High Density development Intentionally Eliminates Engagement with Neighbors

High Density development Intentionally Eliminates Engagement with Neighbors

If a high-density development is proposed within one half mile of a Bus Rapid Transit route, i.e., within a Frequent Transit Area, the entire process of informing and engaging the affected neighbors vanishes. With High Density Development in a Frequent Transit Area neighbors are not informed of a development that will have a much greater impact on their neighborhood. 

Urge Raleigh City Council to “Stick to the Plan”

Urge Raleigh City Council to “Stick to the Plan”

If height and density of this magnitude can be forced here, without support, where guidance clearly stipulates a maximum of 12 stories and where the site is in a Transition Area, then BEWARE! It can happen anywhere. All neighborhoods in and around Raleigh are at imminent risk.

Developer proposes a Major, Visual Shock

Developer proposes a Major, Visual Shock

A proposed Lorimer Spring development of 60 apartments for senior citizens is advancing with no official notification to nor input from neighborhood residents. It has inadequate parking and no real access to transit within safe walking distance. Especially for seniors.

Mayor Cowell: “It’s going to take focus, attention and every tool in the toolbox.”

Mayor Cowell: “It’s going to take focus, attention and every tool in the toolbox.”

Day two of Council’s annual retreat kicks off on January 25th with a discussion of affordable housing. It will be interesting to see if Mayor Cowell can convince her fellow Councilors to move beyond the kinds of fuzzy math that has concealed the real size and causes of Raleigh’s affordable housing crisis. Effective solutions will be fact-based, data driven and will reform current growth rules that promote the loss of five thousand affordable units each year.

Be strong, be resolute, preserve Raleigh’s cultural resources

Be strong, be resolute, preserve Raleigh’s cultural resources

Raleigh finds itself on lists of superlatives, and one factor that places us there consistently is our collective effort to maintain the character of our fair city through preservation of our historic landscapes, land use patterns, architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Every Resident Has a Stake in the Comp Plan Update

Every Resident Has a Stake in the Comp Plan Update

The city is starting to write a new Comprehensive Plan, When adopted, it will replace the current 2030 Comp Plan, which was adopted in 2013 after several years of public input and dialogue. What is a Comp Plan? It’s a set of policies meant to guide every decision made by city leaders.

Noise, Light and Saving the Raleigh We Love

Noise, Light and Saving the Raleigh We Love

I am a resident of Raleigh NC and live in an established neighborhood surrounded by rapid in-fill growth.  My ability to enjoy my property has diminished immensely over the past several years due to increased noise and light pollution.

Measuring Community Character

Measuring Community Character

Weighing the impacts of growth on community character is not subjective. Instead, it is a key function of planning practice.