Arlington Missing Middle Housing Q&A

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

I’m having trouble believing that this real. Are you an undercover YIMBY?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

I’m having trouble believing that this real. Are you an undercover YIMBY?

DP. A lot of people are ambivalent. They wouldn't have chosen this, but they aren't going to lose sleep over it. It's like anything else: you don't hear from anyone but the complainers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

I’m having trouble believing that this real. Are you an undercover YIMBY?

DP. A lot of people are ambivalent. They wouldn't have chosen this, but they aren't going to lose sleep over it. It's like anything else: you don't hear from anyone but the complainers.

I think it can make sense to be ambivalent — people might say to themselves, “how bad could it possibly be?” Well in another city, I had a house that experienced a zoning change across the street and I initially had that same feeling. But over time, it turned out to be worse than I could have imagined and I moved. The problem is that once the issues start presenting themselves as actualities instead of possibilities, it is too late to do anything about it. Sure you can complain to local authorities but it is basically impossible to undo what’s been done.

Here, just think of the chance that you might have a nightmare neighbor next door. It’s a slim chance but it exists. Now you multiply that by six, and that doesn’t even account for all of the turnover in rentals so it’s really much worse than six. Maybe you’ll avoid noise and inconsiderate neighbors one year, and maybe even the next, but eventually you probably won’t. The stability in your neighborhood will be gone, and when any peaceful renter moves out, you will never know if a nightmare renter is about to move in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

I’m having trouble believing that this real. Are you an undercover YIMBY?

DP. A lot of people are ambivalent. They wouldn't have chosen this, but they aren't going to lose sleep over it. It's like anything else: you don't hear from anyone but the complainers.

I think it can make sense to be ambivalent — people might say to themselves, “how bad could it possibly be?” Well in another city, I had a house that experienced a zoning change across the street and I initially had that same feeling. But over time, it turned out to be worse than I could have imagined and I moved. The problem is that once the issues start presenting themselves as actualities instead of possibilities, it is too late to do anything about it. Sure you can complain to local authorities but it is basically impossible to undo what’s been done.

Here, just think of the chance that you might have a nightmare neighbor next door. It’s a slim chance but it exists. Now you multiply that by six, and that doesn’t even account for all of the turnover in rentals so it’s really much worse than six. Maybe you’ll avoid noise and inconsiderate neighbors one year, and maybe even the next, but eventually you probably won’t. The stability in your neighborhood will be gone, and when any peaceful renter moves out, you will never know if a nightmare renter is about to move in.

But we already have renters that live near us. There are SFHs rented out to multiple unrelated adults. In most cases, they are gone so much I don't even know when the houses turn over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

I’m having trouble believing that this real. Are you an undercover YIMBY?

Probs. First clue: "live in a sea of big law partners." Most of us moved to McLean after the kids got through kindergarten, and we put them in private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

I’m having trouble believing that this real. Are you an undercover YIMBY?

Probs. First clue: "live in a sea of big law partners." Most of us moved to McLean after the kids got through kindergarten, and we put them in private schools.

1st grade isn't an entry year at any private school I can think of. You did not "all" move to McLean and then all get into private school for 1st grade. What a ridiculous post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

I’m having trouble believing that this real. Are you an undercover YIMBY?

DP. I'm not a YIMBY but I'm not worked up over this. We have the means to move pretty much anywhere else if we feel like it. This is just North Arlington, not Utopia. I feel like the people who are upset are maybe in over their heads on real estate. Or just very, very uptight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

I’m having trouble believing that this real. Are you an undercover YIMBY?

Probs. First clue: "live in a sea of big law partners." Most of us moved to McLean after the kids got through kindergarten, and we put them in private schools.

1st grade isn't an entry year at any private school I can think of. You did not "all" move to McLean and then all get into private school for 1st grade. What a ridiculous post.

We aren’t big law partners but moved to McLean after our kids finished kindergarten in Arlington. They were admitted to Langley but we ended up going to Basis Independent on recommendation of a colleague. Most of our neighbor’s kids go to private schools but I did not know there was a restriction on when they could enter.

[Anonymous]

One of the first six plexes approved (1004 Daniel) is now for sale as a single family home. I don’t think they even finished demolishing current structure before injunction came down.

https://www.mrcustomhomes.com/custom-homes-for-sale-arlington

[Anonymous]

So he will only make 2 million on this Lyon Village lot instead of 4. Poor builder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

No Arlington wasn’t up front about it. There was even that ridiculous WaPo article with the nonprofit woman who lived in a luxury apartment but was complaining she couldn’t afford to buy what she wanted where she wanted and that missing middle was going to change all that. Including lowering prices.

All of you are just suckers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think there were a lot of issues with MM (the package that got passed, the lengthy yet shallow process, etc). But at the end of the day, we can just move if it's that bad. Arlington isn't the "be all end all." The schools are just ok to good-ish, the neighborhoods aren't very charming, and the only major positive is proximity to DC. I think people have really lost perspective. But I do understand the utter frustration with our county overlords. They aren't the sharpest tools in the shed for sure!

That's a really obnoxious thing to say. In addition to having built a community of friends in Arlington, many of us have invested into our homes. It's not that easy to "just move."

We happen to live next door to a gentleman who has lived in his home for almost 70 years. He's recently started having health problems. There's a very, very significant chance that his tiny house is going to be replaced by a 6plex in the next few years. So, do we stay in a home that we love and have spent a lot of money to remodel to our tastes and risk living next door to an apartment building? Do we risk the loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of our yard? Do we risk the drop in our property value? Or do we move now and give up our interest rate and move our kids away from their friends? We'd been planning to stay in this house until our kids were in college, so probably another 15-20 years. It's literally a decision that affects if our leafy backyard remains private or is next door to a multistory apartment building.

I just hear whining. Should have lived further out

+1. If someone buys the lot it will be a multiplex or a new SFH, and all the trees will be cleared. You won't have a leafy private yard no matter what happens. Why are you so certain a 6 plex will get built anyway? Is this near metro or a busy road?

I love that people post snarky comments and then prove that they are clueless about MM. Why would you ask about busy roads or near a metro? You know that isn't in a requirements, right? There's no part of MM that focuses development in those locations, nor is that what's happening. Developers are building 4-6 unit apartment buildings in the middle of SFHs because they can.

I'm well aware of what passed. What I don't understand is why PP thinks there is a "very significant change" that a 6 plex will get built on a nearby lot. How could anyone know that with such certainty? I'm not being snarky, I don't want a 6 plex next door either but it's like anything else: we will move if the bad about Arlington outweighs the good. That's just how we feel.

It's a very privileged position not to have to worry about the costs of moving (financial, but also social emotional and on our time), as well as the immediate hit to our property value that comes as soon as a permit is granted for the lot next door.

Of course it's a privileged point of view. Most Arlington SFH owners are privileged, including us. We may not get our first choice of every scenario but we have options.

You, you I like. Someone is finally honest about the privileged lives of Arlington rather than trying to downplay their position!!

Gotta keep it real. Don't love what passed and think it could have been crafted to encourage more ownership opportunities, but fine with jumping ship if this or any number of things makes Arlington less appealing.

DP and another N Arlington poster who recognizes my privilege to afford living here. I have a SFH walkable to metro, parks, restaurants etc. a < 20 min drive from the White House. It has been known for at least a decade + that Arlington has been pushing density and that land here is limited. It would have been naive of me to expect my little slice of suburban life remain the same forever.

My property value has already gone up so much that I just can’t manage to have a pity party for myself over this. Do I think it’s an inelegant solution? For sure. But I also think continuing to put up giant McMansions at the current pace has other forms of drawbacks. And since I do not wish to live in a sea of big law partners and throwing a fit if my neighbors’ properties change over time, I’m ok with an imperfect solution.

Also Arlington was very up front that MM is not affordable or even middle class housing. So anyone disappointed that this isn’t that didn’t do even the bare minimum research.

No Arlington wasn’t up front about it. There was even that ridiculous WaPo article with the nonprofit woman who lived in a luxury apartment but was complaining she couldn’t afford to buy what she wanted where she wanted and that missing middle was going to change all that. Including lowering prices.

All of you are just suckers.

That woman is on the County Board now, believe it or not.

I still support some level of countywide upzoning. Though I did not support her candidacy. She is clueless.