North Hills rezoning approval sparks mixed reactions over taller buildings

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Jane Ferrell has lived in her North Hills home since 1961. She has seen many changes over the years, but the latest development proposal is where she draws the line.

Kane Realty plans to build four towers right across from her home near Six Forks Road and Lassister Mill Road where a gas station, surface parking lot and bank currently sit.

"Enough is enough," Ferrell told ABC11. "I am appalled...I think it would destroy the aesthetics of the neighborhood."

Raleigh City Council cleared the way for the developers to move forward with their plans and approved their rezoning request, which allows them to build taller buildings in parts of North Hills. Their plan calls for towers 37 stories high.

Larry Helfant is another Raleigh resident who is disappointed with the council's decision.

"They create an area plan. They don't listen," he said. "They create a comprehensive plan...They create their own rules based on whatever they think they want to do."

It's been a contentious battle between neighborhood groups who oppose the plan and the developer. One of the concerns brought up by Helfant, who chairs the Midtown Citizens Advisory Council, is the lack of sunlight which he said will be blocked by the proposed towers.

Helfant said, "It's just wrong. And those neighborhoods will suffer for years because they've lost their sunlight. A 37-story building will cast a shadow covering a full neighborhood on the other side of the road."

He also added Six Forks can't handle the volume of traffic the project will bring.

RELATED: People that live in North Hills weigh in on developer's plans

"If they're going to keep approving development without infrastructure," Helfant said, "without spending any money for the last 20 years, on the roads around North Hills, it's not going to get better."

Kane Realty presented an amended proposal offering a $500,000 contribution to the city for a new fire station and a $1 million contribution to the city's affordable housing fund.

"That's a lot of housing that needs to be built in towers, in single-family, and missing middle so everyone in town benefits," said Raleigh resident Jenn Truman.

She supports the developer's plan to build towers in North Hills. She said it's a plan that ultimately benefits the entire city.

"We really have to think about the future and all the people that we want to welcome into our city," Truman said. "And we need more housing to do that. Especially the affordable housing."

Kane Realty released a statement shortly after the city council approved its rezoning request:

"This rezoning is about building better over the next decade. It will allow for more functional, thoughtful design, within current density limits, to create public spaces that enhance walkability, accessibility, and everyday use for residents, visitors, and businesses alike"