Raleigh Downtown Living Advocates

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Coming Soon: New Rules for Development in Raleigh

December 20, 2012 /

UDOLogoSix years ago, the City of Raleigh took on the challenging task of overhauling its aging development regulations. The current regulations were written over 50 years ago to support suburban growth. The new regulations are written to support more urban forms of development and create more objective standards for greater predictability and quicker approvals of development plans. Another important feature is the customization of many standards to better fit different types of development.

The first phase of the project involved a rewrite of the City’s comprehensive plan. This plan defines policies that create the framework for the new development regulations. The Raleigh City Council approved the 2030 Comprehensive Plan in the fall of 2009. Immediately after its adoption, work began on the new development regulations. These regulations are officially called the Unified Development Ordinance or UDO

After two years of work on a draft document, the City released it last February for public comment. The Raleigh Planning Commission spent six months reviewing the proposed regulations and presented its recommendations to the City Council in September. The City Council hopes to approve the UDO during the first quarter of 2013.

The City Council has struggled with several issues…

  • Accessory dwelling units: The introduction of the backyard cottage has received both good and bad reviews. More information is available here.
  • Residential building heights: The new rules will measure the 40 foot height limit for residential homes at the ridge rather than the midpoint of the roof.
  • Infrastructure: New rules are needed to ensure the City has adequate funding to build new and replace old infrastructure.
  • Frontloaded garages: The façades of homes in some subdivisions are dominated by garage doors. The intent is to create rules that improve the appearance and safety in residential neighborhoods.
  • Open space: As the city becomes denser, it’s important to ensure adequate open space is preserved. Open space is an important asset that adds to the character and livability of the City.

The new regulations will become effective approximately six months after the City Council approves them. However, the actual use of the new regulations will vary. In many of the existing residential areas of the city, the new regulations will be used immediately. In other areas, especially the commercial districts where the new urban rules will have the greatest impact, new regulations will be phased in over 12 to 18 months.

The Residences at Quorum Center: One of Raleigh’s premier condo properties

December 18, 2012 /

Everyone loves a good view. In real estate, I’ve found this is one of those things that makes someone fall in love immediately with a place. For this reason and knowing about many places in downtown Raleigh, I have to say the Residences at Quorum Center are one my absolute favorites!

My husband Manuel and I re-discovered this building in downtown Raleigh after I sold our home in 2011, looking to live downtown Raleigh and to experience city life. Boy, did we make the right choice! This building is unlike any other in downtown in terms of the upscale details and the amazing views. Built in 2006, The Residences is made up of 8 floors of condos on top of the 6 office floors called the Quorum Center. The builders really emphasized making this an upscale property in the Glenwood South area of downtown.

Even thought we were impressed with the building itself, it wasn’t until we walked into one of the condos and were able to admire the views that we completely fell in love. Floor to ceiling windows in some areas simply open up to most of Raleigh, with my favorite views being those facing South and East as you get to see the entire downtown Raleigh skyline and beyond.

Nowhere else have I been in where I can wake up to an amazing sunrise and then watch an unbelievable sunset like the picture above, all in one day in the same place. It’s truly a special place.

The Quorum Center has established itself as one of downtown Raleigh’s premier upscale properties. It’s the perfect location for those who are looking to feel like they’re living in paradise, yet are still in the heart of our beautiful city.

Finally, here’s a short video I put together of The Residences at Quorum Center. See exactly why I say these are the greatest views in Raleigh!

Why the West Won!

December 13, 2012 /

When my husband and I decided to buy a condo in downtown Raleigh, we wanted a building with concrete construction and double walls for noise control (drywall, insulation, air space, insulation, drywall) and a pool. During the summer of 2007, after shopping around and doing our homework, we were thoroughly impressed with The West.  The West has 8-inch concrete in the floor and ceiling with double walls between units and the heated pool is on the rooftop. There are no units overlooking the pool so you don’t have people watching you from above and you don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors when cranking the tunes and getting rowdy. So the pool is open 24/7!  The Community Room and the Fitness Center, also located on the rooftop, has free Wi/Fi (great for working poolside-lol!), tv, music, full kitchen, and a gas grill-great place to hang out and have social events.

The West has great floor plans-good design and utilization of space.  We love our corner unit with the master suite separate from the main living area, the private balcony, and the huge windows providing lots of light and fabulous views-it is the best kind of art!

The Glenwood Agency real estate agents were friendly, knowledgeable about the building and downtown, helpful, NOT pushy, highly respectable, and professional. They made buying the condo easy, fun, and exciting.

I asked my neighbors why they selected The West. Here is what they had to say:

• Prime location, close to Glenwood Avenue.
• Feeling of safety due to building security and doorman.
• Two parking spaces and covered parking.
• Younger/more fun crowd.
• Easy to get in/out for work.
• Basement storage.
• Best value for the money.
• Building’s quality.

The West is an urban, dynamic place to live and that is WHY THE WEST WON!

[Article Reposted from July 2009]


 

The “spine” of the Raleigh greenway nears completion, paving the way for extensions of existing greenways.

December 9, 2012 /

If you’re an avid greenway user like me, you’ve probably become accustomed to the abrupt endings of the eastern sections of the Crabtree Creek and Walnut Creek Trails.  Good news!  Our patience is soon to be rewarded. Just last week at their December 4th meeting, the Raleigh City Council approved construction contracts for new greenway projects that will complete an 18 mile continuous section of the Neuse River Trail, and allowing for connections to the Neuse River Trail from the Walnut Creek and Crabtree Creek Trails.

