Picture driving along West Peace Street, between St. Mary’s and West Street; a busy street with missing or torn up sidewalks, unable to meet the demands of school and work traffic.  As a primary traffic corridor for east Raleigh neighborhoods, Cameron Village and the State Government Center, it reflects a lack of appeal, as well as safety.  Now you have an opportunity to let the city know that they have your support in making welcome improvements.

Here’s the backstory

Five years ago the West Peace Streetscape Improvement Plan was created, originally planned as phase 2 of the Glenwood South streetscape improvement project.  But in response to the economic recession in 2008, the previously allocated $1.3 million construction fund was placed in an economic reserve account where it remains today.

Planned improvements

• New and wider sidewalks
• Driveway consolidation to improve traffic circulation
• Improved transit stop with new shelter
• Clean-up and reduction of overhead utility lines
• New trees to line street

View a rendering of the planned improvements by block – click to enlarge images.

St. Mary’s – Gaston

Gaston – Boylan

Boylan – Glenwood

Glenwood – West

Since the time the original plan was developed, the corridor deterioration has become even worse with the addition of nearly 700 residential units being built and under construction within a block of the street.  Additionally, safety has long been an issue with Broughton High School anchoring one end of the streetscape and an elementary school (Partnership, Wiley) on opposite sides of the street.

Help prevent the West Peace Streetscape funding from being lost or reallocated.

There is now a real concern that the reserved West Peace Streetscape construction funding may be lost or reallocated to other projects.

Let you voice be heard, as the city starts the new budget cycle.  Please join with the DLA and neighborhood residents to let the city know that you want the previously allocated funding released, along with any additional funding necessary to implement the designed streetscape improvements.

Attend the public hearing.

When: February 5th starting at 7:00pm

Where: Municipal Building, 222 W. Hargett Street, Room 201

The Raleigh City Council will hold a Pre-Budget Hearing on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, to receive comments on next year’s budget.  Neighborhood members will be making a request to release the funds and complete the West Peace Construction Plan, and we need residents to voice their support at the hearing.  You can also indicate your support by sending your comments to the City of Raleigh, and listing the West Peace Street Construction Plan as a program that you would like to see supported with city funds.

Thanks to Martin Stankus who brought this issue to the attention of the DLA, and thanks to our readers for all the ways you make a difference to the quality of life for residents, workers and visitors to Downtown Raleigh.