Implications of County Housing Strategies: Share Your Thoughts on Multifamily Housing in the Town

Recent County efforts to promote attainable housing could soon bring multifamily housing to the Town. Because this is a significant proposal that may have major impacts on single-family neighborhoods, we encourage residents to share their thoughts with the entire County Council and, particularly, with Council President Andrew Friedson, who will be hosting a virtual District 1 Community Conversation tomorrow (Wednesday, July 24) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Below is an overview of how County housing proposals could impact the Town. Given the many outstanding questions about these proposals, including those posed by the Town, and the possibility that clarifications of law may be necessary, the Town Council has not yet formulated a position on attainable housing and may not do so until the County Council proposes legislation this fall to implement zoning changes. However, it is crucial for residents to share their thoughts and engage on this issue now.

Under prospective County regulations, several possibilities exist for how a Town lot could be redeveloped to accommodate multifamily housing:

-- Duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes could be built by-right on Town lots.

-- 3-4 story stacked flats, apartment buildings up to 19 units, and townhouses could be built on Town lots located within 500 feet of Connecticut and Wisconsin Avenues with public input.

In addition, because the County intends to designate the Town as a multifamily residential zone, a newly enacted State housing law may allow density bonuses and mixed-use (e.g., restaurant, retail, recreation, office) components in these projects. This would result in larger structures and different uses on Town lots, potentially regardless of Town building regulations. For example,

-- A small-scale 6,000 square foot duplex that includes an affordable unit may become a 10,140 square foot development that could include a mixed-use component by right and without public input. 

-- A medium-scale 15,000 square foot apartment building with at least 15% affordable housing units may increase to a 25,350 square foot development after accounting for County and State density bonuses. These developments would be subject to public input.

The Town will provide more information on the County's housing proposals as it becomes available.  

In the meantime, you may send an email to all County Councilmembers here.

Also, we encourage you to attend Council President Friedson’s Community Conversation tomorrow evening (Wednesday, July 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.) to ask questions and provide comments about these proposals. 

You also may share your thoughts with the Town Council here.