The Showdown Over Housing in One Of DC’s Richest Neighborhoods episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 12, 2026 · 23 MIN

The Showdown Over Housing in One Of DC’s Richest Neighborhoods

from City Cast DC · host City Cast

There's this neighborhood fight that’s worth paying attention to even if you don’t live in Chevy Chase. For a couple of years, the city has been trying to rebuild a library and rec center, putting up new apartments on top of the buildings. The arguments for this will seem familiar if you’ve been following DC: The city needs more housing or else it risks being a place no one can afford. The arguments against it might feel familiar, too: Neighbors say adding more people will make parking difficult and “change the character” of their leafy part of town. Martin Austermuhle of the 51st has been covering it and he’s here to explain.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 12th episode: Library of Congress Nace Law Group Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Museum of Art Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

There's this neighborhood fight that’s worth paying attention to even if you don’t live in Chevy Chase. For a couple of years, the city has been trying to rebuild a library and rec center, putting up new apartments on top of the buildings. The arguments for this will seem familiar if you’ve been following DC: The city needs more housing or else it risks being a place no one can afford. The arguments against it might feel familiar, too: Neighbors say adding more people will make parking difficult and “change the character” of their leafy part of town. Martin Austermuhle of the 51st has been covering it and he’s here to explain.  Want some more DC news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can text us or leave a voicemail at: (202) 642-2654. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 12th episode: Library of Congress Nace Law Group Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Museum of Art Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

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The Showdown Over Housing in One Of DC’s Richest Neighborhoods

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This episode is 23 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 12, 2026.

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There's this neighborhood fight that’s worth paying attention to even if you don’t live in Chevy Chase. For a couple of years, the city has been trying to rebuild a library and rec center, putting up new apartments on top of the buildings. The...

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