The Northeast Citizens Advisory Council last week heard presentations on three rezoning cases, including one for a potential car dealership on Louisburg Road and an apartment complex on Buffaloe Road.
The car dealership, case Z-4-15, would rezone a piece of land at 5618 Lousiburg Road to allow for a car dealership. Developers Alexander Liems and Ricardo Roque noted that the case had previously passed the neighborhood meeting.
Wake County
The site in question
That meeting, held January 22, 2015, was attended by one neighbor, Dory Najm. Najm owns three of the surrounding four properties. He voted in favor of the rezoning because he wanted to lease the space for a car dealership. Najm also expressed interest in rezoning one of the adjacent properties he owns.
Despite January’s unanimous vote, the situation at the May 14 CAC meeting was a little different. A number of citizens expressed concern that the property would be abandoned, or that Louisburg would turn into Capital Boulevard with its string of car dealerships.
“If we allow one, then there will be another, and another, and another,” said local resident Paul Brant.
The car dealership would be located at the spot indicated by the blue bubble. The Triangle Town Center Mall is north west of the site.
The CAC voted 8-5 against the rezoning proposal.
Residential Redevelopment
The two other cases heard by the CAC May 14 both dealt with proposed residential redevelopment. Votes were not taken on either case, and it was the first time each case appeared before the CAC.
Jewel Foster, the owner of a plot of land at 5305 Kyle Drive, proposed subdividing the parcel to allow for two homes.
Jerry Beckman and Michael Bench proposed rezoning properties located at 3612 Buffaloe Road and 3601 Durwood Lane so they would be able to redevelop the space into an apartment and townhome community.
Bing Maps
The site, indicated by the blue bubble, could be the site of a new apartment and town home community.
The developers noted that the property will retain and existing pond, and 35% of the open space.
Other Business
Rezoning wasn’t the only topic of discussion at last week’s Northeast CAC meeting, as attendees also received an update on the greenways system. Now that the parks bond has passed, the city is working to repave trails and repair existing structures.
Heather O’Brien from the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department noted that improvements would also be occurring along the Walnut Creek and Crabtree Creek trails.
O’Brien also spoke of a desire to continually engage the Northeast CAC in the city’s future greenway planning efforts.
Raleigh Public Record
A portion of the Walnut Creek greenway.
Reporting on this article was provided by K. Matthew Teti
