Raleigh rezoning approval for 30-story building draws mixed reactions from community

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A rezoning proposal, which could open the door to a 30-story building, has residents frustrated, and some local businesses open to redevelopment.

Last week, the city's planning commission approved a rezoning request by the project's developers, the Raleigh Development Company.

Developers want the city to rezone the area between Peace and West streets to allow for an up to 30-story building, instead of the current 12-story limit.

Raleigh Development Company Vice President Chris Carter says the project would bring much-needed housing downtown.

"This is a place that provides unparalleled walkability and accessibility, which are both things the downtown really needs to meet sustainable goals," he said. "It's really a phenomenal economic opportunity for the city."

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The redevelopment would bring roughly 1,000 residents to the property and new businesses to a growing section of the city.

"We're asking for the height that we are asking for in order to have a viable project that will work and that will enhance the park that will bring much-needed housing to downtown Raleigh," said Carter.

The Endless Grind skate shop opened its doors almost 40 years ago on Peace Street and has been there ever since.

If approved, the project could force the shop to move.

ABC11 spoke with the shop's owner, Reggie Barnes, who said he's fine with the redevelopment.

"(The developers) have been nothing but good to us since day 1. There are no surprises here because we've known from the beginning they would redevelop this area. And on top of that, they want to help us relocate, whether at their location or at another location," he said.

Several neighbors, who would live in the shadow of the proposed new building, say 30 stories is excessive.

"This juxtaposition of huge building and neighborhoods right beside it just doesn't really make sense," said Raleigh homeowner Robert Gardner.

Vance Brantley moved into a historic home off of Glenwood Avenue about five years ago. He says a project of this proposed size is meant for the heart of downtown and worries about the effects it could have on him and his neighbors.

"That makes sense downtown, but it doesn't make sense next to a residential, historic neighborhood," he said. "We don't have enough parking as it is. So if you add more people, they're going to clog it up."

Mary England and her husband have lived in their home for almost 40 years.

She is not against the growth, but says she wants her and her neighbors' concerns to be addressed.

"Consider the environment and the neighborhood," she said. "We're not against change, we're not against building. It just should be reasonable."

Carter said they have met and worked with nearby residents for years throughout the project's development.

"We're really committed to addressing neighborhood concerns as longtime members of the neighborhood," he said.

The developers will also commit $1.2 million to the city's affordable housing fund.

The city council is expected to hear the rezoning proposal in October.