F&*) this (a MM rant)

[Anonymous]

Which zipcode? How big is the lot? Must be a huge lot to get 6 units.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Arlington is firmly inside the beltway, and the population of this area is only increasing. Other people need places to live, too, so get used to it.

[Anonymous]

You still have time to sell and get out

[Anonymous]

This is what Arlington wants the entire county to become. Missing Middle is just the beginning. Plan Langston is next. Why do you think developers are paying over $1 million for lots? It's all to turn them into 6-plexes. You really need to move to McLean to avoid this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
This is on you, OP, for not looking at the zoning where you lived. Also, this will not decrease the value of your land, far from it. It might reduce your enjoyment of it, though.

I live in a single family home neighborhood, but right on the edge. In front of me is a one-storey commercial lot. If they decide to raze it and build something that is 3 levels, they can. I bought knowing this could happen, and when (not if) it happens, I will not post a moronic rant on DCUM. I knew what I was getting into.

I live in Arlington and generally support missing middle (although I wish it was a bit more limited in scope). And think this is the dumbest statement.

The county recently *changed the zoning*

Regardless of the merits of OP’s complaints, she couldn’t have just DoNE hEr REseARcH on zoning. I can’t stand when people who are totally ignorant of the issue at hand jump onto a DC area board and spout off against an OP discussing local housing issues.

Whatever your zoning laws are in Kansas or wherever have nothing to do with Arlington. This is one of the most progressive zoning change in the country, try to keep up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It really destroys a neighborhood.

It is how you vote. Residents need to block the change of zoning laws going through.

Totally agree. I’m pretty sure DC Council has this ready to go to. Vote no

[Anonymous]

6 units is a lot. Developer getting greedy. Make a stink with the planning office make it clear you will be policing runoff and any other construction issues. Complain to the planning board about parking burden etc. they should at least reduce the number.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think people complaining about large houses realize it's either that or duplexes to come and in case of larger lots, multiple units! Pick your poison.

I live across the country on an area that has changed all of its SFH zoning to match the MM situation in Arlington. When the market was strong pre-pandemic, it was all giant houses that got put in. Now it is all 6-8plexes because the spec houses aren’t paying off in the current market. Both are bad options- the lot line to lot line mega houses attract transient people trying to claim a starter house in our neighborhood and/or people who don’t care about a specific neighborhood or aesthetics.

The downside about the 6-8plexes is that most young professionals and families don’t want to live in them. They prefer townhouse complexes or fancy, larger apartment complexes. So the multiplexes in our otherwise SFH neighborhood attract students on a budget. I actually don’t mind them because they bring some life to the neighborhood, but they’re not the types to make maintenance demands of their landlords and the landlords are usually investment groups in other states anyway. The multiplexes quickly fall into disrepair and have long grass, dead bushes and trees, dangling gutters and mossy roofs.

Where is this? Example listings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is what Arlington wants the entire county to become. Missing Middle is just the beginning. Plan Langston is next. Why do you think developers are paying over $1 million for lots? It's all to turn them into 6-plexes. You really need to move to McLean to avoid this.

Ewwww. I'll take 6-plex.

[Anonymous]

I thought the lawsuit going on re MM in Arlington has the approval process now on pause until the case has been settled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think people complaining about large houses realize it's either that or duplexes to come and in case of larger lots, multiple units! Pick your poison.

I live across the country on an area that has changed all of its SFH zoning to match the MM situation in Arlington. When the market was strong pre-pandemic, it was all giant houses that got put in. Now it is all 6-8plexes because the spec houses aren’t paying off in the current market. Both are bad options- the lot line to lot line mega houses attract transient people trying to claim a starter house in our neighborhood and/or people who don’t care about a specific neighborhood or aesthetics.

The downside about the 6-8plexes is that most young professionals and families don’t want to live in them. They prefer townhouse complexes or fancy, larger apartment complexes. So the multiplexes in our otherwise SFH neighborhood attract students on a budget. I actually don’t mind them because they bring some life to the neighborhood, but they’re not the types to make maintenance demands of their landlords and the landlords are usually investment groups in other states anyway. The multiplexes quickly fall into disrepair and have long grass, dead bushes and trees, dangling gutters and mossy roofs.

Where is this? Example listings?

