# Raleigh Transit Overlay Districts (TOD) **URL:** \ **Category:** Planning DTRaleigh\ **Created:** [November 20, 2023, 12:20am UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854 "2023-11-20T00:20:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![evan.j.bost](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/evan.j.bost/32/539_2.png) [@evan.j.bost](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/evan.j.bost)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/122 "2024-01-30T16:08:51Z")
I don’t believe there will be any off topic comments tonight. Both sides are stacked with TOD specific speakers… i assume. But yes, emails are helpful! ---
**Author:** ![Shz2](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Shz2](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/Shz2)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 4:13pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/123 "2024-01-30T16:13:38Z")
Hey! Me and my partner live where they are planning to redistrict and we are in favor of the TOD! We want to come out and support in favor of it tonight! Should we just come on in and sit with those who also support? ---
**Author:** ![apbassett](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@apbassett](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/apbassett)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 4:17pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/124 "2024-01-30T16:17:51Z")
I think that’d be the plan! ---
**Author:** ![dtraleigh](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/dtraleigh/32/32735_2.png) [@dtraleigh](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/dtraleigh)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 4:19pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/125 "2024-01-30T16:19:00Z")
Absolutely. Come on out! If you want to find me and chat, feel free. Else, thank you so much for supporting. ---
**Author:** ![trueurbanist](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/trueurbanist/32/23903_2.png) [@trueurbanist](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/trueurbanist)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 4:19pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/126 "2024-01-30T16:19:53Z")
Welcome to the community, I think it would be great for you guys to attend! ---
**Author:** ![Shz2](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Shz2](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/Shz2)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 4:30pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/127 "2024-01-30T16:30:41Z")
Thank you! Excited to join! Just sent an email to city council as well! We will see you all there! ---
**Author:** ![John](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@John](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/John)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/128 "2024-01-30T17:51:07Z")
The body of the email that I just sent. Dear City Council Members, As a homeowner in downtown proper, I support all actions that increase the urban experience of all of downtown and that includes providing more ways for more residents to come to downtown without a car. In that light, I implore the council to approve TOD rezoning along the BRT route and specifically at locations that are walkable to the forthcoming stations. IMO, if we do not look at the BRT system holistically and with a focus on it being part of a greater effort to improve our downtown, increase our tax base without sprawl, and provide the density of residents to enable a viable and reliable transportation alternative to those without cars, the city’s BRT efforts will be dead on arrival. ---
**Author:** ![OakCityDylan](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/oakcitydylan/32/169_2.png) [@OakCityDylan](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/OakCityDylan)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 5:53pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/129 "2024-01-30T17:53:23Z")
I ended with, “don’t vote with your blinders on.” ---
**Author:** ![Francisco](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/francisco/32/10233_2.png) [@Francisco](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/Francisco)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 9:34pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/130 "2024-01-30T21:34:48Z")
WRAL being completely one sided as usual: > **[Raleigh residents worry planned bus line will raise property taxes, pushing...](https://www.wral.com/amp/21260048/)** > > Raleigh leaders are proposing new zoning for 744 properties along the city's first Bus Rapid Transit line to encourage denser development. ---
**Author:** ![RaleighRob](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/raleighrob/32/24288_2.png) [@RaleighRob](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/RaleighRob)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 9:39pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/131 "2024-01-30T21:39:02Z")
At least the first person quoted was from Wake Up Wake County, which is Pro-TOD. But yeah…overall the article is lopsided. ABC 11 hasn’t updated theirs since before they interviewed me…they could be waiting for the 6 or 11 broadcast or something, I dunno. ---
**Author:** ![John](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@John](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/John)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 9:40pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/132 "2024-01-30T21:40:18Z")
Fear is a really good tool to use by those who seek to prevent change. ---
**Author:** ![oakcityyimby](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/779978/32.png) [@oakcityyimby](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/oakcityyimby)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 9:43pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/133 "2024-01-30T21:43:09Z")
Email sent! Thank you for the address ---
