More Affordable Housing.
Here. Now.
As residents of Ward 3 committed to housing and racial justice, we believe that:
The segregation that exists in RCW is not accidental. It was deliberately created by policy choices and can be dismantled only by equally powerful policy choices and targeted funding.
People from all walks of life and all income levels should be able to live in Ward 3 if they choose. That includes people who work here -- construction workers, retail and hospitality workers, teaching assistants, health care providers, bus drivers -- and those who live on fixed incomes.
Substantial public investment and strategic policy change are required to produce abundant affordable housing; profit-driven development alone is not enough.
New models of affordable housing can be well-planned and well-designed to achieve racial equity, create vibrant community life, and enhance neighborhood character.
We take advantage of redevelopment opportunities for affordable housing in Ward 3, with a focus on deeply affordable housing. We call on the city to engage fully with the community in participatory and community-led processes to plan for vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods and site development to implement those plans.
Redevelopment opportunities include:
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Sites in Friendship Heights, especially the Lord & Taylor and WMATA bus garage sites where we call for 2 SITES / 1 PLAN.
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The Wisconsin Avenue Development Framework and Connecticut Avenue Development Guidelines, including specific racial equity and affordable housing objectives.
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Other prime sites, like the Wardman Hotel (formerly Marriott) in Woodley Park, The Chevy Chase Civic Core, the Whittle School site, and the Days Inn.