by T N | Jul 16, 2025 | Blog
Save the date for our Fall Fundraiser. If you rely on the kind of information you are only able to find through Livable Raleigh, we need your help to be able to continue to provide that valuable information to you. We are an all volunteer organization. But it takes money to maintain our mailing list, website and to pay for other services like professional polling that allow us to deliver the best free information available in Raleigh.
Thank You for your continued support.
by T N | Jul 14, 2025 | Blog
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.
by T N | Jul 13, 2025 | Blog
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.
by T N | Jul 10, 2025 | Blog
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!
by T N | Jul 9, 2025 | Blog
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.
by T N | Jul 8, 2025 | Blog
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.
