Good afternoon, Raleigh. Today, I asked my phone, “Siri, why am I still single?”

And it activated the front camera.

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

Let’s get to it. 🏃‍♂️

Raleigh City Council voted 5–3 this week to approve the rezoning of 4500 Western Blvd., allowing up to 20 stories of commercial mixed-use development on the former Kmart site near I-440. The 12-acre property was purchased last year for $14 million by Raleigh-based developer CityPlat, which plans to begin developing the front portion of the site along Western Boulevard within the next two to five years.

CityPlat has already invested $5–6 million renovating the existing building into multiple tenant spaces focused on active and lifestyle uses. Confirmed tenants include Gold’s Gym, 810 Billiards & Bowling, Mythic Golf, Final Score (indoor basketball), Nail Lab, and Vavela Cafe, with most signing 10-year leases. CityPlat will also relocate its offices to the property, marking a major step forward for a long-vacant and highly visible corridor in west Raleigh.

Raleigh City Council unanimously voted this week to continue a public hearing on Kane Realty’s request to rezone multiple North Hills properties along Six Forks and Lassiter Mill roads, pushing a decision to January 20. The proposal would allow building heights of 12, 20, and up to 40 stories (capped at 37 stories), similar to a rezoning request Kane withdrew in 2023.

While the buildings could be taller, the plan would keep overall density the same as current zoning, allowing up to 3 million square feet of development without increasing permitted congestion. Some residents raised concerns about traffic and building shadows, while supporters argued North Hills is the right area for higher-density mixed-use development. Kane has also agreed to consider including affordable housing as a condition, and the city’s Planning Commission has recommended approval.

Drivers across the Triangle should expect lane closures, delays, and major construction in 2026 as the state advances several large transportation projects to keep up with rapid growth. The most visible project will be the final phase of Complete 540, which will begin full construction mode as crews work toward completing the outer loop by 2028.

The long-running I-440 widening project is expected to wrap up in 2026, though nearby roads like Western Boulevard and Wade Avenue will still see disruption into the spring and summer. Additional congestion will come from continued widening on I-40 in Orange County, the John Brantley Boulevard expansion at RDU, and ongoing I-95 improvements south of the Triangle. State officials say the short-term inconvenience is necessary to prepare for thousands of new commuters expected in the coming years.

As the final phase of Complete 540 moves closer to completion, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority is testing new technology that could eventually allow drivers to pay tolls automatically without a transponder. The state is piloting roadside and overhead systems that may replace large toll gantries with smaller equipment, reducing construction, maintenance costs, and environmental impact.

Officials are also testing AI-powered license plate cameras and exploring ways for vehicles to pay tolls directly using built-in onboard technology. While the new systems may not be ready for the road’s final phase, the goal is to cut the number of gantries in half and significantly reduce long-term costs. Officials say the technology could also improve safety by detecting stalled vehicles or hazards and alerting connected cars.

After more than 85 years downtown, Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque has relocated to North Raleigh, taking over the former Red Hot & Blue space at Quail Corners Shopping Center near Millbrook Road and Falls of Neuse. The barbecue institution, founded in 1938, will operate in a 2,000-square-foot space and plans to eventually add a drive-thru.

Owner Debbie Holt said the opportunity came together quickly and called the move “heaven-sent.” Clyde Cooper’s closed its downtown location last week and expects to begin catering immediately and open the new site next week with a limited menu. The move follows Holt’s decision not to pursue a Seaboard Station lease due to an estimated $800,000 buildout cost.

Five Points intersection from the roof of Hayes Barton Baptist Church, 1970.

Friday

73 🌡️ 60 | 🌤️ | 20%

Saturday

75 🌡️ 51 | 🌦️ | 30%

Sunday

64 🌡️ 29 | 🌤️ | 20%

P.S. When dad tells you what he wants, believe him…

Get in front of +1,000 Raleigh locals.

⚡️ Click here for sponsorship information and availability 📺