NECAC MINUTES
April 11, 2013
A meeting of the Northeast Citizens Advisory Council (NECAC) was held on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Marsh Creek Community Center, 3050 New Hope Road, Raleigh. In the absence of the First Vice Chair Christopher Allen, Second Vice Chair Paul Brant presided. The meeting was called to order at 7:15pm.
Parks and Recreation Report: Jud Dunlevy reported that the baseball season was underway; basketball registration is open; skateboard activities are planned to begin this summer; active adult program being developed and suggestions still welcome; dance and fitness class currently available; line dancing being considered; soccer program is being developed. Volunteers are being sought to monitor the Raleigh Greenway system. Placing location markers along the trail is currently being worked on.
Police Report: No police report.
Community Services Report: Kevin Smith reported that all funds available for neighborhood projects for this year have been expended; however, applications for the next fiscal year, beginning in July, are being accepted.
Minutes: Secretary Erika Rosenberger noted two corrections to the minutes as published. Both are under Neighborhood Reports. One is the correct spelling of Michi Vojta’s name and the other is the correct zoning application number, which is Z-4-13. With those corrections, the minutes were approved.
Neighborhood Reports: Michi Vojta reported that neighbors and area residents who opposed Z-4-13, development of the six-acre property on the corner of New Hope and Buffaloe Roads, had attended city planning meetings, have registered additional names on petitions, have posted a large “NO” sign on the property and generally sought support for their opposition to the construction of a 24/7-hour gas station on the property.
WRAL and FOX television news had covered the issue including interviews with adjoining home/property owners. The Raleigh News & Observer published two articles regarding the case, clearly citing community opposition to the proposed development.
Vojta encouraged residents to keep up the pressure by attending and speaking at city planning meetings, signing and/or getting others to sign petitions (goal is 500 signatures), call or write e-mails to members of the Raleigh City Council and Planning Commission, and in whatever means to persuade planners to reject Z-4-13.
It was recognized that the property had been zoned as Neighborhood Business in the Future Land Use map and there was little chance that could be changed. Therefore, suggestions of alternate and more neighborhood-friendly businesses should be offered as the preferred use of the property – and examples of such businesses offered.
Nominations for NECAC office: The office of Chairperson of the NECAC is vacant. Nominated for the Chairperson position was Michi Vojta. Lillian Thompson indicated she would agree to being a vice-chair if Vojta were elected chair. Voting will take place at the May NECAC meeting.
Other Business: Dedication of 20 of the 28-mile Neuse River Trail, part of the Capital Area Greenway, will be held April 25 at the Anderson Point Park on Rogers Lane off Highway 64 Business.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 pm.
