BHennington

[Photo credit NCSU]

Durham has spurts of intense activity surrounding the Durham Bulls games and DPAC events. Other than that, it is usually pretty quiet. Raleigh seems to have a steady "crowd" that frequents the city on most days and nights. I personally would rather have the latter, but would enjoy some development activity in Raleigh that gives short spurts of massive crowds (Other than motorcycle weekend, convention center events, etc.). An addition of a decent downtown stadium would do wonders for Raleigh and now is the time to start planning. With rising land values throughout the core we cannot stand to wait much longer if we want this to become a reality. A mixed use sporting complex that primarily caters to soccer (NASL/MLS) with other uses would be nice connected to some sort of water feature (large pond/lake, or river walk). I have recently talked to a Railhawks employee who said, "We would jump at the chance to relocate to Raleigh". One can dream.. but the talk and backing from citizens needs to start.

I am trying to accept the "dead" light rail.. you are correct.. it is a reality that there will not be enough supporters. As far as transportation options, are we to simply accept buses as the default? What other choices do we have and how can they fit into the "Raleigh" way of life (whatever that may be). I am not convinced buses are the answer. Maybe providing incentives for better taxi service to create competition and lower the rates? Not sure if Raleigh is ready to put down the keys and board a bus. Just my opinion though.

I personally am looking forward to the Union Station- Raleigh project. I think it will really bring a much needed revitalization to the area and provide a beautiful hub to showcase that end of town. It is increasingly irritating and short-sighted to hear from the non-light rail advocates throughout Raleigh. The arguments always revolve around "not enough density' or "not cost effective as a transportation system." From my experience light-rail increases density dramatically and is far less expensive to build when density is lower in an area. It is also unrealistic to think that a government operated transportation system such as light rail will break even. It just will not happen. It will however provide an increase in tax revenue through development for the city providing funding to support. It comes down to proper management and the ability to see past the next 5, 10, or even 20 years. Buses will provide transportation, but they will also add insult to injury with traffic congestion. The decisions that are made today will ultimately decide what type of city we will be. The average person, with zero infrastructure background, has a difficult time relating to projects that cost $1 billion plus and throwing around numbers to "help" them decide can be a distracting factor, if not detrimental to the study. just my 2 cents..

Notified today that the Z-1-15 zoning request by Kane for the Dillion Supply development was deferred at request of applicant so they can address staff concerns. Not sure what these concerns are.

It's not the Applebees or the cited retail places that dictate anything. It does however lend itself to an area of high volume traffic that will continue to use the neighborhoods between NCSU and Cameron Village as a pass through from one point to the other. The citizens are concerned about traffic increases in their neighborhood, which is extremely unfortunate based on the location (For some). I do not see the area decreasing traffic by limiting this development to their "standards." it would not surprise me if the city eventually decided to connect the two segments of Clark Avenue in the near future to increase the flow of traffic through the neighborhood - to Cameron Village - feeding into Peace Street. I have yet to see any rendering of proposed development on the site. All I have read is the concern from the community residents. What if the development compliments the Wilmont with architectural characteristics that fit? Will this change perception of the project? A development of sorts will most likely be built in this location. Not sure that the community residents will be completely satisfied, but rather adjust to the changing landscape of the city. For some, this is the worst path that Raleigh could take, for others it is a sign of prosperity and progressive action to satisfy the upcoming generation that will ultimately cause the city to be successful. I will agree to disagree. Especially regarding the "historic strip" comment. What makes the homes historic? The historic nature of the area comes from the University, which was in place 30+ years before the 3 "historic" homes were even built. Development will come in and around the neighborhood. No doubt about it.

I am not out for total all out density all over the place, but the location for this proposed development project is KEY. We are talking about an intersection with 4-5 roads coming together 2 gas stations and an applebee's between two huge universities.. If the NIMBY folks in the "historic" neighborhood feel the need to pick a fight I am not sure this is the one. Development is good for this area and will continue. If the neighbors do not want this type of progress they need to sell ASAP because they are in the middle of a complete development frenzy.

I sure hope the council approves Z-35-13. I understand the "family home" aspect of the argument, but the area is right between NCSU and Meredith that continue to grow with a need for housing. These people live by the largest university in the state, what do they expect?? If the city council disapproves the zoning request it will set precedent for the area and give all of the non-progressive citizens more of a reason to show up for every single zoning request. I hope they approve the request

Yes, east side is correct. Typo on my part.

Jones, I have tracked down plan for the 30 acre tract. You can see the connector on the east side probably will get 1/3 the way done. It would be a shame for NCSU to not finish the rest quickly. What a great bypass for traffic.

Good information. Thanks. The Cathedral looks impressive. http://www.mccreryarchitects.com/portfolio/liturgical/cathedral-holy-name-jesus/

Am I seeing development starting today around the Dorthea Dix property? Any ideas? Below I have added a photo of the area where I saw major clear cutting of trees today after work. Looks like a possible new pullen road extension through Dorthea Dix... hmm

From the news I have received it looks as though Raleigh has acquired the Dix Park property. More news to follow tomorrow (1/11/15 @ Noon) via press conference.