Alexandria on the Cusp of Eliminating All SFH Zoning

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't understand how having fewer parking spaces per unit is supposed to work until DASH service is improved. My kids take it to school and home from sports and to their weekend jobs, and the waits can be really long at times. I can't see it being a viable option for many adults.

Parking induces driving. If you make it easy to park a second/third/etc... vehicle, then people will buy those vehicles. Then trips that could have been carpool/bus/walking/bike get turned into car trips because the spare car is available.

Lack of parking per unit does not reduce vehicle reliance where street parking is readily available, as is the case for most of ALX outside of Old Town.

Efficient, reliable mass transit, as PP pointed out, can reduce the reliance on vehicles.

You know what helps make mass transit efficient and reliable? When there are more people living in a given area. For example, if duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are allowed in an area where previously only uniplexes were allowed.

Really? So the presence of those housing types solves hiring issues for transit providers and reduces delays in schedules times?

Mass transit has probably peaked for the foreseeable future. There is a triple whammy of crime, driver shortages, and difficulty financing capital projects.

That being said, we're at peak car as well. Walking and micro-mobility are the growth areas.

Suddenly everyone lives within walking distance of where they want to go?

The point being more people want to live within walking distance than the current supply allows.

More people also want to live in bigger houses with larger yards and fewer neighbors than the current supply allows.

Look at the prices in Old Town, then other parts of the city. Why is Old Town so much more expensive if space is what people want?

Changing the zoning makes it possible for there to be more "Old Town" type living in Alexandria. Its what people actually want, and will pay for.

You can get away without having your own car in Old Town, or you can live car-lite. Having 3+ cars per household is a thing of the past.

Well at least we can all agree on the fact that it’s not about the “missing middle.” Most folks could never afford Old Town.

Because there's only one Old Town. But we could have more places like Old Town.

[Anonymous]

Most folks could never afford Old Town.

Most people trying to move to Old Town today could not afford it. I moved here in 2004 and don't make a lot of money. But I agree that there is no way I could afford my own place here now. My point is that not everyone living in Old Town in wealthy, some of us have just been here a long time.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't understand how having fewer parking spaces per unit is supposed to work until DASH service is improved. My kids take it to school and home from sports and to their weekend jobs, and the waits can be really long at times. I can't see it being a viable option for many adults.

Parking induces driving. If you make it easy to park a second/third/etc... vehicle, then people will buy those vehicles. Then trips that could have been carpool/bus/walking/bike get turned into car trips because the spare car is available.

Lack of parking per unit does not reduce vehicle reliance where street parking is readily available, as is the case for most of ALX outside of Old Town.

Efficient, reliable mass transit, as PP pointed out, can reduce the reliance on vehicles.

You know what helps make mass transit efficient and reliable? When there are more people living in a given area. For example, if duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are allowed in an area where previously only uniplexes were allowed.

Really? So the presence of those housing types solves hiring issues for transit providers and reduces delays in schedules times?

Mass transit has probably peaked for the foreseeable future. There is a triple whammy of crime, driver shortages, and difficulty financing capital projects.

That being said, we're at peak car as well. Walking and micro-mobility are the growth areas.

Suddenly everyone lives within walking distance of where they want to go?

The point being more people want to live within walking distance than the current supply allows.

More people also want to live in bigger houses with larger yards and fewer neighbors than the current supply allows.

Look at the prices in Old Town, then other parts of the city. Why is Old Town so much more expensive if space is what people want?

Changing the zoning makes it possible for there to be more "Old Town" type living in Alexandria. Its what people actually want, and will pay for.

You can get away without having your own car in Old Town, or you can live car-lite. Having 3+ cars per household is a thing of the past.

You really think Old Town is replicable? It’s the fact that it’s not that drives the cost.

Of course it is replicable, or if it's not replicable because the zoning laws make it illegal, then the zoning laws need to change.

Hold on! I thought the goal was to turn everything into the gentrified version of Del Ray. Complete with tacky, giant nouveau farmhouses.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't understand how having fewer parking spaces per unit is supposed to work until DASH service is improved. My kids take it to school and home from sports and to their weekend jobs, and the waits can be really long at times. I can't see it being a viable option for many adults.