**Author:** ![oakcityyimby](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/779978/32.png) [@oakcityyimby](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/oakcityyimby)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 9:43pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/134 "2024-01-30T21:43:53Z")
Oh no, your property is worth more, raising your family’s wealth, what a shame. ---
**Author:** ![John](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@John](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/John)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 9:45pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/135 "2024-01-30T21:45:45Z")
To keep it balanced, a lot of folks aren’t the owners of their properties; they are renters. They won’t benefit from the increased values. ---
**Author:** ![oakcityyimby](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/779978/32.png) [@oakcityyimby](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/oakcityyimby)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/136 "2024-01-30T22:15:57Z")
True, I was certainly being facetious (and I mentioned that in my email, which was far more thoughtful). But keeping land undesireable can’t be the solution to a growing city (as you know). ---
**Author:** ![xdavidj](https://community.dtraleigh.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/a8b319/32.png) [@xdavidj](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/xdavidj)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/137 "2024-01-30T22:21:30Z")
Renters will be much less likely to afford to continue living here if the TOD doesn’t pass. It’s so short-sighted. In the short-term, yes, the property will be worth more. But, in the long-term, property values will rise and rise and rise at a much quicker rate if density continues to lack. I just hope the city council has a bit of perspective here. Not approving the zoning makes it more likely that people get forced out of this area, not less. ---
**Author:** ![dtraleigh](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/dtraleigh/32/32735_2.png) [@dtraleigh](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/dtraleigh)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 10:33pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/138 "2024-01-30T22:33:22Z")
Get your popcorn ready. > **[Raleigh City Council Special Meeting - January 30, 2024](https://www.youtube.com/live/e8KLFYsv7Ig?si=fVCcgb79iae6aIGA)** ---
**Author:** ![Christopher](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/christopher/32/2999_2.png) [@Christopher](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/Christopher)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/139 "2024-01-30T23:20:56Z")
A bit late, but I sent an email as well. Here are some ideas in case anyone needs them should this thing draw on beyond tonight: > Dear Mayor and City Council Members, > > As an employee in and frequent visitor to Downtown Raleigh, I strongly support actions that increase the livability, sustainability, and economy of the city, and this includes the proposed Transit Overlay District along the New Bern Ave BRT corridor. Allowing increased density along a high-capacity transit corridor such as the BRT corridor that has already broken ground is absolutely critical to ensuring that system’s success, and I would go as far as to say that the BRT corridor should not be built if there is not a plan to allow transit-oriented development along its route due to the inextricably intertwined nature of land use and transportation. Building density along this corridor, and other future BRT corridors, is also essential in reducing the amount of destructive auto-oriented suburban sprawl in Raleigh and creating a more sustainable city. Considering over a third of all greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, anything to reduce vehicle usage by supporting walking, biking, and transit is essential for Raleigh to achieve its goal of achieving an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050 as identified in the Community Climate Action Plan. Additionally, allowing more dense development will create more housing and retail options, including the possibility of affordable housing, and support more economically productive and sustainable land use patterns. > > This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change policy to align with the City’s adopted goals of a more vibrant, sustainable city that offers greater mobility and housing options for all residents, and if not acted upon could set the City back years at the cost of future generations and the City’s $96 million investment in transit. > > I urge you to support rezoning request Z-92-22. 🤞 ---
**Author:** ![paytonc](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/paytonc/32/8502_2.png) [@paytonc](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/paytonc)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2024, 11:30pm UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/140 "2024-01-30T23:30:45Z")
Finally emailed council; a lot of this is copy/paste from posts I’ve written here. > [@](#): > > I urge you to support Z-92-22, the New Bern Avenue TOD overlay mapping. > > As a student at Enloe High School in 1996, I gained some unpopularity for suggesting that students ought not to complain about parking and press for a costly parking garage, because other options existed — i.e., the city bus. 30 years later, a faster and better city bus could be an option for more residents, but only if City Council lets people live nearby. > > In short, this is a vote on whether or not Raleigh transit succeeds. Transit succeeds when it has a mass of people to transport, and without TOD this BRT will fail, just like the many other transit plans that Raleigh has drawn up over my lifetime. > > In a 2016 referendum, 262,634 Wake County voters said yes to this specific Bus Rapid Transit line, obliging