Raleigh facing issues similar to Durham

Raleigh facing issues similar to Durham

As density increases, the need for conscious, deliberate stormwater and other utility planning also increases. Instead, three years ago, the city decided to allow individual developers to do as they please “as of right.” Now the city denies any responsibility for the predictable mayhem that is resulting. My neighbor’s flooding is just one real-world example of the problems that occur when the city abandons its responsibility for strategic growth planning and oversight, and instead deregulates development.

March 21, 2023 City Council Work Session and Afternoon Session

March 21, 2023 City Council Work Session and Afternoon Session

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,...

Do City Plans Matter?

Do City Plans Matter?

With the implementation of the new comprehensive plan and UDO, Phil believed there was a real opportunity for a more predictable and efficient process. Today, unfortunately, rather than following approved plans, everything seems negotiable. This undermines the whole idea of predictability and erodes the trust in the review processes and in city leadership.

A framework for building affordable housing

A framework for building affordable housing

In the More Homes, More Choices presentations, Patrick Young admits that the Missing Middle will not create housing that becomes affordable until at least one to two generations after it is built.
Tonight, I have given Council members a draft framework for creating housing that will be more affordable than what is being built under the guise of the Missing Middle.

Raleigh should use a Primary to ensure majority elections

Raleigh should use a Primary to ensure majority elections

In the last election for Raleigh City Council, only 2 out of 8 races resulted in a winner that received 50% or more of the vote. This isn’t necessarily the fault of the candidates participating in these races, rather this is the consequence of a plurality election with no chance for a run-off. Raleigh’s home rule charter gives the City Council the power to implement a nonpartisan primary that could be held at the same time as the state and national primaries.

We are frustrated with the obvious loopholes that allow this

We are frustrated with the obvious loopholes that allow this

I know you are frustrated. Every police captain assigned to this area has been frustrated. WE are frustrated. We are frustrated because the Sahara appears to be operating legally within current laws and zoning parameters. There are obvious loopholes in existing laws that allow this type of business to remain open until 5:30am.

Neighborhood Meetings, the Fox is Guarding the Hen House

Neighborhood Meetings, the Fox is Guarding the Hen House

First, the neighborhood meetings that are run by the applicant or their attorneys are not working. Since the developers run the meetings, the information that is being given is often very biased and not accurate coming from the applicant or their attorney.  One attorney said in a neighborhood meeting that the Comprehensive Plan was no longer relevant. There was a city staffer there but they were silent. 

March 7 2023 City Council Meeting

March 7 2023 City Council Meeting

HIGHLIGHTS Councilor Patton’s request to defer Shaw rezoning due to her unavailability on April 4 was voted down; public hearing will be April 4. Rezoning Z-55-22: Johnson Street, held open until April 4 for further negotiation. Rezoning Z-75-22: Edwards Mill Road,...

Improve engagement by bringing the information to the people

Improve engagement by bringing the information to the people

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.