“Over a million low-income, minority and first time homeowners would have been pushed out of the housing market,” said Almasi about the results of his group’s study. “There is a downside to some of these regulations, and we must keep this in mind when addressing growth issues and regulations,” said Almasi.

The TCC lunch event also featured Cara Crisler, Executive Director of the North Carolina Smart Alliance. Ms Crisler gave a presentation about her group’s response to the study. “Smart Growth is more than just “urban growth boundaries, or impact fees”, said Crisler. But Crisler agreed with at least one element of the study stating: “Smart growth as a whole has indeed overlooked minority housing affordability and ownership in the past.” 

Attendees also had an opportunity to ask the guest speakers questions about the study and other growth related issues.

Additional Links and Information about Topic: www.nationalcenter.org
For the response from the NC Smart Growth Coalition visit www.ncsmartgrowth.org/archive/NewSegResponse.htm

Media Coverage of March 27, 2003 TCC Lunch and Learn
- Group Meets to Talk About Smart Growth: News 14 Story (click here*) 

-Anti-sprawl housing laws may hurt poor: Herald-Sun News Article (click here)

About TCC Lunch and Learn Events:

The Lunch & Learn Series was designed to inform Triangle area residents on growth-related issues to better help them educate their elected officials to make wise decisions on these issues. For more information on the series or the issues, contact the Triangle Community Coalition, at (919) 654-5418. Visit the “Events” section for information about past events. Lunch and learn events are aired on Cable Access Channel 10 in Raleigh, and Cable Access Channel 8 in Durham. Please check our website for updated listings for both channels. We will post the dates and times once we have the confirmation from the network representatives.