Montgomery County's plan for Bethesda calls for height bonuses in return for affordable housing. Residents neighboring the proposed incentive zones have successfully resisted that idea.
"Montgomery County wants to encourage developers to build more affordable housing in downtown Bethesda. But due to pressure from neighbors, the County Council voted to allow less affordable housing and shorter buildings instead," reports Peter Tomao.
The vote is the latest twist in the county's ongoing housing policy process, following the approval of a new plan for Downtown Bethesda earlier this year, as reported by Michael Neibauer at the time.
Now, however, the rubber is hitting the road, and the County Council spent the last week debating which areas in the master plan would be allowed new affordable housing incentives—namely, additional height in return for affordable housing allotments.
The proposed height bonuses inspired resistance from local residents. "Groups like the Coalition of Bethesda Area Residents (CBAR) wanted firm height caps on properties at the edge of downtown," according to Tomao. "After a lengthy discussion, the Montgomery County Council voted on a compromise plan that would add a handful of properties at the edge of downtown Bethesda, while reducing heights and affordable housing allotments elsewhere."
Tomao concludes the article by arguing that the decision will exacerbate an existing rental housing affordability problem in Bethesda and the region.
FULL STORY: Montgomery County rejects incentives to build more affordable housing in Bethesda
Maryland's Purple Line Clears Final Legal Obstacle
A third lawsuit tried to halt the Purple Line light rail project in Maryland, but it was just the latest lawsuit to get tossed by a judge.
Montgomery County, Maryland Updates Inclusionary Housing Requirements
New rules will require more affordable housing in affluent areas, but also allow more exceptions.
Opinion: After Rent Stabilization, More Action Needed to Make Housing Affordable
Montgomery County just passed a slew of regulatory and legislative changes aimed at improving affordable housing. One writer suggests several more.
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