Raleigh City Council Meeting Summary - November 18, 2025

Raleigh City Council convened to address public safety updates regarding Border Patrol, approve zoning and planning items, and deliberate on the contentious Big Branch Greenway Segment 1B alignment. A significant portion of the public comment period focused on safety concerns, environmental impacts, and property rights regarding the greenway, while other residents advocated for the two-hour free parking program. The Council approved the CPACE financing program, upheld public nuisance liens, and passed a rezoning denial for a proposed mixed-use project in Oakwood.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the Consent Agenda was granted by a voice vote, with one member noting the motion was weak but approving.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Opposition to Big Branch Greenway:

  • Taylor Stewart expressed strong opposition to the proposed route for Segment 1B, citing dangerous crossings on Six Forks Road and a lack of connectivity to intended destinations.
  • Elizabeth Scott argued that the project violates the conservation easement, requires cutting down mature trees, and threatens private property rights, stating that the project is a "greenway to nowhere" without proper bridge funding.
  • Elizabeth Stewart voiced concerns regarding flash flooding safety, comparing the potential risk unfavorably to the Camp Mystic disaster, and described the route as a "tunnel effect" with no escape access.
  • Helen Kervin stated that the city has a duty to uphold the 39-year-old conservation easement and warned that condemning property for an amenity rather than a necessity sets a dangerous precedent.
  • Caroline Plummer expressed concern that the city used a flawed, manipulated survey to justify the preferred route, arguing that the city is ignoring legal and environmental obstacles.
  • Robert Huband described city staff's actions as "deception by omission," accusing the city of bias in its decision-making chart and misleading the public regarding the safety and feasibility of alternatives.
  • Peter DeHaven (Crabtree Heights) reiterated concerns about unsafe driveway crossings and the destruction of trees, and expressed skepticism about a proposed alternative involving the demolition of a home.
  • Joy Paris (Pointers YMCA) requested the extension of the two-hour free parking program, citing increased membership and economic vitality for downtown businesses.
  • Marble's Kids Museum (Jonathan Frederick) and CrossFit Service supported extending the free parking program, noting its critical role in accessibility and customer traffic for families and small businesses.
  • Pranav Harish (Lego Store) supported the parking program as an essential tool for competing with suburban communities and generating economic return.

• Support for Big Branch Greenway:

  • Sig Hutchinson expressed full support for the project, stating that cost should not be the number one criteria over safety, and noted the project involves a new bridge over I-40 funded by the Sixth Forks Project.
  • Rashawn King expressed support for the project as a professional park advocate, stating that the staff-analyzed stream route is the safest and most sustainable avenue.
  • Mike Porvoznick urged a "yes" vote, arguing that the project is essential for safety, equity, and connecting North Raleigh to the greenway network, citing 18 preventable crashes in the area in the last decade.
  • Athena Wallen expressed support for the project as a responsible change for stormwater creek maintenance and natural wildlife corridors.
  • Nadia Ali (Crabtree Heights resident) expressed support for the streamside option as the only acceptable route, citing safety concerns with driveway crossings on other options.
  • Nikki W. and Octavia Rainey offered general support for community connection and expressed sympathy for the Hispanic community regarding business protections.

Discussion Items

• Big Branch Greenway (Segment 1B):

  • A heated debate occurred regarding the alignment of Segment 1B. The Parks, Recreation, and Greenway Advisory Board recommended approval of Sections 1A and 4, and recommended Section 1B proceed but could not reach consensus on the specific alignment.
  • City Staff Recommendation: Recommended the "Streamside West" alignment, arguing it is the safest (no driveway crossings), has good sight lines, and offers stormwater opportunities.
  • Public & Board Concerns: Critics argued the Streamside West option violates the Noose River riparian buffer rules, requires eminent domain takings of nine backyards without a valid greenway easement, and poses significant flooding risks. Concerns were also raised about the high cost (potentially $10 million) and the lack of appraisals. Alternative "Streamside East" and "Street Side" options were discussed regarding safety and environmental impact.
  • Council Deliberation: Councilors expressed conflict over the project. Some noted the project is the "best bad choice" given the alternative unsafe routes and the goal of connecting 10,000 residents. Others expressed reluctance to approve the Streamside West option without a firm guarantee of the future multimodal bridge funding, fearing it would become a "greenway to nowhere."
  • Outcome: Council approved Sections 1A and 4 and the Streamside West alignment for Section 1B by a 5-2 vote.

