[Downtown Raleigh's Future]

This is one question where everyone has a different answer, but I'm curious.

What do you think will be the future of Raleigh? Are we bound for great things downtown? Will Raleigh reach out and claim the distinction as the heart of the Triangle (more than it currently is)? After spending some time downtown this weekend, I do believe the area is going to truly bust out. I think people are starving for this, and I can see Glenwood South getting more vertical and merging with the existing CBD (which will grow as well in the coming years).

Here's how I see it:

Working against it, I see a reluctance of the city to dream big and really realize it's enormous potential. I do think the idea of Raleigh growing up is catching on however.

Going for it, I see existing historical neighborhoods that already give the city a certain fabric (Boylan Heights and Oakwood among them). With a champion for downtown, and some vision...amazing things ARE going to happen here. There is also a great push with the residential component, which is so essential.

Things I'd love to see:

-A greater mix of entertainment near Glenwood (a Vietnamese restaurant, a bookstore, record store, etc.) to avoid it becoming a yuppie-only area

-More of these free events downtown (giving people a chance to experience the city center who rarely go down there)

-Street level retail downtown (would be great to see near the Hudson area, which would merge nicely with City Market). Maybe some shops similar to what you see around Cameron Village for starters.

-Gentrification on Hillsborough St. This street could electrify as it is located near State, and could work as a gateway into downtown

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think Raleigh will certainly get it's act together with the leadership of people like me and you speaking out and mayor meeker,but we must bring people to the table and not let folks make it downtown raleigh vs north raleigh this is the capitol city people need to get in step with progress or get the hell out the way!!! this is a area were Charlotte reallys kicks are butt they dream big!!

[Triangle in the national media]

Congratulations. I do business in Charlotte and the climate is just fine. With or without the ranking.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey moonshield! can we get some of that shine bro with out you making these wise comments we no that Charlotte is doing big things! Can we get some love too man without you Hating on the Triangle man!!!