Overriding local zoning to allow multi-family units in suburban neighborhoods in VA

[Anonymous]

Curious what people in the VA suburbs think of this......

Democrats in Virginia may override local zoning to bring high-density housing, including public housing, to every neighborhood statewide — whether residents want it or not.

The measure could quickly transform the suburban lifestyle enjoyed by millions, permitting duplexes to be built on suburban lots in neighborhoods previously consisting of quiet streets and open green spaces. Proponents of “upzoning” say the changes are necessary because suburbs are bastions of segregation and elitism, as well as bad for the environment.

The move, which aims to provide “affordable housing,” might be fiercely opposed by local officials throughout the state, who have deliberately created and preserved neighborhoods with particular character — some dense and walkable, others semi-rural and private — to accommodate people’s various preferences.

But Democrats tout a state-level law’s ability to replace “not in my backyard” with “yes, in your backyard.”

House Delegate Ibraheem Samirah, a Democrat, introduced six housing measures Dec. 19, coinciding with Democrats’ takeover of the state legislature in November.

“Today I introduced six new bills dealing with affordable housing supply and exclusionary zoning practices,” Samirah wrote on Facebook. “The most impactful bill, HB152, would legalize two-unit housing types on any lot zoned for single-family use only.”

“Because middle housing is what’s most affordable for low-income people and people of color, banning that housing in well-off neighborhoods chalks up to modern-day redlining, locking folks out of areas with better access to schools, jobs, transit, and other services and amenities,” he continued.

“Single-family zoning is also the least efficient way to organize communities, leading to a much larger carbon footprint. … I will certainly get pushback for this. Some will call it ‘state overreach.’ Some will express anxiety about neighborhood change. Some may even say that the supply issue doesn’t exist. But the research is clear: zoning is a barrier to more housing and integrated communities,” he wrote.

https://dailycaller.com/2019/12/23/virginia-house-zoning-environment/

[Anonymous]

Adamantly against this - liberal democrat in Fall Church City.

[Anonymous]

He can put as many duplexes as he wants in McLean. Won’t change the fact that poor people will not be able to afford them. All those extra units will go to young, upper class DINKS. They’ll get a leg up in the housing ladder and build enough equity to move on to a SFH. Go for it.

[Anonymous]

I am in favor of property owners being allowed to build duplexes, and I find it difficult to think of any policy argument against it.

The following are not policy arguments:

-I don't want to live near a duplex.
-A duplex would be bad for my property value.
-Ew, duplexes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am in favor of property owners being allowed to build duplexes, and I find it difficult to think of any policy argument against it.

The following are not policy arguments:

-I don't want to live near a duplex.
-A duplex would be bad for my property value.
-Ew, duplexes.

So, it is ok for the state to override any local zoning ordinances?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in favor of property owners being allowed to build duplexes, and I find it difficult to think of any policy argument against it.

The following are not policy arguments:

-I don't want to live near a duplex.
-A duplex would be bad for my property value.
-Ew, duplexes.

So, it is ok for the state to override any local zoning ordinances?

First of all, this is Virginia. It's a Dillon Rule state. Virginia is all about state override.

Second of all, what is the problem with state override of local zoning ordinances, specifically?

[Anonymous]

Anything that gets more affordable housing, and more poor people, into northern Virginia in general, and north Arlington McLeab and Great Falls in particular, the better. I’m all for it.

[Anonymous]

The daily caller is a racist propaganda rag. Try linking to a more respectable source if you want your conversation to be taken seriously.

[Anonymous]

THIS is what’s is what you get when you get when you vote all Democrats.
This is their version of socialist utopia. Even in Mass, they voted in a Republican governor to veto crap like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The daily caller is a racist propaganda rag. Try linking to a more respectable source if you want your conversation to be taken seriously.

This article is more to your liking, pp. Mother Jones. Far left.
Of course, the authors of this piece seem to think it's a grand idea. But, admit that it is an uphill climb.

And, BTW - the bulk of the information in the OP was quoting House Delegate Ibraheem Samirah who introduced the legislation. Are you saying he was quoted inaccurately?

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/12/virginia-could-take-the-lead-in-tackling-the-housing-crisis/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:THIS is what’s is what you get when you get when you vote all Democrats.
This is their version of socialist utopia. Even in Mass, they voted in a Republican governor to veto crap like this.

Giggling at the idea that allowing (not requiring) duplexes is "socialist utopia".

[Anonymous]

I like duplexes. Some of the nicest neighborhoods in Denver where I grew up have lovely duplexes and mansions that were long ago converted into apartments. I'd love to live in a neighborhood like that again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Adamantly against this - liberal democrat in Fall Church City.

+1, I've voted a straight blue ticket since Mondale, but I don't want poor people in Cherrydale.

[Anonymous]

The problem is when the state overrides the local ordinances.

Kind like how states love it when the feds tell them what to do....

Govt should be local...

[Anonymous]

Guess Samirah doesn’t like the people who actually live in his district and wants to relocate them to areas that are still decent. What a tool.