Future development of the vacant Clairmont Apartments on West Raleigh Boulevard at Ravenwood Drive is on the agenda for the City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

At the Aug. 27 Committee of the Whole meeting, Assistant City Manager Peter Varney presented a preliminary plan for the 13.5 acres of land acquired by the city in July, but officials said they wanted a plan that was more cohesive with the surrounding development.

City staff re-examined the plan and now hope to find a developer to build energy-efficient apartments or duplexes on both sides of Ravenwood Drive, houses on Starling Way and commercial development at the intersection of Ravenwood Drive and Raleigh Boulevard.

Staff also reserved 1.5 acres of land at the intersection for the eventual relocation of fire station No. 2, which currently is at the intersection of Raleigh Boulevard and Grace Street.

An additional 2.8 acres on Starling Way also is planned to be used by the South Rocky Mount Community Center.

“The site has been a constant eyesore to the area and it is the city’s vision to improve the appearance and the quality of affordable housing in the area,” according to Planning Director Ken Graves in the request for proposals.

Also at the 2 p.m. Committee of the Whole meeting, officials will hear a financial report on the first quarter and consider a recommendation to add clauses about deposits for small businesses to the Public Utilities policies.

At the 4 p.m. Council meeting, Public Works Director Jonathan Boone has requested the City Council approve nearly $41,000 in increased costs associated with the Downtown Streetscape electrical improvements.

Also, more than $88,000 for improvements is needed to Goldleaf Street with crews planning to widen West Goldleaf Street and add a concrete island to reduce the number of people going around the railroad gates.

The Goldleaf Street improvements would be covered by N.C. Department of Transportation and Powell Bill funding.

A $35,000 grant application also must be approved by officials before it can be submitted.

If awarded, the grant money would be used to renovate the oldest section of the city trail, between the Battle Park boat ramp and the Church Street bridge.