RDC’s last point is that they are meeting the guidance on transitions in proposing 20 and 30 story buildings, in a Transition Zone, 240 feet from homes in a Historic Neighborhood. Not only does this not pass a logical assessment it is not fully accurate. If one reviews the 2030CP analysis document and the 21 different policies guiding transition and buffering called out, they would clearly see the policy violations of Z-12-25.
When this case came before you last, you rightly denied the 40-story request at Peace & West streets — acknowledging the need for a height transition next to moderate density residential. Since then, the Comprehensive Plan has been updated to reflect that transition zone — recognizing the clear need for compatibility between new development and established communities. Yet here we are again. The applicant is now seeking 30 stories—still wildly out of scale. The Comprehensive Plan designates this as a “Downtown Transition Area”—a place where height is meant to step down, not surge upward. A 12-story limit allows for nearly 550 units. That’s meaningful density.
If Z-12-25 is approved, it sets a precedent that 30 stories can be built adjacent to any neighborhood in Raleigh. The policies are clear: no more than 12 stories is appropriate in this area. Anything more violates core urban planning principles and undermines the framework that protects Raleigh neighborhoods. The Planning Commission will hear the case in August, and City Council will vote soon after. Once this precedent is set, it cannot be undone. The decisions made now will define what kind of city Raleigh becomes, whether we uphold sound planning principles and protect neighborhoods, or open the door to unchecked, inconsistent rezonings. We must act now to protect Raleigh’s plans, values, and communities and demand development that respects the city’s long-term vision. Sign the Petition!
RDC’s claim is that the Z-12-25 site is in a Station Area and qualifies for a Transit designation for height category in Table LU-2, which can allow buildings of up to 40 stories when paired with the Equitable Transit-oriented Development Guidebook (EDAT). But, as of February 2023, the West Street Alternative that included a potential BRT station at West Street and Johnson Street was officially removed from the Northern Corridor plans. The only remaining potential published transit station in the area is now at Lane Street and Capital Boulevard, which is more than a quarter mile away from the Z-12-25 site. With the West Street alignment and potential station now off the table, this site no longer qualifies for a Transit designation nor is it in a Station Area.
I attended the 2nd Neighborhood Meeting for the West Street Tower (Z-12-25). It was strictly limited to one hour and worse yet, the Planning Department’s full report including the Statement of Consistency with city policies was not available. It was a one-sided presentation of the developer’s opinions. The residents had no information from the city to challenge any claims made by the developer.
RDC’s claim is, “the Urban Form Map designation for this site is in the Downtown Center,” and that this designation and policies from that section support heights above 12 stories. This is misleading. While it is true that the Urban Form Map UD-1 (UFM) places the site within the Downtown and Core Transit areas, this designation is not a direct basis for determining allowable height or density. it’s important to clarify a potential source of confusion. The site is designated Core Transit on the Urban Form Map but that is not the same as the Core/Transit category referenced in Table LU-2, which is a distinct classification tied to specific definitions
Wake County zoned the Odd Fellows Tract back to low density residential in 1982 (Wake County R-40, 1 house per acre). The quarry (and the proposed “entertainment district” on the forested acres of Lake Crabtree) are not authorized uses in this Wake County zoning district. Unfortunately, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDUAA) has chosen to ignore this Wake County zoning, and Wake County has thus far failed to enforce it. You can help by taking action!
Highlights from July 1 City Council Afternoon and Evening Sessions
While the developer’s argument relied on selected pieces of the Comprehensive Plan, it reflected a common rezoning tactic: cherry-picking policies to justify a predetermined outcome. But when viewed in full context, the city’s adopted plans and policies provide clear, balanced guidance.
Citizens’ Assemblies are not a silver bullet, but they are a powerful supplement to representative democracy. By fostering informed, inclusive debate, they help bridge the gap between the public and policymakers—and reinvigorate democratic governance for the 21st century.
Minutes from the June 24 PC Meeting
2nd Developer Hosted Neighbors’ Meeting. We need to make ourselves heard. It is about all Raleigh neighborhoods and Raleigh’s Future. This is a BAD project for Raleigh and would set a dangerous precedent that will affect all neighborhoods. Wear RED and PACK the ROOM
The city has had noise ordinance rules for years. After a two year process the city introduced a new noise ordinance in January 2024, and then revised that ordinance in January 2025. RPD is not following the city-written, council-passed noise ordinance. They have ceased giving out citations with only two citations being given out in January 2025 for the 161 noise complaint calls total to June 3rd 2025 in the Glenwood Hospitality district.
Highlights from June 17 City Council Work Session and Afternoon Session
The Raleigh Fire Department (RFD) is at least 200 firefighter positions short. When including the current 50 known vacancies, they are 250 firefighters short of the manpower needed to fully protect this City today. Raleigh has not added any new firefighter positions since 2014, while experiencing rapid population growth and development. Let’s be clear. RFD is requesting the same benefit paid between retirement and age 62 that RPD officers have been receiving since 1987.
The West St property is NOT in the Core of Downtown. It is defined by the city as being on the edge of the Central Business District and as a designated Transition Area. If you want to build 30 & 40 story buildings, build all of them you want to in the CORE of downtown. Those properties are already zoned for 40 stories and have been for several years.
Highlights from June 9 Budget work session, June 10 work session, and June 10 public comments section
Raleigh was a perennial top 10 city when only being compared against other large cities in the Best Places to Live rankings. But, when the candidate pool was expanded most larger cities performed poorly. It seems smaller cities are more popular than large, dense, urban, vibrant locales. And, the difference isn’t due to cost of living or even traffic concerns. It’s quality of life.
Anderson Forest residents would like to join with Crabtree Heights residents in opposing all three proposed routes for the Big Branch Greenway Connector. Both neighborhoods share concerns about safety, privacy and environmental impact.
Summary of the May 27 Planning Commission meeting
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