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.

New Bern Avenue Bus Rapid Transit: Urban Renewal 2.0?

New Bern Avenue Bus Rapid Transit: Urban Renewal 2.0?

by | Oct 2, 2023 |

The difficult question for the Planning Commission and City Council is this: Rather than continuing to chip away at the overlay zoning’s many inequitable impacts, are you willing to call for an alternate staff proposal that puts less emphasis on rapid economic redevelopment and more emphasis on best practices that will achieve equitable revitalization without dislocation?

TOD needs a DO-OVER

TOD needs a DO-OVER

by | Jun 5, 2023 |

You may be creating more density for increased ridership for public transit but you are destroying the reason that people continue to live in a City of deep, rich culture and historic heritage. Let’s not lose our past and present character while making room for a ridership that may never develop, especially if it does not provide for the housing needs for the population that actually depends on public transit for their livelihood.