Reaction mixed to Raleigh plan to rezone almost one-third of the city
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- There were fireworks in downtown Raleigh Tuesday night as rezoning was on the table for Raleigh's City Council.
The plan on the table would basically change the layout of about 30 percent of the city and grow commercial use in some areas, which would affect area neighborhoods.
While city leaders consider a plan that would accommodate for growth citywide, people filled the entire council chambers as well as the overflow area to share their concerns. Police officers were even stationed for crowd control.
"We hope everybody who is going to be affected by this in a negative way will come and talk," said Raleigh resident Don Beckom.
The plan to rezone about 30 percent of the city is reflected in the map above. This plan has been in the works for years and is now in its final stages.
Click here to see the full plan.
People in the room worried about how growing business areas will affect their property values, congestion, traffic issues, and a neighborhood's overall charm.
Beckom lives in historic Oakwood and was one of many who addressed city council members Tuesday night.
"We really feel a lot of the new rezoning is great. It will actually allow for some protection, but we need to take care and protect those areas that are treasures for the city," said Beckom.
Council members did not take a vote Tuesday night. According to the plan outline, a timeline of when they'll make a decision is open-ended.
