County Board Muzzles ATAG Position on Upzoning
On June 18th, Susan Land, speaking for ATAG attempted to present information on the probable adverse impacts of the proposed “Missing Middle Framework” that would up-zone all residential areas in Arlington to allow up to 8-unit buildings anywhere. See Susan’s slides here. ATAG believes that in the midst of a climate emergency we should be doing everything we can to preserve and enlarge our tree canopy - instead of jamming through a proposal to weaken our zoning ordinance in ways that will accelerate tree loss. A good summary of the situation was presented by Scott Mc Caffrey in the June 23rd issue of the Sun Gazette online news - https://sungazette.news/county-leaders-keeping-missing-middle-commenters-on-tight-leash/ .
We urgently need you to contact the Board opposing any change in the zoning until a more complete analysis is done on the impacts on not only the tree canopy, but also on schools, flooding, taxes, parking, infrastructure, and ability of residents to remain in their homes as long as they wish. The County does not plan to do a cost/benefit analysis of the Framework according to McCaffrey, https://sungazette.news/staff-no-cost-benefit-analysis-planned-for-missing-middle/ . Blanket up-zoning across the County is not needed now. It can be tested in representative areas to determine the effectiveness of the concept to create lower cost housing options in today’s real estate markets. If enacted, it will be very hard to reverse in the future. We cannot risk losing more trees more rapidly at this critical time. Please tell your neighbors - many have no idea that this is happening!
Board
email - Countyboard@arlingtonva.us
Phone - (703) 228-3130
County Manager
703-228-3120