Sign in

Cheryl Cort

@cherylcort.bsky.social
956 followers 396 following 314 posts

Likes urbanism, walkability, buses, trains, bikes, safer streets, homes for all, racial justice, environment, stopping sprawl, keeping rural rural. Policy Director, Coalition Smarter Growth, DC-MD-VA, @betterDCregion. Longtime DC (Ward 1) resident. Terp.

PostsRepliesMedia
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
IZ can and should be set up with cost offsets like added density. Thus IZ increases total amt of housing allowed in the zone plus provides some at affordable prices. DC does that. But not all IZ policies do.
221
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Bike parking isn’t what it should be at PGC govt buildings. Using a disabled parking sign.
032
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Chevy Chase DC library redevelopment project could include 90 affordable homes -- if DC Council acts. Local affordable housing supporters call on DC Council to authorize bill to build affordable homes, a new library & community center. Public land offers rare chance for affordable housing in Ward 3.
smartergrowth.net
Release: Chevy Chase affordable housing supporters urge DC council to act on long-debated mixed-income housing proposal - Coalition For Smarter Growth
For Immediate Release September 22, 2026 Contact: Cheryl Cort, cheryl@smartergrowth.net Chevy Chase affordable housing supporters urge DC council to act on long-debated mixed-income housing proposal T...
042
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Good news for PGC: Capitol Hts Metro development advances at WMATA. 320 affordable homes & 10k SF retail. 99-year lease; developer to reconstruct Metro’s facilities including relocation of bus loop, addition of on-street pick-up/drop-off spaces, and a bus operator restroom and breakroom.
Image shows buildings, bus bays and Metro canopy around the Capitol Heights Metro station. Image credit: Torti Gallas + Partners https://www.wmata.com/content/dam/wmata-com/board-affairs/meeting-materials/2026/2026-09-10-meeting-materials/3C%20Capitol%20Heights%20Joint%20Development%20Agreement.pdf
030
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Toured the Metropolitan Branch Trail from Bryant St NE to Alethia Tanner Park to learn about trail-oriented development. MBT is connecting places, transit, businesses, people, & fun. Great example of how trails boost communities.
Group gathered by Bryant St Market next to the stairs to the Rhode Island Ave. Metro station pedestrian bridge. Photo by Elena Sorokina. Tour co-sponsors: WABA, RISE Prince George's, Blue Line Corridor Coalition, Veo.
100
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Tired of long commutes? Let's build on these parking lots at MARC stations!
instagram.com
Transportation Alliance (MD) on Instagram: "Tired of long commutes, limited housing options, and neighborhoods without walkable amenities? We need more transit-oriented development in the Baltimore re...
52 likes, 4 comments - transportationalliance on September 4, 2026: "Tired of long commutes, limited housing options, and neighborhoods without walkable amenities? We need more transit-oriented develo...
021
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Lower park.
020
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Malcolm X Park, always interesting.
183
Reposted by Cheryl Cort
Carrie Kisicki @cmkisicki.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
ICYMI: The deadline to apply for CSG's Baltimore County TOD Organizer position is tomorrow, Sept. 3rd! Learn more: www.smartergrowth.net/jobs/hiring-...
smartergrowth.net
Hiring: Baltimore County Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Organizer - Coalition For Smarter Growth
The Baltimore County Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Organizer will serve as a CSG representative in Baltimore County to win support for sustainable, equitable transit-accessible communities. Apply...
012
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
On 9/1 PGC CM Dernoga filed a new ADU bill, CB 93, with new restrictions: * Owner occupancy * Notice requirement (info only) * No short-term rentals * Rental license * Tree Canopy coverage - no exceptions * Imperviousness - update for fee * For septic systems - requires health officer approval
010
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Prince George’s County Council is considering allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) (per MD law). Send a letter of support! Also take a short Council survey on the proposal. Tell them you want ADUs, & without a lot of onerous restrictions. secure.everyaction.com/xI73RbCBBUeJ...
Photo: ADU, by Sightline: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sightline_middle_housing/48140065193/in/album-72157709195912378/

