Development News in Raleigh

Bob Geary has a nice summary post written this morning about the controversy around Heather Vance joining the Planning Commision. Lunsford Lane has the facts on how the Planning commission works.  Both articles are well worth the read on this controversial appointment that will be an important part of how the city grows.  Late last week we posted an article imploring the council to endorse Ms. Vance.  New Raleigh’s position is that she is the most qualified candidate and carries citizen’s interests first. 

Donovan Rypkema, Place Economics, Inc.
and
Pratt Cassity, University of Georgia Center for Urban Design and Preservation

Please join us for the third event in the Community Conversations series.

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2008 has been the year of “Best of..“ lists for Raleigh. Raleigh was #1 on MSNBC’s “Best Places to Live” in July and Best Places for Business and Careers on Forbes. I’m starting to believe that the city is paying off the magazines and voters.  The latest is the “Best Performing Cities of 2008” and Raleigh was edged out by some city called Provo-Orem in Utah. We are obviously up there with the finest.

If you are one to take sides then two older articles are just for you this week. 

Apparently some people are really pissed that Boylan Brewpub isn’t open yet.  So pissed, that they have taken to ripping the owner and all of his plans.  No, really pissed.  I mean we’ve seen readers pitch fits about growth, McMansions and candidates, but these people want their beer, and they want it now.  This editor’s response: chill out.  But maybe you want to join the fray.

The other heavy discussion is happening on our mention of Save Cameron Village News.  The movement has been trashed hard by some readers.  Is it density that the problem?  Or just ugly architecture?  You tell us.

The City Council just approved the Cameron Village Mixed Use Project that was opposed by many residents living in neighborhoods around the project.  Now those residents have formed a website to collect information and catalog the milestones relevant to the project.  Residents are angry for many reasons, concerned over the infrastructure impact of such a large project as well as the possiblity of monstrosities like a 12 story parking garage. 

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