Category: Meeting

East Community Action Coalition of Raleigh, NC (East CAC)

May 19, 2025

7:00-7:52 pm

Lions Park Community Center

Streaming on Facebook and YouTube

Jean Mosher, Chair

Mark Turner, Vice Chair

Bryan Ryan, Secretary (remote via Facebook)

7 in attendance + 3 on Facebook

Guests

Officer Eric Hinton, Raleigh Police Department, Northeast Division; (919) 996-1206

Sheri Smith, PE, Senior Engineer, City of Raleigh; 919-996-3975

Focus Areas

1. Public Safety
   1. Officer Eric Hinton provided his regular report to the East CAC, addressed questions, and received concerns.
      • He gave a report of Raleigh Police Department’s efforts to reduce speeding and ticket speeders, especially near schools. Mr. Turner commented about his observations of “Fast and Furious” behavior. Officer Hinton noted that RPD works hard to keep pressure on these drivers to stop or move elsewhere. He noted that RPD monitors social media, where these groups actually advertise their events, so the police can use that information. .He also encouraged attendees to notify RPD if they see groups involved in racing, laying donuts, and similar activities. If witnesses can safely get a license number, this evidence can be used by the police to seize vehicles.
      • In response to a concern raised about cars without license plates parked on public streets, Officer Hinton urged observers to call the issue in to the RPD’s non-emergency number and provide details.
      • Officer Hinton confirmed that RPD has a volunteer program and pointed out that there is a greenway fun run in the Falls River area in July.
      • RPD has dedicated crash scene investigators to focus on these problems and to free up uniformed officers to do their work.
      • The RPD has family services that provide camps in the summer.
      • He also noted that the department is always hiring and encouraged attendees to spread the word.
      • Finally, he reminded attendees to stay safe and contact him with questions or concerns.

2. Public Works
   1. Sheri Smith, PE, Senior Engineer with the City of Raleigh, presented on the Pigeon House Branch Watershed Study, started in 2022 and finished at the end of 2024. See also <https://raleighnc.gov/projects/pigeon-house-branch-watershed-study>. As she explained:
      • Five years ago, Raleigh’s stormwater group started a watershed planning program, with the goal to strategically improve watershed conditions for our residents.
      • It looked at the whole city, prioritized watersheds, and conducted comprehensive studies.
      • Ms. Smith noted that the studies were aimed at providing information for asset (pipe and infrastructure) renewal, water quality improvement, conveyance and drainage improvement (specifically flooding mitigation), and stream bank stabilization.
      • Pigeon House Branch (PHB) was selected as a priority. It drains much of Oakwood, much of the north part of downtown Raleigh, much of the Capital Blvd corridor inside the Beltline, and areas around the intersection of Wade Ave and St. Mary’s St; and flows into Crabtree Creek near Crabtree Blvd and Raleigh Blvd. See <https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/services/find-your-watershed/pigeon-house-branch-watershed#paragraph—362367>.
      • Asset renewal: Ms. Smith explained that because the PHB watershed is in a long established part of the city, it has some of the older infrastructure—some stone culverts are from the late 1800s; and because it is in a highly developed area of the city, much of its stormwater system is underground. In response to a question about bringing underground components above ground, she noted that the city would take such steps if possible, but the nature of this area would make that difficult.
      • The general process for the watershed study includes data collection, analysis (with consultant input and modeling), and project definition. The process also includes public engagement (public meetings, online surveys, and one-on-one conversations) to help establish the priorities of residents, as well as their concerns (especially with respect to flooding).
      • The data collection involved visual and remote technology observations and videos of the infrastructure owned by the city and determined that about 10% of the PHB watershed system is in poor condition—much of it corrugated metal pipe—and will require rehabilitation. Because stone masonry lasts longer, some of the older sections are in better condition. The city will require that the rehabilitation use materials proven to last. Some of this work will involve installing a lining inside of the existing infrastructure to save time, money, and disruption. (She noted that infrastructure on private property was not included in this inspection.)
      • The rehabilitation process has already repaired many of the high priority (worst) issues identified; an upcoming project has scheduled another group of problem areas for repair; the remainder are in planning for future projects.
      • Stream assessment: The city hired a consultant to walk the PHB and assess it for stream bank erosion, canopy cover, channel bottom material, riparian buffer, and human-induced impacts. The inspection found that 67% of the stream had no natural buffer. The goal will be to address this issue by enhancing natural buffers.
      • Hydraulic model: The study created a hydraulic model to assess the frequency and extent of flooding in the PHB watershed and tested it against reports and input from the public. This research identified 8 areas in need of flooding mitigation, and will be used to guide projects.
      • Water quality model: The study identified pollutant loading—including nutrients. The city’s aim will be to treat the water on site. Because the city does not own all the property within the watershed, it is partnering with state government, schools, and nonprofits to achieve improvement goals. Two sizeable properties in this category are the Food Bank and the Wake County Public Schools bus parking area (formerly Bobby Murray Chevrolet).
      • Capital projects: All the elements of the study have been combined and coordinated with other city projects—including watershed projects—to prioritize capital projects for the PHB. Near-term projects include Smoky Hollow Park, rehabilitating pipes with trenchless lining, East Lane drainage improvement, flooding mitigation at Frank and Watauga Streets, cisterns for the Food Bank, and culvert replacement at Boundary Street and Brookside.
      • Smaller projects: The study also supports smaller ongoing projects, including drainage assistance and stream stabilization, Raleigh rainwater rewards, buffer builder bag, stormwater volunteering, stormwater maintenance and asset management, and floodplain management.
   2. Questions/feedback included: 1) a suggestion from Mark Turner to explore a spring (the Kizzie Bonner Spring, identified since the Revolutionary War) on Robin Hood Drive that appears to be piped into the storm sewer; 2) a question about how to report floods (answer: through See, Click, Fix); 3) a question about whether tear-downs and replacements are allowed to build within the buffer (answer: consult UDO).

