Raleigh Transit Overlay Districts (TOD)

Planning DTRaleigh
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Great suggestions. Let’s ask ChatGPT as well. My prompt:

You are speaking in front of a city council and want to support a rezoning case that allows for transit-oriented development as well as affordable housing incentives along a street corridor that will have a bus-rapid transit route. Give me 3 possible statements to make. Each statement must be able to be read under 2 minutes.

  1. Good evening members of the city council,

I stand before you today to advocate for the rezoning proposal that promotes transit-oriented development along our city’s key street corridor. By aligning zoning regulations with the upcoming bus-rapid transit route, we have a unique opportunity to create a vibrant and sustainable community.

Studies consistently show that transit-oriented development not only reduces traffic congestion but also enhances economic vitality. Our proposal envisions mixed-use developments, combining commercial and residential spaces, fostering a live-work-play environment. By strategically placing affordable housing incentives within this framework, we address the pressing need for inclusive urban development.

This approach not only supports environmentally friendly transportation but also addresses the growing demand for affordable housing options in our city. As we move towards a more sustainable and equitable future, embracing transit-oriented development is a pivotal step. I urge the council to consider the long-term benefits for our community, fostering a city that is accessible, diverse, and thriving.

  1. Esteemed council members,

I’m here to express my strong support for the rezoning case that integrates transit-oriented development and affordable housing incentives along the proposed bus-rapid transit route. This forward-thinking approach aligns with our city’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity.

Transit-oriented development is a proven strategy to reduce car dependency, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance overall urban livability. By strategically rezoning the corridor in tandem with the upcoming transit infrastructure, we not only encourage public transportation but also provide a catalyst for economic growth and community engagement.

Moreover, the inclusion of affordable housing incentives is a crucial aspect of this proposal. As we densify and revitalize the corridor, we must ensure that our community remains diverse and accessible to individuals of all income levels. The symbiotic relationship between transit-oriented development and affordable housing creates a blueprint for a city that is both progressive and socially responsible.

I implore the council to seize this opportunity and pave the way for a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving urban landscape.

  1. Honorable members of the city council,

I come before you today to lend my voice in support of the rezoning initiative that intertwines transit-oriented development with incentives for affordable housing along our city’s key street corridor. This proposal represents a visionary approach to urban planning, aligning with our collective aspirations for a greener, more connected, and socially inclusive city.

The introduction of a bus-rapid transit route provides a strategic foundation for transit-oriented development. It not only promotes a shift towards sustainable transportation but also sets the stage for a vibrant and accessible urban environment. By strategically rezoning the corridor, we can catalyze economic growth, create job opportunities, and foster a sense of community.

Crucially, the inclusion of affordable housing incentives ensures that the benefits of this development are shared by all residents. As we plan for the future, we must prioritize housing affordability to maintain the socio-economic diversity that makes our city unique.

I urge the council to embrace this holistic approach to urban development, one that reflects our values, addresses our needs, and paves the way for a more resilient and inclusive city. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

I guess that’s a start. :thinking: :person_shrugging:

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I’ll also add that I think people should just be honest and straight-forward with their support. You may not change minds here but jus showing up, speaking up, (emailing up?) makes a difference. It shows your voice and that you stand behind the case. Please do consider coming out Tuesday and/or emailing council.

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That’s pretty cool. Do we know if there’s a time limit? 1 minute? 3? That would be a big factor.
My plan is to write a notecard with points (kinda like jacobirving just did), and try to get as many in as possible and speak as much as I can, and then the next day email all the council members a more thorough written comment.

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From what we know, each side will get an hour so what I think will happen is that depending on how many people sign up, they’ll get 60 minutes divided by that number of people. I recommend preparing a 1 minute version, at a minimum, of what you want to say but have more points at the ready.

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I just thought of another argument: Try to use an analogy like the price of strawberries during their season.

“What happens when strawberries are in season? The prices go up because everyone wants to buy them, right? Raleigh’s housing market is in season, 24 hours, and 365 days of the year. In order for prices to decrease and not increase, we need more housing in places with high demand and that’s near transit.

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I thought that an abundance of strawberries in season is what makes them more affordable. It’s when there’s a scarcity of them that the prices go up.

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Oops yep you’re right lol

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The strawberry season is a good analogy though. We have to have more strawberries if we want to keep the costs of them under control!

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Some ideas for public comments:

I think these ideas are great. However I would encourage you to consider that people are not often convinced by stringing together a long list of logical arguments. That sounds crazy, but think of it another way—in the seven reasons mentioned, one of them is the weakest. People who are motivated not to agree with you at any cost will latch on to the weakest argument and that will cause them to dig their heels in deeper.

For fascinating research on this subject I can’t recommend David McRaney’s “How Minds Change” enough. I enjoyed it so much that I was able to convince our library to carry it.

My personal opinion is that having a place for our kids to live and work in Raleigh one day and not destroying even more of North Carolina’s land with suburbs are the strongest arguments. I think it’s good to ask questions that help everyone expand their understanding of a problems complexity. For example, come prepared with some data on suburban land usage or our demographic challenges and ask them. Putting people into a state of mind where they can realize they don’t know a subject as well as they thought they did is key.

I need to run, but I will say that the chapters on street epistemology and deep canvassing are equally fascinating. Thinking more now, I would almost be willing to bet money that there are already groups advocating for TOD using these techniques and we might be able to use some of their training materials.

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I’m in the middle of that book. I’m not sure whether it makes me feel optimistic about my ability to change people’s minds, or pessimistic.

But I agree, you have to appeal to emotional stakes.

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On my bike ride home I remembered another biggest from that book and why if I had to nerd out on street epistimology or deep canvasing, I’d probably pick the former. The point of street epistimology is to create a safe space for minds to change, even my own.

Sometimes that starts by asking someone what their biggest fear is, and trying to repeat it back to them in a way that they would agree with. I think the book used some term that was the opposite of straw manning someone (it was probably something like strong manning). Take the strongest of their arguments and make that the focus of discussion. That puts them at ease.

The key is not even to try to counter attack. If you get to feel the space is safe enough then you could ask if you could share your story—maybe a story of not being able to afford to live where you grew up and not wanting that for your friends and family.

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34 people signed up to speak in support with 36 against. That’s pretty good! We’ll get lots of comments from both sides. Now let’s hope everyone shows up! :smiley:

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Wow that’s awesome. I have 3 minutes prepared, but if there’s only an hour and 34 people speak, I’m going to have to cut this down!

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Yeah, I’m thinking 2 minutes per person is likely to happen.

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Great news. I’m afraid the Against crowd will mobilize in larger numbers with emails, letters, calls, etc, though.
:point_right: If anyone reading didn’t sign up to speak but want to get a message out in time, you can send one email that goes out to all 8 members: citycouncilmembers@raleighnc.gov

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Yes. This also. Plus, if you can just come out for the evening but don’t plan to speak. It can help as they typically ask for a show of hands sometimes for support and against.

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Confirmed via email, 2 minutes per speaker

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Email sent! Errbody should send an email regardless of how you feel.

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Apparently the list of speakers is public and I got a call from a WTVD reporter. She’s zooming me in five minutes. Wish me luck. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

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But especially if you are in favor of the TOD…

We did send emails. No desire to spend my evening listening to hours of cranks complain about abortion and Israel and every other non-local issue, just so City Council can do what they should already be doing. I voted for representatives to represent me for a reason.

Kudos to all you brave, committed people. (Again, only those of you speaking in favor of the TOD…) :wink:

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