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City Begins Drafting Transportation Action Plan, Seeks Public Input
As part of its process to draft a Transportation Action Plan (TAP), the City of Raleigh is asking residents for their input on various  transportation projects. A strategic document, the TAP will be a guide for the City’s capital investment in multimodal transportation projects for a 10-year period. It will provide citizens the opportunity to understand the City’s transportation needs and give them a say in how the City selects and funds each project and program.
The TAP process will have three elements:
- Plan. Identify all potential transportation projects and programs the City should consider funding;
- Prioritize. Develop a means of deciding which projects should be the City’s top priorities; and,
- Pay. Determine how the City should pay for all of its transportation projects and programs.
The planning phase for TAP will run through the month of February, with completion of the entire process by May. Throughout the process, the City will be posing various online questions to the public on the TAP webpage (see “Public Input Opportunity”).
This week, the City is asking for public input on the following question: Which street projects do you think the City should make a priority?
In addition to the project webpage, more information about the Transportation Action Plan can be obtained by calling the City of Raleigh’s Office of Transportation Planning at 919-996-2661.
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City’s Partnership with Zipcar to Offer Car-Sharing on Campus
The City of Raleigh has launched a partnership with Zipcar, Inc., the world’s leading car-sharing network, to offer a Zipcar car-sharing program. The program offers convenient transportation options at an affordable rate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to those age 21 and over. Students at North Carolina State University and Meredith College also have access to the vehicles.
 To join, residents must pay a $25 application fee along with an annual $50 fee. Rates on Zipcar vehicles are as low as $7.50 per hour and $69 per day. Members will receive $50 in driving credits when they join (the offer expires December 31, 2013). Gas, insurance, reserved parking spots, and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in Zipcar rates. The cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days.
“This will be an important asset for our transit, bicycle, and pedestrian commuters,” said David Eatman, City of Raleigh Transit administrator. “If someone needs to run an errand or attend an appointment these vehicles are invaluable. They will also be a huge asset for our growing residential community in Downtown Raleigh.”
The City of Raleigh will initially offer two vehicles, a Ford Focus and a Toyota Prius, which will be located in Downtown Raleigh on Glenwood Avenue at Lane Street. Zipcars are available on-demand and can be reserved and accessed at any time.
Members with smart phones, including iPhones and Android devices, can download the Zipcar mobile application to make reservations, lock and unlock the vehicles, and honk the horn to help locate the vehicle. Members can also use Zipcar’s “Reserve a Zipcar” app on Facebook to view available Zipcars and make or alter reservations from their Facebook account. Reservations can also be made over the phone or on Zipcar’s website at www.zipcar.com.
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Yard Waste Center Now Accepting Rigid Plastics
The City of Raleigh’s Yard Waste Recycling Center is accepting rigid plastics from residents and small businesses at its facility located at 900 N. New Hope Road. Examples of items accepted include crates, plastic totes, old recycling bins, buckets, plastic lawn furniture, children’s toys, flower pots, plastic hangers, and hair brushes.
Rigid plastic items will be accepted only at the Yard Waste Center. The facility is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Yard Waste Center also accepts computers and televisions, which have been banned from disposal in North Carolina landfills, all items with a cord, and other items that are collected by the City through its curbside recycling program.
For more information, call Solid Waste Services at 919-996-6890 or visit www.raleighnc.gov/recycling.
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Q-Art Code Project Celebrates City of Raleigh’s Public Art Collection
The City of Raleigh Arts Commission has partnered with North Carolina State University’s Advanced Media Lab to develop a project that provides smartphone users public access to information about the City’s public art collection.
 A reception to launch the Q-Art Code Project will take place on Friday, March 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at CAM Raleigh, 409 W. Martin Street. Remarks begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for the general public. The event is free for CAM Raleigh members, children 10 and under, and faculty, staff and students at N.C. State’s College of Design. There will be free snacks and a cash bar.
The City of Raleigh’s collection of more than 300 works of art on view in public spaces is managed by the Arts Commission. A primary goal of the Arts Commission is to raise awareness of the impact of public art and its cultural and economic contributions through the documentation of artwork in the City’s collection.
Through quick response (QR) codes and mapping, the Q-Art Code Project allows smartphone users to access information about one dozen sculptures in the City’s art collection. The project documents key sculptures in the collection, provides an online archive, and offers mobile access to the City’s history through public art.