3. Representation
   1. Helen Tart informed attendees that she has fliers with information about upcoming election timelines and requirements, so people interesting in running for an office can start planning.
4. Meetings
   1. Jean Mosher invited East CAC residents to submit topic ideas for meetings. She has received gun safety and CPR as possible topics.

Next Meeting—June 16, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Lions Park Community Center.

East Community Action Coalition of Raleigh, NC (East CAC)

April 21, 2025
7:00-8:08 pm
Lions Park Community Center
Streaming on Facebook and YouTube

Jean Mosher, Chair
Mark Turner, Vice Chair
Bryan Ryan, Secretary (remote via YouTube)

7 attendees

Guests
Officer Eric Hinton, Raleigh Police Department, Northeast Division; (919) 996-1206
Sergeant Talley, Raleigh Police Department
Zach Manor, Urban Forester, City of Raleigh
David Klemp, Executive Director and Arborist, Trees for the Triangle
Adam Daland, Treasurer, Trees for the Triangle
Jordyne Krumroy, Board Member, Trees for the Triangle

Focus Areas
1. Public Safety
a) Officer Eric Hinton provided his regular report to the East CAC, addressed questions, and received concerns.
▪ Officer Hinton reminded attendees to follow their regular 9 pm routines, especially making sure that doors are locked and garage doors are down.
▪ In response to a concern raised about law enforcement entering properties, he explained that Raleigh Police Department will not enter unless authorized or invited.
▪ Officer Hinton encouraged residents to contact dispatch and ask to meet with an Animal Control officer for issues related to pets or wild animals.
▪ He commended East CAC residents for continuing to contact RPD with reports of gunshots. These reports help the police to pull together enough evidence to take necessary action. This month, such reports supported the efforts of Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) to investigate and revoke the liquor license of StarBar on Trawick Road.
b) Officer Hinton noted that Raleigh’s new police chief, Rico Boyce, has been in his new position since March 1. Chief Boyce will be initiating some new programs and reintroducing others over the next few months, including “Cops on the Block,” a community policing program. Officers will be knocking on doors in Raleigh North, Millbanks, and other neighborhoods to build rapport with residents. Mr. Hinton also said that community officers may be assigned to different areas, so he may no longer be attending East CAC meetings. Details to come.

