Raleigh residents want answers on stalled town home community

It's prime real-estate, but construction has been in limbo for more than three years.

A promotional video on N.C. State’s Centennial Campus Web site is “learn, work, live,” but the people who live in North Shore town homes say their community is hardly marketable.

The plan was for nearly 300 units, but 33 were built. Residents say there have been structural issues, such as water leaks through rooftop balconies in some units, and promises of major repairs that didn't materialize.

Construction stopped about three and a half years ago. In that time, the developer, Craig Davis, has been in and out of court.

“Supposedly Craig Davis is in charge, but Craig Davis hasn’t come to a homeowners’ meeting in months,” said resident David Botts.

Residents say there is a noticeable difference on Centennial Campus at the North Shore sign. The final layer of asphalt was never put down, and there’s an unfinished look to the place. There’s no longer any parking enforcement. Another problem is that the roads aren’t marked on both sides.

Resident Jake Plotkin said he doesn't want to move.

“I still think it’s a great investment with all the amenities that this campus has to offer, but the other amenities have gone unfulfilled,” he said.

Many residents said they hope there's a future plan from the developer.

“I expect that what he started here he at least makes safe and livable,” Botts said.

At the very least, some residents said they think North Shore should be taken off any promotional advertisements.

N.C. State and Davis both declined to comment because of the pending litigation. However, campus officials said they are moving forward with plans to find a new developer for the site.

N.C. State officials said the advertisement that features a brief shot of the North Shore Town Home community on the Centennial Campus Web site is meant to highlight what people will see at Centennial Campus. It's not intended to advertise or promote North Shore, they said.