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Six Forks Rd Expansion Project – at a Standstill

Six Forks Rd Expansion Project – at a Standstill

The long-planned expansion of one of Raleigh’s most heavily trafficked thoroughfares just hit a massive roadblock with the projected spend soaring from $56.1M to $93.5M, driven by rising construction costs and a thriving real estate market. Originally part of the city’s 2017 $206.7 million transportation bond, that hefty price tag pushes the project way over the originally allocated $60M budget. It is time to put this project—and maybe a few other CIP programs–on hold for a number of reasons.

High Density development Intentionally Eliminates Engagement with Neighbors

High Density development Intentionally Eliminates Engagement with Neighbors

If a high-density development is proposed within one half mile of a Bus Rapid Transit route, i.e., within a Frequent Transit Area, the entire process of informing and engaging the affected neighbors vanishes. With High Density Development in a Frequent Transit Area neighbors are not informed of a development that will have a much greater impact on their neighborhood. 

Support Firefighter Separation Allowance

Support Firefighter Separation Allowance

I stand before you today on behalf of Raleigh’s firefighters, urging you to approve funding for the Firefighter Separation Allowance. These brave men and women risk their lives daily to protect us, yet they do not receive the same retirement benefits as Raleigh’s other public safety heroes, our police officers.

When you reduce watershed forestation requirements, they NEVER come back!

When you reduce watershed forestation requirements, they NEVER come back!

Raleigh’s forested areas are disappearing daily as if there are raging wildfires across the city. Considering a reduction in forested area requirements is very disturbing and counter to all the City’s Tree Canopy Protection, sustainability, water quality, heat mitigation, biophilic and stormwater management efforts and commitments.

Let’s think long-term regarding housing affordability

Let’s think long-term regarding housing affordability

This past November, the Wake County Commission discussed lobbying the General Assembly for authorization to develop affordable housing specifically for teachers. I think low hanging fruit for the city would be to seek authorization to develop affordable housing specifically for city employees, and to combine efforts with the county at the General Assembly.

Public safety is the city’s most fundamental responsibility

Public safety is the city’s most fundamental responsibility

A public opinion poll last year revealed that public safety is the top concern for Raleigh citizens and 75% of respondents supported a substantial police pay increase. To reference Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, everything that allows us to enjoy life in our city relies upon a foundation of safety.

Just Follow the Plan

Just Follow the Plan

We all know that the city needs more density. By following the Comp Plan and the recommended Downtown Transition guideline, the city can achieve much more density and still keep a reasonable height next to neighborhoods.

Pass a Separation Allowance for Raleigh’s Firefighters

Pass a Separation Allowance for Raleigh’s Firefighters

I’m here tonight to stand in solidarity with Raleigh’s Firefighters and join them in their fight for Separation Allowance. I believe that’s a reasonable price to pay to have a properly funded fire department that keeps us safe, attracts sufficient firefighting staff to our amazing city, and retains experienced and healthy firefighters, so they can not just survive, but thrive in Raleigh.

March 11 Council Meetings

March 11 Council Meetings

Highlights from the March 11 Afternoon Work Session and the Evening Public Comment Session

City Council: We Have A Problem

City Council: We Have A Problem

If a 30 story tower is approved at this location in a designated Downtown Transition Area, then ALL the other neighborhoods noted here and currently protected by Downtown Transition Areas are at risk. This is a dangerous precedent to set.

Get Involved to Protect Raleigh’s Trees

Get Involved to Protect Raleigh’s Trees

If you are interested in protecting our trees, please consider attending the Branching Out information and input sessions, learn more about Leaf Out and how you can be involved, and consider planting native species the next time you garden or plan a new development.

Developer proposes a Major, Visual Shock

Developer proposes a Major, Visual Shock

A proposed Lorimer Spring development of 60 apartments for senior citizens is advancing with no official notification to nor input from neighborhood residents. It has inadequate parking and no real access to transit within safe walking distance. Especially for seniors.

A solution in search of a problem

A solution in search of a problem

In a misguided attempt to reduce Public Comment meetings from 3 hours to 2 hours in length, what City Council has done is put in place new limits when in fact, no meeting in 2024 ever went over 2 hours. But now, based on the new rules, a majority of the meetings will run less than 45 minutes and speakers will only get 1 minute to speak.

Another Missed Opportunity for Community Engagement

Another Missed Opportunity for Community Engagement

CACs are the perfect forum for these budget discussions because they will broadcast the presentation to a wider audience than the sessions that were offered earlier in the year. Community Engagement is one of the core objectives of CACs, acting as a medium for information between residents, staff and City Administration. I don’t know of any other community group that can offer those same capabilities. The City should be jumping at the chance to take this opportunity.

Missing Middle is missing its mark big time

Missing Middle is missing its mark big time

Let’s just say – the City fell short, big time. The BRT project has become a laughingstock, and the transportation system as-is, is modeled after an airline hub system. Meaning, you must go downtown first to catch another bus. Not to mention that one would have to walk along streets without sidewalks or ample streetlights. What would take 20 min by car is a 1 hour and 30 min ride by bus. But let’s build under the FTOD and TOD.