Council Roundup: Residents Object to Six Forks Rezoning

Residents of a North Raleigh neighborhood oppose a rezoning application that would almost triple the density of their neighborhood.

Developers are looking to rezone about 16 acres near Ramblewood Drive and Six Forks Road to allow more than 30 units per acre. Right now the zoning allows for only six, 10 or 15 units per acre.

The Ramblewood Subdivision is a mix of single-family homes, townhouses and garden apartments. About 145 more units could be built on the remaining land. The developer also plans to expand the existing Lantern Square apartment complex. The multi-family development would not exceed 28 units per acre but could be as tall as 65 feet.

Residents complained of problems with traffic and congestion on Ramblewood, which they said is used as a shortcut to Six Forks Road. They said increasing the density will exacerbate the existing problems.

Residents also said that they did not agree that a building with a height limit of almost six stories would complement their neighborhood.

A vote was not taken by the Council; the case will go to the Planning Commission for further review.

Athens Drive High School Stadium
In other business, future students at Athens Drive High will be able to see a home game at a new and improved football stadium. City councilors approved a master plan amendment that would give the school a new 4,400-square-foot field house, renovated restrooms and concession stands and upgraded field lighting.

The decision passed unanimously, but not without a 30-minute discussion about the sewer and stormwater drainage systems. Councilors ultimately approved city staff’s recommendation to put the new fieldhouse on the western end of the property.

Council will also consider turning the stadium’s access road, Pauls Road, into a public street to meet city standards. Today the road is privately maintained and does not meet the city’s safety guidelines. Council members will revisit the issue, possibly as soon as next month.

Affordable Housing and E-Procurement Contracts Approved
City Councilors went forward with a recommendation from the Budget and Economic Development Committee to approve funding for Passage Home. The nonprofit will build an affordable rental housing complex on Martin Luther King Boulevard. Almost half of the 18 two-bedroom units will be rented to families with an annual income of below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). The remaining units are reserved for families who are below 80 percent of AMI.

The city will rent the land to Passage Home for $1 a year for 99 years. The group will be provided $800,000 in Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds on no-interest loan. The city was awarded the grant in 2011 for the development of the project.

The city will also provide $400,000 in HOME funds to help finance the development if needed.

Councilors also approved entering into a contract with SciQuest and SkyBridge Global for an e-procurement program, which is a computer application that would give the city access to a vast array of goods and services. The E-Procurement application would work in the same way that residents use Amazon.com for products and services.

The contracts will be for $533,225 to ScitQuest and $193,000 to SkyBridge.

Parks and Recreation Fees Increased
On July 1 some new Parks and Rec. fees will go into effect. The rate increases will generate about $99,000.

• Youth sports registration will increase from $12 to $18.
• Rental fees for athletic fields and open space will increase from $20 to $25 per hour.
• The daily fee for rental of Moore and Nash squares will increase from $250 to $325.
• Campbell Lodge rental is increasing from $90 for a two-hour use to $100.
• Rental for a competitive training lane at all community pools, except Buffaloe Road, will increase $1 per lane per hour for both 25-yard courses and 50-yard courses in September.
• Carousel rental at Pullen and Chavis parks will be $150 per hour beginning March 1. Renting the carousel shelter and pavilion at Pullen Park will cost $80 per hour.