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”
I’d like to talk to you tonight about how the city of Raleigh has declined under the leadership, or lack of leadership, with Mary-Ann Baldwin.
On that one magical day I always think this is something wonderful Raleigh can do that not every city can do. But now, other cities can do it and we can’t.
Please do not vote to pass this decision. There is another way, there is compromise here. The safety of the residents matters. We matter.
When the Raleigh City Council offered an apology acknowledging the city’s past participation in slavery, segregation, and enforcement of Jim Crow it received headlines. But the attention soon faded because there was no follow-up on the most significant part of the resolution — to establish a Racial Equity and Reparative Justice Commission.
Growth isn’t bad; it’s inevitable. Untrammeled growth should not be the default. Another name for that kind of growth is Cancer.
As you weigh the merits of the options of this road project, please note the same parameters that increased land value are the same that have increased the tax revenues to the City. Perhaps it is time to invest some of that revenue back into the infrastructure needs of the community. Let’s continue this discussion in committee. After 12 years, the discussion is long overdue.
I’m aware for some of you, we may not be on your radar, but we are not invisible. We are here to be seen and heard; And we have been. Your decision will reverberate throughout this city. So, I am asking, on behalf of the Ridgeloch Community and of the 1000’s of trail uses that consider Ironwood and its two bridges the “soul” of the Greenway, we ask you to be on our side of the fence.
I know it was not originally Council’s fault that the parade was cancelled. But if you take no action now, you will be responsible for cancelling half of it. Please pass a motion at your next meeting to allow the vehicles, with the new safety protocols.
Highlights from October 17 work session and afternoon session
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