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Council leaves major Western Boulevard rezoning open after debate over highway buffer and affordability
Summary
A rezoning request for the former Kmart site at Western Boulevard drew detailed staff analysis and developer testimony about transit‑oriented redevelopment, but council left the hearing open to Jan. 6 so the applicant can consider restoring a Special Highway Overlay District tree buffer the neighborhood requested.
A rezoning proposal for roughly 12 acres at 4500 Western Boulevard, the site of the old Kmart, drew extended discussion at the Raleigh City Council evening meeting Dec. 2 as staff and the applicant debated development scale, buffers and affordable housing commitments.
Planning staff and the applicant said the change would permit a commercial mixed‑use district with a 20‑story height limit under the proposed conditions and would allow a range of residential scenarios — in one scenario staff estimated up to about 3,500 residential units. Matthew Klem of Planning and Development told council the request is consistent with the 2030 comprehensive plan and noted the transit overlay and the planned Bus…
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