The Raleigh City Council voted 6-1 yesterday (Mayor Meeker abstaining, Councilor Isley dissenting) to grant City Manager Russell Allen condemnation rights for the remaining piece of private land needed to proceed with the public City Plaza. The $24M project, which includes improvements for the extension of Fayetteville Street to Lenoir St., has been on hold due to easement negotiations with The Simpson Company, owners of the Bank of America building.
It has been speculated that the controversy centers around issues with the underground parking garage. Simpson had earlier agreed to design, construct, and fund the four pavilions, as well as furnish other improvements to the space.
After the garbage disposal fiasco, I’m not really sure I’m surprised.
