Teresa T. Snyder: Rein in developers

In her April 8 Point of View “Excessive development uproots the City of Oaks,” Stefanie Mendell cited a number of serious problems with rapid population growth in Raleigh, including issues with traffic patterns and congestion, transit, stormwater runoff and clear-cutting lots to build expensive homes that replace more affordable housing.

I agree that the No. 1 contributor to these problems is inappropriate development. Raleigh’s Comprehensive Plan and the intent of residential infill compatibility standards clearly speak to “resource conservation and preservation,” “tree protection,” “compatible development in existing residential neighborhoods,” “respecting neighborhood character,” “emphasis on conservation,” etc.

However, most developers do not seem to be making any effort to do any of these things. I have heard city staff publicly state that the residential infill compatibility standards were “tighter” as originally proposed but loosened up after developers intervened.

I have also heard elected city officials publicly state that the Unified Development Ordinance is a work in progress and can evolve as needed. Since it currently is not working well enough to adequately address these issues, I would like for our officials to make appropriate changes to the UDO before it is too late.

What will we call Raleigh when the oak trees are all gone?

This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 5:25 PM with the headline "Teresa T. Snyder: Rein in developers."