June 30, 2009
Sara Green, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 4B01 - ANCSaraGreen@yahoo.com
PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE 2006 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Attachment Three
1. Name of General Area/Location/Site affected by this proposed TEXT amendment
The
communities within Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B01, including Takoma and
Upper
2. In which of the following "significant change" categories does the proposed TEXT amendment fail? - Transportation
3. Description of Change and Text of Proposed Amendment
Zoning and planning policies and regulations should adopt
Smart Growth principles that "decouple" housing and other development
from parking. Those who rent or buy homes, apartments, offices, or retail space
should buy or lease parking separately.
4. Element, Page, and Citation of Proposed TEXT Amendment
5. How is the issue addressed in the 2006 Plan? If not in the 2006 Comprehensive Plan, please state why the issue should be included in the Plan.
The current policy encourages "creative" parking designs and policies, including underground parking, but does not go far enough.
6. Why is the proposed change the best way to meet the public need?
Government needs to encourage the use of mass transit and has argued that intense development at mass transit sites is the best way to do this. If parking is folded into the cost of housing or commercial space those who buy or lease space have less incentive to use mass transit
7. Please describe any other options for meeting this need.
Community and nonprofit groups concerned with Smart Growth could continue to work to change the attitudes and practices of developers and builders.
8. Please describe the impact(s) of the proposed TEXT change. Why will the proposed change result in an overall (or net) benefit to the city or community?
Separating parking from home or business ownership encourages mass transit use and will result in a much more efficient use of scarce land near mass transit sites. Under this policy, people who want to park one or more vehicles will be able to buy or rent parking. Those who do not want to own a car won't be forced to pay for parking.
Living next to a mass
transit site will be more affordable for everyone and private car use will
likely be reduced at mass transit sites.
9. How does the proposed change conform to the goals, policies and actions of the current Comp Plan?
The Comp Plan seeks to encourage mass transit use and improve planning at mass transit sites.