Development News in Raleigh

This morning one of the McMansions under construction in Sunset Hills caught fire around 4 AM. The house at 1419 Nottingham Rd, was still under construction by Preservation Homes, but looks to be burnt beyond repair. The neighboring house, also under construction, shows signs of significant fire damage. This area has been ground zero for tear downs recently, spearheaded by Preservation homes and other developers. The signs point toward arson, as the house had other signs of vandalism; the portable toilets the construction workers use had been overturned and burning embers were found in neighboring yards.  The construction has been moving at a rapid pace as small duplexes and single family homes been replaced by 6 and 7 thousand square foot houses that do not have yards and frequently use the park they border as overflow parking. 

These houses have highlighted the irresponsible approach that developers have taken in the neighborhood as they clear the lots of any trees and build the house within inches of the edges of their lots.  Many of the homes in the area shade the previously sunny gardens and yards of their neighbors and remove any feeling of privacy as they loom well above what would be perceived as an appropriate size. 

John Kane is working to develop the 45 acres across Six Forks from the North Hills mall. In doing this he is asking for $80 million in bonds to be funded through tax revenue generated at the development.  He says our $80 million will enable an $800 million dollar development as opposed to a $125 million dollar “strip mall.” In explaining the city’s options, John Kane offered:

“We can do another typical sprawl development like we’ve seen across Wake County, or we can do something extraordinary. I do not want to build more of these obsolete strip centers. They are profitable, I can tell you that. But I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.”

From the N&O

But build that obsolete strip center he will; unless the city gives up 75% of their estimated tax revenue from this project for the next 20 years, Kane can’t build the 800 million dollar shit-bread-sandwich with the other half of North Hills.  Sure, the public gets a few parking decks for our dough, but we also get another three Starbucks, and as many national franchises as we can squeeze into the space.  Why does Raleigh want to pump money into further developing this investment when in the downtown is much more sorely needed?  If Kane can come up with the remaining $725 million to develop 45 acres of retail and pseudo-urban-residential, then the remaining $80 million in infrastructure to serve their customers shouldn’t be a problem. This follows the disturbing tradition of offsetting infrastructure costs on to the municipalities.

In a move inspired by pity and PR, two of four malls previously restricting bus access have reached an agreement with the City on allowing bus access.  Brier Creek and Towne North (in Ye Olde Raleighe) have agreed to allow buses to make stops on their property.  Towne North had previously closed their bus stop and Brier Creek is opening up for the first time.  If you missed it we covered this injustice a few weeks ago.

The other two malls will not be regaining bus access.  Aparently Bent Tree doesn’t serve anyone interested in public transit and Brennan Station is going to let folk cross the street from the Towne North, knight costumes and all. 

NC Realtors are viciously fighting proposed taxes on home purchases. Spending millions on lobbyists because they are worried about the effects on their business.  What they don’t tell us as residents is that by avoiding this tax they are passing the bill on to property taxes.  The result is that long time residents end up paying for newcomers streets, schools and other local services. It’s disgusting - and it allows developers and realtors to sell new homes but not give back to the greater community.

STOP The NC Home Ticks is a robust blog all about this subject.  What’s most interesting is the level at which the special interests in the new homes market are mucking with our government, from planting numerous lobbyists in our capital to delivering talking points to Brad Crone.

More below the fold

This morning, the News and Observer’s Jack Hagel reported that Gregg Sandreuter of Cary (hold your boos and hisses) and Cherokee Investment Partners have pitched the idea of a 38-story business/hotel/residential in downtown Raleigh. What makes this note worthy is the that the proposed building will be designed based on the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, rating system.

The stie of two tower project known as the Edison is tentatively planned for the block cornered by Wilmington, Blount, Martin and Davie Streets. You may have noticed a big pile of rubble there from recent demolision work. The block is currently owned by Progress Energy and in order to begin construction a deal will have to be reached purchasing the 3.6 acre plot. Hagel reports that some businesses will remain on that block, including Raleigh staple Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque.

Construction of the new towers would begin in 2009 if approved by the city.

Other notable projects of Sandreuter include the Dawson on Morgan (home to over 50 condos in the heart of downtown as well as the Borough) and West (in Glenwood South’s entertainment district).