RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Last week, Raleigh’s Planning Commission approved a controversial rezoning required for the West at Peace development — a proposed, 30-story mixed-use project near Smoky Hollow — to move forward. On Monday night, residents near that site, as well as city officials and the developer, all met for a joint development meeting at the Halifax Community Center.
The meeting was a standing-room-only event, with dozens in attendance, including Mayor Janet Cowell and councilor Jane Harrison, who represents the district where the project could be built. Those in attendance could share their thoughts on the rezoning and possible project and ask questions to either the city’s planner or developer. Roy Attride, who helped start Raleigh Neighbors United and has coordinated opposition to the plans, was also a speaker.
I think there needs to be way more concern about affordable housing because people who can’t afford to live in the Raleigh area, in the downtown area, are being forced out.
“This is just a bad deal all around. There are only two buildings in the entirety of downtown Raleigh that are this tall,” said Raleigh homeowner Matthew Brown.
Those in attendance shared concerns such as the possible development’s effect on downtown affordability and whether the developer’s $1.2 million commitment to the city’s affordable housing fund as part of their plan was adequate.
“I think there needs to be way more concern about affordable housing because people who can’t afford to live in the Raleigh area, in the downtown area, are being forced out,” another homeowner said.
There were also concerns raised about the project’s possible effect on the nearby Conlon Family Skate Park, and the relocation of longtime skate shop Endless Grind, which sits on the land that’s set to be redeveloped.
“I grew up there; that place saved my life,” said Justin Dunston about Endless Grind. “There’s other people who are just like me who will need that. That place is a safe haven for youth, and we need that place.”
City Planner Matthew Klem, Attride, and lawyer Jason Barron — whose firm, Morningstar Law Group, represents Raleigh Development Company — all presented to the large crowd and took questions. Barron said the project matches the city’s vision for how Raleigh needs to densify and grow up.
“From a big picture planning perspective, these are the places where you want to put people. It’s where you want to put your future residents,” he said.
City officials and the developer declined to comment after the meeting. The rezoning could come before the Raleigh City Council in the coming weeks.
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