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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Breakfast links: Arlington’s antis
OMG buildings!; Cross 395 soon; Where Arlington would put bike sharing; In-law apartment or second house?; Negative externalities of homeownership; DDOT updates; Examinations. Keep reading…
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Weekend open thread, massive crowds, and Flickr pool
Some readers have suggested we start posting “weekend open threads” for readers to discuss other issues besides those in recent posts.. The theme for today’s thread is: how did you enjoy our walkable urban places this weekend? I watched half the World Cup match between England and the US in Dupont Circle, which was packed with people far beyond anything… Keep reading…
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How to make a successful urban park
This Saturday, June 12, organizers will be showing the U.S.-England World Cup game at 2:30pm in Dupont Circle. Dupont Circle is an ideal location for a locally-oriented public gathering because it’s our region’s most celebrated small urban park. While most Washingtonians recognize Dupont Circle as a celebrated park, its current venerated status is… Keep reading…
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Should East Falls Church have a waterfront?
As Arlington County prepares a redevelopment plan for East Falls Church, the City of Falls Church is considering its own options. One is to use Four Mile Run as the centerpiece of an East Falls Church Waterfront District. Yes that’s right, a waterfront district. Falls Church may be 6 miles from the Potomac, but why let that stop them? The waterfront plan was prepared… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Fares and blogs
Metro fares going up, twice; Capital surcharge too; DDOT blogging; More food, drink for U; Should Arlington require shoveling?; Fenty FOIA fail; Seasons change, bloggers switch jobs; And…. Keep reading…
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3 questions with Md. delegate candidate Vanessa Atterbeary
Vanessa Atterbeary is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, District 18, which includes Wheaton, Kensington, Chevy Chase, and Woodside (west Silver Spring). Vanessa lives in Silver Spring (not downtown), and works as a lawyer. In private conversations with Vanessa, she expressed her support for the Purple Line in addition to Smart Growth initiatives in District… Keep reading…
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Proposed AU dorms earn an easy A
With its 2011 Campus Plan, American University has a once-in-a-century chance to reshape Upper Northwest. The Plan offers two opportunities to local residents. The first is for a beautiful, sustainable, and safe Nebraska Avenue. The second is for a diminished impact on the lives and communities of neighbors. However, in order to reach a mutual solution, residents must give… Keep reading…
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East Falls Church plan endorsed, but opponents mobilizing
Last night, the East Falls Church Planning Task Force overwhelmingly endorsed the draft plan to transform the East Falls Church Metro area into a mixed-use, pedestrian, bicycle and transit-oriented community. Next, the plan will go to the Arlington County Board. If you support the plan, sign CSG’s new petition to the Board. It’s particularly friendly to… Keep reading…
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The quotable Rollin Stanley
I’ve never been shy about professing my planner crush on Rollin Stanley, director of the Montgomery County Planning Department. Last week, I saw him speak before the White Flint Partnership, a group leading the push to redevelop that area, at White Flint Mall. If you ever get a chance to hear him talk, go. It’s inspiring to hear about everything he’s done in… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Types of density
Intersections = walkability; Degree density; Development agreements not followed; Boasberg says bye; $1m for ped/bike in Arlington; No bike racks at the Mayflower?; Halsey the super-reporter. Keep reading…