BSCL met on September 2, 2021 for its monthly meeting.
Minutes
Meeting called to order at 7:30 by Deborah Wood, President
Approval of Minutes from May 6, 2021 meeting carried without objection
Treasurer’s Report, Jennifer Lis
2021-22 BSCL Operating Budget approved. Cash reserves dropped by $5000 in the past year due to lack of rental income. A $8500 loss of income is projected for the current year.
Report by Board of Directors: Current Plan for Reopening the Community House Randy Swart notes that we will need a new “quick response contact” for renters when we reopen. However, there are no rentals contemplated in the near future. A request was made for pro bono legal work from Barcrofters on rental agreement amendments.
Presentation:
Panel Discussion of the Missing Middle Housing Study Ongoing in Arlington; Will Policies Recommended to Increase the Quantity of Affordable Housing in Arlington Succeed?
Moderator: Daniel Weir
Panelists: Christian Dorsey, Arlington County Board Member
Anne Bodine, Arlingtonians for Our Sustainable Future
Michelle McDonough Winters, Executive Director, Alliance for Housing Solutions
The main issue is whether and how to amend existing zoning rules in a way that can accommodate more residents in Arlington without environmental damage. The Missing Middle proponents hold that there could be more units that are in between single family homes and high density apartment/condo buildings. These may or may not be more affordable. Opponents of the study’s aims are suspicious that it’s going to be used as a justification for “upzoning” to allow more opportunities for developers to make money, without regard to what happens to the neighborhoods affected. It was emphasized that nothing has been decided yet and it’s going to be a multiyear process. Barcrofters interested in this debate are encouraged to look at the links above (and others that may be circulated). During the question-and-answer session, the following issues were raised, none of them resolved:
How will transit be integrated into this study?
What about stormwater control?
How can green space be preserved or even expanded?
Can we stop loss of the tree canopy?
Will this round of zoning changes be like 2005’s, which allowed homes to take more lot space?
The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 PM. Attendance: 23