Press Alert
February 9, 2026
GGW-Endorsed ANC-1B Commissioners Back “Gentle Density,” Harsh Consequences
Washington, D.C. — Affordable housing advocates say last week’s ANC 1B’s 6–3 vote (video here) endorsing a controversial land use framework of “Gentle Density” offers an early signal of how these same U Street Commissioners may approach one of the NW’s most consequential upcoming land-use decisions: The future redevelopment of 1617 U Street NW, a large, publicly owned site within ANC 1B.
“Unwavering loyalty to Greater Greater Washington’s market-driven land use ideas may likely mean these same Commissioners may not explore more creative and proven decommodified housing production solutions, like social housing, that could be implemented at 1617 U Street,” said Marcy Logan, volunteer with Save DC Public Land.
A majority of 1B Commissioners voting in favor of “Gentle Density” were endorsed by Greater Greater Washington during the 2024 ANC elections.
ANC-1B Chair, Miguel Trinidade-Deramo, vying for the GGW-stamp of support for his 2026-run for Ward 1 Councilmember, said he was “proud” to support the resolution.
1617 U Street NW
(2-acres; Police and Firestations; DMPED website)
MARKET-DRIVEN & DECOMMODIFIED PATHS TO HOUSING PRODUCTION
In contrast to decommodified housing production solutions — such as Social Housing — the “Gentle Density” land use framework being championed by Greater Greater Washington in conjunction with the American Enterprise Institute would allow higher-density residential development to occur by-right in areas currently zoned for single-family housing.
In plain zoning terms, gentle density eliminates R1 and R2 zoning districts citywide (possibly R3 as well), allowing single-family homes to be replaced by market-rate multi-unit buildings as a matter of right, no-strings attached.
This means, if adopted by city planners, the proposal would not include affordability requirements, guarantees for family-sized units, or displacement protections, and would significantly reduce the advisory role of ANCs in neighborhood development decisions.
R1 and R2 zones are concentrated in Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8; none are located within ANC 1B.
OPEN DISSENT TO MARKET-DRIVEN “NO-STRINGS” REAL ESTATE POLICY
At the ANC 1B meeting, residents and ANC representatives from Wards 7 and other parts of the city spoke in opposition to “Gentle Density,” warning that the policy could accelerate displacement in neighborhoods already facing housing instability:
- ANC Commissioner Tyrell Holcolmb, ANC7F: “Zoning changes that move development to a by-right process do not feel neutral to neighborhoods like ours. They often mean less community voice, weaker ANC input, and fewer safeguards for longstanding residents who have already borne the brunt of speculative development and displacement.” https://www.youtube.com/live/vq1vCVZJ7ig?si=E5A8elN6mgbUeBXU&t=8723
- Howard Kurtzman, 1B Economic Development Committee: “I think clearly if the resolution is passed by the Commission, it will be viewed as an endorsement of By-Right by the Commission. … I don’t quite understand why the ANC would give up its voice or even raise the possibility of giving up its voice with regard to developments in their neighborhoods.” https://www.youtube.com/live/vq1vCVZJ7ig?si=8LJ9ww2VEZsciReb&t=10087
- Former Ward 7 ANC Commissioner, Patricia Howard Chittams: “Wards 5, 7, and 8 will be disproportionately affected by this. And as a former commissioner for ANC 7B, this is outrageous. How dare you try to dictate to the rest of the city what we should and should not have. We are appalled at your paternalism and your savior complex.” https://www.youtube.com/live/vq1vCVZJ7ig?si=zYJW7oqvWdq_6JW4&t=8589
- Ward 1 resident, Mike Huling: “It’s a dumb resolution. And it’s going to affect a lot of long-term residents in the district.” https://www.youtube.com/live/vq1vCVZJ7ig?si=_Fm6rvkOh4iV2Hiq&t=9103
POTENTIAL LOYALTY TO GGW LAND USE IDEAS MAY RISK SOCIAL HOUSING PILOT AT 1617 U STREET
GGW is known for promoting a more one-dimensional, by-right, market-driven approach to housing production and land use policy, such as Gentle Density and other supply-side zoning reforms.
GGW rarely, if ever, champions decommodified housing solutions such as social housing on public land.
This is why affordable housing advocates warn that without intentional engagement on social housing, GGW-endorsed Commissioners may default to market-driven redevelopment and status-quo privatization regarding future outcomes at 1617 U Street, narrowing redevelopment options before community-centered approaches are fully considered.
Local groups and more than 1,000 residents have signed a petition seeking the city do something different at 1617 U Street — not privatization but rather implementing solutions to repair the displacement harms of the past while avoiding perpetuation of that harm going forward.
The 2-acre public site at 1617 U Street, NW, which includes the Third District police station and Engine Company 9, represents a rare opportunity to deliver housing that is permanently affordable, tenant-centered and under municipal-control for the benefit of the public good.
Save DC Public Land has published a resource with links to explore what Social Housing is and could be at 1617 U Street, NW.
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Press contact:
Debby Hanrahan
Save DC Public Land
debby@savedcpublicland.org
202-462-2054
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