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[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]

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