INCLUDE THE PUBLIC IN THE REZONING PROCESS

INCLUDE THE PUBLIC IN THE REZONING PROCESS

by | Mar 1, 2026 |

Mary-Ann Baldwin was successful in removing the public from the rezoning process with the elimination of the required meeting held at a relevant CAC. That meeting had a presentation with the applicant, a staff report by a staff member, and time to discuss all of the issues. And the applicant was not in charge. When that process was followed, the public had all of the information needed to make meaningful decisions. Now there is NO process for the public to hear what the staff report says until the Planning Commission meeting. How is the public supposed to participate?

Where Is It?

Where Is It?

by | Feb 18, 2026 |

The city is FAILING at providing even a fraction of what is needed for Affordable Housing. According to the last breakdown of NET LOSS of Affordable Housing, the city is losing 4,000-5,000 units a year. The Comp Plan and Missing Middle rules are NOT promoting affordability. Instead, the city continues to destroy our existing NOAH to build “luxury” housing.

Council has denied ONLY 2 of 54 zoning cases in 2 years

Council has denied ONLY 2 of 54 zoning cases in 2 years

by | Feb 15, 2026 |

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.

From Critical Listening to Critical Thinking – Councilors must justify their votes

From Critical Listening to Critical Thinking – Councilors must justify their votes

by | Feb 10, 2026 |

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 KEY!

Critical Listening is KEY!

by | Feb 10, 2026 |

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.

Help Hold the City of Raleigh Accountable

Help Hold the City of Raleigh Accountable

by | Feb 1, 2026 |

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.

Is Astroturf a Significant Benefit?

Is Astroturf a Significant Benefit?

by | Jan 20, 2026 |

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.

David goes up against Goliath one more time

David goes up against Goliath one more time

by | Jan 20, 2026 |

As elected officials, it is your prime responsibility to support all areas of the City with smart development and infrastructure spending to support it. Follow the guidance that you have been given in both the Midtown area plan and Comprehensive Plan.