Council schedules public hearings and hears Planning Commission recommendations on four rezoning requests

The council received a Planning Commission report on four rezoning cases and moved to set public hearings or accept applicant deferrals for the items. Planning staff and the commission presented recommendations and technical findings for the cases. Bynum Walter of Raleigh Planning and Development, joined by Vice Chair Roberta Fox, summarized the commission’s recommendations. Z1324, just under 8 acres on South New Hope Road, was recommended for approval to neighborhood mixed use; staff noted the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan but inconsistent with the future land use map, and councilors asked for additional traffic and frontage requirements to be brought to the public hearing. Z5124 (Fairbanks Drive), just under 3 acres, was recommended for approval to NX‑3 with conditions; the council discussed pedestrian infrastructure and staff said pedestrian improvements along the frontage would be required at site plan review. Z1025 (Leesville Road), under 3 acres, was recommended for approval with suggested limits to residential density and form; the applicant asked to defer setting the public hearing until revisions are made. Z1225 (Peace and West Street), under 3 acres, was recommended unanimously by the planning commission for downtown mixed use up to 30 stories with conditions; the applicant asked to defer to the next council meeting to revise the request and still seeks an October 7 public hearing date. Councilors asked planning staff for additional backup on transportation and pedestrian requirements for Z1324 and Z5124 before the public hearings. A motion was approved to set public hearings for the appropriate items for Oct. 7 where applicants requested that date; the council agreed to defer setting hearings on other items until applicants revise their submissions.