Why ask for public input only to ignore it?

Lisa Hughet has lived in Raleigh for nearly 30 years and says “my activism really kicked into high gear during the pandemic. Ironically, coinciding with a new City Council who appears not to have the residents of Raleigh as their highest priority. I’m also active in affordable housing matters and animal rescue.”

Lisa Hughet sent the following to the Mayor and City Councilors voicing her concerns about the way zoning case Z-12-25, The West Street Tower, has been handled to-date. We are publishing it here with her permission.

Mayor Cowell and City Council Members,

Since the rezoning on this parcel began in 2023, citizen advocates have repeatedly met with Planning and Development staff, Planning Commissioners, and Council members to raise serious concerns. Yet Staff have not acknowledged our disagreement with their conclusion that the rezoning fully aligns with the UDO and Comprehensive Plan – despite clear inconsistencies with key policies.

At neighborhood meetings, instead of two-way dialogue, we heard rehearsed definitions of policy language they claim supports the rezoning. Our concerns – particularly around height, scale, and neighborhood impact – appear to be repeatedly dismissed rather than thoughtfully considered. Staff reiterated only the policies they deemed supportive, while ignoring the broader and more nuanced context, including policies that contradict the rezoning.

At the Planning Commission meeting in August, staff cited minimal use of the online engagement portal – conveniently ignoring hundreds of emails, two neighborhood meetings, and widespread concerns voiced throughout the process. Even Commissioners noted receiving substantial feedback outside the portal. Yet when asked directly, Staff continued to reference only portal submissions, disregarding the full weight of public opposition.

I honestly have to ask – why seek public input if it’s not reflected in the analysis? 

Community engagement should serve as an opportunity to either mitigate community concerns or provide a transparent and respectful explanation when disagreement exists.

I’ve come to understand how complicated this process can be, I just ask that you respect our involvement in that process. 

Kind Regards,

Lisa Hughet

There is a petition opposing the West Street Tower. You may sign it here:

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