Smashing through the Guardrails of Policy

Smashing through the Guardrails of Policy

by | Sep 9, 2025 |

Amazingly City Staff identified no detriments from this rezoning case. This proposed development is very close to a historic neighborhood. Why is there no reference in this document to Section 12 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding Historic Preservation? The first comment reads “Lack of transitions around historic resources which can sometimes lead to jarring juxtapositions of scale and proximity that detract from the character of the historic resource’s setting.” Has anybody read this or is even aware of this section of the Comprehensive Plan? 

A Flawed Foundation for Deliberations

A Flawed Foundation for Deliberations

by | Sep 3, 2025 |

Staff reports carry weight in Planning Commission and City Council deliberations. When they misclassify sites, turn a blind eye to policies, minimize area plans, and claim no adverse effects, they create the illusion of consistency where none exists and inflate the benefits while minimizing impacts. This clearly affected the Planning Commission deliberations and stunted debate necessary to make an informed decision.

Putting your thumb on the scale is WRONG!

Putting your thumb on the scale is WRONG!

by | Aug 20, 2025 |

The developer was claiming the site is in a Transit Station Area based on an outdated map, a false claim. Now, City Staff has joined with the applicant in making false claims. The Planning Commission did nothing to question this. City Council, it is left up to you to seek out the truth.

2nd neighborhood meeting

2nd neighborhood meeting

by | Jul 8, 2025 |

I attended the 2nd Neighborhood Meeting for the West Street Tower (Z-12-25). It was strictly limited to one hour and worse yet, the Planning Department’s full report including the Statement of Consistency with city policies was not available. It was a one-sided presentation of the developer’s opinions. The residents had no information from the city to challenge any claims made by the developer.

West St Tower violates Capital Blvd Corridor Study

West St Tower violates Capital Blvd Corridor Study

by | Apr 30, 2025 |

The Capital Boulevard Corridor Study (CBCS) is an area plan companion to the Comprehensive Plan. The CBCS specifies the Historic Glenwood/Brooklyn Neighborhood (HGBN) and recommends heights in the study area ranging from three stories at the neighborhood edge, up to twelve stories in areas well separated from neighborhoods. Councilor Silver campaigned on keeping development consistent with our Plans.

Raleigh Deserves Better

Raleigh Deserves Better

by | Apr 13, 2025 |

New developments on public property are the easiest opportunities to build this badly needed affordable housing, because it’s our land. And, we can choose what to do with it!

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.