Donna Bailey has lived in Raleigh for over 25 years and has been a neighborhood advocate for much of that time. She served as President of the University Park Neighborhood Association and has also been Chair of the Hillsborough-Wade Citizens Advisory Council (CAC). Donna has been very active in educating the public on what is going on within the city and making sure that resident’s voices are heard. Donna is a former member of the city’s Community Engagement Board.
Donna spoke to City Council on May 13, 2025:
Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight.
I want to talk about trust and transparency regarding the Comp Plan and UDO.
Back when the new Comp Plan and UDO were being developed, the city spent a lot of time and money creating a great plan for the city. The planning commission did a great job of thinking ahead and trying to accommodate the special city that Raleigh is.
Steve Schuster* said that historic properties give character and that is what makes Raleigh a local and national treasure. It gives us balance to all the new growth that is here and more coming. He said building too high next to historic neighborhoods will threaten their existence. Building 30 stories, or even 20 stories next to historic neighborhoods will devalue them for no good reason. Sensitivity to downtown “edge” neighborhoods must be seriously considered before any decisions are made.
Rodney Swink* said “Context Matters” with height.
The proposed 30 story building at Peace and West makes no sense. This property was ALREADY rezoned from 5 to 12 stories. 12 stories IS the RECOMMENDED height in the Downtown Transition Area, which this parcel is part of. That is not outdated since it was just added last year for more clarification. Some of you may not like the restrictions, but just like you don’t like some laws, doesn’t mean you should break them.
The 2030 Comp Plan was planning for a population of 600,000 when it was envisioned. We are not close to that. Mitchell Silver was hired to see the Comp Plan and UDO completed. Mitchell said that this would streamline development and get rid of “spot” zoning. Councilor Silver, how many times did you say, “just follow the plan”?
This project is a worse case scenario for spot zoning. Raleigh does not need more “luxury” housing. So this project will do nothing for the biggest need. In fact, their offer of $1.2 million for affordable housing is a joke. It will not be offered until the 500th unit is sold. What happens if they only build 499 units? And again, they are offering just $40,000 per unit, built SOMEWHERE else.
The public and residents deserve transparency in the decision-making process and need to be included in any changes. This proposed project will only serve the owners and a few hundred luxury apartment dwellers.
NOTHING HAS CHANGED FROM THE PREVIOUS APPLICATION THAT WAS ALREAD DENIED.
I would say that MORE clarity was given when this parcel was added to the transition zone.
You have a DUTY to consider the impacts of what a project like this will do to the Peace St corridor and not only the Glenwood/Brooklyn neighborhood, but ALL downtown edge neighborhoods.
Please uphold the trust of all the residents of Raleigh and vote to deny the requested 30 story zoning.
* Steve Schuster and Rodney Swink are both former Chairs of the Planning Commission
The neighbors support the current zoning which allows for 12 stories.
12 stories IS DENSITY
12 stories provides needed housing
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
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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