Community advocates are warning that Maryland’s new light rail line could cause displacement without concerted efforts to preserve affordable housing and legacy businesses.
The Washington Post’s Katharine Shaver spoke with Gerrit Knaap, founder of the Purple Line Corridor Coalition, a group created to study the potential for displacement and other economic impacts in the areas around Maryland’s new Purple Line light rail.
Knaap spoke to the importance of preserving existing housing stock as well as boosting the construction of new mid-density housing that can serve middle-income households. “The Purple Line corridor is in for a change, and it’s really important that that change is managed to promote equitable development and that we do our best to try to prevent displacement in the corridor.” Knaap also highlighted the importance of community involvement and placemaking to maintaining a vibrant and resilient community. “Obviously being sensitive to the existing cultural assets of a community is where you start. Also engaging with residents who currently live there to identify their aspirations and their cultural preferences is key.”
In addition to housing, connecting residents to the new rail stations will require investments in safer transportation infrastructure for people biking, walking, and using other transit connections to reach the stations. Knapp notes that, due to the suburban nature of much of Maryland, “We’ve identified a lot of places along the Purple Line corridor where the pedestrian and bike access really needs quite a bit of work.”
FULL STORY: As Purple Line construction resumes, the fight against gentrification is on
High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.
DC Suburban Light Rail Expansion Prompts Mixed-Use Development
The Purple Line’s expansion into Maryland suburbs in 2027 has spurred TOD along the line.
Beleaguered Purple Line Continues to Stoke Gentrification Fears in Maryland
Affordable housing advocates and other community groups in Maryland are calling for early and robust mitigation efforts to prevent displacement of longtime residents and businesses along the new Purple Line corridor.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie