Growing Pains Plague North Carolina’s Triangle Region
North Carolina’s Triangle Faces Growing Pains
Summary :
Cities in North Carolina’s Triangle region – Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill – are considering changes to their zoning codes to address the region’s rapid growth and rising housing costs. These changes, including upzoning and incentives for affordable housing, are facing opposition from local groups concerned about traffic, parking, and neighborhood character. The median sales price in the region increased by 43.4% in three years, prompting the need for reforms.
Description :
Zoning changes that would increase density are sparking a controversial debate due to the region’s fast growth and high housing costs.
According to Axios’ Zachery Eanes, the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill (known collectively as the Triangle) are all pondering changes to their zoning codes. These changes respond to the region’s fast growth and the ensuing increase in housing costs. “According to measurements from the Triangle Multiple Listing Services, the median sales price in the region in March 2020 was $287,000. Three years later, the median sales price was $387,000 — a 43.4% increase.”
Despite the upzoning Raleigh implemented in 2021, the city is reviewing these zoning changes as local groups voice their opposition. Durham is contemplating a suggestion to modify the city’s unified development ordinance to streamline development and encourage the creation of affordable housing. “Chapel Hill is assessing proposals to upzone many of its single-family neighborhoods so they can feature more accessory dwelling units and duplexes.” All of these upzoning proposals are generating resistance from local residents concerned about traffic, parking, and neighborhood character.
sources:
1- melk360.com ,North Carolina’s Triangle Faces Growing Pains ,2023-04-27 14:00:00
2- https://www.planetizen.com/news/2023/04/122837-north-carolinas-triangle-faces-growing-pains?rand=493
