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Council keeps Raleigh Housing Authority hearing on Thursday after split vote
Summary
Council members debated whether to remove from Thursday's agenda a request from the Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) to authorize acquisition of Amberwood at Lochmere; a motion to remove the item failed on an even vote, so the public hearing and resolution remain set for July 23.
Mayor Pro Tem Bush and staff opened a lengthy discussion on whether the council should postpone a planned public hearing and authorizing resolution requested by the Raleigh Housing Authority to acquire Amberwood at Lochmere. The issue drew concern from multiple council members who said they had new information from Raleigh and neighbors that needed more time for review.
Planning staff member Heather Wheelhand told the council the RHA approached Cary staff and asked that the item be considered during the RHA's due-diligence period. "They have indicated to us that their due diligence period ends on Monday," Wheelhand said, noting the authority had put money on the line in advance of the council decision. Council members raised that the RHA is a state-chartered agency with some board members appointed by Raleigh and questioned whether Raleigh's elected officials had been fully briefed.
Supporters of leaving the item on the agenda argued delaying could remove the RHA's path to preserve the property as affordable housing. One council member warned: "My fear is if we delay this vote or remove it from the agenda on Thursday, there's the scenario where that delay is effectively foreclosing the possibility of this being preserved as affordable housing." Opposing members said more time was needed to get intergovernmental clarity and resident questions answered.
After discussion, the mayor Pro Tem called the question on a motion to remove the RHA item from the July 23 agenda; the vote was even and the motion failed. The resolution and public hearing therefore remain on the July 23 council agenda; staff and council members said they will continue seeking additional information from RHA and Raleigh ahead of the meeting.
The council also heard residents' concerns and asked staff to collect more details on public-safety impacts and RHA governance for the Thursday meeting.
