Joan Kelsch, Green Building Expert

Dear County Board members,

I am a Lyon Village resident and am disheartened by many of my neighbors' vehement opposition to the Missing Middle proposal. I'd like you to know that there are many of us in Lyon Village who support the Missing Middle proposal and appreciate the thought that has gone into developing the program. We understand the importance of the proposal for climate change, housing options, and the evolution of Arlington into the future. There are many issues raised in opposition to the Missing Middle proposal. I briefly address three of them:

Tree Canopy: There is clearly work to be done to protect Arlington's tree canopy. The Sierra Club's letter to you describes the reality of the current tree canopy requirements for new development, and I will not repeat the discussion here. The upshot is that given the realities of the tree replacement policy, missing middle housing will not reduce the tree canopy any more than building large homes will. I hope the County will continue to encourage tree planting on private property through EcoAction Arlington's Tree Canopy Fund which allows homeowners to plant a native tree on their property. Developers should be held accountable, but maintaining the tree canopy is everyone's job.

Senior housing: I do not believe Missing Middle housing would reduce housing for seniors. People who want to age in place in their existing home can continue to do so. Duplex+ housing offers seniors more options to live close to family and/or caregivers at a lower cost.

Climate: If we are to take the climate crisis seriously in Arlington, there are many issues we need to address. Offering the opportunity for smaller housing units is a good start. There will continue to be large homes in Arlington for those who want them, however, if we reduce the growth rate of large homes, increase density in our neighborhoods by a small percentage, and offer transit, Arlington will have taken a solid step in the right direction.I fully support the Missing Middle proposal. This is a critical time for housing, the environment, and our community, and the Missing Middle proposal offers a meaningful start to changing the way we think about our community and our impacts on the planet.

Joan Kelsch