Despite support from many businesses and members of the University, the proposal for a renovated Hillsborough Street faces stiff opposition.
According to Raleigh City Council Member Tom Crowder, those for the renovation are still trying to convince those against it, even though the News and Observer reported Tuesday that the opposition by council members Philip Isley and Joyce Kekas will block the proposal from passing.
The vote will take place Tuesday afternoon, as the Hillsborough Street Partnership will appear in front of the city council to make one last case for the most recent proposal.
“Obviously the supporters of the proposal, the partnership, and the student population and administration will continue to talk with the councilors to communicate the benefits and importance of the plan,” Crowder said. “There are a lot of misconceptions about the project, and I am very disturbed that decisions are being made on gut feelings when we have cold, hard facts of the benefits of the proposal.”
Despite the opposition the partnership now faces, George Chapman, the group’s chair, said he is confident the decision is not final.
“Having worked with the city council for 25 years, I know it’s never over until the actual vote is taken,” Chapman said. “There are good answers to the questions being raised by those against it.”
According to the N&O Isley and Kekas believe that the proposed roundabouts would create larger traffic jams and hurt parking for business owners during the day.
Crowder said some are afraid the money being used for the renovation would not affect enough people.
“It’s presumptuous for them to project into the future that way — that’s for future councils to determine,” Crowder said.
Cody Williams, Student Government’s chief of staff and senior in agricultural business management, said the council should not be looking at everything as if it were set in stone.
“Things can change and be updated before it is actually built,” Williams said. “The project presented now is the best solution for a lot of different problems.”
Mitch Danforth, a student member of the partnership and senior in civil engineering, will be with other students in the Brickyard on Thursday and Friday to raise awareness for the proposal.
“It is important that the council hears from the student body,” Danforth said. “We’ll be encouraging students to write letters and take a survey and sign a petition we can give to the council.”
According to the partnership’s Web site, the proposal would create a safer environment for pedestrians and increase attention for businesses along the street. The renovations would include roundabouts and elements to add to the beautification of the street.
“The safety of the pedestrian has to come first ahead of any kind of traffic jams,” Crowder said.
This proposal is not the end for the renovation of Hillsborough Street, Chapman said.
“The whole vision of Hillsborough Street is something that will take a decade,” he said. “This is a critical part in getting the ball rolling, but is not by any means the entire project.”Chapman and Crowder agreed that the outward support of students is crucial to the passing of the proposal.
“Students need to express their views and show the council how important they think this renovation is,” Chapman said. “Students seem to be in strong support of this, and they don’t want to wait for five or more years for the city to make a better and safer street.”
