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Community Corner

🌱 Taller Towers In North Hills + Wake's Share Of Opioid Settlement

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Buy a Book Day Raleigh!

Today is honestly packed with news, so get ready for:

  • Homelessness stats in Raleigh, and a pivot to affordable "micro-units"
  • A unique event that allows attendees to discuss death and help people make the most of their lives
  • A list of the best value N.C. universities that you may want to check out if you or someone you know is applying this year

First, today's weather:

Humid with variable clouds. High: 86 Low: 67.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

  1. According to the Wake County Continuum of Care, Homelessness is on the rise in the county. More than 1,500 people were counted as homeless in this year's point-in-time count, up 68% from 2021. Kim Crawford, executive director of the Raleigh/Wake Partnership to End Homelessness, it's becoming more apparent due to a lack of shelter beds as a result of pandemic restrictions. Rent prices are also up more than 20% over the past two years in Raleigh and Durham. (Axios Raleigh) If you are struggling with housing insecurity, the Blanchard Community Law Clinic is working to help individuals facing landlord/tenant issues. (Campbell)
  2. Kane Realty has created a new pitch for Raleigh city councilmembers to get approval for taller towers in the North Hills area. Neighbors have been fighting against the tall towers for the year that Kane Realty has been working to get the area rezoned for taller towers. The Raleigh City Council approved the guide for growth that limits 20-story towers in new developments. The developer is looking to build 30-40 story towers, and Kane Realty is offering to include affordable apartments based on the area's median income in order to get approval. If approved, the project would include 600-square-foot "micro-units" that would rent for around $1,500. (WRAL)
  3. The death of Wake County Sheriff's Deputy Ned Byrd has ignited North Carolina Republicans against sanctuary cities. Senator Thom Tillis and Representative Ted Budd called into question the immigration status of the brothers accused of killing Byrd. It was revealed that the brothers entered the country at an unknown time and place. (JoCoReport) The death of Byrd has put a spotlight on the Wake County Sheriff's race, and Donnie Harrison is pledging to not bring back the program that allows deputies to screen immigration status and turn over undocumented prisoners to ICE agents. (abc11)
  4. Wake County has worked with community members to develop a plan for how to utilize the $36 million the county is set to receive from the national opioid settlement. City staff identified five priorities for fund use, including criminal justice diversion, evidence based addiction treatment, early intervention, recovery support services and recovery housing support. Staff worked to develop a budget for $4.85 million in settlement funding for the 2023-34 fiscal years. (CBS17)
  5. Authorities have released more details regarding the man who was arrested near a car fire on train tracks. According to police, the man was intoxicated and pulled his car onto the tracks. When realizing he was on train tracks, he attempted to spin off, causing the car explosion. The man was able to escape and is in jail on a second-degree trespassing charge. (CBS17) Police also expanded on the wrong-way crash that killed one man along Six Forks Road. Gabriel James Jacobs was identified as the victim. A total of three cars were involved in the crash after Jacobs attempted to pass stopped traffic and hit a car head-on. (CBS17, WRAL)

Today in Raleigh:

Thursday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's Buy a Book Day, the perfect follow up to yesterday's Read A Book Day! IF you haven't gotten a chance to visit Quail Ridge Books yet, you should absolutely go find a new read and support local!
  • Since students are returning to school, if you are or have a high-schooler looking ahead to college, check out the 2023 Best Value Colleges in North Carolina by Niche.
  • Respect My Vote and the Hip Hop Caucus are hosting their Raleigh Homecoming today at Secret Garden starting at 6 p.m.

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com

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