News
August 6, 2008
Council Followed Correct Procedure In Central Prison Expansion Notification
The Raleigh City Council and the City of Raleigh followed all public notification requirements last year when council members considered a major expansion of Central Prison.
Representatives of the Boylan Heights Association appeared at Tuesday’s evening council meeting claiming they did not learn about the expansion until recently when construction of the project began. However, the City Council conducted an evidentiary hearing (or public hearing) on the project on June 5, 2007. Prior to the hearing, the City sent notices about the meeting to those Boylan Heights property owners nearest to the prison, as required by City law. Two weeks after the hearing -- on June 19, 2007 -- the City Council approved a special use permit for the expansion of Central Prison that includes an inmate medical center and mental hospital.
The following is a summary of action taken by the City of Raleigh to notify residents about the Central Prison expansion:
- Notification by mail and newspaper advertisement. City Code specifies that “for the convenience of the public” notification of the required public hearing be made by first-class mail to all property owners immediately adjacent to or directly opposite across the street from the subject property. The City Clerk’s office prepared the notification letters about the June 5, 2007 hearing and mailed them, as required by City Code. Also as required by City Code, the City Clerk’s office placed an advertisement about the hearing in The News and Observer. The advertisement appeared in the newspaper prior to the hearing. Additionally, the City’s Planning Department staff posted a sign with the hearing notice along Western Boulevard in front of the prison two weeks prior to the hearing;
- Postings on the City’s website at www.raleighnc.gov. The City Council’s agendas including the June 5, 2007 hearing on the expansion and the June 19, 2007 consideration of the special use permit were both published on the City’s website prior to the meetings. To inform the public of development plans in review, the Planning Department posts both a weekly summary of plans received and project maps to the City website upon receipt of the proposals. For the Central Prison expansion, the posted map said, “Central Prison Medical Center, 42.5 acres 365,775 SQ FT zoned IND-2, University Planning District, Hillsborough CAC, Planner: S. Barbour” and included contact information. The map outlines the entirety of the prison site boundary. The proposal was listed separately among development plans submitted from March 26-30, 2007; and,
- Notification of the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) in the Boylan Heights area. The City’s Community Services Department forwards development proposals to the affected CAC when the initial application is filed with the City. This process was followed for the Central Prison expansion.
Prepared by:
John Boyette
Public Affairs Specialist
Public Affairs Department
For More Information Contact:
J. Russell Allen
City Manager
City Manager Department
222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-890-3070
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