Frank Hielema is a native of Oxford, NC. He holds degrees in physical therapy and epidemiology. He has lived in his present home in Raleigh for 30 years. Advocacy for justice at the national and international levels extends back to his senior year of high school. Now he finds that indeed, all politics are local, as he speaks out against Raleigh’s implementation of the Missing Middle in Raleigh without sufficient public notice, citizen input or transparency.
He is a member of the Steering Committee of Save Our Neighborhoods RestoreRaleighZoning
Frank delivered the following comments at the September 12, 2023 City Council meeting:
The hearing, of an appeal of the city’s approval under the Missing Middle text changes, to build 17 townhomes at 908 Williamson Drive, in the middle of a primarily single-family neighborhood, began on May 8.
It continued, through 3 additional dates, concluding on August 9. The hearing was conducted by the Raleigh Board of Adjustment, a semi-judicial body which is appointed by the City Council and the Wake County Commissioners.
Hence, the makeup of the BOA would suggest bias towards the position of the city as opposed to neighborhoods.
Two issues were to be decided by the Board.
The first was whether the three neighbors appealing the project had standing in the case, in their complaint that the development did not provide a transitional buffer zone between the proposed townhomes and the surrounding single-family homes. The Board, in a 3 to 2 decision, delivered on August 14, found in favor of the neighbors, and against the city, that the neighbors indeed had a vested interest in the impact on their properties from a much denser development next door.
The second issue involved the merits of the case. The Board decided by a 3 to 2 decision that the development did meet the requirements adopted via text changes by City Council for a compact subdivision.
However, Mr. Marvin Butler, one of the two dissenting members, eloquently stated, “We are losing the integrity and character of our neighborhoods in terms of density and development. It’s got to be smart growth and to use the words of Mr. Justus (the attorney for the neighbors) use common sense and logic when we go in and encroach on neighborhoods that have been in place for hundreds of years.”
Robin Tatum, the former city attorney, previously instructed Council not to make any modifications to the text changes while legal action was in process.
But, listen to her closing arguments before the Board of Adjustment in regard to the unintended consequences of Missing Middle:
Hayes Barton can muster the resources to fight city hall. The decision by the BOA on the merits of the case will be appealed to Wake County Superior Court. City Council should provide every neighborhood protection from the unintended consequences of Missing Middle through adopting the reforms which have been proposed by Livable Raleigh and the ad hoc task force, both of which have made sound recommendations for revision.
I encourage you to direct City Planning to study these recommendations and for you to take action.
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