Category: Virginia

CSG in the News: Zoning Proposal for Housing is Front and Center as Alexandria City Council Meets Tonight in Public Session

Bill Pugh lives in Alexandria and is senior policy fellow with Coalition for Smarter Growth. “Would you go so far as to say we have a housing crisis?,” Zebra asked Pugh in a phone interview two days after the community forum.

“Alexandria has a housing shortage like many jurisdictions,” said Pugh, “and it also has an affordability issue as well. Whether we call it a crisis or not, the data that was presented by the Urban Institute has clearly shown there’s not enough housing in the DC region on all income levels. And we see that in day-to-day examples. My kids attend ACPS schools and many of their teachers drive in from Prince William and Prince George’s counties because they can’t afford to live here.”

CSG in the News: Supporters and opponents make their case on county’s off-street parking overhaul

Sonya Breehey, Northern Virginia advocacy manager for the Coalition for Smarter Growth, said the proposal will benefit housing and climate.

“The proposed zoning amendment offers to better balance future parking demand with other communities like equity, affordability, environmental sustainability and effective land use,” she said.

TAKE ACTION: Tell VDOT to prioritize walkable, transit-friendly communities in its climate strategy

Your feedback is critical to ensure that VDOT prioritizes fostering walkable, transit-friendly communities connected by clean, convenient intercity rail and bus systems rather than continuing to pave over Virginia and making communities more car-dependent and less safe to walk and bike.  

Comments on Converge West Falls Plan Amendment and Rezoning (Support)

The Converge West Falls redevelopment is the final and critical piece to the emerging West Falls Church transit-oriented community and will knit together the City of Falls Church’s new mixed-use development already underway and redevelopment of the Metro Station. Together these projects will transform acres of parking lots into an inclusive, vibrant, and livable neighborhood with great access to transit.  

CSG in the News: West Falls Church Metro mixed-use development approved, but parking decision still to come

Sonya Breehey, an area resident and Northern Virginia advocacy manager for the Coalition for Smarter Growth, praised the inclusion of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, green spaces and workforce and affordable housing.