Raleigh Deserves Better
New developments on public property are the easiest opportunities to build this badly needed affordable housing, because it’s our land. And, we can choose what to do with it!
April 7 & 8 City Council Meetings
Highlights from the 4/7 Budget Work Session and the 4/8 Afternoon Work Session and Evening Public Comment Session
YOUR VOTE FROM NOVEMBER IS BEING CHALLENGED
JEFFERSON GRIFFIN WANTS TO THROW OUT YOUR VOTE. YOU CAN CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR NAME IS ON THE LIST. YOU CAN USE THE MAP INCLUDED TO SEE IF YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE ON THE LIST. YOU HAVE UNTIL APRIL 23 TO MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE IS COUNTED
Six Forks Rd Expansion Project – at a Standstill
The long-planned expansion of one of Raleigh’s most heavily trafficked thoroughfares just hit a massive roadblock with the projected spend soaring from $56.1M to $93.5M, driven by rising construction costs and a thriving real estate market. Originally part of the city’s 2017 $206.7 million transportation bond, that hefty price tag pushes the project way over the originally allocated $60M budget. It is time to put this project—and maybe a few other CIP programs–on hold for a number of reasons.
City Council April 1 Meeting
Summary of the April 1 Raleigh City Council meeting.
High Density development Intentionally Eliminates Engagement with Neighbors
If a high-density development is proposed within one half mile of a Bus Rapid Transit route, i.e., within a Frequent Transit Area, the entire process of informing and engaging the affected neighbors vanishes. With High Density Development in a Frequent Transit Area neighbors are not informed of a development that will have a much greater impact on their neighborhood.
Support Firefighter Separation Allowance
I stand before you today on behalf of Raleigh’s firefighters, urging you to approve funding for the Firefighter Separation Allowance. These brave men and women risk their lives daily to protect us, yet they do not receive the same retirement benefits as Raleigh’s other public safety heroes, our police officers.
When you reduce watershed forestation requirements, they NEVER come back!
Raleigh’s forested areas are disappearing daily as if there are raging wildfires across the city. Considering a reduction in forested area requirements is very disturbing and counter to all the City’s Tree Canopy Protection, sustainability, water quality, heat mitigation, biophilic and stormwater management efforts and commitments.
March 18 City Council Meetings
Highlights from the March 18 Work Session and Afternoon Session
Let’s think long-term regarding housing affordability
This past November, the Wake County Commission discussed lobbying the General Assembly for authorization to develop affordable housing specifically for teachers. I think low hanging fruit for the city would be to seek authorization to develop affordable housing specifically for city employees, and to combine efforts with the county at the General Assembly.
Public safety is the city’s most fundamental responsibility
A public opinion poll last year revealed that public safety is the top concern for Raleigh citizens and 75% of respondents supported a substantial police pay increase. To reference Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, everything that allows us to enjoy life in our city relies upon a foundation of safety.
Just Follow the Plan
We all know that the city needs more density. By following the Comp Plan and the recommended Downtown Transition guideline, the city can achieve much more density and still keep a reasonable height next to neighborhoods.
Pass a Separation Allowance for Raleigh’s Firefighters
I’m here tonight to stand in solidarity with Raleigh’s Firefighters and join them in their fight for Separation Allowance. I believe that’s a reasonable price to pay to have a properly funded fire department that keeps us safe, attracts sufficient firefighting staff to our amazing city, and retains experienced and healthy firefighters, so they can not just survive, but thrive in Raleigh.
March 11 Council Meetings
Highlights from the March 11 Afternoon Work Session and the Evening Public Comment Session
MARCH 10 BUDGET WORK SESSION
Highlights from March 10 Budget Work Session
City Council: We Have A Problem
If a 30 story tower is approved at this location in a designated Downtown Transition Area, then ALL the other neighborhoods noted here and currently protected by Downtown Transition Areas are at risk. This is a dangerous precedent to set.
Get Involved to Protect Raleigh’s Trees
If you are interested in protecting our trees, please consider attending the Branching Out information and input sessions, learn more about Leaf Out and how you can be involved, and consider planting native species the next time you garden or plan a new development.
INDY Week’s Best of Wake County 2025 – VOTE NOW!
The readers of INDY Week have nominated us as the “BEST LOCAL ACTIVIST GROUP in Wake County”. Please take a moment to vote for us.
MARCH 4 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Highlights from the March 4, 2025 Council meetings
Developer proposes a Major, Visual Shock
A proposed Lorimer Spring development of 60 apartments for senior citizens is advancing with no official notification to nor input from neighborhood residents. It has inadequate parking and no real access to transit within safe walking distance. Especially for seniors.