Council sets June 3 public hearing on Athens Drive rezoning; applicants can submit buffer conditions by Friday

The Raleigh City Council set a June 3, 2025, public hearing on a rezoning request affecting two lots on Athens Drive and told the applicants they have until Friday of this week to submit any additional conditions if they want the changes considered before the hearing.

Planning staff described the case as a two‑lot rezoning under three acres that would change zoning from Residential‑4 with a special residential parking overlay to Residential‑3 Mixed Use with conditions; the overlay would remain. Planning staff said the planning commission recommended approval by a split vote and flagged that prior conditions on the property may limit the ability to pursue the frequent transit development option.

Applicants and council members discussed neighborhood concerns, chiefly buffers and building placement. City staff explained that once the planning commission issues its recommendation and the city receives the case, the application cannot be modified except in the narrow window before the council opens a public hearing. Staff said the applicants could submit changes by Friday to be included prior to setting the hearing; if they waited to set the hearing, changes could not be made until after the hearing was opened.

The applicant said they intended to add tree and shrub buffering along the east side of the property, and after a brief exchange the council voted to set the public hearing on June 3. Councilors and staff noted that if changes are needed after June 3, the applicant can return at a subsequent meeting; the council also acknowledged the library has first priority to request the property if interested.