Former APA President Allegedly Assaulted at Zoning Hearing

Don't let anyone tell you that planning isn't dangerous. Past APA President and current Raleigh Planning Director Mitchell Silver was allegedly punched by a resident opposed to rezoning that would allow the construction of a gas station.

1 minute read

June 28, 2013, 6:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"City Planning Director Mitchell Silver plans to press charges against a woman who he says punched him Tuesday at a planning commission hearing on a controversial Sheetz gas station," reports 

"City Manager Russell Allen said he learned of the incident Wednesday. He said Silver was punched in the shoulder shortly after the planning commission approved rezoning for a Sheetz gas station in Northeast Raleigh. The alleged attacker, he said, 'was not satisfied with the outcome.'”

"'I’ve encouraged him to press charges as I would with any employee,' Allen added. 'It’s never ever acceptable for someone to be assaulted in their line of duty.'”

UPDATE (8/16/13): Mitchell Silver and Lillian Thompson, the former city employee who was accused of punching him, have chosen to settle the assault charges with an apology and a small fine, reports Colin Campbell of the News & Observer.

Thursday, June 27, 2013 in News & Observer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Sign for Palisades Recreation Center in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California.

Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground

Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.

4 hours ago - Los Angeles Mayor

Aerial view of oil field in California with pumpjacks at sunset.

From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program

The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.

5 hours ago - The Othering & Belonging Institute

"Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign with mottled shade from palm tree.

Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time

Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.

6 hours ago - KTNV