Alexandria on the Cusp of Eliminating All SFH Zoning

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's like Godwin's Law for bike lanes. As an online discussion about housing issue grows longer, the probability of someone bringing up BIKE LANES BAD!!! approaches 1.

Because it consumes a disproportianate amount of public resources? It is a waste of money at the level it is and everyone knows it. The lanes are empty. End. Of. What are you weirdos actually getting out of this? Are you such an invalid that you need your own road?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Forcing newly retired seniors out is what happened in Falls Church many years ago. It was sad. But people these days don’t care about anyone 50+. They just want them to die.

This honestly would be an ideal outcome. I support whatever zoning changes send the elderly packing. Retired seniors are a blight on SFH or dense TH neighborhoods. They're crotchety, noise sensitive, impatient with young kids, and kill the vibe of wherever they park themselves till they expire.

I can only assume you’re either uninformed or mentally ill. Maybe both. Many seniors contribute an incredible amount of time volunteering and supporting the community in ways that are important but not exactly newsworthy. If they go, the quality of life for everyone leaves with them.

Sincerely,
Not a senior citizen

Sure, if by this you mean contributing an incredible amount of time to calling the police on "youths", reporting people for minute overages on their street parking, or casting a stink eye on crying babies. Guess what, Doris, it's time to let life happen and move to a retirement community where you don't have to worry about any of that.

Hmmm...guess you and your family have been a focus of your neighborhood?!

No, but we will be when we buy the SFH next to old man Eugene, tear it down, build a quadplex in its place, and rent it out to the minorities old people are all scared of.

LOL. I hope that they juice is worth the squeeze for the builder, because no one will ever use them again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Failing schools, imploding commercial real estate, and murders are not quite enough to destroy Alexandria, so the Council is a freight train about to vote on Tuesday to eliminate all SFH zoning. Yay.

Hooray!

Don't worry, OP, they are not eliminating detached one-unit residential buildings. They are simply eliminating zoning that bans everything except detached one-unit residential buildings. Property owners - like you - will now have more options for your property.

Great, so our neighbors can build condos next to our bedrooms and destroy the single family neighborhood we love.

So let's play this out....

There is a neighborhood of say 100 homes. How many of those owners do you think will sell in the next ten years? Of those, how many do you think are currently "tear down" such that it is more palatable for a developer to purchase than for a new family to move in? Of those, how many have lots large enough to put in more than a duplex? And if they were to build that duplex, how likely is it that it would be any larger than a huge house that would otherwise be built?

The sky is not falling.

When Alexandria raises property tax assessments to reflect the increased lot value based on the potential for multi-family unit development, more and more homeowners (particularly those on flat or fixed incomes) will be forced to sell out, whether they want to or not. This has the potential to transform some single family home neighborhoods in just a few years.

Disagree -

1) land value isn't going to be estimated by the assesors based on potential highest and best use with disregard for current use.
2) purchasing a sfh, razing it, and developing <6 units doesn't typically make economic sense in NOVA because the sfh costs are so high. Adding those costs to $300-350psf ground up construction costs leads to all-in costs on the development that result in the project not being profitable upon completion.

[Anonymous]

I knew there was a reason we avoided Alexandria when looking to move a few years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Failing schools, imploding commercial real estate, and murders are not quite enough to destroy Alexandria, so the Council is a freight train about to vote on Tuesday to eliminate all SFH zoning. Yay.

Hooray!

Don't worry, OP, they are not eliminating detached one-unit residential buildings. They are simply eliminating zoning that bans everything except detached one-unit residential buildings. Property owners - like you - will now have more options for your property.

Great, so our neighbors can build condos next to our bedrooms and destroy the single family neighborhood we love.

So let's play this out....

There is a neighborhood of say 100 homes. How many of those owners do you think will sell in the next ten years? Of those, how many do you think are currently "tear down" such that it is more palatable for a developer to purchase than for a new family to move in? Of those, how many have lots large enough to put in more than a duplex? And if they were to build that duplex, how likely is it that it would be any larger than a huge house that would otherwise be built?

