January 29, 2008
Will Raleigh Ever Be a Great City?
It might be the seat of power here in the Old North State but for all its attractions it lacks one thing. Pedestrians. Yesterday I walked from Fayetteville Street Mall to a meeting at the NCAE building next to the “Progress Energy” Performing Arts Center and then back to our offices on S. Dawson Street a block from City Hall. A couple blocks after I left FSM, I encountered not a single other pedestrian on my entire journey. That’s right – I walked nearly a mile at midday in NC’s Capitol city and was the only fool on foot. And I sure didn’t see anyone on a bike. If Raleigh wants to remedy this situation they need to get serious about light rail, bike lanes and more walkable development. Otherwise, Houston sprawl, here we come.
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2 Comments Add yours »
I object! Raleigh is a great city now!
On the other hand, I don’t much like getting almost run over every time I walk to the grocery store . . .
We’ve found that the crucial thing to create a great city is mixed use development–that is, blocks that have offices and shops on lower floors and living spaces above. Parts of Washington DC (Penn Quarter, DuPont Circle) have been transformed from scary, empty streets to vibrant neighborhoods with this change in zoning and development. It does take a sufficient number of folks who choose to live downtown, and the stores that will support people living there, not just working 9-5. By themselves, light rail and bike lanes just get you through the area quicker.