City Council approves annexation for 330 multifamily units on Lewisburg Road

The Raleigh City Council meeting on April 1, 2025, focused on two significant petitions: the annexation of Lewisburg Road and a rezoning request for the Lenovo Center property on Edwards Mill Road.

The first item discussed was the petition for annexation AXO 2255000 for a site on Lewisburg Road. Matt Bailey, the planning manager, presented the proposal, which involves a contiguous annexation of nearly 11 acres currently designated for residential mixed use. The applicant plans to construct 330 multifamily apartment units. This annexation aims to eliminate an unincorporated county island, often referred to as a "donut hole," within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The site has access to water and sewer connections, although it is noted to be outside standard fire response times. The council unanimously approved the annexation, emphasizing its potential to broaden the tax base and support local development.

The second major topic was the rezoning request Z 38 24 for the Lenovo Center, a state-owned property spanning over 80 acres. Hannah Rekau from planning and development outlined the request to rezone the property from a conditional use to a planned development district. This change would allow for a maximum of 4,200 dwelling units and nearly 3.8 million square feet of non-residential space across four designated subdistricts. The proposal includes a maximum building height of 40 stories in certain areas, with specific land uses defined for each subdistrict. The plan also incorporates an open space strategy, pedestrian connections, and a parking plan to accommodate future development.

The council's discussions highlighted the importance of these developments in addressing housing needs and enhancing community infrastructure. Both proposals are seen as steps toward accommodating Raleigh's growth while ensuring that essential services and amenities are in place. The council will continue to review these projects as they move forward in the planning process.