The sky is not falling.

When Alexandria raises property tax assessments to reflect the increased lot value based on the potential for multi-family unit development, more and more homeowners (particularly those on flat or fixed incomes) will be forced to sell out, whether they want to or not. This has the potential to transform some single family home neighborhoods in just a few years.

Disagree -

1) land value isn't going to be estimated by the assesors based on potential highest and best use with disregard for current use.
2) purchasing a sfh, razing it, and developing <6 units doesn't typically make economic sense in NOVA because the sfh costs are so high. Adding those costs to $300-350psf ground up construction costs leads to all-in costs on the development that result in the project not being profitable upon completion.

Correct. Del Ray will continue to see older homes snatched up, leveled, and a white farmhouse with black windows appear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Forcing newly retired seniors out is what happened in Falls Church many years ago. It was sad. But people these days don’t care about anyone 50+. They just want them to die.

This honestly would be an ideal outcome. I support whatever zoning changes send the elderly packing. Retired seniors are a blight on SFH or dense TH neighborhoods. They're crotchety, noise sensitive, impatient with young kids, and kill the vibe of wherever they park themselves till they expire.

I can only assume you’re either uninformed or mentally ill. Maybe both. Many seniors contribute an incredible amount of time volunteering and supporting the community in ways that are important but not exactly newsworthy. If they go, the quality of life for everyone leaves with them.

Sincerely,
Not a senior citizen

Sure, if by this you mean contributing an incredible amount of time to calling the police on "youths", reporting people for minute overages on their street parking, or casting a stink eye on crying babies. Guess what, Doris, it's time to let life happen and move to a retirement community where you don't have to worry about any of that.

Hmmm...guess you and your family have been a focus of your neighborhood?!

No, but we will be when we buy the SFH next to old man Eugene, tear it down, build a quadplex in its place, and rent it out to the minorities old people are all scared of.

LOL. I hope that they juice is worth the squeeze for the builder, because no one will ever use them again.

I am the builder. The zoning change is mana from heaven. I already have plans to build 3 of these quadplex babies. In the process of acquiring land for 2 more. Rosemont and Beverly Hills, here we come.

[Anonymous]

A major city like Alexandria is being shaped overnight in what looks like a botched rush-job by people who serve as low-functioning middle management IRL. Tell me why this sounds like a good idea?

Meanwhile, we’re on here debating an issue that’s all but over. I hope the outcome finally inspires some serious candidates to run against these trend-obsessed wannabes in 2024.

Even if you support this particular issue (I see both sides), I can’t stomach how they’ve behaved. Council’s wanton disregard of citizen feedback is a slap to anyone who lives here.

It’s an example of how they’ll treat anyone whose vision doesn’t align perfectly with theirs, even if that *anyone* turns out to be the majority of their constituents.

If we don’t do better in 2024 local elections, everything that makes Alexandria special will be gone for good. The neighborly, charitable spirit of the City is already dissolving before our eyes.

Thinking that lady from the last meeting was right—they do need a spanking. And that maybe I need a city smart enough to benefit actual taxpayers every now and then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I cannot believe people voted for this and don't see Wilson for who he is (someone waiting for Beyer to retire so he can run for Congress).

This entire proposal BS was pushed as an answer to workforce and affordable housing. Only recently have the proponents pivoted with their win-win-win stance. Upzoning and adding ADUs to everyone's yard will not decrease housing costs and increase the supply of affordable housing. You know it, I know it, and to argue otherwise is so disingenuous. Just admit and be upfront with what you are.

I own a triple lot. We will probably sell within the next 5 years once the kids graduate from college. For the last 18 months I have been bombarded with texts, letters and calls asking me if I am interested in selling, all from developers.

People didn’t vote for this and I’ve heard from two people on council that most of those writing are not in favor. Especially those who actually live there and wrote.

This is why the vote has to happen now. So we can’t vote on it. Wilson, Gaskins and McPike do not want to hear your opinions. They do not want you to vote on this. That’s why it’s bundled and rushed (yes, it is rushed, they moved up the time line). Gaskins and Wilson are using this to move on to higher office.

