When a developer asks for support from council, there were to be significant benefits to the community, but we the voters get only Astroturf, artwork, and a bench? Other cities have received ice skating rinks and, at a minimum, public bathrooms. The council needs to get developers to provide infrastructure and get significant benefits as it says in the plan. It seems easy for you to say no to voters, so try exercising some of that courage with the developers.
Poll results show that Raleigh is failing miserably in community engagement. Allotting an extra four minutes per side at the public hearing was insignificant compared to the potential impact of the proposal. Discussing Six Forks Road traffic issues on January 29, more than a week after the proposed January 20 vote on the rezoning proposal, is a real slap in the face to Raleigh residents. What good does it do to hold further discussion AFTER a decision has been made? The neighborhood meetings held by the developer did not meet the requirements of neighborhood meetings as outlined on the City’s website. An Open House style meeting does not allow the public to consider all input from all attendees. This case is just the most recent example of shutting the people out of the process in favor of developer/donor interests.
For a site to be designated as a Transit Land Use category, it must meet the definition “fronting along a corridor programmed for high-capacity, frequent bus transit.” The West St site meets ONLY the frequent transit criteria but fails the other two. It does not qualify for the Transit Land Use category.
Our Comprehensive Plan says building heights should transition from the Central Business District to residential neighborhoods. The planner says 30 stories is transition. FANTASY!!
Highlights from September 9 Work Session on Dix Park and evening public comment session
I listened and watched the transportation presentation with the expectation of hearing the options to bring this project within budget. That is what I had been told for the last six months. I was wrong again on all counts. With a Council primed to go on summer hiatus, Council made a decision that will haunt this Council for many years to come – cancelling the Six Forks Road Improvement project. I tried to speak before that decision was made, as some of you saw, but I was denied.
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.
HIGHLIGHTS Shared results of Social City Assessment study and Traffic and Safety Study in Glenwood South. The Social City Assessment consultant seemed to be biased toward businesses rather than residents. These issues will be discussed further in May 27 meeting of...
Highlights from the May 6 Council meetings
Summary of the April 1 Raleigh City Council meeting.