Quick update: State Gov't to Raleigh: Zoning? We don't need your stinkin' zoning.
In response to Raleigh's downtown zoning requirements - which require the creation of active streetscape elements, the state has decided to do an end-around in the legislature, according to today's N&O. This comes in reponse to Raleigh's delay of a zoning process due to a bad (i.e. typical) state parking deck design.
This is entirely legally defensible - after all, as I mentioned a few days ago, we are a Dillon's Rule state. The municipality only has the power that the state gives it. Zoning only exists because the state has zoning enabling legislation that allows communities the power to zone.
However, it is without question a jerk move. Holding the state government above the process that the private sector has to go through sets a bad precedent, and shows a disregard for the environment that is all-too-State-government. The state reps say "of course we'll still follow the requirements." Give me a break - why do government officials so often insult our intelligence? Anyone knows you don't break a process unless you want to do something different than the process allows.
Posts
2 comments:
"The bill, which was introduced at the behest of the governor's office and the Department of Administration, passed unanimously in the House and Senate. Its sole sponsor was Sen. Janet Cowell, a former Raleigh City Council member. Rep. Ty Harrell of Wake County handled the bill on the House floor."
That's gotta hurt.
Indeed. I don't know anything about the former city council member, but I'd have to hazard a crazy guess she doesn't see eye-to-eye with Meeker et al.
GK
Post a Comment