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Raleigh planning commission approves multiple rezonings, defers Litchford Road case for more study
Summary
The Planning Commission on June 23 approved several rezonings and a street‑plan amendment, unanimously approved a redesignation of Old Crews Road to a two‑lane section, and deferred a contentious Litchford Road rezoning (Z4325) to Aug. 11 for additional work on access and traffic concerns.
The City of Raleigh Planning Commission on June 23 approved a slate of rezoning requests and a comprehensive‑plan street change, while deferring one high‑profile neighborhood case for more study.
In votes taken during a full agenda, the commission recommended approval of rezonings Z5425 (a multi‑parcel, cross‑county site near RDU airport) and Z826 (Rock Quarry Road), each accompanied by conditions. It also approved Z1626 (309 N. Boylan Ave.) and Z1826 (Pool Road) and an RX‑7 rezoning on Gorman Street (Z1426). Commissioners unanimously redesignated a segment of Old Crews Road from a four‑lane divided avenue to a two‑lane divided avenue (CP126), citing lower projected traffic volumes and reduced environmental impacts.
The most contentious item, Z4325 at 6309 Litchford Road, was continued to Aug. 11 at the applicant’s request after extended public comment and detailed questioning from staff and commissioners about safety on Johnsdale Road and potential traffic impacts. Neighbors urged the commission to reject or substantially limit the request, warning that current local streets and intersections — particularly near Millbrook High School — lack sidewalks and adequate capacity.
Commissioners and staff noted that some upgrades (for example, curb, gutters and sidewalks) would be required at the time of development under a Tier‑3 site plan and that any driveway permit to Litchford Road would be subject to NCDOT approval. Planning staff also said the city has documented safety needs for Johnsdale/Litchford but has no funded capital project or timeline to widen those corridors at present.
Votes at a glance: - Z5425 (Leesville area): Recommend approval, 7–0. (Conditions include noise contours, dedication of a navigation easement, and noise‑reducing materials.) - Z826 (Rock Quarry Road): Recommend approval, 6–1. (Applicant added prohibited uses as conditions.) - Z1626 (309 N. Boylan Ave.): Recommend approval, 6–1. (Requested CX zoning to add an indoor theater use and increase height to 12 stories; removal of an NCOD drew concern.) - Z1826 (Pool Road): Recommend approval, unanimous. (Parcel to be donated for a future fire station.) - Z1426 (Gorman Street): Recommend approval, unanimous. (RX‑7 with conditions for transit‑oriented housing.) - CP126 (Old Crews Road redesignation to two‑lane): Approved unanimously. - Z4325 (6309 Litchford Rd.): Continued to Aug. 11 for further work with staff and the neighborhood.
What’s next: several of the matters returned to the council or await final action by other bodies; Z4325 will return to Planning Commission Aug. 11 with revised conditions and additional transportation analysis.
Speakers quoted in this summary include Planning staff Matthew Burns and Hiram Marziano; applicant counsel Molly Stewart and Amy Kraut; transportation staff Carter Robertson and Barbara Godwin; and residents Larissa Green and Philip Brown.
