Friend,
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has released a detailed memo outlining major concerns with ZTA 25-02, a key piece of the More Housing N.O.W. package. While the legislation is being promoted as a way to create more affordable housing, Elrich warns it could actually lead to displacement, loss of affordability, reduced community input, and strain on infrastructure.
He highlights that:
- ZTA 25-02 aims to change zoning for over 25 corridors to allow multi-family units.
- The ZTA is criticized for disregarding existing planning and zoning capacity for over 100,000 housing units.
Master Planning Process
- Master plans guide development, ensuring community input and stability in housing markets.
- Montgomery County has a history of comprehensive planning, with plans updated every 15-20 years.
- Existing master plans already accommodate significant housing capacity, negating the need for ZTA 25-02.
Housing Affordability Issues
- ZTA 25-02 does not effectively address housing affordability or homeownership.
- The existing Workforce Housing program has created only 110 for-sale units since 2006, with many losing affordability.
- The memorandum argues that zoning changes may worsen affordability by incentivizing the demolition of existing affordable homes.
Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns
- Increased density from new developments raises challenges related to water, sewer, stormwater management, and tree canopy loss.
- The memorandum emphasizes the need for adequate public facilities and infrastructure to support increased development.
- Stormwater management and tree canopy preservation are critical issues that need addressing before implementing ZTA 25-02.
Community Engagement
- The memorandum stresses the importance of public input in the planning process.
- ZTA 25-02 could undermine community involvement and the established master planning process.
- Residents have raised significant concerns that need to be considered in any housing policy changes.
Conclusion
- The memorandum advocates for a return to the master planning process for housing development.
- It highlights the need for collaborative efforts to improve housing affordability and community engagement.
- The County Executive expresses a commitment to working with the Council on shared goals for the community.
Read the full memo here https://bit.ly/ElrichPushesBackonZTA25-02
The Council vote may take place before their August recess — and it’s more important than ever that residents are informed and engaged.
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More Housing N.O.W. Is About to Get REAL — Come Out and Speak Up!
The Montgomery County Council is racing to vote on the More Housing N.O.W. package may come up for vote before their August recess — and now is the time for us to show up, speak out, and organize!
Pupusa & Peri Peri Sunday: Let’s Talk Housing, Organize, and Eat!
Sunday, June 22 @ 3:30PM
Wheaton High School Cafeteria
12401 Dalewood Dr., Wheaton, MD
Come join neighbors to unpack what’s in More Housing N.O.W., build community power, and get creative with protest signs! There’ll be pupusas & conversation, and organizing.
More Housing N.O.W. Council Worksession
Monday, June 23 @ 1:30PM
7th Floor, County Council Building
100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD
Let’s fill the room and show the Council this plan doesn't reflect the community's needs. Make your voice heard — and bring your signs!
PHP Committee Members: Councilmembers Andrew Friedson, Natali Fani-Gonzalez and Will Jawando
Next WUDAC Meeting
Thursday, July 10 @ 7:00PM
2nd Floor, Mid-County Board Room
2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902
Join us for a peaceful presence as Councilmember Natali Fani-González participates in this special Town Hall. Residents deserve real answers, with real data.
University Boulevard Corridor Plan
Wednesday, July 16 @ 7:00PM
Let’s show up and ensure the voices of working-class, immigrant, and long-time Wheaton residents are heard. Let’s remind leadership that real community presence matters — We're watching. We're organized. And we expect accountability.
If you're uncomfortable RSVPing, then don't! This meeting is way too important to not attend. Below, please find the email that I sent to Councilmember Fani-Gonzalez and other At-Large Members.
Subject: Request to Make Meeting Registrations Optional for Community Safety and Increased Participation
Dear Councilmember Fani-Gonzalez,
In light of the recent increase in antisemitic and racist rhetoric both within the County and nationally, along with rising global tensions, I am reaching out with a request rooted in community safety and inclusion.
In the past, registration lists have been weaponized through mechanisms like MIPA, which has led to valid concerns among residents about being tracked or targeted for attending public meetings. To ensure that residents feel safe and confident participating in these vital conversations, I respectfully ask that registration for community meetings be made optional.
I understand that a head count may be needed for logistical purposes, especially if food is being served. In that case, I encourage using the room’s full capacity as your planning number. EPIC of MoCo, in partnership with Kemp Mill Neighborhood Alerts and CAECA, is consistently averaging close to 200 attendees at our in-person meetings—with our most recent event featuring County Executive Marc Elrich drawing over 300 residents.
We are confident that, with the support of our community partners, EPIC will help ensure one of the largest and most engaged turnouts for your upcoming community meeting.
Thank you for considering this adjustment to support broad, safe, and inclusive civic engagement.
Regards,
Kimblyn Persaud
EPIC of MoCo - Empowering People In Communities