Parking induces driving. If you make it easy to park a second/third/etc... vehicle, then people will buy those vehicles. Then trips that could have been carpool/bus/walking/bike get turned into car trips because the spare car is available.

Lack of parking per unit does not reduce vehicle reliance where street parking is readily available, as is the case for most of ALX outside of Old Town.

Efficient, reliable mass transit, as PP pointed out, can reduce the reliance on vehicles.

You know what helps make mass transit efficient and reliable? When there are more people living in a given area. For example, if duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are allowed in an area where previously only uniplexes were allowed.

Really? So the presence of those housing types solves hiring issues for transit providers and reduces delays in schedules times?

Mass transit has probably peaked for the foreseeable future. There is a triple whammy of crime, driver shortages, and difficulty financing capital projects.

That being said, we're at peak car as well. Walking and micro-mobility are the growth areas.

Suddenly everyone lives within walking distance of where they want to go?

The point being more people want to live within walking distance than the current supply allows.

More people also want to live in bigger houses with larger yards and fewer neighbors than the current supply allows.

Obviously not true since they can have that in West Virginia all they want yet the value of land in WV is a fraction of dense smaller unit neighborhoods almost anywhere else.

[Anonymous]

I live on a street very near Braddock Road Metro that isn't zoned.

What street "very near" Braddock metro is not zoned? I live in the general area, and am wracking my brain. I know of the block on Commonwealth that isn't, but that isn't all that near the metro, and I never see people parking there to go to the metro.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't understand how having fewer parking spaces per unit is supposed to work until DASH service is improved. My kids take it to school and home from sports and to their weekend jobs, and the waits can be really long at times. I can't see it being a viable option for many adults.

Parking induces driving. If you make it easy to park a second/third/etc... vehicle, then people will buy those vehicles. Then trips that could have been carpool/bus/walking/bike get turned into car trips because the spare car is available.

Lack of parking per unit does not reduce vehicle reliance where street parking is readily available, as is the case for most of ALX outside of Old Town.

Efficient, reliable mass transit, as PP pointed out, can reduce the reliance on vehicles.

You know what helps make mass transit efficient and reliable? When there are more people living in a given area. For example, if duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are allowed in an area where previously only uniplexes were allowed.

Really? So the presence of those housing types solves hiring issues for transit providers and reduces delays in schedules times?

Mass transit has probably peaked for the foreseeable future. There is a triple whammy of crime, driver shortages, and difficulty financing capital projects.

That being said, we're at peak car as well. Walking and micro-mobility are the growth areas.

Suddenly everyone lives within walking distance of where they want to go?

The point being more people want to live within walking distance than the current supply allows.

More people also want to live in bigger houses with larger yards and fewer neighbors than the current supply allows.

Look at the prices in Old Town, then other parts of the city. Why is Old Town so much more expensive if space is what people want?

Changing the zoning makes it possible for there to be more "Old Town" type living in Alexandria. Its what people actually want, and will pay for.

You can get away without having your own car in Old Town, or you can live car-lite. Having 3+ cars per household is a thing of the past.

Well at least we can all agree on the fact that it’s not about the “missing middle.” Most folks could never afford Old Town.

Because there's only one Old Town. But we could have more places like Old Town.

You think we should have more historic districts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I live on a street very near Braddock Road Metro that isn't zoned.

What street "very near" Braddock metro is not zoned? I live in the general area, and am wracking my brain. I know of the block on Commonwealth that isn't, but that isn't all that near the metro, and I never see people parking there to go to the metro.

There is zero chance someone would post that; otherwise people would start parking there. IYKYK.

[Anonymous]

Because there's only one Old Town. But we could have more places like Old Town.

You think we should have more historic districts?

Exactly, this “replicate Old Town” poster is advocating for zoning and preservation - or thinks a bunch of builders-grade micro townhomes, adding some gas lanterns and brick sidewalks can recreate a >200 year old Old Town.

