F&*) this (a MM rant)

[Anonymous]

Just need to scream into the void for a minute....

So I just found out a 6-plex is being proposed to be built right next door. I'm pissed, and it seems like there is nothing I can do about it? 6 units at 8,000 GFA max means these will all be 1BR rentals. I don't even see how it's physically possible because the lot is narrow but deep. It's going to dwarf my house. Better invest in window shades and a privacy fence I guess. I never wanted to live next to an apartment complex. This does nothing for SFH prices - the people shopping for a 1BR rental are obviously different than those shopping for a SFH, and now there's one less SFH on the market anyway. Impacts to trash, parking, stormwater runoff, etc....current residents quality of life decreases just so the County gets their $$$. Really great way to govern.

/rant over

[Anonymous]

Will zoning allow that in your neighborhood?

[Anonymous]

Do you live in Arlington, Va?

[Anonymous]

Did you buy next to an empty lot? You probably knew it wasn’t going to remain empty forever?

[Anonymous]

How close is your home to a commercial corridor and what is current density like?

I'm sympathetic but I've also seen people throw fits about developments like this when they live a block from commercial corridors and there are multiple multi-family buildings on their block. It's one thing if something like this goes into a purely residential neighborhood with nothing but SFHs -- I can see why you'd have the expectation of consistent zoning in that situation.

But if you buy close to commercial areas where multi-family buildings are common, it's not reasonable to expect the density of your block to stay the same as the commercial district drives up demand for density. It's the flip side of living in walkable areas convenient to lots of amenities, including public transportation. If you want a suburban, SFH feel, don't buy in these areas!

[Anonymous]

What is MM?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is MM?

Missing Middle


Yeah I'd feel the same way, OP. Just throwing that in before trolls start coming in to argue with you. I can only imagine the noise that's going to bring. Whatever yard space is left will probably turn into a screaming area / de facto playground.

[Anonymous]

Go to the zoning hearing and complain effectively. Bring your best points and you may get concessions such as more separation from your house and the building.

There is a chance the project may not go through.

If you're canny, argue it should be something else, such as 3 townhouses or 2 duplexes. Something more palatable to you that will give the zoning board pause while undermining the economics of the proposal as it stands.

Just being a pure NIMBY probably won't help you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did you buy next to an empty lot? You probably knew it wasn’t going to remain empty forever?

You must not live in Arlington... they are selling old dumpy houses for 1.1 mm then knocking them down and turning them into condos/apartments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How close is your home to a commercial corridor and what is current density like?

I'm sympathetic but I've also seen people throw fits about developments like this when they live a block from commercial corridors and there are multiple multi-family buildings on their block. It's one thing if something like this goes into a purely residential neighborhood with nothing but SFHs -- I can see why you'd have the expectation of consistent zoning in that situation.

But if you buy close to commercial areas where multi-family buildings are common, it's not reasonable to expect the density of your block to stay the same as the commercial district drives up demand for density. It's the flip side of living in walkable areas convenient to lots of amenities, including public transportation. If you want a suburban, SFH feel, don't buy in these areas!

WRONG! Again another non-Arlingtonian mouthing off about something they don't understand. We live in a part of Arlington this is single family homes, wide roads, very little retail/restaurants and near McLean border. Missing Middle program now means that my 86 yo neighbor living in the original home in this neighborhood can pass away and relatives will sell to a develiper who can put in a 6 plex next door.

[Anonymous]

Missing Middle is an Arlington term, so I assume that's where you live. Oh no, people who aren't rich are moving in next door! We know what this is REALLY about, and it's not because you don't want to live next to apartments, it's because you don't want to live next to less thans.

[Anonymous]

And…

[Anonymous]

Can you all sue Arlington?

[Anonymous]

Do you live in Houston?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Missing Middle is an Arlington term, so I assume that's where you live. Oh no, people who aren't rich are moving in next door! We know what this is REALLY about, and it's not because you don't want to live next to apartments, it's because you don't want to live next to less thans.

Nice of you to assume, but you’re wrong. I’d be just as pissed if all 6-12 people moving in had $2mil in the bank, and I’d feel a lot better if a janitor bought the (no longer existing) modest SFH.

But keep assuming you know what everyone else feels! Wish I had the same capability for delusion that gave me the amount of confidence you must possess.