I grew up believing Raleigh was a city that valued neighbors, thoughtful planning, and fairness. That’s why this process has been so disappointing. This isn’t just about one rezoning. It’s about whether ordinary residents still have a meaningful voice when the future of their neighborhoods is being decided.
By taking builder money and voting down impact fees … elected officials are directly forcing local counties to raise property taxes on everyday citizens to cover the costs.
Preservation Raleigh was created by former RHDC chairs in response to a 2030 Comprehensive Plan 2030 work item to encourage the development of a Preservation Advocacy Not-For-Profit (NFP) focused on Raleigh. We are the oldest new NFP in Raleigh, created 2 years ago out of the dormant NFP that was the forerunner of RHDC.
Our housing crisis is not going to be solved by the wonton demolition of naturally existing affordable housing to turn it over to luxury housing. Our public transportation goals are not going to be supported by creation of more luxury housing with large off-street parking pads and two or three car garages occupying the first floor.
As we approach a new $100 million housing bond referendum, accountability matters. Residents should be able to see – in one place – which projects received funding, how much was invested, how many units were created or preserved and the affordability levels achieved. After the last housing bond, the city promised transparency. Instead, residents are left with two sparse webpages—one largely explaining what a housing bond is. There is still no simple, public accounting of where the money went or what outcomes it produced. Can you understand why residents are skeptical?