Residents urge Raleigh council to deny rezoning of 6309 Litchford Road, citing safety, infrastructure and water concerns

Dozens of neighbors told the Raleigh City Council during public comment that rezoning case Z-4325 for 6309 Litchford Road should be denied because existing roads, drainage and environmental features cannot safely absorb higher density.

Resident Eva Verlinden told the council, “This isn't just about changing a map, it's about safety,” and recounted an incident on May 7 when traffic forced a school bus off Johnsdale Road and destroyed a mailbox, saying the narrow, 17-foot-wide street has already had repeated crashes. Several speakers, including Elizabeth Pelizzo, said nearby homes rely on private wells and are already experiencing standing water; Pelizzo warned that significant land disturbance could heighten contamination risks for families who drink well water.

The planning commission voted 8–1 to recommend denial, a point raised by multiple speakers. Resident Jason Calvarado noted infrastructure shortfalls including limited transit (the 25L bus runs hourly) and incomplete sidewalk connections, arguing the site can be developed under existing R-4 zoning without the higher intensity requested. Vicky Reich, a retired teacher, cited traffic projections offered in the record: current entitlements for 32 units would generate about 288 daily trips, while the rezoning would allow 54 more units and add about 396 trips — an increase she said would intensify safety risks for children walking to Millbrook High School.

Speakers also stressed loss of tree canopy and stormwater absorption. “Removing mature trees increases both the volume and speed of stormwater reaching our wells and septics,” Pelizzo said, connecting canopy loss to groundwater and flooding concerns. Multiple residents urged the council to honor the planning review and protect the long-established neighborhood character.

Several commenters proposed alternatives short of full denial of development: developing at R‑4 intensity to preserve setbacks, open space and lower traffic impacts, or requiring infrastructure improvements before approving higher density. Residents asked the council to consider the capital costs of bringing Johnsdale Road and nearby corridors to city standards.

The council was reminded the rezoning is scheduled for a decision on June 2; residents concluded their remarks by urging members to vote no. The public comment period closed without on-the-record council action at this meeting.