Opinion | Page 3 | PlanCharlotte.org

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.

How zoning reveals our deeper cultural values

David Walters - Jun 02, 2015
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

Jill Walker & Joe Padilla - Apr 28, 2015
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

Joe Padilla - Apr 28, 2015
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

Jill Walker - Apr 28, 2015
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?

Martin Zimmerman - Feb 24, 2015
Is tactical urbanism gaining a toehold in Charlotte? Recent events bode well. (Commentary)
A new kind of zoning ordinance could help - or hurt - development

Collin Brown - Dec 11, 2014
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

Martin Zimmerman - Nov 13, 2014
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?

Mary Newsom - Oct 15, 2014
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

Susan Patterson - Sep 15, 2014
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

Mary Newsom - Jun 27, 2014
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)