2. Neighborhood Amenities
a) Zach Manor, Urban Forester with the City of Raleigh, presented his “State of the City” report. See also <https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/services/urban-forestry-program>.
▪ Mr. Manor touched on the mission of the urban forestry program, the benefits of trees—cooling effect on cities, improvement of air quality, reduction of stormwater runoff, and contributions to active lifestyles. He also noted Raleigh’s effort to improve urban forestry equity through targeted plantings in neighborhoods of color, which have 44% less green space than other areas.
▪ He connected the Urban Forestry Program to the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2030-2050, its 5-year Strategic Plan, and its goal of reducing carbon emissions.
▪ He explained that Urban Forestry is responsible for trees on city property “from acorn to stump grinder”—regulatory review, permitting, planting, maintenance. It also provides education, conducts research, creates an inventory of trees, establishes a planting priority map in support of an Urban Tree Equity Project, holds a Tree of the Year competition, participates in an Earth Day/Arbor Day event at Dix Park, and partners with watershed protection efforts.
▪ Mr. Manor provided these facts and figures: Raleigh has 172,000 street trees; 50.5% of Raleigh is tree canopy, 58,600 acres of tree cover; 77% is deciduous and 23% is coniferous; the city has seen a net loss of canopy over the last 10 years.
▪ He also reported on several of the department’s initiatives and partnerships focused on equity—Leaf Out, the Urban Tree Equity Project, and Biophilic Cities. He pointed out that the planting priority map developed by the Urban Forestry Program supports the street tree equity project, which aims to plant 1000 trees over 3 years in neighborhoods with less canopy.
▪ In response to resident concerns raised at the meeting, Mr. Manor explained how his group can support tree preservation and invasive species removal and the limitations of its work to public property. For example, new building on private lots under 2 acres is not required by code to preserve trees.
b) David Klemp, Adam Daland, and Jordyne Krumroy of TreesForTheTriangle.org presented on the non-profit’s work to support urban forestry efforts on private property, filling the gap created by the loss of Raleigh’s NeighborWoods initiative.
▪ Trees for the Triangle has two staff (with another on the way) and volunteers who have planted 1000 native trees in the Triangle at the request of private property owners.
▪ Trees for the Triangle partners with cities, schools, and organizations like Habitat for Humanity. It focuses on putting the right tree in the right place, sizing them to the situation, and planting natives to reinforce habitat support and minimize watering needs.
▪ Although the group will plant trees anywhere it gets permission—home or business—it especially seeks coordinated neighborhood-wide plantings to have a greater impact with efficient use of its resources. For more information or to fill out a tree request form, see <http://www.treesforthetriangle.org>.

Next Meeting—May 19, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Lions Park Community Center. The topic will be stormwater.

East Community Action Coalition of Raleigh, NC (East CAC)

March 24, 2025
7:00-7:40 pm
Lions Park Community Center
Streaming on Facebook and YouTube

Jean Mosher, Chair
Mark Turner, Vice Chair
Bryan Ryan, Secretary

5 residents in attendance + 3 remote

Guests
Officer Eric Hinton, Raleigh Police Department, Northeast Division; (919) 996-1206
Sergeant Talley, Raleigh Police Department
Cody Hunt, Lions Park
Sean Driskill, P.E., Vision Zero Manager, City of Raleigh

Focus Areas
1. Public Safety
a) Officer Eric Hinton provided his regular report to the East CAC, addressed questions, and received concerns.
▪ Officer Hinton reminded attendees to establish a routine to lock and secure their homes, vehicles, and other property (especially firearms). He emphasized the connection between vehicle break-ins and juvenile access to firearms.
▪ He suggested that residents be aware of fraud during tax season, and of scams related to toll roads. To report fraud, scams, and other crimes not in progress, 919-829-1911 is available.
▪ With respect to outdoor music, Officer Hinton noted that City Council had changed the noise ordinance at its January 2, 2024, meeting <https://raleighnc.gov/permits/news/council-approves-city-noise-ordinance-changes>. Loud music after 10 pm is a code enforcement issue and residents are encouraged to report it to the police, which keeps a log of these complaints.

