Raleigh Public Record (https://theraleighcommons.org/raleighpublicrecord/author/sonny/page/5/)
After weeks of debate with County Commissioners, the Wake County Board of Elections Monday approved the creation of the two voting precincts Commissioners are willing to fund. The board agreed to use the given funding to halve two of its biggest precincts — 05-04 in the Cary/Morrisville area and 20-02 in the Cary/Apex area.
Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope was the only known African-American man to run for mayor of a Southern state capital during Jim Crow segregation. The Pope House Museum Foundation has been working to restore his house on South Wilmington Street and has entered a community challenge for grant funding.
Some of the city’s parks might soon be called “nature preserves,” under new city guidelines, but the name change won’t affect how residents can enjoy the area.
A recent Verizon software update caused problems for those trying to reach Raleigh emergency services. Emergency operators could not hear the callers. Verizon officials say it was a one-time issue that has been resolved.
Councilors are considering a proposal to promote small business in Raleigh. They also gave final approval for Raleigh’s “Creative District” and continued the debate about the City of Oaks Marathon route.
Board of Elections members said Monday they might have to “lawyer up” in preparation for a battle with the Wake County Commission over creating new voting precincts. The Wake County Board of Elections agreed Monday to create 12 additional precincts — one week after Wake Commissioners said they would supply funding for only two extra precincts.
Raleigh transportation planners are working on a new pedestrian plan that encourages the use of sidewalks. Residents can help by providing input about needed improvements and programs for encouraging pedestrians.
More bus shelters are coming to Raleigh, and the Planning Commission’s Committee of the Whole endorsed new guidelines this week to make stops and shelters more artistic. The Raleigh Transit Authority will vote on the guide in July.
Raleigh’s bus system experienced a 72 percent ridership increase in the past five years, rising from 351,061 in May 2006 to 482,935 in April 2011. Yet, thanks to ongoing budget woes, transit officials have no major plans for expansion in the next fiscal year.
Downtown Raleigh visitors could soon see advertisements in the city’s parking decks, but they won’t see higher parking rates. The City Council’s Budget and Economic Development Committee Tuesday approved two recommendations from the Downtown Raleigh Alliance aimed at increasing the city’s parking revenue. The full Council still has to approve the changes.
