In the ongoing discussion of the 30-story Tower proposed for West Street, a location in a designated Downtown Transition Area, those opposed to the proposal have pointed out that it violates 4 City Plans and 47 policies. In response, those who are supporting the proposal make the claim that West St is a prime core downtown location. Exactly the place where we need extreme height.
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. 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. See the analysis here: West Street Neighborhood Meeting
The map below shows Raleigh’s Central Business District in white. The blue highlighted areas are designated Downtown Transition Areas. The map is labeled with Z-54-22 the original zoning case from 2022. The new case has been submitted to the city and is now identified as case Z-12-25.
Raleigh’s Central Business District is made up of three categories.
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- EDGE – the outer edge of the district located within 150 ft of low-density residential
- GENERAL – areas transitioning from the EDGE to the CORE
- CORE/TRANSIT – within the core of a mixed use center of 30 acres or more. Think Fayetteville St & Hargett St
It is quite clear from the map the West St location is in a Downtown Transition Area and located in an EDGE or GENERAL area and NOT in the CORE of the Central Business Area.
Here is what the Comprehensive Plan has to say about Downtown Transition Areas and the boundaries between Downtown areas and established residential neighborhoods.
The transition policy calls out the Glenwood-Brooklyn neigborhood for protection from Central Business District heights.
The Comprehensive Plan LU-2 table shows us the maximum height for the West St location is 12 stories.
Livable Raleigh Editorial Team
The neighbors support the current zoning which allows for 12 stories.
12 stories IS DENSITY
12 stories provides needed housing
NOTE from Livable Raleigh – Mayor Cowell says she is keeping track of her email on the issue of the proposed 30-story tower at West St. If you are opposed to it and want to see Raleigh honor the Comprehensive Plan as Mayor Cowell said we should, then please email the Mayor and ALL the City Council to express your concerns. This email address will send your message to all council members: citycouncilmembers@raleighnc.gov or you can find complete contact information for each councilor and their social media accounts here: City Council Contacts
Do City Plans have a Use By Date?
West St Tower Violates Raleigh Downtown Plan
West St Tower Violates Equitable Transit Development
West St Tower Violates the Capital Blvd Corridor Study
West St Tower Proposal Violates the Comprehensive Plan
West St Tower Neighborhood Meeting – All Stand!
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