Letter to the editor: Zoning reform can open door to building more affordable housing

League of Women Voters of Montgomery County supports county efforts

May 18, 2024 11:00 a.m.

Thank you, MOCO360, for highlighting an issue important to our community: the critical lack of affordable housing in our county and recent actions taken to address it (“Zoning reform at ‘the heart’ of solving county housing crisis, officials say,” May 13, 2024).

The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County (LWVMC) has a long history of supporting measures to ensure that those of moderate and lower income can financially cope with high housing costs in the county. 

Recently, the league testified before the County Council on zoning reform proposed in a bill (and subsequently adopted) known as FAITH Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA-24-01). Among other measures, this amendment allows zoning variances on properties owned by religiously affiliated organizations or private schools, enabling them to build multi-unit dwellings in areas currently zoned for single-family homes, thereby freeing up underutilized land for multi-unit and townhouse development. 

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Since 2010, rising rents and home prices, along with higher interest rates and aging homes, have fostered a two-class system in our county: those who can and those who cannot afford housing. We applaud this creative approach to solving a critical problem, at the same time recognizing that it is but one mechanism among others to increase supply. When administered wisely and with proper oversight, measures such as FAITH ZTA open the door for increased housing that is more affordable for those financially stressed. 

We all desire a thriving and livable community that mixes green space with development and promotes easy access to public transit as well as close-by amenities to enhance our quality of life. The LWVMC is committed to continuing its public advocacy work to reach this goal. You can learn more about us at lwvmocomd.org.

Susan Albertine is the president of the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County

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