The City of Lost Oaks

The City of Lost Oaks

As everyone knows, you can’t have walkability without shade tree coverage. Trees are the core of environmental relief and make simple things like waiting for a bus or strolling down a sidewalk pathway more comfortable. However, in Raleigh, there are many factors that contribute to tree loss and prohibit the return of medium and large tree replacements.

Our historic fabric is getting threadbare

Our historic fabric is getting threadbare

Our historic fabric has been under threat for decades and is getting threadbare in areas—particularly in areas associated with the African American experience in downtown Raleigh.

Wake Up People, It’s Time for Change

Wake Up People, It’s Time for Change

Venality in the corridors of power, especially within local governments, can erode the very foundation of public trust and hinder effective governance. Raleigh, like many cities, is not immune to these challenges

DID THEY ASK ANY OF YOU ABOUT THIS?

DID THEY ASK ANY OF YOU ABOUT THIS?

OK. I have ranted. But my rant is serious. Show up, have fun and tell the part of the truth at this “COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT” event, because to get something you have to give something up in this particular area. We have already given up a lot. Make sure that we get something back.

You could have made a difference but you failed!

You could have made a difference but you failed!

This decision further undermines any trust with your decisions and who you are truly representing. It’s unfortunate because you could have really made a difference with this vote and you failed and further undermined any trust and transparency.

Silenced voices will speak the loudest

Silenced voices will speak the loudest

When leadership fails to listen or blatantly disregards or dismisses their constituents, it creates a harsh disconnect between the government and the people it serves. This can and has led to feelings of frustration, anger, and ultimately a breakdown in trust between the community and its leaders.

‘Twas the night before Council

‘Twas the night before Council

‘Twas the night before council, and all through the city, Affordable units demolished, oh what a pity. The ADU pilot awaited support with care, In hopes that affordable units soon would be there. The developers nestled all snug in their beds, With visions of profits and luxury spreads.

Reinstate Raleigh’s BRT promise: Use transit to strengthen New Bern households and families, not displace them.

Reinstate Raleigh’s BRT promise: Use transit to strengthen New Bern households and families, not displace them.

In 2016 Raleigh’s Planning Director promised Raleigh’s BRT would serve “some of Raleigh’s lowest-wealth communities .. [and] ensure that these investments benefit rather than displace households and  families.” At the New Bern BRT Kickoff Meeting, a senior city planner pledged the city would “make sure the BRT benefits … are shared equitably … so that existing residents of the New Bern corridor … are going to be there to benefit”

There is no one fix for affordable housing

There is no one fix for affordable housing

Every day I see good, affordable, multi-unit housing being torn down and replaced with McMansions or “luxury” apartments. This is going on ALL OVER THE CITY and was put on steroids by the Missing Middle policy changes.