Want to know more? Read the bill CB 74-2026 https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8128159&GUID=EB0FAA0B-0DC5-4A27-B277-C89704C38C02&Options=&Search=
000
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Deeply troubling: 15th & U can't attract financing for 100 apts - it'll be another gas station.... many institutional investors are steering clear of new construction in D.C. due to what they view as overly strict regulations. www.bizjournals.com/washington/n...
bizjournals.com
Multifamily wasn't going to work for this prime U Street site. It'll be another gas station. - Washington Business Journal
Prime property at the corner of 15th and U streets NW, a former Sunoco, will be resurrected as another gas station. That wasn't the original vision, but it's the reality of the market.
150
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Big city growth is slowing, reversing a post-pandemic resurgence - see Brookings map. Now I see DC's slowed growth in context. Except DC's more recent massive federal job loss, federal troop presence, etc. might be hitting DC harder now.
Source: Brookings
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/big-city-growth-slows-again/?utm_campaign=Metro%20Update&utm_medium=email&utm_content=435611604&utm_source=hs_email
110
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Prince George's residents - take the survey on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). What restrictions should be on them? pgccouncil.us/FormCenter/A...
Image source: https://planning.maryland.gov/Pages/OurWork/PBP/ADUTF/ADU.aspx
000
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Coming soon: ADUs will be allowed in MD communities - if not already! On 9/3, PGC Council holding hearing on bill to legalize accessory dwellings (ADUs) per 2005 state law. Permits an ADU on any lot w/single family detached house. Good work Gov. Moore & MD legislature! (See ALT for info.)
Backyard ADU, image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sightline_middle_housing/48140065193/in/album-72157709195912378/

PGC bill CB 74-2026 info: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8128159&GUID=EB0FAA0B-0DC5-4A27-B277-C89704C38C02&Options=&Search=