2. Public Works—Streets, Sewers, Signage, etc.
a) Sean Driskill, of Raleigh’s Vision Zero Program, gave a presentation about the city’s efforts in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and others to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. His presentation to City Council is available at <https://cityofraleigh0drupal.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/drupal-prod/COR28/vision-zero-council-presentation-2023-february-14.pdf>.
▪ Mr. Driskill provided an overview of general safety improvements, school zone management, and the streetlight program. Raleigh partners with the NCDOT because many of the city’s roads are state routes maintained by the state. The City partners with Duke Energy on streetlights because it owns 30,000 streetlights in the city. Raleigh owns only 150 streetlights on Hillsborough Street.
▪ He noted that money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the NCDOT has allowed the project to complete a study that establishes data-driven priorities for the City. This data has helped the project identify high-injury areas and high-risk areas. Of note: a majority of pedestrian fatalities occur in hot-spot locations; to people NOT in a crosswalk; and to people of color. In 2023, 85% of traffic crashes were attributed to driver behaviors, not road conditions. See Vision Zero data at <https://raleighnc.gov/safety/services/vision-zero/data-support-need-vision-zero>.
▪ He encouraged attendees to complete an online survey at the Vision Zero site before its close date of March 26, 2025.
▪ Mr. Driskill highlighted some of the Vision Zero accomplishments—25 mph speed limit and “no turn on red” in Downtown Raleigh. He also noted next steps for Martin Luther King Boulevard between Wilmington Street and Poole Road.
b) Concerns raised by attendees
▪ Mr Driskill said that he would look into the lack of a crosswalk on Capital Boulevard and Fenton Street at the Go Raleigh bus stop and coordinate with transit.
▪ He explained that neighborhood traffic calming and sidewalks are not a specific focus of Vision Zero. For more on traffic calming, residents can visit City of Raleigh Transportation Services’ page at <https://raleighnc.gov/transportation/services/neighborhood-traffic-management>. For sidewalks, see <https://raleighnc.gov/walk-raleigh>.

Next Meeting—April 21, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Lions Park Community Center. In recognition of Earth Day, the topic will be trees.

East Community Action Coalition of Raleigh, NC (East CAC)

February 17, 2025
7:00-8:15 pm
Lions Park Community Center
Streaming on Facebook and YouTube

Jean Mosher, Chair
Mark Turner, Vice Chair
Bryan Ryan, Secretary

Approximately 10 residents in attendance
Officer Eric Hinton, Raleigh Police Department, Northeast Division; (919) 996-1206
Corey Branch—City Council Member, District C; (919) 996-3050
Christina Jones—City Council Member, District E and CAC Liaison
Tiesha Mosely—Community Engagement Department, City of Raleigh

Focus Areas
1. Public Safety
a) Officer Eric Hinton provided his regular report to the East CAC, addressed questions, and received concerns.
▪ Officer Hinton noted that crime statistics in the area were improving, but that juvenile crime remains a concern. He reminded attendees of the RPD’s initiative for residents to establish a 9 pm routine to lock and otherwise secure homes, vehicles, and other property (especially firearms). He noted that many vehicle break-ins are related to gun theft and emphasized that firearms security is the responsibility of the owners.
▪ He also reminded attendees to use 911 to contact police if they see anything of concern. He stated that calling police should be the first choice ahead of posting concerns to social media.
b) Attendees shared concerns about a significant amount of things left outside Otomi at the corner of Glasscock and Brookside. It was noted that this is likely a code violation matter. Council Member Branch offered to look into the issue and communicate with the Otomi and/or building owners. He texted a contact during this meeting and reported that the owner assured him that it would be cleaned up.

