Missing the Mark, Missing the People, and Missing the Point

Missing the Mark, Missing the People, and Missing the Point

by | May 18, 2025 |

The City didn’t rezone these areas the proper way. Instead, they used a procedural sleight-of- hand, labeling it a “text change” to the Unified Development Ordinance. This way, they bypassed the normal legal requirements—like directly notifying affected residents via mail and holding a proper legislative hearing. You probably didn’t hear about this change. That’s not a coincidence. Only five people spoke at the public hearing. In a city of nearly half a million residents, that’s not engagement. That’s evasion.

Want to know more about these signs?

Want to know more about these signs?

by | Apr 21, 2025 |

This rezoning would set a dangerous precedent that would affect ALL neighborhoods. The developer wants to build 30 stories in a Transition Area, 240 feet from homes in a historic neighborhood. Anything greater than 12 stories would violate height guidance, 4 plans, 47 policies, and 2 tables. There is not one single city policy or plan that supports more than 12 stories at this location.

Urge Raleigh City Council to “Stick to the Plan”

Urge Raleigh City Council to “Stick to the Plan”

by | Apr 16, 2025 |

PACK THE ROOM! Developer Hosted Neighborhood Meeting. April 23 6pm McKimmon Center. If height and density of this magnitude can be forced here, without support, where guidance clearly stipulates a maximum of 12 stories and where the site is in a Transition Area, then BEWARE! It can happen anywhere. All neighborhoods in and around Raleigh are at imminent risk.

High Density development Intentionally Eliminates Engagement with Neighbors

High Density development Intentionally Eliminates Engagement with Neighbors

by | Mar 30, 2025 |

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. 

Get Involved to Protect Raleigh’s Trees

Get Involved to Protect Raleigh’s Trees

by | Mar 6, 2025 |

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.

A solution in search of a problem

A solution in search of a problem

by | Feb 24, 2025 |

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

by | Feb 23, 2025 |

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.

Democracy is more than voting

Democracy is more than voting

by | Feb 17, 2025 |

Local government is generally more democratic than other levels of government and that is largely due to public comment which provides the chance for residents to publicly share thoughts and ideas, and conversely to listen to the thoughts and ideas of other ordinary residents.