News Summary

The Raleigh City Council has approved a rezoning request for a mixed-use development at Peace and West streets, garnering a 6-2 vote. The project aims to improve safety and stimulate local businesses with increased foot traffic, while also addressing affordable housing needs. However, community opposition raised concerns about potential impacts on traffic, historic neighborhoods, and the building’s height. The approved plan allows for a structure up to 27 stories, with provisions aimed at promoting economic growth and urban densification.

Raleigh Approves Rezoning for Downtown Mixed-Use Development Near Smoky Hollow

Majority Vote Ends Debate Over Proposed Project

The Raleigh City Council has approved a rezoning request for a new downtown mixed-use development located at Peace and West streets. The decision was made with a 6-2 vote, marking a significant step forward for developers and city planners alike.

Crowd and Public Comment Dynamics

The council meeting drew a large crowd with attendees divided into supporters and opponents of the project. Those in favor wore green, while opponents wore red to visibly distinguish their stances. To ensure fair participation, public comments were extended from eight to twelve minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers from both sides.

Arguments Supporting the Development

Supporters, including architect Will Choi, emphasized that the project would likely reduce crime and foster more street activity. They argued that the development’s location near a grocery store and along a future transit corridor would naturally increase foot traffic, supporting local businesses and contributing to the city’s economic growth. Additionally, proponents asserted that the increased density aligns with Raleigh’s comprehensive plan and would bolster the city’s tax base.

The project proposes a significant increase in potential retail space and includes a dedicated outdoor amenity area. The development plan also allocates $1.2 million for affordable housing initiatives, addressing concerns about housing affordability in the city.

Community Opposition and Main Concerns

Opponents, led by the grassroots organization Raleigh Neighbors United, voiced several concerns. Roy Attride, representing the group, presented a model illustrating how the building’s height—which allows up to 27 stories—could negatively impact neighboring homes by casting shadows and creating undesirable glaring light. Many residents also raised issues about the obstruction of vistas from historic homes in the area.

Further worries included the lack of affordable housing within the project and fears that approving this development might set an unfavorable precedent for future projects. Additionally, some community members raised concerns about increased traffic and the impacts on historic neighborhoods, citing previous neighborhood meetings where such issues were discussed.

Context and Planning Considerations

The site originally had a maximum height of 12 stories, but developers initially requested up to 30 stories. The approved plan permits a height of up to 27 stories. The proposal also includes considerations around transportation, with some council members questioning whether the location qualifies as a frequent transit area.

City staff noted that the rezoning aligns with Raleigh’s comprehensive plan, supporting urban growth and densification in designated areas. Despite this, some council members pointed out opposition from the neighborhood during prior meetings, highlighting concerns over increased traffic and the impact on historic homes.

Background on Similar Developments and Decision History

This approval follows a previous proposal for a similar development in May 2023, which was denied primarily due to the lack of affordable housing provisions. The current project incorporates a dedicated budget for affordable housing, which likely contributed to its approval. Public engagement around such projects remains high, reflecting the community’s interest in shaping downtown growth.

Implications of the Rezoning Approval

The approved rezoning will allow the construction of a high-rise development that combines residential, retail, and amenity spaces. While intended to foster downtown vitality, the development remains a contentious topic among residents and officials, balancing urban growth with neighborhood preservation concerns.

Summary

The Raleigh City Council has approved the 6-2 rezoning for a mixed-use project near Smoky Hollow, permitting a building up to 27 stories tall. The decision was marked by intense public debate, with supporters emphasizing economic and safety benefits and opponents raising concerns about community impact, shadows, and affordability. The project includes provisions for affordable housing and aims to support downtown development, reflecting ongoing urban planning priorities in Raleigh.

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Additional Resources

• ABC11: Raleigh City Council Approves Rezoning Request
• WRAL: West at Peace Tower Meeting
• News Observer: Raleigh Rezoning Article
• CBS17: Mixed Emotions Over Proposed Rezoning
• Wikipedia: Raleigh, North Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Raleigh

Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER

RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.