2. Communication, Engagement, and Representation
a) Tiesha Mosely, from the Raleigh Community Engagement Department, introduced this department new as of January 1, 2025.
▪ Ms. Mosely provided an overview of the department, including its background and service units—Youth Services, Neighborhood Services, Business Services, Community Partnerships, and Organizational Development. See https://raleighnc.gov/community-engagement for details.
▪ The department also assists CACs through meeting planning, email, and phone support.
b) Council Member Christina Jones, who serves District E and as City Council’s liaison to CACs, shared background on CACs, their dissolution, and their reinstatement.
▪ Ms. Jones provided an overview of current efforts, including priorities: community center access, remote access, and recruiting for the city’s civic leadership and engagement opportunities. See Raleigh Neighborhood College https://raleighnc.gov/community/services/raleigh-neighborhood-college and Citizens Leadership Academy https://raleighnc.gov/community/services/citizens-leadership-academy.
▪ She encouraged attendees with questions about solid waste to get and use the Raleigh Reuse web tool and mobile app. https://raleighnc.gov/landfill-and-reuse/services/raleigh-reuse-web-tool-and-mobile-app.
c) Council Member Corey Branch provided an update on his work. He encouraged attendees to call or email him with questions and concerns.  He also publicizes his events at https://www.coreybranch.com.
▪ Mr. Branch reported that the bus rapid transit (BRT) project had not received reasonable bids and will go out for another round of bids. The project will be split up into multiple parts to encourage more proposals. The first line will be on New Bern Avenue toward Knightdale. Later will come lines on Western Boulevard toward Cary and Wilmington Street toward Garner. He noted that current BRT plans do not involve loss of property for owners along the corridors.
▪ He shared that City Council would see budget presentations on May 20; the earliest that it would vote is June 9.
▪ He noted that District C meetings would be announced at the City Council website and his personal site. See above.
d) The CAC leadership alerted attendees to opportunities for input.
▪ There is a survey for what to do with the former DMV site at New Bern Avenue and Tarboro Street. See https://engage.raleighnc.gov/k12078.
▪ A meet-the-candidates will be held for a new police chief on February 24. See https://raleighnc.gov/safety/news/give-input-citys-next-police-chief.
▪ A liaison from St. Augustine’s University will schedule a meeting to talk with East CAC attendees.

Next Meeting—March 24, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Lions Park Community Center. The topic will be traffic safety.

East Community Action Coalition of Raleigh, NC (East CAC)

January 13, 2025
7:00-8:15 pm
Lions Park Community Center
Streaming on Facebook

Jean Mosher, Chair
Mark Turner, Vice Chair
Bryan Ryan, Secretary

Approximately 25 residents in attendance and 5 online
Officer Eric Hinton, Raleigh Police Department, Northeast Division
Sergeant Mitch Talley, Raleigh Police Department, Northeast Division
Jeff Caines, Senior Planner, Raleigh Planning and Development Department
Matthew Bailey, Raleigh Planning and Development Department

Focus Areas
1. Public Safety
a) Officer Eric Hinton provided his regular report to the East CAC, addressed questions, and received concerns.
▪ Officer Hinton distributed key chains, post cards, and refrigerator magnets with police contact numbers to attendees to support communication efforts. He and Sgt. Talley suggested the RPD Facebook page as a good source for general information about and from the police.
▪ Officer Hinton highlighted the RPD’s initiative for residents to establish a 9 pm routine to lock and otherwise secure homes, vehicles, and other property (especially guns). He encouraged residents to “trust their gut” and contact police if they see anything of concern. He noted that calling police should be the first choice ahead of posting concerns to social media. Direct input from residents assists police in Field Investigative Reports (FIRs).
▪ Police have received 5 calls in November related to excessive noise at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard at 1930 Wake Forest Road. A citation was issued to the business on November 16.
b) Attendees shared concerns about cars around Lions Park tennis courts, other suspicious vehicles, shots fired in the area, incidents near Enloe High School (in Southeast District), and police officer pay.

2. Planning and Development—Raleigh’s Next Comprehensive Plan
a) Raleigh Planning and Development staff members Jeff Caines and Matthew Bailey presented a powerpoint about the city’s current process for updating the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2009. They responded to questions and received concerns.
▪ See https://raleighnc.gov/planning/services/2030-comprehensive-plan for details about the existing plan.
▪ See https://raleighnc.gov/planning/services/raleighs-next-comprehensive-plan for details about the update called Raleigh’s Next Comprehensive Plan.
▪ Attendees expressed interest in more information from the East CAC about affordable housing, downtown office vacancies, changes to the planning process, and the expected approach of the new city council.
▪ The city staff members directed attendees interested in engaging in the current process to the Next Comprehensive Plan webpage and specifically to the Reflecting Raleigh Events link https://raleighnc.gov/planning/events/reflecting-raleigh-events

Next Meeting—February 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Lions Park Community Center.

