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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I wouldn't move to a SFH within close distance to a 4-plex or 6-plex. If I wanted density, I wouldn't be choosing a SFH. 
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As someone who lives in Ashton Heights, we already have missing middle housing in parts of the neighborhood — particularly the blocks closer to Clarendon — and people are building new $3 million + houses and consistently buying homes in the $1.5 - 2.5 million right near these Multifamily building with 4-10 units. The same thing is happening in Lyon Park and Lyon Village. Honestly my guess is having to spend $1.25 - 1.5 million for a lot in these neighborhoods is going to lead to high end condos and rentals built in those new 6 plexes. Right now there are a number of terrible single family home rentals with loud 20 something’s partying and being very loud. My guess is the new neighbors “fit” in the neighborhood more and the end result is people will be happier. All of this is much ado about nothing. And to the poster that said people don’t move to Arlington for an urban experience, give me a break! Nearly 3/4 of our residents already live in Multifamily housing.[/quote]

This.  You may not want to live near a multiplex, but plenty of people don’t mind, and they are paying millions.  We live next door to a world class city.  The 20 somethings are probably about to be priced out from those group houses…[/quote]

No offense, but you need to think about this more. Look at the two neighborhoods you listed...do they have a common denominator that you won't find in other areas of Arlington previously zoned exclusively for SFH? To point out the obvious: proximity to the Metro. Clarendon and Ballston are thriving areas with wonderful amenities nearby that simply won't be replicated across the county. Indeed, they're not even being replicated in other metro-adjacent neighborhoods.

Additionally, when you're talking about new builds or existing homes going for millions in these neighborhoods, how close are they to multi-family dwellings? Are we talking about homes that are on the same block? Right next door to multi-dwelling units? I think it's fairly obvious that isn't the case even if homes are selling in the same broader neighborhood for millions. Which, again, is not to say those homes will not appreciate in value. They will...but not at the same rate as homes removed from multi-dwelling units.

The point being this: it's completely fine to support MMH if you believe the pros outweigh the cons. But, can we stop pretending that the cons don't exist? Someone will absolutely lose if multi-dwelling units spread in non-metro adjacent neighborhoods across Arlington. It will almost certainly be existing SFH owners with units right next to new multi-family dwellings. If, from your perspective, the loss to the SFH owner is outweighed by the benefit of denser housing so be it. Let's just be honest in the assessment.

My problem with MMH isn't the potential impact on SFH owners in Arlington (of which, I am one). It's that no thought is being given to why additional density is desirable in Arlington in the first place let alone the potential impact on community services, infrastructure, and so forth. Additionally, if we are going to have greater density, I want a housing program that prioritizes current Arlington residents stay in place (e.g. help Arlington renters become Arlington homeowners) with a focus on lower-income residents. Multi-dwelling units, owned by a housing trust established by Arlington County, with first-time homebuyer assistance for Arlington residents that have lived in Arlington for 5+ years would be fantastic. If Arlington County doesn't have that authority...why isn't it fighting tooth and nail for it from the state government?

As it stands, Arlington's MMH program is a giveaway to developers that will achieve greater density without greater socio-economic diversity or even greater homeownership in Arlington. The County's answer to everything is "the market" will determine what happens...and this coming from Democrats that otherwise should know that the "market" will put profits over people every single time. As a Democrat, that alone is infuriating. Developers will tear down SFH and then replace them with 4-6plexes that will either be rented out at market rate or sold for more money than the average Arlingtonian can reasonably afford. [/quote]

Here are a couple examples. First one backs to a Multifamily building and it sold above asking very quickly:

https://www.zillow.com/ho...e=txtshare

Second one is 807 N Jackson. This lot sold for $1.3 million and the beautiful modern home, I’d guess between 6-7,000 sq ft must have been at least $2 million or more to build. It is next door three multi-family buildings.

Also, most of the permits submitted for missing middle housing construction were in neighborhoods like mine and others along the metro corridor. I think there is less of a demand for $900,000 condos in your neighborhood so you should be alright.[/quote]

One other point: you can’t both be worried about people being priced out of homes, i.e. saying homes that Arlingtonians can reasonably afford and be concerned about a potential hit to your property value. The most likely outcome of MMH is that it increases the price of single family homes, because land value increases even more than it already has. If you’d like to look at comparable places that have long had a mix of single family homes and MMH I would point you to Santa Monica and Cambridge. Both have incredibly expensive real estate and people that live in $5 million single family homes next to Multifamily houses. We live next door to the nations Capitol. Seems reasonable people would pay a lot to be here.[/quote]

Here’s what I’ve witnessed in places similar to arlington in spirit that is a haven for MMH, coconut grove Florida. The most expensive housing market in the country right now. My mother live in a 7-plex there. Her complex are all retirees who moved there for the village atmosphere and amenities. 20 somethings cannot afford those MMHs. Single family homes closer to the center of the village are outrageously expensive, the homes further away but are close enough, like pinecrest area for example are less desirable to the young and old alike, but still expensive. As far as arlington is concerned, you can already see a demographic change happening in the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. Lots of empty nester in expensive condos wanting to be in close proximity to young professionals for the vibrancy. Done right, I suspect MMH are going to attract a lot of those empty nesters as well who wants the village amenities in arlington but don’t want to live in a high rise. That’s what we did. We wanted to be close to the corridor but didn’t want to live in a high rise. We bought a 1.5 mil TH 6 years ago even though we could have easily afford a 2 mil for a sfh. However, we didn’t want the yard work and be too far away from the village center. All of our neighbors in the 20 unit complex are empty nesters except two 30 somethings foreigners. Resales are from 1.6-1.8 so far. Neighbors professions are generals, tech, contractors, journalists, diplomats, young professional athletes. I just don’t see MMH as threat the way some do, the land is too expensive. [/quote]

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