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The Neuse River Trail is considered by greenway planners to be the “spine” of the Capital Area Greenway system.  And having the “spine” in place makes the long awaited extensions of the existing greenways possible.  Eventually the Neuse River Trail will be 28 miles long when the final southern extension to the Johnston County Line is completed.  Click the image on the right to see an enlarged map showing how the main greenway trails will traverse the city of Raleigh less than 2 years from now.

Here is a look at the two sections (10 miles) of the Neuse River Trail, which were completed over the past year.

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The first 6.5 miles of the Neuse River Trail were completed last fall.

An important first step in this chain of events took place in November of last year , with the completion of the “Upper Neuse” section.  This 6.5 mile northernmost part of the Neuse River Trail extends from the Falls Lake Dam to the WRAL Soccer Field off Perry Creek Road.  The trail passes under Falls of Neuse Road, New Falls of Neuse Road and Capital Boulevard.

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Another 3.7 miles were completed this month.

Just this month (December 2012), the 4 mile “Hedingham” section of the Neuse River Trial was completed.  This trail section starts at the right of way for the future extension of Skycrest Drive, and crosses under New Bern Avenue and Interstate 64 before ending at Anderson Point Park.

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The remaining three sections are expected to be completed within the next two years, extending the Neuse River Trail for 18 miles.

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Next in line is the “Buffalo Road” section.

The next Neuse River Trail section going south is referred to by planners as the “Buffalo Road” section.  This 5.8 mile trail will begin in Horseshoe Farm Park and cross the river to the south side of the Neuse. The trail then drops south along the river, crossing under Interstate 540 and connecting with the existing greenway at Skycrest Drive (right of way).  Completion is scheduled for spring of 2013.

 

Click to enlarge

Also in the spring another 1.3 mile section will be completed.

Continuing south, another short 1.3 mile section will extend from Poole Road to Anderson Point Park.  There is a major bridge crossing Crabtree Creek, connecting to the existing trail in Anderson Point Park.  Completion is scheduled for Spring of 2013. 

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The “Riverbend” section closes the gap in the Spring 2014.

The 1.2 mile “Riverbend” section of the Neuse River Trail will extend from the existing Upper Neuse Trail at the WRAL soccer complex to the bridge east of Horseshoe Farm Park.  The greenway will enter the park from a pedestrian bridge on the west side of the park and exit the park on the east (downstream) side, with access to an extensive network of trails through the park.   Completion is scheduled for Spring of 2014.

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The Walnut Creek Trail will be connected in two phases.

The existing Lower Walnut Creek Trail is a 4.2 mile section that extends from the Walnut Creek Wetland Center to Rosedale Road.  The extension of the Walnut Creek Trail to the Neuse River Trail will be completed in two phases.  Completion is scheduled for December 2013.

Phase 1 is a 2.9 miles section, which extends the trail from Rose Lane through Worthdale Park, crossing under Interstate 440 and ending at New Hope Road. See Map.

Phase 2 is a 1.6 mile section which extends the trail again from New Hope Road to the Neuse River Trail just south of Poole Road.  See Map.

And the Crabtree Creek Trail connection is planned for a year later.

The Crabtree Creek Trail will be extended 4.1 miles from New Bern Ave to the Neuse River Trail at Anderson Point Park. The extension will connect the existing trail at Milburnie Road, joining the Neuse River Trail at Anderson Point Park.  The completed Crabtree Creek Trail will extend across the city, connecting several areas and facilities including Shelley Lake, Sertoma Park, Lassiter Mill, and Kiwanis Park. Completion is scheduled for Spring of 2014.  See Map.

I’m grateful for the City Council’s stewardship of this precious resource that makes such a difference to Raleigh residents.  For those who enjoy walking, jogging or biking through trails without having to contend with vehicle traffic, these new greenways add immensely to the quality of life.  My wife and I met a couple on a trail a few weeks ago who told us that they bought their house, having seen it from the greenway.  They imagined what it would be like to be able to go out the door any time to walk their dogs and be in the woods.  Now they claim, they’re living the life of their dreams!

Be sure to check back on this blog periodically for updates on these future greenway connections.

Problems Parking Downtown?

December 4, 2012 /

Not if you know where to park!!!

It’s tough to find an on-street parking spot these days.  Don’t waste your time searching and head to one of many downtown parking lots or garages.

Use this link for a map of the downtown parking locations.

http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/get-around/parking

Many of the parking garages near Moore’s Square are free after 5pm and on weekends. The other downtown lots and garages charge a minimal fee ranging from $3 to $5.

Make sure to look at the parking signs on the streets. Some have time limits.

Did you know that it could cost you over $100 if your car is towed in downtown and they only take cash!! Scam…probably but what can you do about it? I had my car towed 3 blocks and it was $90 to free it. I had to find the towing company, walk back to find a cash machine and then walk back to the towing company.

Don’t forget to check out the real time R-Line route, as it may be easier to find a parking near one of the stops at the edge of downtown and take the bus to your final destination.  Many visitors tell me they find spots in the west end of downtown and then ride the bus into the Fayetteville Street District or Moore Square.

[Article reposted from May 2009]

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