Opinion
The PlanCharlotte.org Opinion page is open to a wide range of views. Opinion pieces are labeled as commentary and are the opinions of the writers, not necessarily those of PlanCharlotte.org, the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute or the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. A PlanCharlotte link to another website does not mean we or the university endorse the opinions expressed or take any responsibility for content on outside websites.
Want to submit? PlanCharlotte.org is open to considering content from outside writers. We require factual accuracy and civil discourse. To learn more, contact Mary Newsom, mnewsom@uncc.edu or 704-687-1203, or mail to Mary Newsom, UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte NC 28223.
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How zoning reveals our deeper cultural values
Although originating in British and European concepts, U.S. land use zoning today differs markedly from other countries. A new book explores how zoning codes reveal American values and prompts concern about coming challenges. Book review/commentary. -
Protest petitions: Valuable or harmful? A pro/con package
A bill in the General Assembly would end a decades-old provision for rezonings, the protest petition. It lets nearby property owners force a supermajority City Council vote on a rezoning. Read two opposing views: Dilworth resident Jill Walker opposes the bill; Joe Padilla of the Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition supports it. -
State should end protest petitions; they distort the public good
A handful of neighboring property owners could no longer defeat proposed development project that is supported by, and in the best interest of, the larger community. Joe Padilla argues for a proposal to scrap protest petitions. -
Don’t scrap protest petitions, a vital tool against harmful rezonings
Development in North Carolina is doing just fine. Maintaining the protest petition helps ensure that the few projects that are grossly inconsistent with zoning regulations will be properly vetted. Jill Walker argues against a proposal to scrap protest petition. -
Will tactical urbanism find a home in Charlotte?
Is tactical urbanism gaining a toehold in Charlotte? Recent events bode well. (Commentary) -
A new kind of zoning ordinance could help - or hurt - development
A new kind of zoning code, called a form-based code, can stimulate development or deter it. Will it make approvals even more onerous, or streamline them? Commentary. -
Charlotte needs bike metrics: If you don't count it, it doesn't count
Charlotte's bicycling community has seen indications of an evolving bicycle culture and strong public support. It is time for the city to collect the data needed to understand and build on these trends. (Commentary) -
Lessons for Charlotte in Detroit?
It is easy to forget that Detroit was a city on top of the world 50 years ago. Charlotte is not Detroit, but the recession brought a reality check. Did it bring the resolve to fight the complacency that comes with success? -
Creating a more connected Charlotte
Could Charlotte compete with Copenhagen as the happiest and most livable city in the world? What would it take? (Image Wikimedia Commons/Heb) -
Charlotte hits pivot point in vision for Eastland property
The city faces important decisions about its Eastland Mall property, and the future of east Charlotte. But the city's vision could be undermined by an upcoming rezoning. Commentary. (Photo: Nancy Pierce)
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