The Impacts of Cherry-Picking Policy – Part Three

The Impacts of Cherry-Picking Policy – Part Three

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.

The Impacts of Cherry-Picking Policy – Part Two

The Impacts of Cherry-Picking Policy – Part Two

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

The Impacts of Cherry-Picking Policy

The Impacts of Cherry-Picking Policy

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.

West Street Tower – Z-12-25 – PACK the ROOM

West Street Tower – Z-12-25 – PACK the ROOM

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

Is West St in the Core of Downtown?

Is West St in the Core of Downtown?

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.

Why rezoning and building more alone will not fix affordability

Why rezoning and building more alone will not fix affordability

Rezoning and adding more housing alone will not solve Raleigh’s affordability challenges. To make meaningful progress rapidly, we need a comprehensive strategy that includes building a diversity of unit types and price points, expanding Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH), balancing individual ownership and institutional investment, and incentivizing developers to ensure rezoned projects get built.

West St Tower Violates Raleigh Downtown Plan

West St Tower Violates Raleigh Downtown Plan

The Downtown Plan specifically notes the recommendation that the North End of downtown would have less large-scale development in contrast to the large-scale redevelopment contemplated on the South End of downtown, the vision for the North End fills the gaps between existing assets to create a complete neighborhood. Furthermore, the plan shows appropriate residential development for the West Street site at 7 and 8 stories.

West St Tower Violates Equitable Transit Development

West St Tower Violates Equitable Transit Development

Key Strategies of Equitable Transit Oriented Development allow for relatively higher densities in mixed-use areas near BRT stations. The density and building height of new developments should respect the existing neighborhood contexts. Transition building height and bulk downward from the station to connect with adjacent, lower density districts and neighborhoods.

West St Tower violates Capital Blvd Corridor Study

West St Tower violates Capital Blvd Corridor Study

The Capital Boulevard Corridor Study (CBCS) is an area plan companion to the Comprehensive Plan. The CBCS specifies the Historic Glenwood/Brooklyn Neighborhood (HGBN) and recommends heights in the study area ranging from three stories at the neighborhood edge, up to twelve stories in areas well separated from neighborhoods. Councilor Silver campaigned on keeping development consistent with our Plans.

West St Tower Proposal Violates the Comprehensive Plan

West St Tower Proposal Violates the Comprehensive Plan

The tower proposal violates 4 city plans, 47 city policies and 2 city tables. One ex. is Policy LU 8.3 Conserving, Enhancing, and Revitalizing Neighborhoods: Recognize the importance of balancing the need to increase the housing supply and expand neighborhood commerce with the parallel need to protect neighborhood character, preserve historic resources, and restore the environment.