Ann Ulmschneider, Arlington Resident

Editor 
Sun Gazette 

I support the Arlington County Board’s proposed changes to residential zoning. Right now, 78% of the county is limited to single-family homes. In my neighborhood, bulldozers are plowing up a 9.5 acre site to build 40 homes, selling for at least $2 million. The site is adjacent to the commercial district of 7 Corners and across the road from an apartment complex. The site could have accommodated multiplexes and town homes, but it was zoned for single family. It was easier for the builder to comply with the current zoning rather than go through a lengthy process to change it. Opening up zoning to multiplexes will provide more options to many people—first-time home buyers, renters who are locked out of the current expensive market, elderly people who wish to stay in the county—to name just a few. We need to make room for people who cannot afford large expensive homes or apartments. 

Ann Ulmschneider 
Arlington

Note: I decided to a avoid words like McMansion, luxury, exclusionary zoning. The VOICE letter provides a good example of tone and content.