Montgomery County Council plans vote on commercial-to-residential zoning bill

A variety of housing developments are currently under consideration across different regions in the U.S. In Montgomery County, Maryland, the council is set to vote on legislation that would streamline the conversion of commercial properties into residential units to address housing shortages, including a requirement that a portion of the new housing caters to the local workforce. Meanwhile, in North Yorkshire, planning permission has been granted for up to 27 homes on Lakeber Drive, with a public open space contribution agreed upon to benefit local community facilities. In St Ives, however, a proposal for 86 retirement flats was rejected by the local council due to concerns about its potential impact on the countryside. Additionally, in Palo Alto, a new condominium project is facing opposition from nearby shopping center owners, although it has received some backing from city review boards. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding housing availability and community impact across various locales.