildings. nookie wrote: This… Keep reading…
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Brunch links: The road ahead
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here. Keep reading…