Some of the artwork featured in the Q-Art Code Project include the Sir Walter Raleigh sculpture and Thomas Sayre’s Cree Shimmer Wall, both located at the Raleigh Convention Center Downtown; Adam Wall’s Defense Toy, the Andy and Opie sculpture, and Matt McConnell’s Weathervane, all located at Pullen Park; and Abbe Godwin’s sculpture of Martin Luther King, Jr., located in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Garden off of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Advanced Media Lab students at N.C. State University researched and interviewed artists to develop brief videos on 12 sculptures in the City’s art collection. The resulting videos were incorporated into an interactive website, accessible via QR codes located at the site of each sculpture. Scanning the QR codes with a smartphone provides access to the videos and website.
The website also features an interactive map of Raleigh showing where each featured artwork is located, along with the other sculptures that are a part of the project. A social media component enables viewers to leave comments about the artwork for others to see and respond to.
Advanced Media Lab is a research and teaching lab of the graduate program for New Media and Animation at the College of Design at N.C. State University. The Q-Art Code Project was a semester-long classroom project for approximately 15 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the program.
CAM Raleigh is a collaboration between the N.C. State University College of Design CAM Raleigh Initiative and the Contemporary Art Foundation (CAF), a private 501(c)(3) organization. The two organizations work together to form CAM Raleigh.
Established in 1977 as the official advisory body and advocate for the arts to the Raleigh City Council, the City of Raleigh Arts Commission serves as the leading force to champion the arts with Raleigh citizens and their representatives. The Art Commission’s myriad activities foster, support, and promote the arts in the Capital City.
For more information, contact the City of Raleigh Arts Commission at 919-996-3610; email Kim Curry-Evans, public art coordinator, at Kim.Curry-Evans@raleighnc.gov; or follow Raleigh Public Art on Facebook or Twitter.
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Portion of Haymarket Lane to Be Closed March 1 for Drainage System Improvement Project
The City of Raleigh’s Stormwater Utility Division has begun construction of the Harps Mill Road, Haymarket Lane and Favorwood Court drainage system improvement project.
Haymarket Lane will close to through traffic between Harps Mill Road and Vauxhill Drive beginning Friday, March 1and will remain closed until Monday, Sept. 9.
This project will consist of the placement of new stormwater infrastructure along Haymarket Lane and behind and adjacent to private properties between Haymarket, Favorwood Court and Harps Mill Road. New 96-inch piping will connect to the previously completed drainage project on Harps Mill Road. Also included will be new storm drainage pipes and culverts, new catch basins and curb inlets to reduce street and flooding to adjacent homes. In addition to the drainage improvements, public sewer mains will be replaced as part of the project. Moffat Pipe, Inc. will be performing the construction improvements.
Area residents may use Audubon Drive, Knights Way and Vauxhill Drive to detour around the closed section of Haymarket Lane. Access to private property within the construction area will remain for those residents impacted.
Any questions regarding the project should be directed to Chris Stanley, PE , Stormwater Utility Division, 919-996-4003 or StormwaterUtilityHelpingU@raleighnc.gov.
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Parks and Recreation Department Invites You To Take The Community Needs Survey
The Parks and Recreation Department public has kicked off a process to identify what the community's needs and priorities are for parks, programs, and greenways in Raleigh. The outreach continues through an online forum, focus groups and surveys.
Tell us how you use the Parks and Recreation System and help us understand your needs by taking 15 minutes to complete the Community Needs Survey. The online survey can be found at www.research.net/s/RaleighParks. Information gathered from this survey will help develop a framework for the System-wide Vision Plan, which will be presented for public review late spring 2013.
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Register Now for City's Feb. 21 Human Relations Awards
Raleigh will pay homage to those who it recognizes as having made significant strides in advancing human rights in the Capital City, Feb. 21 at the City of Raleigh’s Human Relations Awards banquet.
The event is an endeavor of the City’s Human Relations Commission. The 24th annual event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St. The keynote speaker will be former Raleigh Police Chief Harry P. Dolan.
Awards will honor individuals, organizations, businesses and students.
Individual tickets are $35, which includes parking. Table sponsorships are available. For reservations, mail a check payable to the City of Raleigh, c/o Marionna Poke-Stewart, City of Raleigh Community Services Department, P.O. Box 590, Raleigh, 27602 or call the City’s Community Services Department at 919-996-6100.
The Human Relations Commission is an advisory board appointed by the City Council to serve an advocacy role for all the people of Raleigh. The commission promotes activities, education and programs that enhance human dignity, equal opportunity, mutual respect and harmony among all Raleigh residents.
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Renewal Period for Raleigh Rental Dwelling Registration Begins March 1
All owners of residential rental properties in Raleigh are required to renew registration of their properties with the City during the period from March 1 to April 30. All registered owners of rental property will receive an invoice detailing the amount of their rental dwelling renewal fee during the first week of March.
