Missing Middle Housing as an Antidote to Redlining

A new report suggests that legalizing missing middle housing could help reverse the impacts of historical redlining and racial discrimination in housing in Arlington, writes Mavis Chan for ARLNow. The report comes as the city debates a Missing Middle Housing Study, which recommends permitting multifamily construction of up to eight units on single-family zoned lots.

“The report, which looked at local and state policy changes to address housing segregation in Virginia, pointed out that although Arlington did not adopt an explicit racial zoning ordinance, redlining and restrictive covenants resulted in most of the majority white areas permitting single-family detached housing only, thus raising the relative cost of homes in those areas.”

Opponents of increased density point out that the proposal would not make more affordable housing available to lower-income residents. “Officials expect households with an income between $108,000 and over $200,000 to be able to afford the new proposed housing types, according to a county report in April.” Supporters of the policy point out that there is a need for all types of housing, and that any new construction will ease the pressure on the housing market.

“Other policies the report recommended include providing financial support to formerly redlined neighborhoods as part of Arlington’s comprehensive plan, a guide the county uses to set priorities. The report also suggested updating zoning ordinances to encourage mixed-use buildings with higher density in commercial areas, using density bonuses and other affordable housing incentives, and focusing on home ownership like community land trusts.”