Bob Mulder, former Chair of Raleigh’s Planning Commission, sent the following letter to Raleigh City Council on January 10, 2026.
We are publishing it here with his permission.
January 10, 2026
To: Raleigh City Council
Re: Z-34-25 Lassiter Mill Assemblage (North Hills)
The Mid-Town Small Area Plan indicates that buildings should be 7-12 stories, not 37 as requested in Z-34-25. The Small Area Plans in the Comprehensive Plan are a result of a lot of hard work and time invested by a variety of Raleigh citizens. It should not be casually overlooked.
If a majority of City Councilors disagree with the this Small Area Plan, then you should start the process whereby a new Small Area Plan is discussed and eventually implemented. Again, this process should be public, transparent and involve a broad group of citizens.
Ignoring the current Small Area Plan should not be an option under any circumstances. It’s very easy to say as some councilors have that it’s just a guide and has no real meaning. If you really believe that then why bother having a Comprehensive Plan? In these circumstances the Comprehensive Plan is similar in nature to when commercial industries—to help sell their products as environmentally sensitive—engage in greenwashing. The advertising says one thing, but it means absolutely nothing. It’s all show and no substance.
If you are going to ignore the Comprehensive Plan when it doesn’t suit you, then I would suggest that you add this “safety” warning to the cover page of the Comprehensive Plan:
Warning: while you the citizen may think that the aspirations in this plan evoke high ideals, and give you a sense of predictability, city council members are free to ignore them for any reason. This document should not in any way provide you the citizen with any expectation of predictability.
Sincerely,
Robert Mulder, Former Chair
Raleigh Planning Commission
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