Raleigh OKs Water Merger; Will Study Parking Deck Financing

RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh leaders decided Tuesday that thousands of new customers will soon tap into the city's water supply.

But Raleigh city leaders won't vote for at least two weeks on a controversial parking deck financing proposal at an area mall.

The towns of Wendell and Zebulon will merge their water systems with Raleigh's after the Raleigh City Council voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to approve the deal.

The two towns had been contracting water from Raleigh. The proposal adopted Tuesday makes the systems one.

Raleigh City Council Member Philip Isley, who voted against the plan, said he thinks Raleigh is spreading itself too thin.

City Manager Russell Allen said merging Wendell and Zebulon's water systems with Raleigh is a good deal for the city and all its customers.

The mergers take effect on Oct. 2.

Developer John Kane wants Raleigh and Wake County to issue $75 million in bonds for a parking deck to support his North Hills expansion.

Kane made a presentation to the council on Tuesday, but they decided to study the issue for at least two weeks before voting on it.

Mayor Charles Meeker and Allen have said they are against the plan.