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: David Rubenstein hopes to “catalyze development” with purchase of Baltimore Orioles
With pending Orioles sale to David Rubenstein-led group, Rubenstein touts opportunity to “catalyze development” in Baltimore. In long term plan, Fairfax County reduces road widening plans in favor of transit, bike, pedestrian upgrades. Yes in God’s backyard? MoCo considers zoning change to boost affordable housing stock. Keep reading…
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Do Something: The week of January 29, 2024
This week, here’s how you can Do Something to support tenants who want to redevelop their building; help Maryland count how many houses are being built (or not); and move accessory apartments forward in Virginia. Keep reading…
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One-quarter of Virginia’s transit systems operate fare free. Here’s why.
A number of Virginia’s transit agencies made buses free during the pandemic, and a lot of them are now making the change permanent. For many, it’s not only about providing a public service: it makes financial sense for the agency itself. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: $500M offer contingent on Caps, Wizards staying in DC, Bowser says
Bowser holds firm: Caps and Wizards remain at Capital One Arena or DC will invest its $500M offer in new uses for the property. Temporary Arlington bus storage yard could become permanent. Baltimore’s new tree planting fee structure threatens to undermine its own canopy goal. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: DC to subsidize businesses to move into vacant spaces downtown
DC announces new grant opportunity for businesses that move or expand downtown. Ribbon-cutting held to celebrate new Acela train platform in Baltimore. Arlington looks to loosen regulations to fill its vacant office space. Keep reading…
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Cheaper housing production in Maryland? Parking reform bills take a swing
A series of bills in Montgomery County and Baltimore have aimed to reform parking minimum policies, in a bid to reduce the cost of building new housing. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Bruce Monroe/Park Morton redevelopment to move forward
Court gives green light to DC’s Park Morton redevelopment. University of Maryland students could one day be eligible for $1,500 rent subsidy. Alexandria leaders defend decision to compete to lure Capitals and Wizards out of DC Keep reading…
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Why affordable housing can’t pay for itself
Understand development costs, the financing needed to meet them, and the ever-present “gap.” This is the first in an ongoing series about how affordable housing works. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: DC starts enforcement for blocking bus lanes on January 29
Starting January 29, DC will begin fining drivers in bus-only lanes. Maryland increases investment in Prince George’s Hospital redevelopment in Cheverly. Arlington drops lawsuit against residents and civic association who look to block bus parking. Keep reading…
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Do Something: The week of January 22, 2024
This week, here’s how you can Do Something about gentle density on Connecticut Avenue; social housing and bus lane cameras in Maryland; and single-stair reform in Virginia. Keep reading…