Archive for the ‘DDNA’ Category

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From 2030 to New Developmental Code

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009
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Just when you thought the 2030 Comprehensive Plan process was closing up, it’s time to give the plan more teeth and re-write / update the development code that will support the future growth in Raleigh.

Example Zoning

Example Zoning

Hopefully, this new code will set high standards for Raleigh growth as we look to become more urban and focus on several things like transit-oriented development.

Just like the 2030 Comprehensive Plan review, I’m sure that District D Neighborhood Alliance (DDNA) will be very active and involved throughout the entire process. Find out more about some of the upcoming public sessions where you can learn more. Information from the City of Raleigh website:

City Of Raleigh To Draft New Developmental Code

The City of Raleigh will hold three public listening sessions and a series of stakeholder meetings in October to begin the process of drafting a new development code. The citywide public listening sessions and stakeholder meetings will allow citizens to learn more about the process of updating the development regulations, ask questions and provide input. Comments will be collected and compiled for the public record.

PUBLIC LISTENING SESSIONS
The public listening sessions will be held:

  • Monday, Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at North Raleigh Church of Christ, 8701 Falls of Neuse Road;
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21 from noon to 2 p.m. at All Saints Chapel, 110 S. East Street; and,
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Meymandi Concert Hall lobby at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, located at 2 E. South St.

All three sessions have the same program format: A brief presentation will be followed by breakout table discussions on the City’s current zoning and subdivision code, suggested changes, and questions about the new code development. Each table will report out to the larger group before adjourning.

For event planning purposes, attendees should RSVP to NewCode@ci.raleigh.nc.us. Indicate which session you plan to attend. On-site registration will begin half an hour prior to the start of each session.

For more information including a schedule of stakeholder meetings, please visit http://bit.ly/gKM14

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Posted in 2030 Comp Plan, DDNA, Raleigh Planning | 2 Comments »

Renaissance Park 2009 Candidates Forum

Monday, September 28th, 2009
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At last evenings candidates forum, September 27, 2009, hosted by Renaissance Park in their cozy club house, almost 50 citizens attended to learn more about Raleigh City Council District D and At-Large candidates for the upcoming election on October 6, 2009. Each District D candidate gave a brief introduction to themselves and why they are running for City Council. Moderator Moe Johnson then presented each candidate with five questions. At-Large councilors were then introduced and provided their platform. Questions from those in attendance followed.

Candidates in attendance

At-Large

District D

Questions and answers

Disclaimer, the following is my best effort attempt to capture the questions and answers from the candidates. I invite anyone in attendance or the candidates themselves to post any updates or corrections by contacting me or in the comments. The questions (after the first five) are paraphrased to get right to the topic.

Opening remarks from Renaissance Park resident and moderator, Moe Johnson. Renaissance Park is a new neighborhood, which means they are new at community activism. There is a desire to get involved in city government and this is one of the first projects to start that involvement for their community. (more…)

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Posted in DDNA, Raleigh City Council, Renaissance Park, SWCAC | 1 Comment »

Raleigh Neighborhood Exchange 2009 Keynote

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
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On Saturday, September 19, 2009, citizens from around Raleigh joined together at NC State’s McKimmon Center for the 6th Annual Raleigh Neighborhood Exchange. The event is planned by a citizens committee and led by the Community Services Department. The keynote speaker was Gail Kenyon, a social worker for 29 years and an educator for 22 years who works for the ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) Training Group. This year, workshops included seven different sessions for citizens to get in-depth knowledge on certain topics. The workshops offered were:

  • Community organizing ABCD
  • Gang prevention (which was canceled)
  • Community gardens
  • Diversity in communities
  • Business and neighbors
  • En Espanol (Spanish session)
  • Teen Topics

After a great breakfast, participants had two break-out sessions, an hour a piece, to attend. Basically, they got to choose from the seven topics and attend the ones they were interested in. Thanks to members of District D Neighborhood Alliance (DDNA) and SouthWest Citizens Advisory Council (SWCAC) , we are able to bring you a series of articles that will cover the majority of the topics. Look for future postings that will provide summaries of the workshops. Ron Danley of the Caraleigh Community and Mary Belle Pate, Chair SWCAC, will be providing updates on the sessions they attended. (more…)

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Posted in Community Services Department, DDNA, Lineberry Alliance, SWCAC | 1 Comment »

2030 Plan Approved, N&O Covers Change Flurry

Thursday, September 10th, 2009
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Our plan, our city, and our future

On September 8, 2009, the City of Raleigh website reported City Council Conceptually Approves Comprehensive Plan. I want to first start by commending Mayor Meeker and City Council for approving the plan. Next, a round of applause to the city staff, particularly Mitch Silver and Ken Bowers from the Planning Department, for their dedication and numerous hours put into this project. I was extremely impressed with the level of engagement from the District D Neighborhood Alliance (DDNA) and the expertise, patience, and perseverance they provided during the entire 10-month process.

