North Raleigh residents sour to proposed shopping center

Developers presented a site plan for grocery and retail space at Old Leesville Road and Strickland Road to residents Tuesday night.

In a 46-13 vote, residents were against the plan.

“We are concerned about heavy traffic that will be generated by these retail stores,” resident Allan Johnston said. “We’re concerned about noise and light polution.”

Erica Emerson was supportive of the plan.

“Traffic will be dispersed from the Harris Teeter and Food Lion and what not, but as far as the quality of life, I don’t think it’s going to change their quality of life,” she said.

Residents said they believe developers would like to place a Publix in the shopping center, but supermarket officials said they do not comment on new locations before a lease is signed.

Developers have submitted a rezoning request for the plan, which still requires a staff review and traffic impact studies.