There’s an unmistakable longing among teens and young adults today. It’s not just a want—it’s a need. People are craving a place where they can just be—somewhere that isn’t home, school, or work. A space to meet friends, make connections, and feel part of something. But those places, those third spaces, are becoming harder to find.
Fairchance affords impoverished candidates a pathway to their dreams and a roadmap on how to get there, from a mission to setting goals, and a budget. Candidates become “empowered” as they witness miracles transpire before their eyes, including the discovery of themselves and their abilities.
Highlights from October 8 2024 Work Session and Public Comment session
The previous Raleigh City Council spent zero amount of time discussing the unintended consequences of their major change to zoning practices which they characterized as mere “text changes.” Now the current council is MIA by failing to address these serious consequences for which several neighborhoods have presented evidence.
Possible Missing Middle “tweaks” being discussed by Council include tree preservation and consideration of character impact of high-density housing on existing neighborhoods. These minor tweaks would amount to putting lipstick on a pig. Council was able to make controversial decisions on moving Red Hat Amphitheater and closing a traffic artery into downtown within about two months. You’ve had two years to massage and wrestle with Missing Middle, and nothing has been accomplished.
If this lawsuit succeeds, then any subdivision with or without a homeowner’s association will be at risk. The only winners will be those charging legal fees, and the losers will be homeowners who purchased their single-family homes with certain expectations related to the future of their property.
As Raleigh continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the stakes have never been higher for our city’s future. We’re witnessing a city transforming before our eyes—new developments, some booming businesses, and an influx of new residents. But with this rapid growth comes a critical challenge that we cannot afford to ignore: the need for a more expansive and accessible City Council that truly represents all of Raleigh’s diverse communities.
Usually I’m up here complaining about things the city does, but I want to be clear that I think last year’s budget engagement was an overall positive experience, but I still think it could be better.
I’m willing to believe that you weren’t aware of the nature and timing of sales in my little niche business area. I’m willing to chalk this up to the realm of unintended consequences. You didn’t know. You didn’t realize. I sincerely hope that’s the case anyway.
But you know now. I beg you to do something about it.
Please don’t sacrifice our safety and quality of life for short-term gains. Let’s make sure that as our city grows, our emergency services grow too. Because the next person who hears ‘Please hold’ in an emergency might not have a second chance.