Surrounded by the Neuse River, the Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve is 146 acres of natural beauty in Raleigh, NC rich in natural and cultural resources. Its upland fields, floodplain forests, wetlands, and the Neuse River area support many plants and animals including the uncommon Eastern Spadefoot toad and 147 bird species. This jewel is under threat by rezoning request Z-40-21 that will forever reduce the neighboring preserve’s unique biodiversity and beauty.

Rezoning request Z-40-21 will double the currently allowed housing density to 375 units on land next to the Neuse River and the Preserve. This will negatively affect the River, the surrounding area (including the greenway), and the Preserve. We recognize the need for housing and that density reduces sprawl, but dense construction bordering a Natural Heritage Natural Area is not the answer. 

Increased stormwater runoff will threaten water quality and increase flooding. Greater light pollution from four story buildings facing the preserve will invade natural areas to disrupt plants, insects, and animals, and increase the chance of deadly bird collisions. Habitat will be degraded and the wildlife that visitors seek will look for refuge elsewhere. The view and experience of nature that makes Horseshoe so special and unique will be lost.

We urge Raleigh’s City Council to protect the Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve by rejecting Z-40-21 on December 7, 2021.