East Community Action Coalition of Raleigh, NC (East CAC)

November 18, 2024
7:00-8:15 pm
Lions Park Community Center
Streaming on Facebook

Jean Mosher, Chair
Mark Turner, Vice Chair
Bryan Ryan, Secretary

Approximately 30 residents in attendance
Officer Eric Hinton, Raleigh Police Department, Northeast Division
Sergeant Mitch Talley, Raleigh Police Department, Northeast Division

Focus Areas
1. Public Safety
a) Officer Eric Hinton provided his regular report to the East CAC, addressed questions, and received concerns.
▪ Chair Mosher noted Officer Hinton’s contribution to the apprehension of the “Beltline Shooter” in connection with a series of shots fired at cars on I-40 between Monday, November 4 and Thursday, November 7.
▪ Police have received 5 calls in November related to excessive noise at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard at 1930 Wake Forest Road. A citation was issued to the business on November 16.
b) Officer Hinton reminded residents of ways to assist public safety efforts.
▪ Call police—Residents should not hesitate to contact police when they see or hear anything out of the ordinary.
▪ Lock cars—He encouraged residents to establish a 9 pm routine for locking cars. He also urged residents to never leave keys or guns in cars.
▪ Lighting—Lights around homes serve as a deterrent to crime.
▪ Security cameras—Interested residents can join a security camera registry at connectraleigh.org
c) Attendees shared concerns about traffic, parking, racing, aggressive begging, and homeless camps.

2. Public Works
a) David Bender, engineer with Raleigh Parks, and Jay Shaw, engineer with Raleigh Engineering Services, provided a progress report on the Crabtree Creek Improvements at Raleigh Boulevard project.
▪ https://raleighnc.gov/projects/crabtree-creek-improvements-raleigh-boulevard
▪ Bender and Shaw detailed the issues—budget constraints, permitting, subcontractor performance, weather, stream bank instability—that have affected the completion timeline. Expected removal of detour is now Friday, January 31, 2025.
▪ They encouraged residents to contact the city (919-996-3285) if they observe flooding or other blockages that make greenways unusable.
b) Residents asked about Pigeon House Branch connector and Smoky Hollow Park. Rain barrels and rain gardens were discussed. See https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/services/apply-raleigh-rainwater-rewards

3. Zoning and Development
a) Developer Matt Tomasulo provided information to East CAC attendees about his rezoning request for property on Clarendon Crescent near Enloe High School and the Alamo Drafthouse.
▪ See https://engage.raleighnc.gov/m0610
▪ Tomasulo gave a general overview of the goals of the project, the rezoning process, and likely changes to the property and its sidewalks. He envisions 34 townhouses, approximately 1,800 square feet in size, 2 stories high street side and 3 stories in the back, to sell at $400,000 to $500,000.
▪ Residents asked questions and expressed concerns about the project goals, the rezoning process, existing zoning and transportation overlays, as well as parking, traffic, stormwater, and neighborhood character impacts.
b) Attendees noted other development issues.
▪ There will be a press conference Wednesday, November 20, to raise awareness of concerns related to development discussions related to St. Augustine’s University.
▪ Otami restaurant at the corner of Glasscock and Brookside has gone out of business.

CAC Organization
4. CAC Reboot—The CAC Reboot is still in process. RCAC leaders are soliciting input through a survey and will use it to inform proposals and negotiations with the new mayor and city council.
5. East CAC Meetings
a) The East CAC will hold a year-end social event on December 16 at 6:30 pm at the Tap Yard, 1610 Automotive Way. All are welcome.
b) The East CAC’s January 13, 2025, meeting will focus on Raleigh’s Next Comprehensive Plan.

Next Meeting—January 13, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Lions Park Community Center.

