Addressing Legacies of Housing Segregation in Rock Creek West Amendment Act of 2023
The introduction of the bill is seen as a critical step towards dismantling the historical barriers that have perpetuated housing segregation and limited access to affordable housing in the Rock Creek West area. The Council recognizes that many properties in the District are burdened by antiquated covenants originally designed to exclude certain demographics based on race and socioeconomic status. By voiding these covenants, the District hopes to foster greater inclusivity and increase the availability of affordable housing options, which is particularly urgent given that only a fraction of the targeted affordable units have been created in this planning area since 2019.
The 'Addressing Legacies of Housing Segregation in Rock Creek West Amendment Act of 2023' aims to eliminate outdated covenants that restrict multi-family housing in the Rock Creek West Planning Area of Washington, D.C. The bill specifically targets covenants imposed before the enactment of the Zoning Act in 1938, declaring such restrictions to be contrary to public policy if they prohibit the construction of apartment buildings where modern zoning laws would otherwise allow them. This legislation is part of a broader effort to address the housing shortage in the District, which aims to create 36,000 new residential units by 2025, including a significant number of affordable options for low-income households.
While the bill has garnered support from various councilmembers who emphasize the need for affordable housing and equitable access to housing in Rock Creek West, it may face opposition from those who believe that altering these covenants could disrupt traditional neighborhood characteristics or local property rights. Notably, the prospect of litigation regarding the validity of these historic covenants has raised concerns about potential delays in housing development projects. The challenge will be balancing the need for new housing against the interests of existing homeowners and preserving the character of neighborhoods within D.C.