2030 plan approved

City Council approved the 2030 Comprehensive Plan

However, I was not impressed with recent News & Observer coverage of the 2030 plan which belittled the free consulting work that DDNA provided over the past 10-months to City Council and the citizens of Raleigh. (Reference: Council adopts new vision for growth, Late tweaks add conflict to city plan)

These articles fail to mention that the DDNA group was following the process made by the planning department and city council. We presented our recommendations at the public hearing on August 13, 2009. Then we finalized those changes at our August meeting and submitted them to Councilor Crowder per the process the Mayor prescribed at the conclusion of the public hearing.

Unlike the N&O, I’ve been providing updates for DDNA on our participation with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. This started in December 2008 when DDNA started to organize into citizen lead focus groups to review the plan. This was shortly after the plan was being rolled out and numerous public sessions were in the works. We started setting dates to meet, taking advantage of the many public sessions. We set milestones for the short time frame we had to review the plan during the holiday season. (more…)

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Posted in 2030 Comp Plan, DDNA, Raleigh City Council | 6 Comments »

DDNA Meeting Notes from August 2009

Saturday, August 15th, 2009
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District D Neighborhood Alliance (DDNA) August 15, 2009 meeting (Raleigh, NC) — The room was packed for our August monthly meeting of the District D Neighborhood Alliance. Twenty citizens from around the district attended the meeting and helped review the District D proposed land use map. We started in Boylan Heights and went counter-clockwise around the district, getting consensus from those in attendance who know their neighborhoods best and identifying any additional changes.

Meeting notes

The notes below will highlight most of the areas we’ve changed from the existing future land use map (FLUM) [PDF, ~5MB]. They are shown on the proposed land use map, specific for District D [PDF, ~5.5MB]. The changes are outlined in a bold, black line and the underlying land use (color) has been updated to reflect what DDNA thinks it should be. The changes mostly are proposing better transitions of land use types between existing neighborhoods and other land uses that surround our neighborhoods.

District D Proposed Land Use Map

District D Proposed Land Use Map

View the more detailed version of the proposed land use [PDF].

  • Boylan Heights outlines the boundaries for the Gateway Plan [PDF] and pushes the Central Business District (CBD) east while introducing Neighborhood Retail Mixed Use and Medium Density Residential to transition from downtown to the neighborhood
  • West Morgan should be made into a Special Study Area / Small Area Plan for future analysis to eliminate the CBD infringement on their neighborhood
  • Cameron Village area includes the recommendations presented at Thursday’s public hearing and shows the Small Area Plan included
  • Wade Ave updated the area to the east of Ridgewood Shopping Center for better transition
  • The two Hillsborough Street proposed transit stops (west) have updated density to promote better land use than the current FLUM represents.
  • Hillsborough St / Western Blvd / Buck Jones (malfunction junction) should be converted to a Special Study Area / Small Area Plan for future analysis due to concerns about the Western Blvd extension and redevelopment of the shopping center
  • Gorman Street / I-40 concerns about the intension of Community Retail Mixed Use (which is the same designation as Cameron Village)
  • Lineberry area needs to add the park at Sierra Drive and Lineberry Drive and discussed the need for more Neighborhood Retail Mixed Use and Office & Residential Mixed Use, which is reflected in the Stewart Drive update
  • Peach Road has some updated neighborhood retail mixed use areas
  • Caraleigh has updated the Green Street area to provide better transition from the Office & Residential Mixed Use to the neighborhood

Additionally, many people are having trouble finding the Certified Recommendations (CR) from the Planning Commission (PC) and other documentation. We’ve added links here to help you:

Attendees

  • Connie Crumpler, Caraleigh / SWCAC
  • John G. Reaves, Jr., Caraleigh / SWCAC
  • Benson Kirkman, Avent West / West CAC
  • Chris Weedy, Boylan Heights
  • Jimmy Creech, Boylan Heights
  • Russ Stephenson, University Park
  • R. Bethea, Historic Method
  • Ted Shear, Avent West / West CAC
  • George Adler, Cameron Park
  • Jim Paumier, Fairview Acres
  • Bill Padgett, Wade CAC
  • Tom Erwin, Cameron Village
  • Phil Poe, Glenwood-Brooklyn
  • Jean Salter, Wade CAC
  • Sophia Katheriou, Glenwood-Wade
  • Shelby Gainer, Roylene Acres
  • Mary Belle Pate, Fairway Acres
  • Ana Duncan Pardo, West Morgan / Hillsborough CAC
  • Jason Hibbets, Lineberry Alliance / SWCAC
  • Thomas Crowder, City Council District D
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Posted in 2030 Comp Plan, DDNA | No Comments »

District D Dominates 2030 Hearing

Friday, August 14th, 2009
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At the public hearing for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan (Aug 13, 2009), District D Neighborhood Alliance (DDNA) dominated the podium with their expertise, passion, and dedication to Raleigh’s future.  Over the course of the evening, DDNA had almost 15 neighborhood leaders speak on behalf of their neighborhoods, District D, and the City.  They expressed their thanks, their concerns, and their suggestions.

