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Attainable Housing Strategies (AHS) Initiative
Attainable Housing Strategies (AHS) Initiative
County Executive Marc Elrich is not in favor of this initiative. It will be voted on by the County Council and if you want your voices heard please email members of the County Council and the Planning Board.
Learn more about this project and the impact on our community ›
Summary
Summary
Montgomery County is considering upzoning changes to our zoning code in 82% of the county. It’s called the Attainable Housing Strategies project. It proposes that:
82% of single-family lots (164,000 in total) in Montgomery County, by decree, will be “upzoned” to allow 2 and 3 unit multiplex buildings, by right (with no hearing) – if they conform to design templates, with no process for public input (as is currently required)
Within 500 feet of major roadways called growth corridors such as Connecticut and Wisconsin Avenues apartment buildings up to 19 units will be allowed, with only administrative permitting
On-street parking will be encouraged over on-site parking as MoCo Planning wants to discourage automobile use
Trees will be cut down to enable the multiplexes to be built, impervious surfaces will increase, flooding and storm water issues may ensue
Because property taxes are based on comparable sales/valuations, history shows taxes will likely increase due to the increased valuation of developable single-family lots – potentially displacing those on fixed incomes
In other parts of the US that have tried similar upzoning there are numerous court filings and challenges
MoCo Planning does not address the consequences on transportation, congestion (roads, mass transit), school capacity, parking, utility (gas, water, sewage, electric, broadband) infrastructure etc.
We encourage everyone to email all of the members of the County Council, as well as members of the Planning Board, and share your concerns with this proposed initiative.
Use the following link to email all of the members of the County Council at once:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/contact.html
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