Last week for the web, Jasmine Gallup wrote about Raleigh’s new program to accelerate design and authorization for ADUs, aka Accessory Dwelling Units, aka Grandma’s Apartments, Backyard Cottages, or Attached Apartments. The article generated a lot of discussion about our Facebook page.
“Any chance Durham can do that too?? commentator requested Donya Smith.
‘Durham Planning Commissioners proposed this type of scheme in 2018 as part of an amendment process they called ‘Expanding Housing Choices’,” one commenter replied. Nate Baker (who is also a member of the Durham Planning Commission). “Ultimately, the city chose not to pursue this option. But we should and there’s nothing stopping us.
Commentator Kenneth Webb says Durham already has a version of the program. But, Webb notes, “Raleigh seems easier.”
“What do you think it costs for labour/supplies to build? For insurance? And for maintenance? commentator asked Mary Molina.
“A lot,” Thomas Anderson said in response to Molina. “I mean, we have a garage that’s a perfect candidate and it wasn’t really worth doing because of the cost and the fact that it’s in an unpreferred area. I’m a big fan of the council’s work on ADUs, but the costs are going to be prohibitive for many use cases. I say in part BC the scary stories about these in every backyard are highly exaggerated due to cost vs payback. If someone lives right near the city center, yes, that could be a great idea.
“I imagine it would be worth doing for someone who is going to use it as a granny flat or office rather than an Air bnb,” one commenter added. Kelli Racker.
“It makes you go hmm,” said one commenter Sarah Jessica Farber. “I clicked and looked at the plans and they are fantastic.”
But each plan has its detractors.
“So now a lot of people are going to be running Airbnb in their backyards,” one commenter said. robert rod. “Rental properties!
“I wonder where this ‘affordable housing’ they talk about is,” one commenter said. Christy Lancaster Brown.
We also received the following email on Gallup cover story since last week on the lawsuit that two Raleigh families are bringing against RPD for unlawfully raiding their homes using a no-knock warrant, handcuffing their children and generally traumatizing everyone involved. Writes reader Terrance Duff:
“As I write this I have just heard of another ambushed and murdered police officer coming to file a domestic violence complaint, 218 police officers have been killed this year from all causes including 9 in North Carolina Of course the police need a watch party, but the police are not the problem Of course anyone, Kenya Walton, who has been wronged needs an apology and a appropriate rewards. The root cause problem begins with rejecting the many freedoms and opportunities that our great country offers everyone and continuing to vote for those failing schools and crime-ridden neighborhoods. I wish there were organizations like Emancipate NC that focus on neighborhood reform, which is the real issue. The goal would be to conform to simple standards; get an education, a job, then get married, then kids, buy a house , avoid criminal activities and stop blaming others for your failures. Works every time it is tried.
Ah, yes, conforming to “simple standards”. Works every time.
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