Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by: Stephanie Currier, Planning and Development, 919-996-2704

For more information: Trisha Hasch, Planning and Development, 919-996-4641 or trisha.hasch@raleighnc.gov

Aug. 11, 2014

Draft Downtown Plan to be Presented Sept. 11

The City of Raleigh, in collaboration with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, will present the draft Downtown Plan at an event on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St. Members of the Downtown Plan Advisory Committee will be in attendance.

An open house on the draft Downtown Plan will be held the following day, on Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St. The open house will provide an opportunity for the public to speak to the planning and design team, view development recommendations in 3D, and learn how the plan will further establish Downtown Raleigh as a diverse, energized, connected place to live, work and play.

The draft Downtown Plan presentation will highlight Raleigh’s reputation and identity as a creative, innovative, and family-friendly city. Specific attention will be given to actionable catalytic projects that can accelerate economic progress in Downtown and help link the different districts of Downtown together. Visualizations of the catalytic projects will be created by using 3D models. The presentation will be conducted by the consultant team lead by Sasaki Associates.

The Downtown Plan will create a 10-year vision that includes short, mid, and long-term improvements to Downtown Raleigh, with possible phasing scenarios that are widely supported and achievable. The plan will also identify and analyze redevelopment, public-realm, infrastructure, and connectivity improvements. The consultant team has met with more than 1,000 stakeholders through public meetings including the Downtown Plan kickoff, Downtown Visioning meeting, District visioning meetings, and stakeholder meetings. The team has also worked with the Downtown Plan Advisory Committee that was appointed by the City Council in December 2013.

In addition to public meetings, the City of Raleigh is using social media to garner feedback from a wider demographic. For example, the City is hosting an Instagram photo contest with the theme, “What excites you about Downtown Raleigh?” Entries may include photos of favorite places, faces, and fun things to do and see in Downtown Raleigh. Photos shared on Instagram and posted using @raleighplanning and the hashtag #experienceDTRaleigh will be considered for a curated show at the City of Raleigh Museum in November.

For more information on the Downtown Plan, contact Trisha Hasch, project manager, at 919-996-4641 or email trisha.hasch@raleighnc.gov. Interested parties may also visit the City of Raleigh’s website at www.raleighnc.gov (type ‘Downtown Experience Plan’ in the search box). An interactive link has been established at www.PlanningForRaleigh.com that allows people to share their thoughts about Downtown Raleigh today and in the future. Images and videos can be posted on the site. Also, the public can follow dialogue on the Downtown Plan process on Twitter using the hashtag #RaleighDTPlan.