Michele McIntosh: Raleigh’s oaks need sun

Raleigh’s 10-year vision for downtown includes adding more green space while preserving our city’s historic character. City Council member Russ Stephenson’s question, on whether a 20-story building should be allowed on the southern end of Nash Square, deserves careful consideration.

The original 1792 plan for Raleigh included five public squares centered on the State Capitol. The four squares that remain host many of our downtown oaks, from which we take our nickname. These squares have the potential to continue to serve as our most relaxing and green downtown public spaces.

Other growing cities are struggling with the balance between sunlight and development, including San Francisco, Washington, Boston and New York, where the public’s use of Central Park is being adversely affected by the intrusion of shadows from new luxury high-rises on the park’s southern edge.

Raleigh’s oaks and people need sunlight. Let us learn from other cities’ mistakes, and best practices, to ensure an equitable and vibrant city for all.

This story was originally published August 7, 2015 at 6:48 PM with the headline "Michele McIntosh: Raleigh’s oaks need sun."