In a lot of ways it highlights the YIMBY mentality - believing people choose houses simply because they are roofs and walls - nothing to say of the community and environment they are located. I do not even think this poster is being trollish.

It encapsulates what makes compromise impossible. My family could have purchased a large luxury condo or even somewhere in Old Town. But we preferred our small yard, block parties, off-street parking, and trees. It was about so much more than walls and a roof.

[Anonymous]

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.

Told you so: https://www.alxnow.com/2023/12/01/breaking-alexandria-mayor-justin-wilson-wont-seek-reelection/?fbclid=IwAR00RdRlN1q3RIJp9dmrZIzmhgLCuz9TSXDST9gl28EOMItI4auENn_IBlk_aem_ARK-n0jwOWf7GL_eLxJ5LaejgmbsZ1rUD_yUw-Pab8hs6QHKqHJFBEGl8Oz6_Fdh1_I

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't understand how having fewer parking spaces per unit is supposed to work until DASH service is improved. My kids take it to school and home from sports and to their weekend jobs, and the waits can be really long at times. I can't see it being a viable option for many adults.

Parking induces driving. If you make it easy to park a second/third/etc... vehicle, then people will buy those vehicles. Then trips that could have been carpool/bus/walking/bike get turned into car trips because the spare car is available.

Lack of parking per unit does not reduce vehicle reliance where street parking is readily available, as is the case for most of ALX outside of Old Town.

Efficient, reliable mass transit, as PP pointed out, can reduce the reliance on vehicles.

You know what helps make mass transit efficient and reliable? When there are more people living in a given area. For example, if duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are allowed in an area where previously only uniplexes were allowed.

Really? So the presence of those housing types solves hiring issues for transit providers and reduces delays in schedules times?

Mass transit has probably peaked for the foreseeable future. There is a triple whammy of crime, driver shortages, and difficulty financing capital projects.

That being said, we're at peak car as well. Walking and micro-mobility are the growth areas.

Suddenly everyone lives within walking distance of where they want to go?

The point being more people want to live within walking distance than the current supply allows.

More people also want to live in bigger houses with larger yards and fewer neighbors than the current supply allows.

Look at the prices in Old Town, then other parts of the city. Why is Old Town so much more expensive if space is what people want?

Changing the zoning makes it possible for there to be more "Old Town" type living in Alexandria. Its what people actually want, and will pay for.

You can get away without having your own car in Old Town, or you can live car-lite. Having 3+ cars per household is a thing of the past.

Well at least we can all agree on the fact that it’s not about the “missing middle.” Most folks could never afford Old Town.

Because there's only one Old Town. But we could have more places like Old Town.

You think we should have more historic districts?

Yes!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't understand how having fewer parking spaces per unit is supposed to work until DASH service is improved. My kids take it to school and home from sports and to their weekend jobs, and the waits can be really long at times. I can't see it being a viable option for many adults.

Parking induces driving. If you make it easy to park a second/third/etc... vehicle, then people will buy those vehicles. Then trips that could have been carpool/bus/walking/bike get turned into car trips because the spare car is available.

Lack of parking per unit does not reduce vehicle reliance where street parking is readily available, as is the case for most of ALX outside of Old Town.

Efficient, reliable mass transit, as PP pointed out, can reduce the reliance on vehicles.

You know what helps make mass transit efficient and reliable? When there are more people living in a given area. For example, if duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are allowed in an area where previously only uniplexes were allowed.

Really? So the presence of those housing types solves hiring issues for transit providers and reduces delays in schedules times?

Mass transit has probably peaked for the foreseeable future. There is a triple whammy of crime, driver shortages, and difficulty financing capital projects.

That being said, we're at peak car as well. Walking and micro-mobility are the growth areas.

Suddenly everyone lives within walking distance of where they want to go?

The point being more people want to live within walking distance than the current supply allows.

More people also want to live in bigger houses with larger yards and fewer neighbors than the current supply allows.

Look at the prices in Old Town, then other parts of the city. Why is Old Town so much more expensive if space is what people want?

