A unique concept for an artist community could be coming to Downtown Raleigh. City Councilors agreed a few weeks ago to lease the Stone’s Warehouse on Davie and East streets so the property can be redeveloped into an affordable artist community.
As reported in the Raleigh Pubic Record:
Developers can’t mandate that only artists live on property, but the 49-unit community will have shared and private studio space, which would encourage that type of renter. Renters would have to meet strict income requirements in order to be approved for a lease.
A few things need to happen for the plan to become a reality. First, the developer needs to receive the tax credits they need; and the property must be rezoned.
Member of the public were invited to learn more about the plans at a community meeting last week, and a public hearing on the rezoning is scheduled on February 5th.
Rendering
What: City Initiated Rezoning Hearing
When: February 5th at 6:30pm
Where: City Hall, 222 E Hargett Street
I wonder what is considered affordable? Knowing several artists in several different mediums, to say you are a poor artist is a double negative. But if this is a real possibility, wow, this is exactly the kind of thing that needs to happen in Raleigh. The focus on supporting local musicians, artists and business, and go ahead and let the rich developers fend for themselves, they will be ok without constant validation and back-rubs. Just sayin’…