East Community Action Coalition of Raleigh, NC (East CAC)

October 21, 2024
7:00-8:15 pm
Lions Park Community Center

Jean Mosher, Chair
Mark Turner, Vice Chair
Bryan Ryan, Secretary (remote)

Approximately 15 residents in attendance
Corey Branch, Raleigh City Council member representing District C

CAC Organization
1. CAC Reboot—Vice Chair Mark Turner and Council Member Corey Branch provided information and addressed questions about the proposed reboot of Raleigh’s CACs.
a) History of CACs
▪ Launched by Mayor Lightner in 1974 as part of a federal grant application; although the city did not receive the grant, it kept the CACs until 2020, when Raleigh City Council voted to disband these community groups.
▪ Council voted in 2024 to bring back CACs.
b) CAC Reboot
▪ City Council has requested input from the reconstituted Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council (RCAC) and from neighborhood CACs, which includes the East CAC.
▪ Vice Chair Turner, Chair of the former East CAC, shared information about RCAC discussions and his recommendations on behalf of the East CAC. Key to the discussions has been the desire to recreate an effective conduit for communication and concerns from residents to the city.
▪ Council Member Branch emphasized that Council wants the RCAC to drive the reboot in terms of roles, responsibilities, representation, and CAC boundaries, as well as what support it seeks from the city.
2. East CAC Meetings—Chair Jean Mosher shared that the reconstituted East CAC is seeking input on frequency of meetings—every month or every other month.

Focus Areas
3. Communication and Representation
a) Chair Mosher and Vice Chair Turner introduced themselves to the attendees. Secretary Bryan Ryan attended remotely via Facebook.
▪ The East CAC Chair can be reached to share questions, concerns, and agenda topics at cac-chair@eastraleigh.org
b) Council Member Branch informed attendees that the city now has a Communications Department.
4. Public Safety
a) Officer Eric Hinton, who has regularly attended East Raleigh neighborhood meetings, was not able to make this meeting, but he asked Jean to remind residents to lock their cars to protect them from having contents stolen, especially guns.
b) Chair Mosher shared that she had received input from residents about their public safety concerns.
▪ Crime
▪ Begging
c) Attendees shared concerns about noise nuisances, especially live music from Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard at 1930 Wake Forest Road. Neighbors can hear the music from this outdoor venue in their homes and have contacted Raleigh Police to express concerns. Council Member Branch responded that he would look into the issue. He also noted that the city’s noise policy had been updated from using a sound meter to account for the hearing of a reasonable person. Chair Mosher gauged interest in inviting the owner of Bowstring to a future East CAC meeting.
5. Public Works
a) Jean, Mark, and Council Member Branch provided information and received/recognized resident concerns relating to
▪ Traffic calming—including bump outs
▪ Traffic circle at Wake Forest, Automotive, and Brookside
▪ Sidewalks—Council Member Branch described the new process that includes city staff looking at data, prioritizing projects, and pursuing priorities with available funds. He clarified that the vast majority of sidewalk projects are in the right of way and do not involve compensating homeowners. Approved sidewalk projects should be available on the Planning Department’s website. Approximately 20 projects are tackled per year from a list of about 120.
▪ Parking—especially on Automotive Way near Tap Yard, and the “no minimum parking” policy for residential development.
▪ Stormwater—Megan Walsh is the city’s Stormwater Senior Engineer, and can be reached at megan.walsh@raleighnc.gov
▪ Shade trees—The city has resources available to plant shade trees.
6. Zoning and Development
a) East CAC officers and Council Member Branch heard concerns from neighbors about
▪ Missing Middle Project and its related zoning changes—Council Member Branch reported that the Council had recently changed some of the Missing Middle language to address building more in line with neighborhood.
▪ Projects underway at New Bern and Clarendon Crescent, at King Charles and Poole, and on Barksdale.
▪ Affordable housing—Council Member Branch related that North Carolina does not allow inclusionary zoning, so Raleigh has attempted to engage developers in voluntary efforts, which have not been effective. The city leverages land that it owns—Duplex Village and Moore Square are examples—to improve affordable options.
▪ City Comprehensive Plan—Corey shared that this is being revamped to plan for 2040-2050.
▪ Property Taxes—Wake County reassesses every 4 years. Council Member Branch reported that 40% of property downtown is state owned and not subject to property taxes. An attendee pointed out that universities and private schools do not pay property taxes.

Next Meeting—November 18, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Lions Park Community Center