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Taking housing to new heights

Voice your opinion on the proposal to raise multifamily building height limits

Four story apartment building that is brick and white siding. A fenced in park is in the front of the frame with a tree and bushes around it. Cars are parked in the complex parking lot.

The city-county planning board handles zoning and rezoning requests. | Photo by WStoday

Changes could be coming to Winston-Salem’s skyline. City Council will consider a proposed amendment to change height limits on certain multifamily residential buildings. City planners say properties need to be taller in order to increase affordable housing.

Why

A 2018 assessment found Winston-Salem has a shortage of 16,000 affordable homes. In 2022, City Council set a goal of creating 750 affordable housing units per year for the next decade. While progress is being made, planners + developers are running into issues.

City staff say it’s become difficult for developers to find land suitable for multifamily developments. The Planning Board recommends changing Chapters 4 and 5 of the Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) to allow more units on land that is able to be developed.

How

Here’s what the amendment would change:

Low-density multifamily districts (RM-8) would increase in maximum height from 40 ft to 48 ft (approx. four stories).
The height limit for medium-density buildings (RM-12) could be raised to 60 ft (approx. five stories) from the current 45-ft limit.
The height limit for high-density buildings (RM-18) could go from 60 to 72 ft (approx. six stories).
RM-5 districts for duplexes and townhouses would go from a max of four units per building to six.

The new rule change would require buildings that are more than 40 ft high to be a minimum of 50 ft away from adjacent properties zoned for single-family residential. It would also change the bufferyard requirement from applying to developments with five or more units, to developments larger than one acre.

When

City council members discussed the proposal during a committee meeting in January (discussion starts ~31 minutes in). City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at City Hall (101 N. Main. St.).

Events

Friday, Feb. 2

DADA First Friday Gallery Hop | Friday, Feb. 2 | 7-10 p.m. | Downtown Arts District, 6th and Trade St., Winston-Salem | Free entry | See pieces from Steve Mizel’s solo show “Color, Movement and Storytelling” and “Heartstrings,” John Henry’s invitational show.
No Limits II Dance Party For All Abilities | Friday, Feb. 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Biotech Place, 575 Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem | Free | Hit the dance floor and move to tunes from VJ Diddy or try to hit Bingo while enjoying light snacks — for everyone 18 and older.
Piedmont Craftsmen New Members Exhibit | Friday, Feb. 2 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Piedmont Craftsmen, 601 N. Trade St., Winston-Salem | Free entry | Get your first chance to see works from 17 new member artists from around the country — the exhibition will be on display through March 30.

Saturday, Feb. 3

Artist Reception | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Camino Bakery, 310 B W. 4th St., Winston-Salem | Free | Enjoy a beer + wine tasting and complimentary treats while meeting local artist Sean McNamara.
My Voice, My Story | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | HanesBrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St., Winston-Salem | Authors Jorge Redmond and Judy Allen Dodson will encourage young people to share their voices with activities, a writing workshop, and an authors panel.

Sunday, Feb. 4

Big Ron Hunter Performs Live | Sunday, Feb. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Muddy Creek Cafe and Listening Room, 626 S. Main St., Winston-Salem | $15-$20 | The Muddy Creek Listening Room will reopen for its first performance featuring happy blues from Big Ron Hunter.

Monday, Feb. 5

Charcuterie Workshop | Monday, Feb. 5 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joymongers Barrel Hall, 480 W. End Blvd., Winston-Salem | $66 | Learn how to build the perfect cheese board while sampling the spread — your ticket includes a beverage ticket and a wooden board to take home.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Biz

Novant Health has completed its purchase of three hospitals in South Carolina. The acquisition of Hilton Head Hospital, Coastal Carolina Hospital and East Cooper Medical Center from Tenet Healthcare Corp. cost the Winston-Salem-based healthcare system $2.4 billion. (Winston-Salem Journal)

Opening

Celebrate the grand opening of Inspire Her CoWorking Studio on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The business at 357 Old Hollow Rd. will welcome female entrepreneurs open to networking and collaborating — RSVP requested.

Coming Soon

The Dutch Light plans to begin construction soon on a new craft cocktail bar in Innovation Quarter. The bar, which is named after Dutch Light greenhouses, plans to open sometime this summer.

Active

Get the whole family moving for National Wear Red Day. Red Hearrt’s annual Largest Dance Explosion is tonight, Feb. 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a live DJ, multiple fitness instructors + more at Hanes Hosiery Community Center (501 Reynolds Blvd.).

Today is

Groundhog Day. This morning, Punxsutawney Phil gives his unofficial weather prediction. Remember: Legend says that if the groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter lie ahead. If not, an early spring is expected. Don’t trust Phil? You can always reference our winter weather outlook, too.

Film

Register to attend a free screening of “Sidney” on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. The documentary about the life + career of actor, director, and diplomat Sidney Poitier will be shown at Marketplace Cinemas — an on-stage interview with Poitier’s daughter will follow.

Plan Ahead

Over 60 vendors will be selling video games + vinyl records at the Camel City Collectors Con on Saturday, April 6 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entry to Foothills Brewing Tasting Room on Kimwell Drive will be free but you’ll want to bring cash for purchases.

Announced

Congratulations to our survey winner, Rachel M., for winning $500! Thank you to everyone who took the time to take our survey. We’re excited to continue providing positive news and events in our free newsletter.

Older Adults

Trying to decide whether to stay in your home or relocate? You can have the best of both worlds with Navigation at Home, which provides at-home asset protection, care coordination, and long-term care services – and offers the opportunity to later relocate to Salemtowne. Explore Navigation + learn more.*

Closed

Saying goodbye is hard to do

Three businesses close in Winston-Salem

The co-op grocery store aimed to offer healthier alternatives to shoppers and support local food producers. | Photo via Harvest Market

While the new year is just starting, some businesses are closing the chapter. Three locations in Winston-Salem are saying goodbye to customers.

Johnny’s Farmhouse has closed less than two years after opening off Hanes Mall Boulevard. The restaurant at 1615 Fox Trot Ct. opened in July 2022 and served southern comfort foods. The owner has not announced the closure but exterior signage has been removed and the website only lists two locations elsewhere in NC.

L’Avenue Boutique has closed its doors earlier than expected. The owner previously said the European clothing boutique at 905 S. Broad St. would remain open to customers on Saturdays through February. Some items are still available for purchase online. The business launched in 2020 + the storefront opened in March 2023.

Harvest Market, a co-op grocery store in the West Salem Shopping Center on Peters Creek Parkway, will close after serving its members the weekend of Feb. 2-4. The store opened in October 2022 with the goal of addressing food shortages south of downtown. Organizers said low sales were the reason for the closure.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambridge

From the editor

It’s been such a great week having my co-editor Kellina back. While I loved hearing about her adventures abroad, I’m happy to have her back in the Twin City. We’re looking forward to exploring lots of upcoming Winston-Salem events together — if you see us around town, we hope you’ll say hello.

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