This rezoning would set a dangerous precedent that would affect ALL neighborhoods. It violates height guidance, 4 plans, 47 policies, and 2 tables. There is not one single city policy or plan that supports more than 12 stories at this location.
Flawed development regulations in Frequent Transit Areas
When a developer desires to build a high-density development inside an FTA (Frequent Transit Area), no rezoning for higher density is required – the City has already done the upzoning by fiat, no rezoning request required.
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This rezoning would set a dangerous precedent that would affect ALL neighborhoods. The developer wants to build 30 stories in a Transition Area, 240 feet from homes in a historic neighborhood. Anything greater than 12 stories would violate height guidance, 4 plans, 47 policies, and 2 tables. There is not one single city policy or plan that supports more than 12 stories at this location.
Urge Raleigh City Council to “Stick to the Plan”
PACK THE ROOM! Developer Hosted Neighborhood Meeting. April 23 6pm McKimmon Center. If height and density of this magnitude can be forced here, without support, where guidance clearly stipulates a maximum of 12 stories and where the site is in a Transition Area, then BEWARE! It can happen anywhere. All neighborhoods in and around Raleigh are at imminent risk.
High Density development Intentionally Eliminates Engagement with Neighbors
If a high-density development is proposed within one half mile of a Bus Rapid Transit route, i.e., within a Frequent Transit Area, the entire process of informing and engaging the affected neighbors vanishes. With High Density Development in a Frequent Transit Area neighbors are not informed of a development that will have a much greater impact on their neighborhood.
City Council: We Have A Problem
If a 30 story tower is approved at this location in a designated Downtown Transition Area, then ALL the other neighborhoods noted here and currently protected by Downtown Transition Areas are at risk. This is a dangerous precedent to set.
Developer proposes a Major, Visual Shock
A proposed Lorimer Spring development of 60 apartments for senior citizens is advancing with no official notification to nor input from neighborhood residents. It has inadequate parking and no real access to transit within safe walking distance. Especially for seniors.
The Attack on Single-Family Zoning
I have experience valuing homes that are next to duplexes, fourplexes and apartment buildings; I see what’s happening in these neighborhoods. Once zoning is changed from single-family to multi-family, developers move in and start competing against families for older homes. Unfortunately, the builder always wins because they have more money and are willing to pay cash. Homes, perfect for a starter family or in need of being rehabbed will be purchased by a developer who will tear the house down to make way for a new multi-unit building on a small 5,000-square-foot site. (It’s called the highest and best use of the land). The moment construction starts, the value of a nice condition single-family home next door goes down; the appraisal term is called external obsolescence. Welcome to capitalism in America.
I am not anti-development. And neither is Livable Raleigh
INDY Week, please stop referring to me as anti-development. You refer to me as “Livable Raleigh co-founder Stef Mendell, who ran on an anti-development platform.” This has got to stop. I am not and have never been anti-development. And neither is Livable Raleigh. Let’s try to work together and find reasonable ways to accommodate appropriate development. Labeling individuals or groups as anti-development only furthers polarization.
Fix This NOW!
Homeowners being sued by a builder in Woodcrest. This lawsuit is made possible by the City Council which allows major developments without neighborhood input or process and rezoned the missing middle without providing protections in established neighborhoods.