Dear Committee Members- thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments on behalf of the City of Falls Church Council.
SUPPORT: SB 328, this is a beneficial local tool for providing housing affordability options for local employees and request approval effective in 2026 versus a continued 2027.
OPPOSE: SB454, removal of local zoning and land use approval is extremely concerning. Zoning districts developed and adopted with local input designed to meet locality public health, safety and community character. One size does not fit all. There are other options and tools to achieve the housing affordability goals such as statewide authorization to sue 15.2-2304.
Thank you for your continued service, Cindy Mester, Legislative Affairs Director
Dear Committee Members- thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments on behalf of the City of Falls Church Council. SUPPORT: SB 328, this is a beneficial local tool for providing housing affordability options for local employees and request approval effective in 2026 versus a continued 2027. OPPOSE: SB454, removal of local zoning and land use approval is extremely concerning. Zoning districts developed and adopted with local input designed to meet locality public health, safety and community character. One size does not fit all. There are other options and tools to achieve the housing affordability goals such as statewide authorization to sue 15.2-2304. Thank you for your continued service, Cindy Mester, Legislative Affairs Director