OUR OPINION: The City of Raleigh needs to do something to Hillsborough Street, whether it is in the form of roundabouts or as simple as planting flowers.
After seven years of debating, planning and gathering funds, it appeared Hillsborough Street was on its way to getting a long-awaited face-lift.
However, reports indicate the Raleigh City Council will not approve the project, which calls for roundabouts, landscaping and better sidewalks.
Because the council will not approve the roundabout plan, the bond money voted on by Raleigh citizens and set aside for Hillsborough Street will sit dormant until a new plan is constructed.
Hillsborough Street is the gateway to our University and is one of the first things visitors are exposed to when they visit.
The University has representatives on the Hillsborough Street Partnership, including students, which essentially means all of our hard work is down the tubes.
This is not necessarily a bad thing – in fact, roundabouts might not be the best solution to the faltering thoroughfare — but something must be done.
The street is dying.
Businesses can’t stay open – some can’t even open to begin with, such as the Raisin’ Ale at the corner of Hillsborough Street and Oberlin Road.
It is unfortunate that other cities cooperate with their flagship universities (UNC-Chapel Hill) to provide a viable, attractive gateway to the campus and our city can’t.
The absence of approval from the Raleigh City Council should not discourage proponents of a better street, including the Hillsborough Street Partnership.
Push for a new plan while fielding suggestions from council members who disapprove this time around.
Perhaps the greatest issue on Hillsborough Street is the lack of foot traffic to support local businesses – so maybe more parking is in order.
There is also no denying that the street itself needs a visual face-lift.
Repave the road, fix the curbs and plant some trees. The money is there and businesses already on the street or considering leasing on the strip certainly wouldn’t be opposed.
Students are tired of waiting for a better Hillsborough Street – the kids to the west have it made.
Go figure that their main street is not only famous, but synonymous with their university.
Raleigh representatives need to realize that N.C. State brings a lot of people, money and attention to the city.
So, draft a new plan, get more input from more people and put something in place that will benefit both students and visitors to the University. The point is not to build roundabouts and slow down traffic – the point is to improve a street that is vital to this institution.
We scratch Raleigh’s back consistently – it is its turn to scratch ours.
