FULL AGENDA WITH ATTACHMENTS AT https://pub-raleighnc.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=8c703add-d99f-4b0d-a4a0-370ab72cf8ed&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English
HIGHLIGHTS
- After a GoRaleigh System update, Council members expressed support for moving quickly to address safety issues rather than waiting 12-18 months to study the situation before taking any actions.
- Public comments focused on the City budget, community centers, public safety, opposition to Z-43-25, greenways, and the environment. Four of 17 speakers did not show up.
- A representative from the Human Relations Commission presented recommendations for FY2027 Human Service Agency grants totaling $1,457,350 to 35 of the 49 eligible applicants. He raised issues about the $546,000 granted to 7 organizations historically supported by Council but without appropriate historical information or transparency. He also raised the issue of increased meeting frequency without any opportunity to participate remotely. Staff will look at meeting logistics. Legacy funding will be discussed at Council’s mid-year retreat.
- Council unanimously supported allocating $203M of debt affordability for a $101.5M Housing Bond and a $101.5M Transportation Bond. This will not result in a tax increase.
- Unanimously adopted bylaws for the Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board and for the Historic Resources and Museums Advisory Board
- Council unanimously adopted the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
- Council unanimously approved staff recommendations extending conditional gap financing commitments to five proposals, at a total amount of up to $ 9,893,845, for the development of 491 rental units.
- Council unanimously adopted the master plan for Forestville Road Park.
- Council unanimously confirmed public nuisance abatement liens.
- Council unanimously approved one annexation and two rezonings, deferred one rezoning at applicant’s request, and denied an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.
- No Council Committee meetings scheduled.
- Councilor Jones will hold her book club meeting on May 9 at 9:30am at New World Cafe. Her District E Community Meeting will be May 13 from 6-8pm at La Cucina Italian restaurant.
WORK SESSION
GoRaleigh System Update
- During the work session staff provided a system overview including the growth of the GoRaleigh System through the implementation of the Wake Transit Plan. The presentation also included history of GoRaleigh transit hub-and-spoke system and considerations for safety and security within the system and at the GoRaleigh Station.
- Council members expressed support for moving quickly to address safety issues rather than waiting 12-18 months to study the situation before taking any actions.
AFTERNOON SESSION
CONSENT AGENDA
- Unanimously approved
PUBLIC COMMENT
- Public comments focused on the City budget, community centers, public safety, opposition to Z-43-25, greenways, and the environment. Four of 17 speakers did not show up.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
The following items are scheduled for public hearing at City Council on May 5, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
- Rezoning Z-52-25 – Blue Ridge Road (District E)
- Rezoning Z-01-26 – W Martin Street, Commerce Place, & W Davie Street (District C)
Rezoning Z-15-25: A portion of Randleigh Farm, at the intersection of Auburn Knightdale Road and Battle Bridge Road (District C)
- Public hearing scheduled for May 19
Rezoning Z-35-25 Ligon Mill Road, West side of Ligon Mill Road, North of Louisburg Road Intersection (District B upon annexation)
- Public hearing scheduled for May 19
Rezoning Z-39-25: 319 Heck St, located at the intersections of Oakwood Avenue, Idlewild Avenue, and Heck Street
- Public hearing scheduled for May 19
Rezoning Z-53-25: 5601 Six Forks Road, approximately 500 feet north of the intersection of Millbrook Road and Six Forks Road (District A)
- Public hearing scheduled for May 19
SPECIAL ITEMS
Rezoning Z-38-25: Trailwood Drive, south of the intersection of Trailwood Drive and Avent Ferry Road (District D upon annexation)
- Public hearing scheduled for May 5
FY2027 Human Service Agency Grant Recommendations
- A representative from the Human Relations Commission presented recommendations for FY2027 Human Service Agency grants totaling $1,457,350 to 35 of the 49 eligible applicants. He raised issues about the $546,000 granted to 7 organizations historically supported by Council but without appropriate historical information or transparency. He also raised the issue of increased meeting frequency without any opportunity to participate remotely.
- Staff will look at meeting logistics.
- Legacy funding will be discussed at Coundil’s mid-year retreat.
2026 Housing & Transportation Bonds – Resolution and Notice of Intent
- Council unanimously supported allocating $203M of debt affordability for a $101.5M Housing Bond and a $101.5M Transportation Bond. This will not result in a tax increase.
Boards and Commissions Bylaws
- Unanimously adopted bylaws for
- Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board
- Historic Resources and Museums Advisory Board
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY MANAGER
Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
- Council unanimously adopted the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
Rental Development Application Funding Recommendations
- Unanimously approved staff recommendations extending conditional gap financing commitments to five proposals, at a total amount of up to $ 9,893,845, for the development of 491 rental units.
- Brook Haven (60 units): $614,739
- Eagle Trace (90 units): $1,000,000
- Evoke Living at New Bern (73 units): $1,496,050
- Heritage Park 1A (112 units): $3,983,056
- The Willow (156 units): $2,800,000
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE PARKS, RECREATION, AND GREENWAY ADVISORY BOARD
Forestville Road Park Master Plan
- Council unanimously adopted the master plan for Forestville Road Park.
MATTERS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Public Nuisance Abatement – Property Liens
- Council unanimously confirmed liens against the following properties.
- 401 Alston Street (C)
- 405 Alston Street (C)
- 604 Donald Ross Drive (C)
- 2418 Kirk Avenue (D)
- 2711 Layden Street (D)
Petition Annexation AX-31-25– Contiguous Outside ETJ – 3621 and 3703 Page Road (District E)
- Council unanimously approved the annexation
Rezoning Z-36-25: Page Road, South-East Durham County Line/West Raleigh, at the intersection of Page Road and World Trade Blvd (District E Upon annexation)
- Council unanimously approved the annexation
Rezoning Z-37-25: Multiple addresses along Avent Ferry Road, Broadwell Drive, Sure Court, Steadfast Court, and Chappell Drive (District D)
- Council agreed to defer the hearing to the May 5 afternoon meeting to allow applicant to submit new conditions.
Rezoning Z-47-25 Crest Road, East side of Crest Road, 500 feet south of Varsity Drive Intersection (District D)
- Council unanimously approved the rezoning
Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-01-25: 4111 Macon Pond Road, approximately 800 feet east of the intersection of Edwards Mill Road and Macon Pond Road (District D)
- Council denied the request by a vote of 6 to 1 with Councilor Lambert-Melton voting against denial. (Mayor Pro Tem Harrison had earlier been excused as she had to leave the meeting early.)
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION COMMITTEE
- No Report & No Items Pending
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
- No Report & No Items Pending
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMUNITY SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE
- No Report & No Items Pending
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE
- No Report & No Items Pending
REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
- Councilor Jones will hold her book club meeting on May 9 at 9:30am at New World Cafe. Her District E Community Meeting will be May 13 from 6-8pm at La Cucina Italian restaurant.