The approval of Z-12-25 was a huge disappointment to many of the residents in Raleigh’s neighborhoods. What is most disappointing is that there was a workable compromise that would have respected all parties.
Putting your thumb on the scale is WRONG!
The developer was claiming the site is in a Transit Station Area based on an outdated map, a false claim. Now, City Staff has joined with the applicant in making false claims. The Planning Commission did nothing to question this. City Council, it is left up to you to seek out the truth.
Height Without Transition Risks Raleigh’s Future
Height transitions are essential urban planning tools that ensure livability, preserve sunlight, reduce heat, and maintain a walkable, human-scale city. Raleigh can and should grow—but it must stick to the plans that made it great. Ignoring these risks Raleigh’s future. Raleigh Neighbors United supports more housing and greater density, but it must be guided by long-term plans and include transitions, and urban design that will help Raleigh thrive. One-off rezonings like Z-12-25 undermine long range plans, affordability goals and set a harmful precedent for development citywide.
The Impacts of Cherry-Picking Policy – Part Four
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.
Stop Z-12-25 : West St Tower – Sign the Petition
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!
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.
2nd neighborhood meeting
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.
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
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
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