Highlights from December 5, 2023 Council Meetings
The UDO opens a Pandora’s Box
In my view, the UDO adopted in 2013, perhaps inadvertently, opens a back door to undercut the zoning rules.
Density does NOT create affordability
You could have negotiated to include the same number of 56 affordable units as a community benefit for the increased entitlement given to the applicant while allowing them to benefit financially from 154 additional market rate units. Maybe even go crazy and ask them to increase from 56 to 60 affordable units while still gaining 250 units at market rate. A WIN-WIN for everyone.
Benefits of affordable housing extend beyond providing a roof over one’s head
Ultimately, the transformative capacity of affordable housing extends beyond providing a roof over one’s head. It acts as a catalyst for community wide improvements, positively impacting crime rates, mental health, incarceration rates and childhood learning. This isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s essential and it’s a key requirement for a thriving community.
Raleigh is underreporting noise complaints to the residents and the media
I am here tonight to talk about noise. In Glenwood South we have been very suspect about the numbers being reported by the city. And we were right to be suspect as we now have evidence that the city has downplayed and grossly under-reported noise complaint calls. Every citizen and every news outlet who unwittingly reported the city provided incorrect statistics to the public should be outraged.
NOVEMBER 21, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Highlights from the November 21, 2023 Work Session and Afternoon Session
BRT Must Benefit New Bern residents as Promised and NOT Displace them
Counselors: You are the responsible party. The ability and duty are yours. YOU are the key players in insuring that the history of Raleigh, its culture, its communities, its monuments, and its traditions survive for the benefit, edification, and pleasure of future generations.
The Christmas Parade that should have been.
If this work can start now and be completed before March, why wasn’t it started last December and completed in time for this year’s parades? There’s been no answer.
November 14, 2023 City Council Meetings
Highlights from the November 14 City Council meeting.
Reinstate Raleigh’s BRT promise: Use transit to strengthen New Bern households and families, not displace them.
In 2016 Raleigh’s Planning Director promised Raleigh’s BRT would serve “some of Raleigh’s lowest-wealth communities .. [and] ensure that these investments benefit rather than displace households and families.” At the New Bern BRT Kickoff Meeting, a senior city planner pledged the city would “make sure the BRT benefits … are shared equitably … so that existing residents of the New Bern corridor … are going to be there to benefit”