City Council Budget Work Session – April 10, 2023
o Agency Grants Recommendations
o Human Resources Update
o FY2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program Update
o Annual Fee Adjustments
o Parking Fee Adjustments
o Agency Grants Recommendations
o Human Resources Update
o FY2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program Update
o Annual Fee Adjustments
o Parking Fee Adjustments
Missing Middle will not repair our history of racist redlining. With all the discussion of zoning’s racist past, there is surprisingly no discussion to ensure that zoning changes will result in more equitable and truly affordable housing choices. It appears that our racist past has been weaponized to support changes that in the end may do nothing to repair it other than providing more opportunities for the building industry.
Several council members have been totally non responsive to our meeting requests. Mary Ann Baldwin has blocked our emails and the City Attorney for the planning commission has not responded to our concerns about a serious conflict of interest issue regarding a commissioner and Shaw University Board of Trustee member. We need to remind City Council about the importance of true community engagement.
Contrary to comments by planning staff, the Comprehensive plan is the guide today, regardless of whether it gets amended in the future. The same is true for the Future Land Use map but, if this application is approved, the area zoning will be changed to accommodate the new building heights for anything being proposed in the future. As a local land use attorney has said, “you have the facts to come to a proper decision on this case without waiting for the details on a future Development Agreement that, in itself, will be controversial and an anchor on the City Budget for the next ten years.
When residents are telling you that your project is causing gentrification and displacement, your response should not be to double down and steamroll the people.