 The registration fee is:
- $15 a year for properties/tax parcels with three or fewer residential units;
- $25 per year for properties/tax parcels with fewer than 20 but more than three residential units; and,
- $50 a year for properties/tax parcels with 20 or more residential units.
First-time registration of rental properties by an owner requires a non-refundable application fee of $30, in addition to the property registration fee.
The City of Raleigh’s Rental Dwelling Registration Ordinance was adopted by the City Council in 2008 and deemed necessary to promote public health, welfare, good order and safety of the City and its residents who rent residential properties. The rental dwelling registration fee is due every year during the renewal period of March 1 to April 30.
This registration creates a database of the location and ownership of Raleigh’s residential rental properties. The City uses this database as an effective resource to promote responsible management, provide a safe habitat for residents, safeguard property values and expedite housing repairs. This database also is used to contact owners in the event of emergencies.
Any property owner who has recently purchased rental property that has not been registered can complete and/or print the registration form online at the City of Raleigh’s website at www.raleighnc.gov. Registration forms also are available at the City’s Inspections Department located on the fifth floor at One Exchange Plaza in the 200 block of Fayetteville Street. Residential rental property owners can also call the Inspections Department at 919-996-2444 to obtain the forms.
You may request further assistance with the renewal of your rental property registration by calling 919-996-2444 or emailing Rental.RegistSupport@raleighnc.gov.
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Police Chief to Be Sworn Feb. 22
Cassandra Deck-Brown will be sworn in as Raleigh’s police chief at 11:30 a.m., Feb. 22 in Fletcher Opera Theater at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 5 E. South St.
 The insignia of the police chief will be pinned to Chief Deck-Brown’s uniform by her father, Joseph Deck Jr. and her son, David Brown II.
Chief Deck-Brown joined the Raleigh Police Department in 1987. She is a North Carolina native, having graduated from East Carolina University and received a master’s degree in public administration from North Carolina State University. She was deputy chief until being named interim chief on Oct. 1, 2012, on the retirement of former Police Chief Harry Dolan.
Chief Deck-Brown is the first African American woman to serve as Raleigh’s police chief. Her brother-in-law, Mitch Brown, led the Capital City’s Police Department from 1994 to 2000. Previous to the Brown family’s leadership, the highest rank to be attained by an African American in the Raleigh Police Department was assistant chief, a position to which Bryan Lunn was appointed in 1866.
In 1793, just months following the creation of the City of Raleigh, the Wake Court appointed a constable and patrollers for Raleigh. Sixty-five years later Raleigh ended the citizen guard system and hired its first officers.
The City of Raleigh Police Department is comprised of 777 sworn officers and 102 civilian positions. The department’s budget for the current fiscal year is $88,398,735.
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Sign Up for MyRaleigh Subscriptions for Free
My Raleigh Subscriptions is a free, subscription-based service offered to residents by the City of Raleigh. This service allows the City to provide residents access to relevant information by proactively delivering new information through email and wireless alerts.
Subscribers may select to receive email or text message notifications about a variety of City topics. The 100 plus topics range from alerts, newsletters, meeting agendas, new releases, event information, project updates, service notices to recreation information.
To learn more, visit the City’s website at www.raleighnc.gov and go to MyRaleigh Subscriptions in the upper right corner.
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Follow the City of Raleigh on Twitter
Looking for the most up-to-date information from the City of Raleigh? Follow your local government via Twitter! Twitter is a free services that allows you to "follow" people or subjects via short, frequent updates. The City of Raleigh now offers Twitter users the opportunity to stay informed about the latest news and breaking events. To join in, visit
Currently, the City maintains the following accounts:
RaleighGov - This feed features links to any news releases and alerts issued by the City of Raleigh;
RaleighBPAC - This feed features information from the City of Raleigh Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission;
RaleighParks - This feed features any news and information related to the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department;
RaleighPlanning - This feed features any news and information related to the City of Raleigh Planning and Development Department;
RalCommServices - This feed features any news and information related to the City of Raleigh Community Services Department;
RW911 - This feed features traffic accidents reported to the Emergency Communications Center;
RaleighGoGreen - This feed features news and information from the City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services Department Recycling program.
RaleighPublicArt
To follow any of these, simply choose "Find People" from your Twitter home page and type in the account name you are interested in and then click "follow." It's that easy.
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Follow the City of Raleigh on Facebook
 City of Raleigh - The main City of Raleigh Facebook page keeps you informed about events, holidays and other news items.
City of Raleigh Planning and Development - The Raleigh Planning and Development page provides guidance for the growth, preservation and development of the City of Raleigh in order to maintain a community of lasting value.
