The Montgomery County Council began discussions Tuesday about whether it should tackle a proposed zoning initiative that would allow duplexes, triplexes and smaller apartment buildings to be built in single-family home neighborhoods across the county.
The proposal has sparked heated debate among public officials and community members. Hundreds of community members attended the council’s series of listening sessions on the proposed changes in September and October. Critics of the proposal have cited concerns ranging from destruction of neighborhood character to the suggested housing types not being affordable enough, while proponents of the strategy argue it would be an effective way to increase homeownership opportunities for the middle class.
During Tuesday’s discussion, dozens packed the council’s Rockville chambers, some holding signs opposing the initiative, although the council was not holding a public hearing on the initiative.
Councilmember Gabe Albornoz (D-At-large) noted Tuesday that the public’s response to the proposal had been so fervent that residents have stopped him to talk about it while he was walking his dog, standing in line at Safeway and watching his children’s sports games.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Ginny Bixby over at MOCO 360
