Addressing Legacies of Housing Segregation in Chevy Chase Amendment Act of 2023
The legislation would have significant implications for zoning regulations by clarifying that pre-existing covenants prohibiting the establishment of apartment buildings are unenforceable if they conflict with current zoning allowances. This shift not only aligns with the District's broader goals of increasing housing density and diversity but also addresses historical injustices tied to housing policies that have favored certain demographics over others. As the District aims to add at least 36,000 housing units by 2025, including 12,000 affordable units, the bill serves as a step toward rectifying disparities in housing availability.
B25-0480, titled the 'Addressing Legacies of Housing Segregation in Chevy Chase Amendment Act of 2023,' aims to amend the Zoning Act by declaring void certain antiquated covenants that restrict the construction of multi-family housing in specific areas of Chevy Chase. These covenants, which were imposed before the enactment of the Zoning Act in 1938, have historically been associated with racial and socioeconomic exclusion. The bill responds to a pressing housing shortage in the District of Columbia, particularly in the Rock Creek West Planning Area, and seeks to facilitate the creation of more affordable housing in the region by invalidating these outdated restrictions.
While the bill has garnered support from Council members who emphasize the need for equitable housing practices, it may face opposition from those who argue that such legislative measures could disrupt existing community structures or property rights. Critics may express concerns that declaring these covenants void undermines the historical significance of property developments in Chevy Chase or that it could lead to unforeseen consequences in neighborhood dynamics. Proponents, on the other hand, champion the bill as necessary for overcoming legacies of discrimination and achieving more inclusive housing solutions.