WHAT’S THE RUSH? – WHY must North Hills be rezoned NOW?

WHAT’S THE RUSH? – WHY must North Hills be rezoned NOW?

by | Jan 15, 2026 |

On January 6 rezoning case Z-34-25, the rezoning of North Hills, was presented to Council for approval. Council chose to hold the hearing open for a vote at their January 20 meeting. This is not a new conversation for the city. A nearly identical rezoning request was submitted in 2021 but was ultimately withdrawn after City Council members and residents raised substantial concerns. Both elected officials and the public made it clear that the proposal did not adequately address inconsistencies with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, particularly around building heights, density transitions, and the absence of meaningful affordable housing commitments.

Residents say input and infrastructure falling behind at North Hills

Residents say input and infrastructure falling behind at North Hills

by | Dec 30, 2025 |

On January 6, 2026, rezoning case Z-34-25, the rezoning of North Hills, will again be presented to Council for approval. The previous submission in 2021 was withdrawn due to concerns from City Councilors and considerable public comment that did not support the request without further addressing the inconsistencies with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan for building heights, density transitions, and affordable housing. CBS 17 spoke with Larry Helfant about the case and the lack of attention paid to both community input and local infrastructure that is falling behind.

Been There, Done That!

Been There, Done That!

by | Oct 6, 2025 |

The city has grown enormously in the past few years, as people from all over began to recognize it’s a great place to live. But this growth was accompanied by absolutely no planning – or bad planning – which means we are now living in a helter-skelter atmosphere akin to a Third World city in which anything goes. Along with this has come a lapdog attitude when it comes to the city council’s relationship with developers. Sound familiar? This commentary was written 5 years ago in 2019.

Planning Department Fantasy!

Planning Department Fantasy!

by | Sep 29, 2025 |

Our Comprehensive Plan says building heights should transition from the Central Business District to residential neighborhoods. The planner says 30 stories is transition. FANTASY!!

The Duty of City Council

The Duty of City Council

by | Jun 2, 2025 |

The late great James West served on this Council from District C for ten years. Dr. West said “It is not the duty of City Council to ensure developer profits. The duty of City Council is to serve all the citizens of Raleigh, to improve their quality of life.”

Six Forks Rd Expansion Project – at a Standstill

Six Forks Rd Expansion Project – at a Standstill

by | Apr 2, 2025 |

The long-planned expansion of one of Raleigh’s most heavily trafficked thoroughfares just hit a massive roadblock with the projected spend soaring from $56.1M to $93.5M, driven by rising construction costs and a thriving real estate market. Originally part of the city’s 2017 $206.7 million transportation bond, that hefty price tag pushes the project way over the originally allocated $60M budget. It is time to put this project—and maybe a few other CIP programs–on hold for a number of reasons.

Six Forks Road. After 12 years the discussion is long overdue.

Six Forks Road. After 12 years the discussion is long overdue.

by | Oct 22, 2023 |

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.

Time is Money

Time is Money

by | Oct 10, 2023 |

I’m here asking that the council has staff go back to the original study goals, look at the budget and rework the project in a manner that improves the roadway in meaningful ways. The voters approved the funding for THAT purpose, CAMPO gave us money for that purpose, and we must honor that trust. I know that greater transparency is a goal of this council – Let’s get serious folks, there are residents and business owners in the ROW acquisition zones, who are living in limbo now, this indecision and constant delays are wreaking havoc with people’s lives.