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 Transit Designation.

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

3. Transit Designation: The Claim Doesn’t Hold Up

RDC’s next 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). As they stated: “With respect to the transit station area … These are areas within a quarter mile of a transit station … and … recommended heights are up to 40 stories or more.” While this might have once been technically accurate, it no longer reflects current conditions. While it is true that per 2030CP MAP LU-5: Transit Station Areas the site would qualify as designated Transit, “… within a quarter mile of a fixed-guideway transit stop; or fronting along a corridor programmed for high-capacity, frequent bus transit), the map is outdated.

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. Additionally, there are no published updated potential station locations or maps. This updated information has been confirmed multiple times by city staff, in meetings and emails including the latest emails on April 23, 2025 and June 25, 2025 (Analysis: Height Table LU-2). 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. This means the site should be evaluated under the “General” category of Table LU-2, which recommends a maximum height of 12 stories, a number that aligns with every other applicable policy and adopted plan for this location. RDC’s claim that the site qualifies for Transit-based height guidance under Table LU-2 is inaccurate when measured against the most current information available.

It is important to note, even if the site were designated Transit, there are plans, many policies and guidance in the Equitable Transit-oriented Development Guidebook (EDAT) that would still limit height to 12 stories. (2030CP Analysis,   ETOD, CBCS, DP Plans Analysis).

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:

Stop Z-12-25 West St Tower – Sign the Petition

Height Without Transition Risks Raleigh’s Future

The Impact of Cherry-Picking Policy  – Part One

The Impact of Cherry-Picking Policy  – Part Two

The Impact of Cherry-Picking Policy  – Part Three

The Impact of Cherry-Picking Policy  – Part Four

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!

Want to know more about these signs?

Urge Raleigh to Stick to the Plan

City Council We Have a Problem

If you appreciate the kind of reporting we bring to you

Please donate $10 or $20,
or whatever you can
to Livable Raleigh.

Thanks for supporting
your local watchdog!