How Raleigh’s Changes to “By-Right” Zoning Rules Affect Engagement and Trust

How Raleigh’s Changes to “By-Right” Zoning Rules Affect Engagement and Trust

by | Oct 30, 2024 |

No one wants to be told their street is going to transform in the next five years, and there’s no way for them to even voice their thoughts and concerns. This pattern of transformation is going to take place, how we guide it is what’s most important. By adapting the zoning code to ensure that everyone comes together, working for the MUTUAL benefit of our city and its housing supply is not some far fetched ambition, but should be the baseline; the bare minimum respect shown to Raleigh’s amazing people. Transparency and working together is what is needed for beneficial growth. It is what the people of our city want.

Missing in Action on the Missing Middle

Missing in Action on the Missing Middle

by | Oct 7, 2024 |

The previous Raleigh City Council spent zero amount of time discussing the unintended consequences of their major change to zoning practices which they characterized as mere “text changes.” Now the current council is MIA by failing to address these serious consequences for which several neighborhoods have presented evidence.

UNNEIGHBORLY: The impact of Missing Middle on Woodcrest

UNNEIGHBORLY: The impact of Missing Middle on Woodcrest

by | Sep 30, 2024 |

Possible Missing Middle “tweaks” being discussed by Council include tree preservation and consideration of character impact of high-density housing on existing neighborhoods. These minor tweaks would amount to putting lipstick on a pig. Council was able to make controversial decisions on moving Red Hat Amphitheater and closing a traffic artery into downtown within about two months. You’ve had two years to massage and wrestle with Missing Middle, and nothing has been accomplished.

Ignoring covenants encourages their violation

Ignoring covenants encourages their violation

by | Sep 29, 2024 |

If this lawsuit succeeds, then any subdivision with or without a homeowner’s association will be at risk. The only winners will be those charging legal fees, and the losers will be homeowners who purchased their single-family homes with certain expectations related to the future of their property.

City Council fiddles while neighborhoods are sued

City Council fiddles while neighborhoods are sued

by | Sep 19, 2024 |

Raleigh builder is suing a whole neighborhood to have their restrictive covenants removed to enable him to build a development of 12 townhomes on two lots that are/were two single-family homes. District C Councilor Corey Branch, who represents the neighborhood, promised to do everything in his power to fix this. Branch has done nothing.

The City of Lost Oaks

The City of Lost Oaks

by | Aug 13, 2024 |

As everyone knows, you can’t have walkability without shade tree coverage. Trees are the core of environmental relief and make simple things like waiting for a bus or strolling down a sidewalk pathway more comfortable. However, in Raleigh, there are many factors that contribute to tree loss and prohibit the return of medium and large tree replacements.

WE WON!!! Wake County Superior Court Judge Rules against City of Raleigh

WE WON!!! Wake County Superior Court Judge Rules against City of Raleigh

by | Jul 10, 2024 |

Wake County Superior Court judge, in a memorandum decision, indicated the City of Raleigh Board of Adjustment (“BOA”) erred last summer when it approved the City staff’s approval of the application to build a Missing Middle compact subdivision comprised of 17 townhomes at 908 Williamson Drive.

Measuring Community Character

Measuring Community Character

by | Jun 27, 2024 |

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