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A rezoning case in Raleigh is prompting Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop to speak out.

As Neuse Riverkeeper and Partners for Environmental Justice’s rezoning committee chair, Samantha says a proposal to rezone a parcel for higher-density development is a bad idea.

“Partners for Environmental Justice commented on it this week because this case has three parcels, and one of the parcels is located almost 100% in the Walnut Creek floodplain,” Samantha said. “PEJ’s position is: there’s no reason to rezone; the current zoning allows it be developed, but it hasn’t, essentially, because there hasn’t been a way to develop it that’s been profitable with the density allowed now.”

The property is located on Trailwood Drive, near the intersection of Avent Ferry Road. The existing zoning would allow for 56 maximum units; the proposed zoning would pave the way for 257.

During the meeting, discussion centered around the impacts of land-clearing in this area and how it may impact a historically flood-prone area. Planning commission members asked the developer to return to the board with some solutions to address those issues, according to Samantha.

“This 8-acre parcel is almost 100% floodplain, and they’re trying to get it rezoned to increase the density, to make it ‘worth’ developing,” Samantha said. “No site plan has been submitted, so we don’t know what they’re planning, but they’re saying they’re not going to impact the floodplain event though this parcel is almost entirely in the floodplain.”

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