The rapid expansion of the Washington
area in recent years, particularly in the outer
suburbs, has spawned fears that uncontrolled
growth endangers the environment, aggravates
transportation problems, and makes inefficient
use of existing infrastructure. One alternative
to suburban growth is to have a larger share of
the area’s residential expansion in the District
of Columbia. Moreover, such an alternative is
consistent with Mayor Williams’ and other District
officials’ optimistic projections for an increased
city population in coming years. To
make this happen, however, new housing construction
or rehabilitation of vacant housing in
the District will have to increase by a substantial
number of units.
