Developers outline larger nonresidential component, lower apartment count for Auburn Knightdale site

At a July 28 work session the council reviewed changes to a tier‑2 conditional rezoning for roughly 14 acres at Auburn Knightdale Road and US‑70. Toby Coleman, representing Brown Investment Properties, said the site already carries CMX zoning but has restrictive, older conditions that the applicant seeks to update to allow vertically mixed‑use development consistent with the Garner Ford plan.

Coleman told council the development team “doubled the amount of nonresidential” space by converting two buildings originally shown as townhomes to ground‑floor office/commercial uses and said the apartment count would be reduced to “310 apartments.” He also said the team proposes to underground a previously planned stormwater pond to free up open space in the southwest corner of the site. Council discussed access and whether DOT would allow left‑turn movements; Coleman said DOT limited some access but noted existing turn lanes included in the subdivision design.

Council members pressed on building height; Coleman said a six‑story maximum was included as a condition to match the Garner Ford plan but that the team expects four‑story buildings to be the likely product. Members also asked about amenities (pool, clubhouse, dog park, bike storage) and elevator access in taller buildings; Coleman confirmed elevators are proposed for enclosed halls. Staff will take council’s feedback and the applicant will return for formal review and public hearing.