The Montgomery County Council approved a zoning change to boost housing options for middle-income workers.
ROCKVILLE, Md. — On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council approved a sweeping zoning change aimed at addressing the region’s housing shortage.
In an 8-3 vote, councilmembers passed the “missing middle” housing plan, which allows developers to build condos and apartments on lots that were previously zoned only for single-family homes. The zoning change applies to certain corridors across the county.
Supporters say the plan will create much-needed housing options for middle-income workers who have been priced out of the area.
“The housing crisis is real,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson during the vote.
The ordinance requires that a percentage of units in multifamily developments be set aside at workforce housing prices to help middle-income residents. However, duplexes built under the new zoning rules are exempt from that affordability requirement.
Council President Kate Stewart had to call for civility multiple times during the meeting, as residents opposed to the plan jeered councilmembers who supported it and cheered those who voted against it.
“We listen here, and we are able to disagree,” Stewart told the crowd.
Opponents argue the measure will overcrowd neighborhoods, overwhelm schools and utilities, and force longtime residents out.
“This is just the beginning,” said Wheaton resident Kimblyn Persaud after the vote. “If [the council] thought they were uncomfortable today, wait till September.”
Co-sponsor Natalie Fani-Gonzalez called the zoning change just the first step toward improving housing affordability in Montgomery County.
“We can’t do nothing; this is something,” she said. “Yes, we are working on sector plans on so many things in Montgomery County, but this is just one more thing we are doing as a county.”
The new zoning changes will take effect on Nov. 1.