“ In another permit application under review, developers are seeking to build three townhouses in the 6400 block of 22nd Street N. in the East Falls Church neighborhood, about a 5-minute walk to the East Falls Church Metro Station in Arlington.

The home, located on a 6,496-square-foot lot, was last sold in June 2021 to a trust agreement for $927,000, according to Arlington County real estate tax information.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think people complaining about large houses realize it's either that or duplexes to come and in case of larger lots, multiple units! Pick your poison.

I live across the country on an area that has changed all of its SFH zoning to match the MM situation in Arlington. When the market was strong pre-pandemic, it was all giant houses that got put in. Now it is all 6-8plexes because the spec houses aren’t paying off in the current market. Both are bad options- the lot line to lot line mega houses attract transient people trying to claim a starter house in our neighborhood and/or people who don’t care about a specific neighborhood or aesthetics.

The downside about the 6-8plexes is that most young professionals and families don’t want to live in them. They prefer townhouse complexes or fancy, larger apartment complexes. So the multiplexes in our otherwise SFH neighborhood attract students on a budget. I actually don’t mind them because they bring some life to the neighborhood, but they’re not the types to make maintenance demands of their landlords and the landlords are usually investment groups in other states anyway. The multiplexes quickly fall into disrepair and have long grass, dead bushes and trees, dangling gutters and mossy roofs.

Where is this? Example listings?

https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Building/Permits/EHO/Tracker

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think people complaining about large houses realize it's either that or duplexes to come and in case of larger lots, multiple units! Pick your poison.

I live across the country on an area that has changed all of its SFH zoning to match the MM situation in Arlington. When the market was strong pre-pandemic, it was all giant houses that got put in. Now it is all 6-8plexes because the spec houses aren’t paying off in the current market. Both are bad options- the lot line to lot line mega houses attract transient people trying to claim a starter house in our neighborhood and/or people who don’t care about a specific neighborhood or aesthetics.

The downside about the 6-8plexes is that most young professionals and families don’t want to live in them. They prefer townhouse complexes or fancy, larger apartment complexes. So the multiplexes in our otherwise SFH neighborhood attract students on a budget. I actually don’t mind them because they bring some life to the neighborhood, but they’re not the types to make maintenance demands of their landlords and the landlords are usually investment groups in other states anyway. The multiplexes quickly fall into disrepair and have long grass, dead bushes and trees, dangling gutters and mossy roofs.

Where is this? Example listings?

A 6 plex was approved here: 735 N. George Mason Drive

This street is already notoriously busy and lacks parking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
This is on you, OP, for not looking at the zoning where you lived. Also, this will not decrease the value of your land, far from it. It might reduce your enjoyment of it, though.

I live in a single family home neighborhood, but right on the edge. In front of me is a one-storey commercial lot. If they decide to raze it and build something that is 3 levels, they can. I bought knowing this could happen, and when (not if) it happens, I will not post a moronic rant on DCUM. I knew what I was getting into.

Oh look, another non-resident posting in this thread, but with better English skills. It was zoned R-6 (do you know what that is?) when we moved here before MM was a thing. Not an empty lot, not close to commercial.

PP you replied to. I live in Bethesda, Montgomery County, Maryland. NOWHERE DOES OP EXPLAIN IN THEIR FIRST POST THAT THE ZONING CHANGED AFTER THEY MOVED IN.

This is information that should have been disclosed, whether or not you live in Arlington, because then you wouldn't have been accused of not doing your due diligence.

Even if the zoning changed on you, OP, there's probably not much you can do about it, unless you want to engage a lawsuit with like-minded neighbors to force your community to take notice. Maybe the developer will weigh the pros and cons of what a public outcry might do to their image... or most likely, they won't care, because they have the local government in their pocket. But you can always hire a lawyer to pore over the proposed construction and fight them on technicalities. It will be very expensive.

[Anonymous]

Why on earth is OP so aggressive?

Learn to present your information clearly. What was the zoning when you moved in, and did it change.

You can't yell rudely at people if you haven't been crystal clear.

You're posting on the DC Urban Moms and Dads Real Estate Forum. Not the "Me Forum - you're all expected to divine my thoughts and be on my side even if I'm a jerk" Real Estate Forum.