Growth and Development Discussion a Success!

Turn out exceeded expectations at the first of three discussions co-hosted by WakeUP Wake County and the Emerging Tar Heel Leaders. Many thanks to Sitti and Greg Hatem for accommodating us as the crowd overflowed the room originally designated for the discussion. We heard from John Kane of Kane Realty, Melanie Wilson, former Wake County Planning Director, Greg Hatem of Empire Properties, and Mitch Silver, Raleigh City Planning Director. Topics ranged from growth trends in our region, to planning efforts aimed at accommodating growth while preserving what we've come to love about Raleigh and the Capital region, to what the public can do to ensure sustainable growth. While there was some disagreement among the panel about how well we're doing now to plan for growth, everyone agreed that we need to take advantage of the unfortuante economic downturn and consequent drop in development to have a serious discussion about our vision for the region's future. There was some talk about the City of Raleigh's Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year plan containing goals, objectives, policies and guidelines for growth and redevelopment for the city. Click here to view the Draft Comprehensive Plan, completed earlier this year. The Planning Commission is now deliberating on the draft plan through a series of meetings that are open to the public. Click here to view the schedule of upcoming meetings, as well as comments and recommendations made at past meetings. If you are concerned about growth in Wake County and the Triangle region, we encourage you to educate yourself and get involved. We cannot sit idly by and expect our interests to be met. Attend the Planning Commission meetings, support and vote for candidates that share your values and will offer real leadership on growth in our area, and join WakeUP Wake County - THE voice for citizens concerned about growth and related issues like transportation, land use, water, and education. If you attended this event and are ready for more, or if you missed this one, you'll have two more opportunties to join us for related discussions in the coming months. On Wednesday August 5 we will meet at Mez in Durham to discuss Water and Energy. Then on Wednesday September 2 we will meet at Busy Bee back in Raleigh to discuss Transportation. Stay tuned for more information!