the city of Raleigh to create a mass transit system – not just to deliver the transit project, but also to ensure its success by making it useful for a mass of people. The federal government, which is funding half of this project, is closely evaluating whether federal taxpayers’ monies are well-spent in places whose zoning laws truly welcome transit. The federal government has made it amply clear that it has learned the lessons of places like Los Angeles and Denver (as amply reported in NPR’s series “Ghost Train”) which wasted billions in federal funds on building empty new transit lines in locations that lacked a mass of residents and businesses. > > Raleigh’s failure to federal transit funding in the past was entirely because our land use plans have not supported transit. This has been the story since I was a child, and now I’m middle-aged. You finally have a golden chance to make transit work in Raleigh by passing Z-92-22. > > Most of the fearmongering around this rezoning has centered on displacement. TOD overlay zoning is the only Inclusionary Zoning tool that Raleigh has at its disposal, and therefore voting FOR this rezoning is a vote to bring inclusionary zoning here. This rezoning will focus more development on under-used commercial land and large-lot houses, reducing the pressure for flippers who are already displacing residents from nearby neighborhoods. > > As Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says, “the reason why people are on the streets isn’t just some elusive housing or market phenomenon. It’s because we’ve chosen not to build.” The voters of the city of Raleigh have risen to the challenge by approving funding for affordable housing, but now we need places to put it – and Z-92-22 does just that. The city has invested mightily to prepare by buying affordable housing sites within this overlay district. > > Zoning for housing is the progressive thing to do. Data For Progress analyzed every 2020 presidential platform and found that “every major Democratic candidate for president endorsed an explicitly pro-housing platform, calling for an end to exclusionary zoning,” while many Republican leaders have attacked Missing Middle zoning reforms using thinly veiled racist language. In his final act in Congress, the Triangle’s own David Price passed the Yes In My Back Yard Act grant program as part of the 2023 federal budget. > > A “no” vote on Z-92-22 is not a vote for some magical, supernatural, and completely nonexistent perfection that might exist in the future. Instead, a “no” vote on Z-92-22 is a vote to perpetuate an unjust, unsustainable status quo of cars and sprawl: for bulldozing thousands more acres in Wendell, more deadly car crashes on the Beltline, more carbon pollution to drown our precious beaches, to perpetuate the exclusionary covenants that banned both people of color and renters from Longview Gardens. > > There has been enough study and delay; the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Guidebook recommending this rezoning was issued in July 2020, almost three years ago. Now is the time for action. > > I thank you for your attention. I look forward to further working with the City of Raleigh to advance our shared vision of a greater Raleigh. ---
**Author:** ![core2idiot](https://community.dtraleigh.com/user_avatar/community.dtraleigh.com/core2idiot/32/23687_2.png) [@core2idiot](https://community.dtraleigh.com/u/core2idiot)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2024, 12:00am UTC](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854/141 "2024-01-31T00:00:55Z")
I also wrote my councilor, Hi Corey, I’m Eddy Sackinger and I wanted to write you in support of the Transit Oriented Development Overlay district on New Bern Avenue. I live on Davie in District C and take transit in the corridor, the GoRaleigh Route 15. The Federal Transit Administration looked at the New Bern Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project and in reality the only reason they were willing to give us any money towards it was because we paid for more than half of the project, which is rare in Small Starts Projects. When they looked at our land use in the corridor, they rated it medium low, They told us that 1/4 of the land in the corridor is not zoned to transit supportive densities and our policies and plans lack specifics on how to align the corridor’s land use to the Bus Rapid Transit implementation. We said that we would make station area plans as part of the station plans. The Federal Transit Administration likes it when we follow through on the things we said that we’d do. They like it when we have a high ridership project with transit supportive land use, like Charlotte did with the CATS Blue Line. Not doing this could jeopardize future transit projects. We’re a growing region and the corridor is already becoming more expensive. With land becoming more expensive the corridor, housing is becoming more expensive. With 1/4th of the land zoned to low enough density that FTA doesn’t approve and the rest of the land being zoned lower than other regions in the triangle, the low density has to support all of the land cost. The land value increases lead this corridor to already becoming whiter and higher income and it’s land value is only set to increase in the future. High density transit oriented development allows that land cost be spread amongst many more people, decreasing the rent for each person. Supporting both CP-7-22 and Z-92-22, encourages Transit Oriented Development be constructed in the corridor, increasing our competitiveness for future FTA funding, and allows land value to be spread amongst more people, allowing more people to stay in the corridor. Transit Oriented Development is good for the Triangle and good for Raleigh. Thank You, Eddy Sackinger [Previous page](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854.md?page=6) [Next page](https://community.dtraleigh.com/t/raleigh-transit-overlay-districts-tod/3854.md?page=8)