Split public reaction as Montgomery County council hears testimony on workforce housing ZTA 25-02

Montgomery County residents, municipal officials and housing advocates debated Zoning Text Amendment 25-02 — part of the county’s “More Housing Now” package — at a public hearing that drew lengthy, sharply divided testimony.

Supporters described the measure as a modest but necessary step to increase housing supply along major corridors and near transit; opponents said the ZTA is rushed, risks displacement and will strain schools, water and traffic infrastructure without comprehensive impact analysis.

Lou Morseberger, speaking for Chevy Chase Village, said his municipality generally supports a “tailored approach” but asked the council to prohibit assembling corridor and adjoining lots for large redevelopment, retain planning board site-plan review and require on-site stormwater controls for new triplex/townhouse/apartment development. “Please prohibit the assemblage of lots located behind corridor lots and prohibit the assemblage of lots located side by side on a corridor,” he said, and urged clear mapping of eligible parcels.

Dan Reed, Maryland policy director for Greater Greater Washington, said the package aligns with county policy goals. “The more housing…