Raleigh denies Broughton High request to add parking

The site being considered was located on the 26-acre campus of the school at 723 Saint Mary’s St. The school, founded in 1929, is among the oldest of the 17 high schools in Wake County. The land being considered has been designated a historic landmark.

On Tuesday morning, school officials made remarks in favor of paving the space. Several alumni spoke against the plan.

“We know that there are already some parking places on the front, but that’s not a reason to build more parking places to even further erode and destroy the beauty of the front of the school,” said Ed Jones, alumni of the Broughton Class of 1953.

Parent Debbie Mann said the decision means her son will be getting up early to head to school to get a parking space.

“The front of the school is already paved on the right side. They’ve got a nice design to finish off the left side. I don’t see a problem,” parent Bart White said.

One parking space per 600 square-feet of academic space is required for high schools.

A consultant for the Board of Education said it is possible the board will appeal the decision to the full city council. The board plans to rethink the plan to include parking decks or utilize space at a nearby park.