Housing Boom Impacts + Parking Lot Concerns

Hey Patch Family,
It's Saturday and I hope you guys have some exiting plans today. There's some great info about legislation going through our government as well as some info about businesses and events in Raleigh.

Today's Weather
Mostly cloudy throughout the day. Temps: High of 88° & low of 70°

Here are the top 5 stories in Raleigh today

1. The North Carolina House of Representatives has approved legislation that would allow church members or visitors that meet on private school campuses to carry concealed handguns. This bill will expand the right to carry and put other types of religious venues on par with places of worship. (SpectrumNews1)
2. Some low income residents are feeling the real estate boom as they are told they must leave their southeast Raleigh apartments. Tenants have come together with a petition to reverse the move, but with the housing crisis their future is uncertain. (abc11)
3. The bill passed by NC House of Representatives eliminating an additional $300 in unemployment funds and the NC Senate’s struggles to find funds that would incentivize a return to work, may have a negative economic impact. Economists are concerned that the loss of this money will result in less spending and drive down the local economy. (WNCT9)
4. Westover Community, adjacent to the NC State Fairgrounds, is upset over plans to build an overflow parking lot. Residents say there has been little to no communication and they fear the lot will hinder traffic flow from the neighborhood. (abc11)
5. With summer approaching and fewer college students sticking around, businesses are facing another slow season for sales. The slump is also affecting staffing. The smaller labor force has prompted them to offer incentives for existing staff to recruit their friends.

Today in Raleigh

• The Big Slam Memorial Redneck Rumble presented by GOUGE and Clouds Brewing. The pro wrestling show features Seymor Snott, Blaqtus Jack, Waylon Maze, and many more. (4:00pm)
• Run for Love 5k at Dorothea Dix Park. Proceeds go to benefit Pride Raleigh and the LGBT Center of Raleigh. (9:00am-12:00pm)
• Get free baklava, t-shirts, and keychains (while supplies last) at the grand opening of Abu Omar Halal on Peace Street. (11:00am)

Raleigh Patch Notebook

• Raya and the Last Dragon is playing at Triangle Drive-in tonight. (8:45pm-11:15pm)
• A new Raleigh business aims to normalize mental health and shift the perception of what it means to be healthy for your body and mind. Read more about Current Wellness here.
• For the Culture is setting up a toy fundraiser for low income youth of Raleigh. To learn more or figure out where you can give, get the details here.
• Boxyard RTP has its grand opening today at 11:00am featuring delicious creations from Lawrence Barbecue and Buzzy Bakes with so much more to come! Details here.

I hope you all have an amazing Saturday. Relax, explore, and maybe go get some free baklava! If I missed out on anything or there's any happening in Raleigh you want to celebrate, send me an email to raleigh@patch.com to let me know!
Stay curious,
CJ Fullford