They aren't using this, they believe in this initiative. Wilson isn't going anywhere. He's mayor for life. His opportunity to run for higher office is over. He's a punchline in Richmond and to other D mayors.

I read this and threw up in my mouth. Mayor for life…maybe in his dreams?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A major city like Alexandria is being shaped overnight in what looks like a botched rush-job by people who serve as low-functioning middle management IRL. Tell me why this sounds like a good idea?

Meanwhile, we’re on here debating an issue that’s all but over. I hope the outcome finally inspires some serious candidates to run against these trend-obsessed wannabes in 2024.

Even if you support this particular issue (I see both sides), I can’t stomach how they’ve behaved. Council’s wanton disregard of citizen feedback is a slap to anyone who lives here.

It’s an example of how they’ll treat anyone whose vision doesn’t align perfectly with theirs, even if that *anyone* turns out to be the majority of their constituents.

If we don’t do better in 2024 local elections, everything that makes Alexandria special will be gone for good. The neighborly, charitable spirit of the City is already dissolving before our eyes.

Thinking that lady from the last meeting was right—they do need a spanking. And that maybe I need a city smart enough to benefit actual taxpayers every now and then.

I don’t think most of them are even middle management.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Forcing newly retired seniors out is what happened in Falls Church many years ago. It was sad. But people these days don’t care about anyone 50+. They just want them to die.

This honestly would be an ideal outcome. I support whatever zoning changes send the elderly packing. Retired seniors are a blight on SFH or dense TH neighborhoods. They're crotchety, noise sensitive, impatient with young kids, and kill the vibe of wherever they park themselves till they expire.

I can only assume you’re either uninformed or mentally ill. Maybe both. Many seniors contribute an incredible amount of time volunteering and supporting the community in ways that are important but not exactly newsworthy. If they go, the quality of life for everyone leaves with them.

Sincerely,
Not a senior citizen

Sure, if by this you mean contributing an incredible amount of time to calling the police on "youths", reporting people for minute overages on their street parking, or casting a stink eye on crying babies. Guess what, Doris, it's time to let life happen and move to a retirement community where you don't have to worry about any of that.

Hmmm...guess you and your family have been a focus of your neighborhood?!

No, but we will be when we buy the SFH next to old man Eugene, tear it down, build a quadplex in its place, and rent it out to the minorities old people are all scared of.

Sure you will. Written like an immature person, who clearly can’t afford a home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Forcing newly retired seniors out is what happened in Falls Church many years ago. It was sad. But people these days don’t care about anyone 50+. They just want them to die.

This honestly would be an ideal outcome. I support whatever zoning changes send the elderly packing. Retired seniors are a blight on SFH or dense TH neighborhoods. They're crotchety, noise sensitive, impatient with young kids, and kill the vibe of wherever they park themselves till they expire.

I can only assume you’re either uninformed or mentally ill. Maybe both. Many seniors contribute an incredible amount of time volunteering and supporting the community in ways that are important but not exactly newsworthy. If they go, the quality of life for everyone leaves with them.

Sincerely,
Not a senior citizen

Sure, if by this you mean contributing an incredible amount of time to calling the police on "youths", reporting people for minute overages on their street parking, or casting a stink eye on crying babies. Guess what, Doris, it's time to let life happen and move to a retirement community where you don't have to worry about any of that.

Strange and extremely specific example. It seems like you’re describing a day in low-income housing. Try being nice to the lady and you’ll see that grandmas are God’s gift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A major city like Alexandria is being shaped overnight in what looks like a botched rush-job by people who serve as low-functioning middle management IRL. Tell me why this sounds like a good idea?

Meanwhile, we’re on here debating an issue that’s all but over. I hope the outcome finally inspires some serious candidates to run against these trend-obsessed wannabes in 2024.

Even if you support this particular issue (I see both sides), I can’t stomach how they’ve behaved. Council’s wanton disregard of citizen feedback is a slap to anyone who lives here.