Changing the zoning makes it possible for there to be more "Old Town" type living in Alexandria. Its what people actually want, and will pay for.

You can get away without having your own car in Old Town, or you can live car-lite. Having 3+ cars per household is a thing of the past.

Well at least we can all agree on the fact that it’s not about the “missing middle.” Most folks could never afford Old Town.

Because there's only one Old Town. But we could have more places like Old Town.

You think we should have more historic districts?

Huh? Why would a place that is built to be like Old Town, but is not actually Old Town, be a historic district?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't understand how having fewer parking spaces per unit is supposed to work until DASH service is improved. My kids take it to school and home from sports and to their weekend jobs, and the waits can be really long at times. I can't see it being a viable option for many adults.

Parking induces driving. If you make it easy to park a second/third/etc... vehicle, then people will buy those vehicles. Then trips that could have been carpool/bus/walking/bike get turned into car trips because the spare car is available.

Lack of parking per unit does not reduce vehicle reliance where street parking is readily available, as is the case for most of ALX outside of Old Town.

Efficient, reliable mass transit, as PP pointed out, can reduce the reliance on vehicles.

You know what helps make mass transit efficient and reliable? When there are more people living in a given area. For example, if duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are allowed in an area where previously only uniplexes were allowed.

Really? So the presence of those housing types solves hiring issues for transit providers and reduces delays in schedules times?

Mass transit has probably peaked for the foreseeable future. There is a triple whammy of crime, driver shortages, and difficulty financing capital projects.

That being said, we're at peak car as well. Walking and micro-mobility are the growth areas.

Suddenly everyone lives within walking distance of where they want to go?

The point being more people want to live within walking distance than the current supply allows.

More people also want to live in bigger houses with larger yards and fewer neighbors than the current supply allows.

Look at the prices in Old Town, then other parts of the city. Why is Old Town so much more expensive if space is what people want?

Changing the zoning makes it possible for there to be more "Old Town" type living in Alexandria. Its what people actually want, and will pay for.

You can get away without having your own car in Old Town, or you can live car-lite. Having 3+ cars per household is a thing of the past.

Well at least we can all agree on the fact that it’s not about the “missing middle.” Most folks could never afford Old Town.

Because there's only one Old Town. But we could have more places like Old Town.

You think we should have more historic districts?

Huh? Why would a place that is built to be like Old Town, but is not actually Old Town, be a historic district?

You said we should have more places like Old Town. Old Town is a historic district. Therefore, you said we should have more historic districts. If that’s not what you meant be more precise in your language next time. A problem with YIMBYism is that you just run around shouting cliches and do very little critical thinking about placemaking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't understand how having fewer parking spaces per unit is supposed to work until DASH service is improved. My kids take it to school and home from sports and to their weekend jobs, and the waits can be really long at times. I can't see it being a viable option for many adults.

Parking induces driving. If you make it easy to park a second/third/etc... vehicle, then people will buy those vehicles. Then trips that could have been carpool/bus/walking/bike get turned into car trips because the spare car is available.

Lack of parking per unit does not reduce vehicle reliance where street parking is readily available, as is the case for most of ALX outside of Old Town.

Efficient, reliable mass transit, as PP pointed out, can reduce the reliance on vehicles.

You know what helps make mass transit efficient and reliable? When there are more people living in a given area. For example, if duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are allowed in an area where previously only uniplexes were allowed.

Really? So the presence of those housing types solves hiring issues for transit providers and reduces delays in schedules times?

Mass transit has probably peaked for the foreseeable future. There is a triple whammy of crime, driver shortages, and difficulty financing capital projects.

That being said, we're at peak car as well. Walking and micro-mobility are the growth areas.

Suddenly everyone lives within walking distance of where they want to go?

The point being more people want to live within walking distance than the current supply allows.

More people also want to live in bigger houses with larger yards and fewer neighbors than the current supply allows.

Look at the prices in Old Town, then other parts of the city. Why is Old Town so much more expensive if space is what people want?

Changing the zoning makes it possible for there to be more "Old Town" type living in Alexandria. Its what people actually want, and will pay for.

