Despite controversy, Winston-Salem City Council approves new housing development

A new development of single-family homes and townhomes is set to be built in southwestern Winston-Salem, despite concerns from nearby residents.

During a packed meeting Tuesday night, the Winston-Salem City Council voted unanimously in favor of a zoning request that would allow developers to build a total of 231 housing units on the south side of Somerset Drive and the east side of Lockwood Drive. 

Several residents spoke in opposition to the request, saying the new development would make already congested streets even worse. 

“We are already densely populated with street parking and narrow streets," said resident Ronald Buchanan. "With the lack of sidewalks and curbing our communities are really crowded, and yet we maintain a safe and respectable existence. The addition of significant traffic and access is sure to upset this balance, decreasing family safety yet increasing the possibility of accidents.”

Councilmember Kevin Mundy said he understood concerns about density but reminded them that the council was not voting on whether or not to stop development on that plot of land. 

“Folks just don't understand what we can and cannot do," said Mundy. "In zoning, we're looking at one simple thing, RS-9, which will require only single-family homes, or are we going to add townhomes to that option.”

Developers told the council a traffic study showed the mixed townhome/single-family home plan would generate fewer trips than a purely single-family housing neighborhood.

Council approved the mixed plan. 

The new development is set to include 69 single-family homes and 162 townhomes.