It’s an example of how they’ll treat anyone whose vision doesn’t align perfectly with theirs, even if that *anyone* turns out to be the majority of their constituents.

If we don’t do better in 2024 local elections, everything that makes Alexandria special will be gone for good. The neighborly, charitable spirit of the City is already dissolving before our eyes.

Thinking that lady from the last meeting was right—they do need a spanking. And that maybe I need a city smart enough to benefit actual taxpayers every now and then.

I don’t think most of them are even middle management.

And that’s being kind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey, you voted for it. Reap the rewards.

No we did not. Despite the disingenuous claims of Wilson, Gaskins and McPike, these zoning changes were in no way discussed during the last election. Committed affordable housing was a huge discussion and rising housing costs across the metro area were discussed. But these proposals were not discussed.

Sorry, but you did. Wilson et al have been talking about this for years at events, zoning and planning meetings. Wilson's claims aren't disingenuous.

Ignorance isn't an excuse. I knew because I pay a minimal amount of attention so I didn't vote for them.

Really? For years, the planning commission has been talking about ending single family zoning? What zoning meetings? And Gaskins and McPike stated that?

Wilson is disingenuous because he repackaged and fast tracked the proposal because it the bonus height density proposal didn’t go as planned in front of the planning commission.

I mean, it’s totally possible he said something at the Dem Committee meetings or some grassroots event. I can’t deny that.

Yes, really.

Zoning meetings, planning meetings, Alexandria Housing Summit...there is so much over years. Wilson allies, like Nate Macek were saying things in meetings about SF neighborhoods needing to make sacrifices. The group of women Wilson fondly calls is "mom mafia" were screaming at people that they were racist anytime SFZ was brought up. His adoration for Council on Governments and embrace of the YIMBYs. What did you think that was about?

Sometimes people who are running for office won't highlight issues that they know voters won't like. That's why you have to research, ask questions, look at the entire picture and make decisions. Be an informed voter.

Did you really think that a group of people who never disagree were suddenly going to go against Wilson and the Alexandria Dems?

Everyone will have forgotten this by the next election.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey, you voted for it. Reap the rewards.

No we did not. Despite the disingenuous claims of Wilson, Gaskins and McPike, these zoning changes were in no way discussed during the last election. Committed affordable housing was a huge discussion and rising housing costs across the metro area were discussed. But these proposals were not discussed.

Sorry, but you did. Wilson et al have been talking about this for years at events, zoning and planning meetings. Wilson's claims aren't disingenuous.

Ignorance isn't an excuse. I knew because I pay a minimal amount of attention so I didn't vote for them.

Really? For years, the planning commission has been talking about ending single family zoning? What zoning meetings? And Gaskins and McPike stated that?

Wilson is disingenuous because he repackaged and fast tracked the proposal because it the bonus height density proposal didn’t go as planned in front of the planning commission.

I mean, it’s totally possible he said something at the Dem Committee meetings or some grassroots event. I can’t deny that.

Yes, really.

Zoning meetings, planning meetings, Alexandria Housing Summit...there is so much over years. Wilson allies, like Nate Macek were saying things in meetings about SF neighborhoods needing to make sacrifices. The group of women Wilson fondly calls is "mom mafia" were screaming at people that they were racist anytime SFZ was brought up. His adoration for Council on Governments and embrace of the YIMBYs. What did you think that was about?

Sometimes people who are running for office won't highlight issues that they know voters won't like. That's why you have to research, ask questions, look at the entire picture and make decisions. Be an informed voter.

Did you really think that a group of people who never disagree were suddenly going to go against Wilson and the Alexandria Dems?

Everyone will have forgotten this by the next election.

Yes, I know about those women. Not sure why he tolerate it on his FB page. That one lady is an absolute nut and her posts tagging him won’t help if he does run for higher office. They are bullies to everyone who isn’t 100% in agreement with them, even otherwise liberal Dems.

I don’t know if people will forget. There was a huge push to get a more diverse group on council during the last election. I am curious to see if McPike and Bailey will survive.

[Anonymous]

Who will the BIBA crowd run to challenge the current council? Surely not Rossello again?