You can get away without having your own car in Old Town, or you can live car-lite. Having 3+ cars per household is a thing of the past.

Well at least we can all agree on the fact that it’s not about the “missing middle.” Most folks could never afford Old Town.

Because there's only one Old Town. But we could have more places like Old Town.

You think we should have more historic districts?

Huh? Why would a place that is built to be like Old Town, but is not actually Old Town, be a historic district?

You said we should have more places like Old Town. Old Town is a historic district. Therefore, you said we should have more historic districts. If that’s not what you meant be more precise in your language next time. A problem with YIMBYism is that you just run around shouting cliches and do very little critical thinking about placemaking.

Aren't you sweet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I honestly don't understand how having fewer parking spaces per unit is supposed to work until DASH service is improved. My kids take it to school and home from sports and to their weekend jobs, and the waits can be really long at times. I can't see it being a viable option for many adults.

Parking induces driving. If you make it easy to park a second/third/etc... vehicle, then people will buy those vehicles. Then trips that could have been carpool/bus/walking/bike get turned into car trips because the spare car is available.

Lack of parking per unit does not reduce vehicle reliance where street parking is readily available, as is the case for most of ALX outside of Old Town.

Efficient, reliable mass transit, as PP pointed out, can reduce the reliance on vehicles.

You know what helps make mass transit efficient and reliable? When there are more people living in a given area. For example, if duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are allowed in an area where previously only uniplexes were allowed.

Really? So the presence of those housing types solves hiring issues for transit providers and reduces delays in schedules times?

Mass transit has probably peaked for the foreseeable future. There is a triple whammy of crime, driver shortages, and difficulty financing capital projects.

That being said, we're at peak car as well. Walking and micro-mobility are the growth areas.

Suddenly everyone lives within walking distance of where they want to go?

The point being more people want to live within walking distance than the current supply allows.

More people also want to live in bigger houses with larger yards and fewer neighbors than the current supply allows.

Look at the prices in Old Town, then other parts of the city. Why is Old Town so much more expensive if space is what people want?

Changing the zoning makes it possible for there to be more "Old Town" type living in Alexandria. Its what people actually want, and will pay for.

You can get away without having your own car in Old Town, or you can live car-lite. Having 3+ cars per household is a thing of the past.

Well at least we can all agree on the fact that it’s not about the “missing middle.” Most folks could never afford Old Town.

Because there's only one Old Town. But we could have more places like Old Town.

You think we should have more historic districts?

Huh? Why would a place that is built to be like Old Town, but is not actually Old Town, be a historic district?

You said we should have more places like Old Town. Old Town is a historic district. Therefore, you said we should have more historic districts. If that’s not what you meant be more precise in your language next time. A problem with YIMBYism is that you just run around shouting cliches and do very little critical thinking about placemaking.

You know this logic doesn't track right?

You think there should be more politicians like Joe Biden. Joe Biden is an old white man. Therefore you think there should be more old white male politicians.
You think there should be more schools like TJ. TJ has a majority asian population. Therefore you think there should be more schools with majority asian populations.

Logical fallacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Well at least we can all agree on the fact that it’s not about the “missing middle.” Most folks could never afford Old Town.

Because there's only one Old Town. But we could have more places like Old Town.

You think we should have more historic districts?

Huh? Why would a place that is built to be like Old Town, but is not actually Old Town, be a historic district?

You said we should have more places like Old Town. Old Town is a historic district. Therefore, you said we should have more historic districts. If that’s not what you meant be more precise in your language next time. A problem with YIMBYism is that you just run around shouting cliches and do very little critical thinking about placemaking.

You know this logic doesn't track right?

You think there should be more politicians like Joe Biden. Joe Biden is an old white man. Therefore you think there should be more old white male politicians.
You think there should be more schools like TJ. TJ has a majority asian population. Therefore you think there should be more schools with majority asian populations.

Logical fallacy.

The Old Town poster thinks people want to live there and pay prices because it’s close to mass transit. Probably a reason for some. But probably not and ignores the fact that it a a one-of-kind historically significant neighborhood. That is the logical fallacy.