2024 February newsletter

2/2/24, 3:28 PM

Preview - 24 February newsletter

We need you to weigh in for Metro and for more housing!

Dear {{FirstName or 'Friend'}}, Things are heating up in the fight for Metro funding in Virginia, Maryland and DC, and in the fight for more housing and affordable housing across the region. And then there is the arena debate.

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2/2/24, 3:28 PM

Preview - 24 February newsletter

Fund Metro! (take action) WMATA is facing a $750m fiscal cliff due to a lack of dedicated, inflation-adjusted funding. They’ve identified $100m in cost savings and increased frequency, reliability, and safety. Officials propose to fill about ⅔ of the gap, meaning fare hikes, service cuts, and cutting maintenance funds. We need elected officials to step up with funding to avoid doomsday cuts!

Arena questions (learn more) Governor Youngkin and Alexandria officials announced a deal to subsidize a new arena at Potomac Yard for the Wizards/Capitals.

DC has countered with funding to keep the teams. Our take: decisionmakers and the public need to consider the costs vs benefits of the two arena locations. For now, check out Alexandria’s community engagement opportunities.

Play TranspoBINGO (February 22-29, learn more) The fifth annual #TranspoBINGO is rolling into a bus priority lane/protected bike lane/crosswalk near you! Show your love of active transportation and public spaces and honor our transportation heroes with this year's theme. Participate, then join the happy hour on Feb 23.

D.C. Support parking reductions for affordable housing (take action

by Feb 4) Tell the Zoning Commission to reduce parking requirements for affordable housing in smaller buildings close to transit. Even better, let’s remove parking mandates altogether for affordable housing near transit.

Support tenants’ fight for new homes by the Takoma Metro station (take action by Feb 15) The DC Zoning Commission is considering a proposal from the Elm Gardens tenant group and their non-profit partner to replace their aging 36-unit building with a 100% affordable, 4-story, 80-unit building.

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2/2/24, 3:28 PM

Preview - 24 February newsletter

Finally! Bruce Monroe affordable housing can move forward (learn more) The DC Court of Appeals ruled against three nearby residents whose lawsuit blocked the plan for 273 homes at the former Bruce Monroe school site (for 7 years!). The plan was to build replacement public and mixed-income homes at the site before redevelopment at the original Park Morton public housing site nearby. CSG filed an amicus brief supporting the new homes.

Maryland Reducing climate pollution from MD transportation (more info) This week, Del. Edelson and Sen. Lam introduced the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act (TCA) (HB0836, SB0681). The bill will require that highway projects do not increase emissions and, if necessary, do more to expand transportation alternatives. We are part of a big coalition in support!

A great plan for Takoma Park, MD (take action) The Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Amendment will support a walkable, well-connected, vibrant community with a variety of housing options and access to parks and amenities at the former site of the Washington Adventist Hospital and along Maple Ave. Event:Updates on Attainable Housing (Feb 21, RSVP) Join Montgomery for All virtually as we hear from YIMBYs of Nova and Montgomery Planning about what’s happening in the D.C. suburbs to re-legalize duplexes, triplexes, and other small multifamily buildings.

Virginia We won! Homes on Top Golf site move forward (learn more) Fairfax County Supervisors unanimously approved turning the old golf range in Kingstowne into a walkable community with a new public park. It includes 174 townhomes, including 18 affordable units, new bike/walk connections, tree preservation, and improved stormwater management.

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2/2/24, 3:28 PM

Preview - 24 February newsletter

Opponents delay affordable housing at the Franconia Gov’t Center (learn more) Using county-owned land for affordable housing in Fairfax County has been very successful. However, amid homeowner opposition, the Board of Supervisors again delayed a decision to use the county’s old Franconia Gov’t Center for affordable housing. More community meetings will be held before the vote on March 8.

Arlington students can now ride Metrobus for free (learn more) Students from kindergarten to 12th grade are eligible for a free iRide SmarTrip card, which gives them free access to ART and certain Metrobus routes. While the iRide card can be used to access Metrorail, normal fares apply.

Thanks for all you do, Stewart Schwartz Executive Director Coalition for Smarter Growth

Image credits: Hugh Kenny, Hugh Kenny, Stewart Schwartz; TranspoBINGO; Cheryl Cort; NHP; Torti Gallas; Montgomery Planning; Montgomery Planning; Fairfax County; Fairfax County; Elyse Horvath

Support a thriving D.C. region today by donating!

Visit us online at smartergrowth.net Coalition for Smarter Growth PO Box 73282 Washington, DC 20056 {{Disclaimer}}

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