Proposed Text Amendment to Create New Residential Affordability Zone

• Community Open House, January 17, 2019
  The community was invited to an informal open house to learn about a proposed Zoning Ordinance text amendment for a new residential zone that incentivizes the enhancement and preservation of long-term housing affordability. This zone is anticipated for initial implementation as part of the South Patrick Street Housing Affordability Strategy, and may also be used in other areas of the city.  
  • Summary fact sheet
  • Informational boards 

Adopted South Patrick Street Housing Affordability Strategy

• Adopted South Patrick Street Affordable Housing Strategy
  • MPA2018-0003 | Ordinance 5165
• Interactive Story Map - This interactive Story Map was created as an alternative to the written document. The story map interface allows users to interact with a geographical map of the study area and its context within the larger city and metropolitan area. 

Background

The timing of this effort was closely tied to the expiration of affordability contracts on two large rental communities in the corridor – The Heritage at Old Town and Olde Towne West III. This initiative explored opportunities to maintain housing affordability in the plan area through the future preservation, renovation and/or redevelopment of these properties. Working with the community and commercial property owners, this planning effort developed strategies and identified public and private resources and tools to preserve housing affordability and diversity, including existing expiring long-term subsidies that provide deep affordability for many of the rental units. It also explored strategies to strengthen the character of the neighborhood, prioritize safety and accessibility along Route 1 South, and create a more welcoming gateway to the city.  

• Questions and Answers for Residents (as of July 23, 2018)
• 10 Things to Know about the Route 1 South Housing Affordability Strategy (as of March 19, 2018)
  
• Looking for affordable housing within the city? Visit the Office of Housing web page, where you'll find the Housing Resource Guide in English, Spanish, Amharic, and Arabic. Or call 703.746.4990 with questions.

Plan Development

• Complete August 24 Final Draft
• Comments and Responses on June 4 and July 13 Working Drafts
• Working Drafts
  • Complete July 13 Revised Draft Document

    • Amharic translation of July 13 Purpose, Housing Affordability Chapter and housing-related sections of the Appendix

    • Summary of Major Revisions to June 4 Working Draft
      
      • Document by Chapter:
        • Chapter 1 - Purpose
        • Chapter 2 - Housing Affordability
        • Chapter 3 - Planning, Land Use and Design
        • Chapter 4 - Mobility and Safety
        • Chapter 5 - Implementation
        • Appendix
    • Complete June 4 Working Draft Document
      • Document by Chapter:
        • Chapter 1 - Purpose
        • Chapter 2 - Housing Affordability
        • Chapter 3 - Planning, Land Use and Design
        • Chapter 4 - Mobility and Safety
        • Chapter 5 - Implementation
        • Appendix
      • Translated draft chapters in Amharic:
        • Draft Purpose and Housing

Meetings and Materials

• Meeting information and materials can be found on this page.

Charrette Week, February 26 - March 5

This planning process included  a five-day intensive community planning "charrette" -  a collaborative planning and design exercise to develop the principles and strategies for the plan. Members of the community were invited to participate and share their ideas on-site during the day and at evening public meetings and open houses. Childcare, transportation and interpretation services in Spanish and Amharic were provided during the evening community meetings. If unable to attend the charrette in person, community members were invited to follow the charrette progress and participate online throughout the week. Take a look at these photos from charrette!

Charrette Group Volunteers

To ensure consistent participation in the development of the Plan, the City solicited community members to serve as Charrette Group Volunteers. Charrette Group Volunteers, alongside all those interested in the planning process, will help develop the principles and strategies of the plan during the charrette. Volunteers of the Charrette Group committed to participating in most of the public engagement events, and in the charrette in particular. Charrette Group Volunteers represent the geographic and demographic diversity of the planning area.

Community Comments

• Comments and Responses on June 4 and July 13 Working Drafts
  
• Consolidated community comments received, Pre-Charrette Week (as of February 24, 2018)

Resources

• Focus area map
• Southwest Quadrant Background Information for Route 1 South Housing Affordability Strategy
  
• Planning Process Schedule (as of 07/18/18)
  
• What do we mean when we say Affordable Housing? Definition of Terms
  
• Civic Engagement Framework
• Southwest Quadrant Demographic Analysis

Questions 

This planning effort is jointly supported by the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Office of Housing. Questions may be directed to Ashley Labadie, Urban Planner, 703.746.3801.