Community Services Department - The Community Services Department Facebook page posts a variety of community and neighborhood news, stories, awards, classes and Citizen Advisory Council information.
Emergency Communications - The Raleigh-Wake County 911 Facebook page posts information on job openings, public engagement and other 911 related happenings.
Raleigh Police Department -The Raleigh Police Department Facebook page focuses on public safety. Posts concerning crime alerts, missing people, requests for citizen assistance and more.
Raleigh Public Art - Raleigh Arts Commission's Public Art program is an essential building block for the creation of engaging, imaginative spaces throughout the city.
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Traffic Alerts
For more City of Raleigh News and Updates on Road Closures, Parades and Road Races, visit the City's website at www.raleighnc.gov.
ROAD RACES
March 2 Traffic will be affected from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. by a road race. Information on the race can be found here or visit http://getyourrearingear.com/events/list/2012/raleigh-nc-2012/.
March 3 Traffic will be affected near Lowden Street by a road race from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The route will take runners on Noble Road, left on the greenway, right on Oxford Road, cross Anderson Drive, right on the greenway, and return to the school along the same route.
March 9 Traffic will be affected downtown by a road race from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Information on the race can be found here or visit http://www.raleighnc.gov/arts/news/content/CorNews/Articles/RunForTheOaks2013.html
March 16 Traffic will be affected from 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.by a road race near Fox Road and Perry Creek Road. Information can be found here or visit http://www.waketech.edu/community/road-scholars.
March 24 Traffic will be affected downtown by a road race from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Information on the race can be found here, or visit http://www.second-empire.com/race/.
STREET CLOSINGS
Portion of West Drewry Lane Remains Closed Due To Repairs
West Drewry Lane will remain closed between Milton Road and Dell Drive until emergency repairs are complete. The City of Raleigh hopes to reopen the road in February. The emergency repairs include the existing roadway, culvert and embankment stabilization, and erosion and sediment control measures.
West Drewry Lane is closed to through traffic because of a failing culvert and its possible impact on the roadway. In addition to the failing culvert, a 36-inch sewer line was found to be near failure due to stormwater undermining the pipeline. The City’s Public Utilities Department and a contractor have stabilized the sewer line. Stream stabilization measures are being done to prevent this incident from recurring. Failure of the sewer line would have resulted in the release of raw sewage directly into Crabtree Creek.
Following is a detour route for through traffic on West Drewry Lane:
• Eastbound traffic on West Drewry Lane from Landor Road is being directed left onto Dell Drive and then right onto Rock Creek Drive to Six Forks Road;
• Westbound traffic on West Drewry Lane from Anderson Drive, Kipling Place or Byron Place is being directed right onto Milton Road and left onto Coleridge Drive to Six Forks Road.
The City of Raleigh regrets any inconvenience caused by the closing of West Drewry Lane and the repair
Section of Swift Drive Closes For Drainage Improvement Project
The City of Raleigh has closed Swift Drive from Bryn Mawr Court to Merwin Road to accommodate construction of the Simmons Branch Drainage Improvement Project-Phase 1. The street will remain closed until May 1.
Phase 1 of the Simmons Branch Drainage Improvement Project consists of replacing three culverts along Simmons Branch. The culverts are located at the intersections of Swift Drive and Octavia Street and Swift Drive and Lail Court and in the 5200 block of Kaplan Drive. In addition to the culvert improvements, public water and sewer mains in the area of the culverts will be upgraded and improved.
For more information about the project, email StormwaterUtilityHelpingU@raleighnc.gov or call 919-996-3940.
February 7 - March 7 Oakwood Avenue will be closed to through traffic from Linden Avenue to Tarboro Road until March 7 due to sewer repairs.
February 12 - February 22 Clark Avenue will be closed to through traffic from Chamberlain Street to Enterprise Street and Chamberlain Street will be closed from Mayview Road to Ashley Court until February 22 due to sanitary sewer work.
February 14 - February 22 Gilbert Avenue will be closed to through traffic from South Saunders Street to Green Street until February 22 due to construction.
February 15 - 18 Northbrook Drive will be closed to through traffic from Hyde Street to Rampart Street until February 18 due to construction.
February 17 McDowell Street will be closed to through traffic from Davie Street to Martin Street from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. due to construction. A detour will be in place directing traffic.
March 1 - September 9 Haymarket Lane will be closed from Harps Mill Road to Vauxhill Drive until September 9 due to stormwater improvement projects.
March 30 City Plaza on the 400 block of Fayetteville Street will be closed from noon until midnight.
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