• Downtown Two-Hour Free Parking Pilot:

  • Staff presented data showing a $500,000 operational revenue loss but an estimated $2 million to $3.8 million in economic impact (a 7-13x multiplier).
  • Councilors discussed the need to prevent deferred maintenance of parking decks and the potential for public-private partnerships. While some desired a permanent program, others preferred an annual evaluation to ensure sustainability.
  • Outcome: Council voted unanimously to extend the pilot program until the end of the current fiscal year (December 31, 2025) to allow for further analysis and budget deliberations.

• Zoning and Planning Recommendations:

  • Planning Commission Items: Approved setting public hearings for Z2025 (Briar Creek Planned Development), TCZ3225 (Creedmore Road text change), and TC324 (UDO alignment) for December 2nd.
  • Rezoning Z2725 (Grove Avenue): Set for a public hearing on December 2nd after applicant revisions to tenant relocation conditions.
  • Active Mobility Plan: Council moved to adopt both the Downtown Mobility Study and the Active Mobility Plan unanimously, acknowledging the $100 million planning-level cost for the "Big Jump" network.
  • CARES Program Update: Staff reported on the successful launch of the Crisis Call Diversion line and the upcoming mobile crisis pilot, noting no additional funding request for the pilot as it will use existing operating budgets.

• Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (CPACE):

  • Council conducted a public hearing and unanimously adopted a resolution to participate in the CPACE program, a financing tool for energy efficiency and resilience improvements for commercial properties.

• Public Nuisance Abatement:

  • Adopted liens for three properties (East Martin Street, Newburn Avenue, Northwest Street) for cleanup costs.
  • Adopted a 90-day repair/demolish ordinance for 116 Star Street; extended the hearing to December 2nd to allow the owner to secure the property first.
  • Adopted ordinances to authorize demolition for three units at 4001, 4005, and 4009 Virginia Street.

• Annexations:

  • Unanimously approved Annexation AX2725 (8215 Leesville Road) and AX2825 (5910 Ponderosa Road).

• Rezoning Z2525 (101 North Bloodworth Street):

  • Council considered rezoning a residential property in Oakwood to NX3 (Neighborhood Mixed Use) for an interior design business. Public opposition focused on preserving neighborhood character, housing stock, and the precedent of spot zoning.
  • Outcome: Council voted to DENY the zoning amendment, citing the housing shortage and concerns about removing residential stock, despite the request being consistent with the Future Land Use Map for the corridor.

• Greenway Text Amendment (TC325):

  • Council unanimously approved text changes to align the UDO with the updated Greenway Master Plan, including easement width incentives and open space multiplier bonuses.

Key Outcomes

• Big Branch Greenway: Votes passed (5-2) to approve Alignments 1A and 4, and the Streamside West alignment for Section 1B, marking a significant step in connecting Midtown to downtown.
• Parking Pilot: Unanimous vote to extend the two-hour free parking pilot through the end of the fiscal year.
• Parking & Mobility: Unanimous approval of the Downtown Mobility Study and Active Mobility Plan; CPACE program adoption to encourage commercial resilience.
• Housing: Denial of rezoning for 101 North Bloodworth Street to deny commercial use in a residentially zoned historic district; adoption of demolition orders for unsafe properties at 4001, 4005, and 4009 Virginia Street.
• Appointments: Tentative nominations made for Design Review Commission and Police Advisory Board; Parks Board reappointment of Kate Dixon approved; further action deferred on Board of Adjustment and Housing Advisory board appointments pending candidate confirmation and information on the Disabled Persons Commission residency rules.
• Clerk: Minutes from previous meetings approved; Council entered closed session to discuss attorney-client privilege and economic development negotiations.