Raleigh leaders approve mixed-use project at Crabtree mall

The council voted unanimously to approve a master plan for Crabtree Village, a development that will require the rezoning of 23.7 acres bounded by Crabtree Valley Avenue, Blue Ridge Road and Homewood Banks Drive.

The planned mixed-use project will include up to 525 residential units; up to 60,000 square feet of retail space, including at least one restaurant; 250,000 square feet of office space; a hotel with a maximum of 200 rooms; and parking facilities.

In April, the City Council approved a proposal from developer Crabtree North LLC to build 533 residential units and 7,500 square feet of retail space on nine acres near the intersection of Lead Mine Road and Charles Drive.

Both planned developments are within a mile of the mall.

Anywhere from 40,000 to 70,000 vehicles pass daily through the one-mile area around the mall, which sits at the corner of Creedmoor Road and Glenwood Avenue near Interstate 440.

City planners have estimated that traffic along the corridor could grow by as much as 70 percent by 2035.

A five-county area surrounding the city has been identified by geologists as holding the potential for natural gas production, but council members oppose fracking because Raleigh provides drinking water to much of Wake County.

The council is also considering changing term limits for the mayor and council members from two to four years. City Attorney Thomas McCormick was asked to draft a resolution of intent to change the term limits.

If the resolution is approved, City Council will hold a public hearing to receive feedback on the proposed four-year term.