MD Dept. of Planning ADU law explainer: https://planning.maryland.gov/Pages/OurWork/PBP/ADUTF/ADU.aspx
001
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Have you heard about the Gold Line? Could be great! But it's not funded. Gold line is Bus Rapid Transit w/center bus lanes from RFK Stadium to Union Station (& beyond). DC gave Metro $5m for study but no $$ for final design or construction! See CSG RFK stadium comments: tinyurl.com/RFK-Gold-line
Gold Line described in WMATA presentation - see slides 16,17,25.
https://www.wmata.com/content/dam/wmata-com/board-affairs/execcommtgs_ba_2026/may%202026%20meetings/3B-RFK-Campus-Kingman-Park-Transit-Improvement-vF.pdf
211
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Good news! Central Ave-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan adopted by Prince George's 7/21. Rezones for transit-oriented development, including Capitol Hts, Addison Rd, & Morgan Blvd Metro stations. A major step for creating more vibrant, mixed-use, walkable places along the Blue Line Metro corridor.
Pictured: Addison Rd Metro pylon & entrance. Central Ave.-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan & SMA: https://www.pgplanning.org/projects/central-avenue-blue-silver-line-sector-plan-and-sma/. View CSG's testimony: https://www.smartergrowth.net/resources/central-ave-blue-silver-line-sector-plan-testimony-prince-georges/
150
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
We are digging into TOD in Baltimore Co.! We are hiring: Baltimore County Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Organizer
smartergrowth.net
015
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Finally approved! 250 affordable apts 1/4 mile from Suitland Metro station! MD Housing Dept joined me in testifying in support. MD housing ombudsman Steven Palmer invoked new law that allows qualified affordable housing projects - like this one - not be blocked by excessive zoning regulations.
1153
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
7/15: How innovative zoning can make DC a more livable & equitable city @ 6:30 pm. Join us for a discussion with national thought leaders and practitioners as we explore how the DC 2050 Comp Plan can catalyze zoning reform for a more inclusive & walkable DC. Via Zoom RSVP: tinyurl.com/2xetkhm2
Blue rowhouse converted to 10 units, middle gray house converted to 6 units, adjacent rowhouses have one dwelling. Lime bike rider in forground. 1400 block of Florida Ave. NW, WDC. Photo by C. Cort
021
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Grateful to AG Schwalb for joining the fight to bring new mixed income housing opportunities to Chevy Chase & take advantage of public land to deliver both new public facilities & affordable homes in this high opportunity neighborhood. One barrier down, a few more do go - but we can do it!
040
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
This is grim - nice new play/plaza space at Prince George’s County Executive & Council building immediately closed after opening. Even if some officials don’t love it, it’s still a nice space & only bike parking - which is now fenced off. Why? mwcog_nfe20_2017_.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT...
wjla.com
'$10M just flushed down the proverbial toilet:' New Prince George’s plaza sits unused
A $10 million public plaza outside Prince George’s County’s main government building remains closed months after completion, drawing criticism from Maryland’s t
010
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Ready or not: Purple Line service is almost here! Too bad UMD Discovery District is an auto-oriented suburban office park! I hope someday it discovers transit-oriented development and human-scale urban design. But really UMD you know better.
180
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Against all expectations, I found bike parking at the front door of PGC Planning Board building in Riverdale! It’s a first - no bike parking at Curry building in Largo & no bike parking you can find at Largo Planning building. (Nevermind Riverdale’s bad design for rack - much better than nothing!)
040
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Good news: DC Zoning Commission is rolling back several impediments to homes in alley lots - including removing parking requirements!
dc.urbanturf.com
DC's Alley Lots Are About to Open Up for Housing
The Zoning Commission is expected to take final rulemaking action on June 11.
090
Reposted by Cheryl Cort
Carrie Kisicki @cmkisicki.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
It was such an honor to attend the bill signing for the Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act this morning on behalf of @betterdcregion.bsky.social! 😊 This is a big smart growth win that's going to unlock more land for housing + businesses near transit.
A large, official-looking room full of people. It has chandeliers, large portraits on the walls, and an ornate blue carpet. At the opposite side of the room, Governor Wes Moore is speaking at a dais with House Speaker Peña-Melnyk and Senate President Ferguson (just barely visible over his shoulder) standing behind him. Next to Governor Moore there is a sign language interpreter. You can also see a table with cups of ceremonial pens at left.Six smiling people stand in front of a dark wood door set in a tiled wall. (I will editorialize by saying these people are of a delightful variety of heights, not one person is the same height as another person in this photo.) They are dressed in business formal attire. Pictured are four members of the Maryland Department of Transportation team (Derek, Alex, David, and Drew), Lindsey of the Maryland Sierra Club, and Carrie of the Coalition for Smarter Growth
1133
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Malcolm X fountains are flowing!
0130
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Chevy Chase Forward - we've joined a new coalition to fight for more affordable, mixed income homes w/ a new DC Chevy Chase library & rec ctr. We demand the original proposal for 206 homes: 1/3 deeply affordable, 1/3 workforce (80% AMI), 1/3 market rate. DC Council can do this! tinyurl.com/5n8epumf
Rift Valley illustration of new Chevy Chase civic core for new library, rec center, outdoor space & mixed income housing. https://riftvalleycapital.com/current-projects/chevy-chase/
010
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Disappointed Wisc. Av. upzoning falls back to "design review" process rather than by-right. We argued to use a form based zoning approach along w/ upzoning to make it by-right. Even Commish Miller admitted design review WILL delay approvals. But more than that, it shrinks & kills larger buildings.
Friendship Ht Metro station and redevelopment of Mazza Gallerie under construction. Mazza project rebuilt to lower, by-right zoning, rather than building higher what could have been achieved in a rezoning. Rezonings are avoided due to uncertainty of delays.
030
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Too ambitious or not enough? At our forum, Ward 3 residents debate the draft DC Future Land Use Map which proposes more housing capacity along transit corridors but leaves most of DC unchanged. Hosted by CSG, W3V & Cleveland Pk Smart Growth
000
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
What's the future plan for Ward 3 and DC? Join us 4/27 for a discussion of DC 2050, the District's next Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map at the Tenley Library. RSVP: tinyurl.com/46bp62f8 Sponsored by Coalition for Smarter Growth, Ward3Vision & Cleveland Park Smart Growth.
