Home-Size Debate Heads to Raleigh City Council

Raleigh, N.C. — In some of Raleigh's oldest neighborhoods, newer homes nearly double or triple the size of the ones around them. Some say it's ruining the character of their communities.

The Raleigh City Council planned to discuss the issue at a Tuesday night meeting. The hearing will focus on infill – the practice of knocking down old houses and replacing them with larger ones.

• Watch the WRAL News at 11 p.m. for an update on the debate.

People on both sides of the infill issue have organized groups and set up Web sites. It's a debate that can pit economics against aesthetics.

Since 2002, about 600 houses have been torn down and rebuilt. A group called Renew Raleigh argues that it boosts property values. If the city of Raleigh restricts how big is too big to rebuild, the group plans to fight it.

“We all have property rights, and I shouldn’t have somebody in some other neighborhood telling me what to do with my property,” said Philip Miller, a Raleigh lawyer and member of Renew Raleigh.

Mayor Charles Meeker said there is not a one-size-fits-all solution and he wants to see the issue dealt with neighborhood by neighborhood.

The council also plans to discuss doubling impact fees charged on new development. Supporters say it helps growth pay for itself. Opponents say it will slow an already struggling housing market.