People want to believe that eliminating single-family zoning restrictions will significantly increase housing supply for middle and lower-income families. But the building body of real-world experience and increasing research is showing this simply isn’t true or the effects are minor and often just benefit the most well-off.
Should the 30-story zoning case at Peace and West (Z-54-22) be approved by city council? Is it needed? Is it good for the surrounding residents of an historic residential neighborhood? Is it good policy for the city and its residents? The simple and most straight-forward answer is, no. It is not reasonable and it is not in the public interest. City council should vote to deny Z-54-22.
Now, as back then, the planners draw lines around parcels on a map. Now, as back then, what gets forgotten is the PEOPLE who live on those parcels. People who will get kicked out of their apartments because their landlord sells out to a developer. Homeowners who find their beloved home wedged between tall buildings. And people all over Raleigh who appreciate our historic treasures and hate to keep losing them. And most of these people still don’t realize what is coming.
Public meetings can be an unnerving experience for some people as they are appearing in an unfamiliar setting for something that is important to them. It’s important to treat every person with these courtesies: 1. Be welcoming to speakers no matter their point of view. 2. Be an active listener. The respectful thing is to pay attention. 3. Avoid debate and argument with the public. It is never appropriate to challenge a speaker.
A summary of the City Council Afternoon Meeting for April 18, 2023