What began as concerns over one rezoning proposal has developed into a much larger concern about the transparency and integrity of the process itself. Over the course of this case, we have documented 14 separate issues involving public notice, procedural decisions, access to information, public records delays and communications surrounding the case.
A City We Build Together: How one citizen and one mayor showed what local government is supposed to be.
A healthy neighborhood is a vital resource. When a community succeeds, it builds a legacy that our elected city council ought to protect. While growth is necessary for Raleigh, it should not come at the expense of any community’s well-being. I look up many site plans and see a concerning focus on short-term profit over livability—no yards, without internal sidewalks, inadequate driveways, insufficient common areas, and a lack of safe pedestrian access to basic amenities. Why are ALL of these things being cut out of communities in exchange for maximizing density profits?
I grew up believing Raleigh was a city that valued neighbors, thoughtful planning, and fairness. That’s why this process has been so disappointing. This isn’t just about one rezoning. It’s about whether ordinary residents still have a meaningful voice when the future of their neighborhoods is being decided.
Highlights of July 7 Raleigh City Council meeting
Preservation Raleigh was created by former RHDC chairs in response to a 2030 Comprehensive Plan 2030 work item to encourage the development of a Preservation Advocacy Not-For-Profit (NFP) focused on Raleigh. We are the oldest new NFP in Raleigh, created 2 years ago out of the dormant NFP that was the forerunner of RHDC.
Our housing crisis is not going to be solved by the wonton demolition of naturally existing affordable housing to turn it over to luxury housing. Our public transportation goals are not going to be supported by creation of more luxury housing with large off-street parking pads and two or three car garages occupying the first floor.
As we approach a new $100 million housing bond referendum, accountability matters. Residents should be able to see – in one place – which projects received funding, how much was invested, how many units were created or preserved and the affordability levels achieved. After the last housing bond, the city promised transparency. Instead, residents are left with two sparse webpages—one largely explaining what a housing bond is. There is still no simple, public accounting of where the money went or what outcomes it produced. Can you understand why residents are skeptical?
Growth should not become a blank check for developers or a tax burden for existing residents. We must respect neighborhood voices. Public input should not be treated as an obstacle. It should be part of better planning.
Our neighborhood is a microcosm of Raleigh’s traditional neighborhood values married with new development. It is regarding one such development, Trophy Brewing, that we seek your assistance in addressing issues created by the removal of minimum parking requirements.