District D neighborhood leaders spoke for over an hour and clearly showed their unification on issues and knowledge of the 2030 plan.  The theme that developed over the course of the DDNA’s involvement in the comp plan was evident tonight, “our plan, our city, and our future” resonated in City Council chambers.

As you may recall, DDNA formed 2030 focus groups in December 2008 to begin reviewing the Comp Plan.  Our approach was to divide into specialties and make recommendations.   Our focus groups were Arts and Culture, Environmental Protection, Parks and Greenways, Transportation Systems, and Urban Form and Land Use.  Over the course of the public process, DDNA collectively submitted several hundred comments.  Overall the plan is strong, easier to digest, and exciting.

The citizen experts that have been active from District D were well represented this evening.  These experts have provided the city council with free consulting hours for the 2030 Comp Plan over the past few months.  The purpose tonight was to make sure that our expertise and advice is heard and accounted for. (more…)

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Posted in 2030 Comp Plan, DDNA, Raleigh City Council | 1 Comment »

Final Stretch for 2030 Plan

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
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Raleigh City Council has started to review the Draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan during a retreat this week A public hearing will be held for South West and District D residents on August 13, 2009 in City Council Chambers at 6:30 PM to allow residents to weigh-in with any last comments. Additional details regarding the Council review process are below. (more…)

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Posted in 2030 Comp Plan, DDNA, Lineberry Alliance | 1 Comment »

Front Yard Parking Goes to Planning Commission

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
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At last night City Council meeting (7/21/09) citizens for and against the proposed text change TC-7-09 Front Yard Parking (FYP) spoke at the public hearing.  After the hearing was closed, the Mayor moved the text change to the Planning Commission for consideration.

District D Neighborhood Alliance (DDNA) neighborhood leaders came out to the public hearing last night in support of the Front Yard Parking text change.  DDNA discussed the issue at their last meeting.

Mark Vander Borgh gave an outstanding presentation on the environmental impacts and financial cost to taxpayers when cars are allowed to park on front lawns. Mark highlighted that the proposed text change is aimed at addressing habitual parking habits, not the occasional ones. His presentation focused on the environmental impacts to the yard and to water quality issues.  The presentation had numerous pictures that clearly proved his message. (more…)

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Posted in DDNA, Raleigh City Council | 1 Comment »

DDNA Meeting Notes from July 2009

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
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District D Neighborhood Alliance (DDNA) meeting (Raleigh, NC) — Over 20 citizens from around District D attended the monthly District D Neighborhood Alliance (DDNA) meeting on the morning of Saturday July 18, 2009. The group, lead by Councilor Thomas Crowder (District D), meets on the third Saturday of each month to discuss issues in our neighborhoods and matters from City Council that impact our neighborhoods. On this months agenda, 2030 Comprehensive Plan Draft update, text changes (including Front Year Parking), and neighborhood concerns. (more…)

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Posted in DDNA, Raleigh City Council | 1 Comment »

All aboard for the Hillsborough CAC Trolley Tour & Open House

Thursday, July 9th, 2009
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This Sunday, July 12th, 2009, jump aboard for the Hillsborough CAC Trolley Tour & Open House.

  • 1st Trolley Tour departs @ 3 p.m.
  • 2nd Trolley Tour departs @ 5:30 p.m.

The Trolley Tours will feature the Pullen Park, Cameron Park, Cameron Village and West Morgan neighborhoods as well as NC State.  Tours will be guided by folks from our neighborhoods.  Both Trolley Tours will depart from the parking lot across from the Velvet Cloak Inn, 1505 Hillsborough St. Each tour will last approximately an hour.

Between tours, the Hillsborough CAC and folks from all four neighborhoods will host an Open House from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the AFL-CIO State offices at 1408 Hillsborough St.  Stick around after the first tour or come early for the second tour to enjoy food, refreshments and neighbors!

Kids welcome!   The tours and the open house event are free, however, due to limited trolley space we ask that folks RSVP for the tours.  Contact Gail Brock to RSVP for the trolley, and please specify which tour you plan to attend.

For any additional questions or to volunteer to help with the event, call Ana Duncan Pardo at (919) 818-5933.

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Posted in DDNA, NC State, Other Organizations | No Comments »

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