Draft Future Land Use Map by DC Office of Planning. https://dc2050.dc.gov/
041
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
So glad to get together with lovely housing and smart growth activists from DC & MoCo last night. Great to learn, exchange information, and just enjoy everyone's company.
group photo at Friendship Heights bar.
000
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Great report on benefits of micromobility - reduces driving; safe bike infrastructure still essential.
cities-today.com
Report highlights shift to micromobility for daily travel - Cities Today
A new rider report shows micromobility is becoming a core part of everyday urban transport, reducing car use and reshaping how cities plan mobility systems.
020
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Outstanding to have a candidate make these kinds of commitments. McDuffie has made similar statements, as have others. I am baffled why JLG won’t be more supportive of Chevy Chase Library w/ affordable housing. ggwash.org/view/102946/...
ggwash.org
I’m running for DC mayor to build more housing and lower costs
Janeese Lewis George, GGWash’s pick for DC mayor, outlines her plan to build more homes in the District.
010
Reposted by Cheryl Cort
Coalition for Smarter Growth @betterdcregion.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
A major affordable housing and arts project in Ward 4 is at a critical moment. After years in limbo, Dance Loft on 14 could move forward, but only if ANC 4E approves modifications TODAY. Learn more: www.smartergrowth.net/district-of-...
031
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
CSG is here for safer streets!
072
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
At the 15th St bikeway rally!
060
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Will the 100+ affordable homes & arts project Dance Loft on 14 get built? ANC 4E vote Tuesday 3/24 could decide its fate. If you live in Ward 4, send a message of support. At stake: 133 affordable homes & Ward 4's only performing arts center. tinyurl.com/SaveDanceLoft
Dance Loft on 14 front design illustration with roll up front, ballet dancers. Image by PGN ARCHITECTS. Want more background? See: https://www.smartergrowth.net/district-of-columbia/guest-blog-dance-loft-on-14/
051
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Ward 4 residents: weigh in to save Dance Loft 100+ affordable homes & dance center. ANC 4E votes 3/24 but old opponents trying to kill it. Project approved in 2023, then DC financing cratered, now has new funding but needs interior revisions, hence votes @ ANC & Zoning Com. tinyurl.com/Dance-Loft
tinyurl.com
Press release: Dance Loft on 14, a unique, affordable housing and arts center project, hangs in the balance - Coalition For Smarter Growth
Supporters urge ANC 4E to endorse modifications to advance project at crucial Tuesday vote.
010
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
DC Zoning Commission advances alley lot reforms saying they want more housing wherever they can get it! Key reform: eliminating parking requirements for all alley lot developments for housing. Important win.
0123
Reposted by Cheryl Cort
Coalition for Smarter Growth @betterdcregion.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Prince George’s has a new draft countywide plan for streets, trails, bikeways, and transit. What’s the plan for streets and trails near you? Join us virtually on Mon., 3/16, to find out at a briefing on the preliminary master plan for transportation in Prince George’s. tinyurl.com/Go-PGC-zoom
022
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Cleveland Park/Woodley Park/Conn. Av. rezoning - DC Zoning Commission decides to allow additional public comments on Office of Planning's response to earlier hearing questions - new comment deadline 3/26. ANC 3C opposed this.
020
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
U St & 17th NW police station rezoning - opponents filed a motion for reconsideration. DC Zoning Commission turned DOWN this motion. U St Police station rezoning stays on track - just need the economics to work to rebuild the police & fire stations, & add mixed income affordable housing.
050
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Time extension for approval of Dance Loft on 14 affordable housing & nonprofit dance center is approved by DC Zoning Commission! 100+ affordable homes & community arts space will get built with new financing.
000
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Look at all the cases DC Zoning Commission is acting on today - alley lots (might remove parking mandate), Cleveland/Woodley Park Conn Av upzoning, U St Police station upzoning appeal, Dance Loft on 14 affordable housing/arts space approval extension. Tune in at 4 pm! app.dcoz.dc.gov/Home/Calendar
Crosswalk and buildings in Connecticut Av design guidelines by Office of Planning. https://planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/page_content/attachments/Connecticut%20Ave%20Development%20Guidelines.pdf
000
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Do you want a more walk, bike & transit-friendly Prince George's County? Learn about the new Go Prince George's countywide transportation plan! We're holding a zoom discussion 3/16 with planners to understand it. It's in preparation for 3/24 public hearing. Sign up tinyurl.com/Go-PGC-zoom
Bike rider in bike crossing built by MD SHA. Photo by C. Cort
0102
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Malcolm X Park is jumping. Tomorrow 1-2” of snow??
130
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Great turnout last night for Prince George's Central Av-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan. Lots of support for the bold TOD rezonings around 3 Metro stations - Cap Hts, Addison, & Morgan. Some homeowner concerns about lots becoming nonconforming w/ TOD rezoning. PGC should give guidance on this.
Illustration of rezoned & built out Central Av. and Addison Rd Metro station. Source: MNCPPC https://www.pgplanning.org/resource_library/preliminary-central-avenue-blue-silver-line-sector-plan-and-sectional-map-amendment/
041
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
Dance Loft on 14 project w/ 100+ affordable homes & arts center is still alive! If you live near the project, urge ANC 4E to support an extended construction timeline. ANC 4E is considering a resolution on the Dance Loft's extension application on March 10. tinyurl.com/Dance-Loft-Ext
Dance Loft on 14 rendering by PNG Architects, 4618 14th Street, NW Architectural Design Package submission to Zoning Commission, February 2021, https://app.dcoz.dc.gov/Exhibits/2010/ZC/21-18/Exhibit57.pdf
030
Cheryl Cort @cherylcort.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
Prince Georgians - speak up for vibrant, walkable, mixed use Metro station areas along the Central Ave/Blue Line corridor. Tell PGC officials yes to TOD rezoning around Capitol Hts, Addison Rd, & Morgan Blvd Metro stations! Send a letter/sign up for 3/10 hearing here: tinyurl.com/Blue-Line-TO...
Illustration of buildout at Addison-Seat Pleasant Metro station. Source: Preliminary Central Ave-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan and SMA
https://pgplanning.org/resource_library/preliminary-central-avenue-blue-silver-line-sector-plan-and-sectional-map-amendment/
052