Who is impacted?
If Z-12-25 is approved, it sets a precedent that 30 stories can be built adjacent to any neighborhood in Raleigh. Residents of the Historic Glenwood-Brooklyn Neighborhood and surrounding communities will face the direct impact of a 30-story tower just 240 feet from their homes. Families, longtime homeowners, renters, and small businesses will suffer from overwhelming scale, increased traffic, reduced sunlight, glare, noise and the loss of neighborhood character and value. This proposal places a high-intensity urban core at the edge of a low-density residential area ignoring established plans and many policies designed to help Raleigh grow sustainably and equitably. These 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.
What is at stake?
If Z-12-25 is allowed to move forward, it will not only set a damaging precedent for development next to historic and residential areas, it will rewrite how Raleigh interprets its plans and policies. If Z-12-25 is allowed to move forward, it won’t just affect one neighborhood, it will reshape how Raleigh interprets its plans and policies citywide. A vote in favor will signal that the city’s plans can be ignored whenever developers push hard enough. Every neighborhood in Raleigh, historic or not, could face similar high-rise encroachment with little warning or recourse. The integrity of Raleigh’s long-term planning, its commitment to walkability, livability, housing diversity and a diverse urban fabric are all on the line.
Raleigh absolutely needs more housing and more affordable options, but that requires thoughtful, long-term planning. We need to build a true diversity of housing types and price points, protect naturally occurring affordable housing, address the role of institutional ownership, and focus on building what has already been rezoned. Simply approving more rezonings, especially ones that cut across all adopted plans and policies will not solve affordability. It will only undermine the foundation Raleigh has built for smart, equitable growth.
Why is now the time to act?
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 NOW!
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
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?
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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