An open planning process encourages buy-in

An open planning process encourages buy-in

by | Oct 18, 2026 |

Two recent development issues have drawn a lot of public attention, the future of our water supply, and how we are to manage requests to bring data centers into our community. These are terrifically complicated issues, and during my career in public service working with all 100 counties and 99% of the 553 municipalities, I found that the best chance to make wise decisions depends on listening to both the professionals and the laypeople who come before you. In many cases there is far more to know than any single one of us knows, that is why the input of the public is so important. An open planning process encourages citizen participation and buy-in. A closed process engenders suspicion and lack of compromise. Keep both of these processes in the daylight and allow the public to help you make wise decisions.

Offsides: is this development getting ahead of infrastructure?

Offsides: is this development getting ahead of infrastructure?

by | Oct 4, 2026 |

Before approving Z-43-25, I respectfully ask Council to require a meaningful examination of emergency access, overflow parking, Johnsdale Road capacity, school-event traffic, pedestrian movement and evacuation conditions. The question is not simply whether the proposed development can accommodate its own residents under normal conditions.

Raleigh: Asphalt Jungle?

Raleigh: Asphalt Jungle?

by | Sep 30, 2026 |

The issue of persistent toxic pollution at abandoned industrial sites is not a site design problem. There is simply no way that rezoning for high-density residential development – of any type or design – should be allowed on asphalt plant sites until probable threats have been scientifically assessed and addressed, using modern methods.

PROTECT THE SCALE OF SOUTH PARK – PUBLIC HEARING

PROTECT THE SCALE OF SOUTH PARK – PUBLIC HEARING

by | Sep 21, 2026 |

South Park neighbors deserve to know what we are being asked to give up before we know exactly what will replace it. Removing the overlay first – without a specific development plan showing our neighbors what will actually be built – asks our community to surrender protections now and evaluate the consequences later.

Stay Off the Thin Ice of Spot Zoning

Stay Off the Thin Ice of Spot Zoning

by | Sep 20, 2026 |

honor the process, honor the public plan. Protect our publicly identified Historic and Neighborhood Character districts. Stay off of the thin ice of spot zoning.

Raleigh’s Plans were developed to handle anticipated growth

Raleigh’s Plans were developed to handle anticipated growth

by | Sep 9, 2026 |

Raleigh’s Comprehensive Plan is designed to handle growth from 450,000 in 2015 to 580,000 by 2030. We may get to a population of 530,000 by 2030. There is no urgent need to upzone properties. We can handle the growth if you encourage development where you planned for it.

URGENT CALL TO ACTION – SOUTH PARK NEIGHBORS – Z-22-26

URGENT CALL TO ACTION – SOUTH PARK NEIGHBORS – Z-22-26

by | Sep 7, 2026 |

Is everyone in South Park aware of what is happening with Z-22-26 and the potential removal of our neighborhood’s existing height restrictions? “The sole purpose of this rezoning request is to remove the subject site from the 28.7-foot height limitation restriction of the South Park NCOD.”