Z. Smith Reynolds and other groups began a Mountain Landscapes Initiative two years ago in Western North Carolina. The Initiative would create new rules and regulations “development on steep slopes and in flood plains; road design; site preparation; protecting water quality; green building approaches; planning for community affordability; and mountain-appropriate regulatory alternatives” based in part on some Potemkin community meetings.
Now the Research Triangle Regional Partnership wants to do the same thing for the 15-county region around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The Reality Check is supposed to look at how the region can accommodate future growth through planning. Given the history of efforts like CAPAG, there is plenty of reason to worry. The group is beginning to take applications and nominations today, so there is also some chance that the right mix of people can keep the group focused on actually addressing problems instead of simply calling for stricter regulations, higher fees, and light rail.
UPDATE: I might nominate Mitch.
