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.
HIGHLIGHTS Councilor Patton absent and excused Voted unanimously to appropriate $10,000 from Council Contingency to support the United Arts Council's Annual Gala Voted unanimously to approve $492,231 from ARPA funds for Legal Aid of North Carolina,...
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.
It’s time to step back and re-assess the likely impacts of BRT and TOD on established neighborhoods and identities instead of relying on the desired, but unproven outcomes pitched by those who stand to make a business profit.
HIGHLIGHTS Longtime City Clerk Gail Smith was honored at her last meeting upon her retirement Public Comments focused on negative impacts of Missing Middle and other rezoning actions that will harm existing neighborhoods, difficulties in engaging with the City,...
Proposed fee increases for residents – stormwater, water, and solid waste services
Proposed fee adjustments (50% decreasing and 42% increasing) for developers
An $8-$12M deficit predicted in FY26 for GoRaleigh bus service; fares brought in about $3.5M so even if fares are re-introduced, there would still be a significant gap
There has been much activity to address issues with Glenwood South, but problems remain
CACs were important resources because they provided a one-stop-shop for staying informed. At monthly meetings attendees would hear a police report, a Parks & Rec report and City Staff reports about current issues. You would hear Planning Department topics. All the information brought to one meeting for you.
I understand that you have $23m dollars remaining in ARPA funds. I would urge you to consider allocating all or a majority to build more affordable housing. As you saw during this afternoon’s meeting, many approved public-private partnerships for affordable housing have had to come back to Council and ask for additional financing due to increased costs of land, loans and construction materials; thus depleting bond funding for future projects.
Frank Hielema points out problems and inequities in the application of the Missing Middle learned from attending Missing Middle “More Homes, More Choices” presentations.