How does a growing city ensure that affordable housing is available to its population? As DC gains population for the first time in decades, we must take advantage of creative new tools and cross class and cultural boundaries if the city wants to be affordable for all.

According to his press release on December 9, 2010, Governor McDonnell’s Funding Plan proposes the following plan.

We have weighed the concerns expressed by a variety of residents and groups regarding the best course for the Falkland North site. The decision regarding the historic designation of the south and west parcels, and the redevelopment of the existing buildings and grounds of the north parcel will continue to be one of earnest disagreement among some stakeholders. Opponents of redevelopment of the north parcel point to the distinctive social and architectural history of the site and the loss of numerous mature native trees. We acknowledge that these are indeed significant losses. However, we believe that the benefits of the proposed project for Falkland Chase North outweigh these losses, along with the preservation of the historic south and west parcels. After careful review of plans, reports, a brief site visit, and comments from opponents and proponents, we believe that this project has many local, county and regional benefits.

Presentation by Jeff Speck, Consultant, Former Director of Design at the National Endowment for the Arts, co-author of Suburban Nation and the Smart Growth Manual Presenation by Shyam Kannan, Principal and Director of Economic Development at Robert Charles Lesser & Company (RCLCO)

The Coalition for Smarter Growth and the Sierra Club - Virginia Chapter urge a full evaluation of alternatives for 95-395.