Navigating Challenges and Building Support: Woven On Liberty Community Engagement
Situation: The Woven On Liberty project faced two major challenges in community engagement and outreach. Firstly, the project required a minor special use permit (mSUP) to exceed the allowable height across the building footprint in violation of Step Back zoning requirements. Secondly, the relocation of residents from the neighborhood where the organization owned 12 homes had to be navigated equitably and without community outcry. Balancing the needs of residents, community engagement, and the approval process for the mSUP was crucial to the success of the project's mission and financial goals.
Task: The objective was to engage the community early, authentically and effectively. It needed to be derived from established best practices and informed by local community leaders. If we were not able to successfully and equitably relocate our current residents or get approval from the BOA for our SUP, the project would likely fail.
Action:
Recruiting Key Team Members: To ensure a successful community engagement and outreach strategy, a team of experts was assembled. Will Anderson from Keenan Craver Law was recruited to provide legal guidance throughout the mSUP process. Dr. Danielle Spurlock from CIP joined the team to assist with general community engagement. I was also able to recruit German McNeil, a local affordability advocate and Realtor to aid in providing hands-on relocation assistance to our residents. Finally, Carl Webb, a respected leader in the community was on hand as an advisor.
Clarifying Best Practices: Thorough research was conducted to identify best practices in community engagement and supportive relocation. Guidance from Durham City's best practices for community engagement and HUD's guidelines provided a framework for equitable relocation, despite their general failure to follow through in practice.
Resident Relocation Strategy: A comprehensive plan was devised to ensure a smooth and financially sound relocation process for the residents. I included both the types and amount of relocation assistance we were providing in all communications, offering transparency to both residents and the community.
Holding Meetings: Two community meetings were held for the residents, and one for the surrounding neighborhood, within a 600-foot radius of the property. Spanish translations were provided for all communications and forms. Translators, meals, and childcare services were available during the meetings to ensure inclusive engagement.
Neighborhood Engagement: Direct engagement with the three closest neighbors who either attended our community meeting or messaged me as a result of our outreach facilitated an understanding of their concerns. Solutions were developed to address their specific issues, incorporating them into the building design and gaining their support for the project, conditional on our holding up our end of the deal.
Resident Engagement: 90% of our residents attended the meetings and took advantage of Germany’s services and our financial relocation assistance to cover their moving expenses and rental deposits.
mSUP Hearing: Following Will Anderson's recommendations, in addition to our design team, we hired specialists to provide testimony during the board of adjustment's public hearing for the mSUP. Their expertise covered the areas essential for the board's considerations. Despite it not being a requirement, Will appreciated the engagement work we had done and rested well knowing that we weren’t likely to have any surprises from angry community members at our Board of Adjustment hearing.
Press Release Preparation: As a precaution, I wrote a press release that we could publish in case there was any backlash or negative press about our project. Ideally, we wouldn’t publicise our project widely untill we were sure it was funded, but in case we needed to go public about our plans sooner, we were ready.
Result: The relocation process was successful, with 11 out of 12 residents being relocated within six months of receiving notice. The mSUP application was approved, leading to site plan approval. Importantly, there was no negative press surrounding the project, and a positive relationship was established with the neighbors. Excitement grew within the community, and construction on the project is eagerly anticipated. The final resident is expected to move into their new home soon, pending response from DHA to the new management company. I was able to advocate for additional time for this tenant’s relocation due to her financial constraints and the fact that the project was delayed so there was no need to push her out if we weren’t in a position to begin construction.
Artifacts:
