At our upcoming City Council meeting, we will be discussing important strategies aimed at addressing housing affordability and diversity in College Park. These strategies, presented by Lakisha Hull, Planning Director of Prince George’s County, alongside Miriam Bader, Director of Planning for College Park, focus on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Missing Middle Housing. These concepts play a key role in creating more inclusive, diverse, and affordable housing options in our community.
What are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)?
ADUs are secondary units built on the same lot as an existing home. They offer flexible housing options such as apartments over garages, basement units, or standalone small homes. ADUs provide opportunities for multi-generational living, generate rental income for homeowners, and increase housing supply without altering the character of single-family neighborhoods.
Understanding Missing Middle
Housing Missing Middle Housing refers to housing types that fall between single-family homes and larger apartment complexes. Examples include duplexes, townhouses, and smaller multi-family buildings. These housing options are critical for providing affordable homes for middle-income residents who might be priced out of traditional single-family homes but don’t require large-scale apartment living.
Why This Matters for College Park?
As part of Prince George’s County’s larger initiative to explore Missing Middle Housing, our city’s goal is to foster walkable neighborhoods and create diverse, attainable housing options. Over the past few years, the need for affordable and varied housing options has become more pressing. By studying and implementing these strategies, College Park can contribute to more character-rich, inclusive communities where people of all income levels and life stages can thrive.
As we look toward the future, these housing initiatives will help College Park remain a vibrant, welcoming community for everyone.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore these housing strategies and their potential benefits for our city!