As both a real estate appraiser and a broker, I have been fielding a lot of questions from friends and clients who are very worried about how much higher their property taxes might become. There are people in Wake County who can absorb a higher tax rate, but here are a lot of folks who will not be able to do so.
Tim Niles submitted a Letter to the Editor of the N&O in response to an Op-Ed from the Director of WakeUP Wake County on the topic of the New Bern Avenue upzoning proposal. The LTE wasn’t published so we are printing it.
This is the 3rd TOD case that has come before you with a token gesture of affordability. I have no doubt developers will continue to find ways around providing affordable units needed for BRT to be successful. By far, the most troubling statement in the staff report that you need to pay attention to is, “by adding the TOD, the site will have increased residential entitlement WITHOUT having to incorporate affordability measures.” However you crunch the numbers on the affordable housing condition that’s been provided, it doesn’t add up to a good decision. If you approve this rezoning, you will grant MORE entitlement than the current zoning WITHOUT the affordability requirement.
Highlights from the February 19 Budget Work Session
Livable Raleigh believes the City Council should do what the people told them they want. But, if they are hell-bent on moving to four-year terms despite the views of the people, it should ONLY be done if they implement a nonpartisan primary to go with it, thus getting rid of the current “plurality” election format and ensuring we elect the members of City Council by majority vote.