Token gestures of affordability are not good enough

Token gestures of affordability are not good enough

by | Feb 21, 2024 |

This is the 3rd TOD case that has come before you with a token gesture of affordability. I have no doubt developers will continue to find ways around providing affordable units needed for BRT to be successful. By far, the most troubling statement in the staff report that you need to pay attention to is, “by adding the TOD, the site will have increased residential entitlement WITHOUT having to incorporate affordability measures.” However you crunch the numbers on the affordable housing condition that’s been provided, it doesn’t add up to a good decision. If you approve this rezoning, you will grant MORE entitlement than the current zoning WITHOUT the affordability requirement.

CITY COUNCIL RETREAT – JANUARY 26 & 27, 2024

CITY COUNCIL RETREAT – JANUARY 26 & 27, 2024

by | Jan 28, 2024 |

HIGHLIGHTS Typical issues with transparency. Meeting start time initially reported at 1pm, then 12noon, then livestream was supposed to start at 12:40. It actually started at 1:18pm. Apparently a panel discussion occurred when they weren’t filming and no details were...

New Bern TOD – Redo the map – apply it strategically

New Bern TOD – Redo the map – apply it strategically

by | Jan 24, 2024 |

On January 30th, City Council should vote against the current rezoning case and send City Planners back to the drawing board to redo the map. Wide support of the TOD can be accomplished by strategically applying it to commercial properties and open lots.  You cannot reduce the displacement pressure on the existing neighborhoods when you include those very neighborhoods in the TOD!

Follow Planning Best Practices: Use BRT to Revitalize Neighborhoods, Not Remove Them.

Follow Planning Best Practices: Use BRT to Revitalize Neighborhoods, Not Remove Them.

by | Jan 10, 2024 |

Livable Raleigh’s position is that while adding density along BRT corridors is a desirable goal, the impact of the $97M New Bern Avenue BRT project alone will create a tremendous incentive for dense organic redevelopment that incentivizes economically viable affordable housing height bonuses up to 5 stories – and not above. The effect of the proposed 744 parcel upzoning, Z-92-22 (which ironically leaves out the zero-density Raleigh Country Club) will not only eliminate most opportunities to incentivize and negotiate affordable housing units, but will also accelerate the displacement of all low wealth and Black households in the corridor – in direct conflict with the city’s adopted ETOD vision to reverse displacement.

Public Forum: Will New Bern’s Mass Upzoning Revitalize Neighborhoods or Eliminate Them?

Public Forum: Will New Bern’s Mass Upzoning Revitalize Neighborhoods or Eliminate Them?

by | Dec 28, 2023 |

Join us on Sunday, January 21st at 2pm at the Tarboro Road Community Center (121 N. Tarboro Street, Raleigh) to learn how you can help stop the city’s urban renewal of New Bern Avenue. Stand up for Raleigh’s Black history and for revitalizing existing neighborhoods and businesses along the New Bern Avenue Bus Rapid Transit line rather than forcing them out.

New Bern BRT: Bait & Switch or Just Action?

New Bern BRT: Bait & Switch or Just Action?

by | Nov 5, 2023 |

In 2017, ‘The Color of Law’ landed like a bombshell in progressive housing policy circles. In Raleigh, powerful development interests saw the opportunity to adopt — some would say co-opt — Richard Rothstein’s anti-segregation message by promoting pro-density zoning rules that not only lifted exclusionary zoning rules, but went much further. By 2020, a new alliance of developer money, self-righteous Council aspirants and their white privileged adherents provided the lubrication to fast track pro-density zoning proposals. Novice Councilors were assured that pesky public input needn’t impede this sweet deal to meld profits and equity.

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.