Raleigh adopted a carefully thought-out and comprehensive rezoning of the entire City just 10 years ago which was and is designed to handle the growth we are now experiencing. But, Raleigh incentivizes speculators and hustlers to find cheaper and less densely zoned land not in the core of downtown and then rezone it because the city will rezone almost anything so long as you commit to building more density whether affordable or not.
Trees make Raleigh Raleigh. They shape our cityscape, and they define us as the City of Oaks. They’re the first thing visitors notice, and they are a large part of what makes so many people want to stay here. Sadly, Raleigh’s popularity has come at a cost to our trees.
Forty years ago, the City accepted a Conservation Easement from Anderson Forest developers that specifically prohibits the building of greenway trails in the area now being proposed for Segment 1B. Yet, after reaping the easement’s benefits for decades, the City now wants to break its very terms.
Growth is inevitable, it can be transformative; it’s up to us to see that it isn’t destructive. Zoning and land use planning are the tools we use to meet this challenge.
Navigating Raleigh’s affordable housing webpages feels like a frustrating maze. There’s good information, unfortunately, it’s buried under confusing web design, esoteric labels, scattered across too many disconnected pages or missing altogether in outdated reports.
“We’re growing! we’re glowing!” the press release says. The Mayor’s got plans and a very nice suit, Telling us Raleigh is “ripening fruit.” Just remember, dear Leader, amidst all the hype: If you don’t fix the potholes, the fruit’s overripe.
I have been asked why we continue to speak to oppose Council’s decision to approve greenway routing through Anderson Forest backyards. City staff had numerous opportunities to influence Council and the public with written materials, glossy presentations and surveys. We have been largely restricted to three-minute comments like this to make our case to you and the public.
Just wanted to let you know that the new website looks great and that I totally agree with your Agenda for Affordable Housing, especially having developers required to help solve this.
The City is approving rezonings that directly contradict its own Comprehensive Plan and Small Area Plans, the documents meant to protect neighborhoods, historic areas, and responsible growth. When the government fails to follow its own rules, residents are left with no choice but to stand up and defend themselves.
The public housing at Heritage Park serves some of Raleigh’s lowest-income families. Any effort to expand housing opportunities must continue to ensure: *No loss of deeply subsidized units *A meaningful right to return for current residents *Continued income-based rents *Protection against displacement *Preservation of community identity