Raleigh Homeowners Group to

Fight for Property Rights

Raleigh, NC (January 21, 2008) - A group of concerned Raleigh citizens has joined together to stop the City Council's efforts to adopt new policies that will impose significant restrictions on new and renovated homes. The group, Renew Raleigh, is launching its Web site www.RenewRaleigh.org and distributing yard signs to supporters on Monday, January 21 at 3:30 p.m. at Raleigh's Fallon Park.

"We believe that the City Council is overstepping its grounds by limiting - or denying - a property owner from building a new home or renovating a current house," said Philip Miller a Renew Raleigh leader. "Many residents - including myself - who have bought property in established, family-friendly neighborhoods and are hoping to redesign our homes, are increasingly concerned that the City Council will stop us from moving forward with our plans."

The diverse Renew Raleigh membership includes homeowners, property owners and small business and service providers who contribute significantly to the local economy through the region's strong residential construction industry. Renew Raleigh members believe that the City Council's efforts will take away property rights and diminish property values.

In recent weeks, the new City Council has taken steps to restrict so called "tear downs" and their replacement homes in Raleigh, as well as significant limitations to home remodels.

Since 2002, 600 homes in Raleigh have been replaced by new houses - a mere three percent of all new homes that have been built in the city during that time.

"Residents are buying older homes in Raleigh's established neighborhoods to be in the city, close to parks, schools and work. It's truly a spirit of revitalization that is taking place in these neighborhoods as well as a boost to the local economy through increased property values and jobs in the critical residential construction industry," said Miller. "Unfortunately, the City Council is being influenced by a small, vocal minority of residents opposed to a perceived problem - and at a time when the economy needs this industry's economic driver the most."

Local media and residents are invited to come to Fallon Park on Monday, learn more about the cause and participate in fighting the City Council's efforts by spreading the word to neighbors, posting signs in their yards and signing up to receive regular updates on the status of the City Council's efforts.