Does anyone think Kane kicks in extra cash for more height out of the goodness of his heart? The simple business logic is that taller buildings add enormous profits to Kane’s bottom line. It’s just the cost of doing business to offer a small cut of his added profits to get his rezoning approved over the objections of impacted neighbors and conflicts with the community’s Midtown growth plan adopted by Council only a few years ago.
You often point to offered conditions as public benefits. The question is whether those benefits are proportionate to what is being granted. In the recent cases they were not. Doubling or tripling height should come with significantly elevated public benefits. You have leverage. Developers want to build here. Council can either insist on meaningful benefits or adhere to the plans we collectively agreed to follow.
The objective analysis and evaluation of information to form a reasoned judgement, involving questioning assumptions, identifying biases, recognizing logical connections, and considering multiple perspectives to reach well-supported conclusions, rather than accepting information at face value. When filing a rezoning case, the applicant is asking the city to increase the value of their property. They need to earn that increase in value through community benefits.
Critical listening is the process of carefully analyzing and evaluating the information presented during a communication event. It involves understanding the speaker’s intent, assessing the quality of arguments, and distinguishing between valid points and misinformation. If the majority of the City Council had taken the time to clearly explain why they disagreed with the folks that opposed the West/Peace St and North Hills rezoning requests, that would have been an example of critical listening.
For (3) years, I’ve proposed one or more good faith work sessions to share business experience, discuss best practice expense management and budget opportunities not in city use. And repeatedly with no city interest. Similar results two months ago with Christina’s new LEAD budget initiative. My emails were sent to LEAD HR contact Sharnell, then Ryan and finally city manager, all without even the courtesy of a reply.
The City is approving rezonings that directly contradict its own Comprehensive Plan, the document 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. That is why neighbors are raising money to support the community’s efforts to defend responsible planning and neighborhood protections. Donations can be made anonymously.
For 18 months, Parks and Rec has repeatedly presented false or misleading claims to steer the public and this Council toward a predetermined outcome. Falsely claimed that it held a greenway construction easement. Falsely claimed this project has been a 50-year priority. Produced erroneous cost estimates.
Community Watchdogs work together to keep Raleigh residents informed on important current issues. Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs), Raleigh Police Department (RPD) and Livable Raleigh are all working to educate the public on relevant issues.
Glenwood South and the surrounding neighborhoods are simply not safe. A neighbor of mine recently told me on his daytime daily walks he carries a gun. How many of you feel the need to carry a gun with you during a daytime walk in your neighborhood?
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.