A Raleigh resident for 34 years and a proud homeowner in the historic Glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood for 24, Roy Attride has been a dedicated neighborhood leader for many years. With a 22-year career in engineering including more than 7 years as a business leader before transitioning into the nonprofit sector in 2021, Roy Attride brings a balanced, solutions-driven perspective to community advocacy.

Passionate about fostering a successful, vibrant, and growing Raleigh, Roy advocates for thoughtful development that engages neighborhoods, supports smart transit and housing solutions, and ensures growth benefits all of Raleigh—not just a select few. Through Livable Raleigh, Roy shares insights, ideas, and advocacy for a Raleigh that thrives through collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable progress.   

We are reprinting this article from Raleigh Neighbors United. It is an analysis of the 2nd Neighborhood Meeting for case Z-12-25, the proposed 30-story West St Tower :

June 25th Developer Meeting Summary, Impacts of Cherry-Picking Policy

Roy Attride (Raleigh Neighbors United)

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. Below, we break down the developer’s case and the broader policy framework that shows why this rezoning is inconsistent with Raleigh’s vision.

Mr. Attride identifies four areas where the applicant, RDC, uses cherry-picked data to justify the assertion that the proposed rezoning case should be approved. We will address each of the four in separate blogs. In this blog we tackle the FLUM and Central Business District. 

    • FLUM and the Central Business District: Misleading Without Context
    • Urban Form Map Designation: Misapplied in the Height Argument (see previous blog)
    • Transit Designation: The Claim Doesn’t Hold Up (see previous blog)
    • Transitions (coming soon)

1. FLUM and the Central Business District: Misleading Without Context

RDC’s first major claim is that heights up to 40 stories are justified because “the site is in the Central Business District.” 2030CP has this definition for CBD (Central Business District) “Heights in the downtown could reach as high as 40 stories in the core but would taper down to meet the adjacent neighborhoods at a height of three to four stories.” It’s true that the Future Land Use Map LU-3 (FLUM) designates this site as part of the Central Business District but that’s only part of the story.

First the FLUM is intended to be used as broad, high-level guidance, not a zoning map. As stated clearly in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2030CP): “Raleigh’s Future Land Use Map (Map LU-3) … provides a generalized guide for development and conservation decisions.” (Section 3, Land Use) And more importantly: “The Future Land Use Map shall be used in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan policies to evaluate zoning consistency.” (Policy LU 1.2) There are over 21 other policies, including Table LU-2, that must be applied in tandem with the FLUM (2030CP Analysis). These provide detailed guidance on building heights and appropriate transitions particularly where high-intensity areas border established neighborhoods. In this case, Table LU-2 and

related policies recommend a maximum of 12 stories for this location.

Even the Evaluating Zoning Proposals text box within the 2030CP is explicit: “The designation of a particular land use category does not mean that the most intense zoning district is automatically recommended. A range of densities and intensities applies within each category.” And further: “The future land use categories should not be interpreted to support nor preclude developments without consideration of the policies and intent of the Comprehensive Plan.” In Section 3.5 on Land Use Compatibility, the 2030CP adds that the FLUM is not to be utilized on its own: “These policies and actions are meant to supplement the Future Land Use Map to ensure that future land uses do not negatively affect existing land uses, and that appropriate transitions are provided between land uses of differing intensity.” The following policies in this section provide more detailed guidance regarding height and transition guidance to the FLUM categories: LU 5.1 (Reinforcing the Urban Pattern), LU 5.4 (Density Transitions), LU 5.6 (Buffering Requirements) and the Transitions Defined text box. (2030CP Analysis)

In short: Yes, the FLUM places the site in the Central Business District but that alone does not justify extreme height. The full policy context, including Table LU-2, mandates transitions and clearly caps the appropriate height here at 12 stories.

You can read more about how the Central Business District is divided into three distinct categories, Edge, General and Core/Transit, each with its own height maximums here: Is West St in the Core of Downtown?

This case is about more than just one site, it’s about the future of Raleigh’s neighborhoods and the integrity of our planning process. The developer’s proposal clearly violates adopted plans and policies, relying on selective
interpretations and outdated maps to justify extreme heights in a location where they do not belong. Approving Z-12-25 would set a citywide precedent that threatens neighborhoods across Raleigh, historic or not. We urge residents to stay informed, speak out, and contact City Council because Raleigh’s long-term vision and values are worth defending.

Read Raleigh Neighbors United full report here: June 25th Developer Meeting Summary, Impacts of Cherry-Picking Policy

Roy Attride, Raleigh Neighbors United

The neighbors support the current zoning which allows for 12 stories.

12 stories IS DENSITY

12 stories provides needed housing

Read more about the West St proposal here: Raleigh Neighbors United 

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

More on this proposal:

The Impact of Cherry-Picking Policy  – Part One

The Impact of Cherry-Picking Policy  – Part Two

The Impact of Cherry-Picking Policy  – Part Three

Is West St in the Core of Downtown?

Do City Plans have a Use By Date?

Councilor Silver Must Recuse!

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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Urge Raleigh to Stick to the Plan

City Council We Have a Problem

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