Downtown Raleigh News

We are very excited to bring you another issue of the Downtown Raleigh Newsletter. The newsletter is designed to inform and connect you to what is happening in your downtown neighborhood.

Tips to use this newsletter:
The table of contents sidebar can take you directly to the story that you are interested in reading; or if you prefer, you can scroll down throughout the entire newsletter. At the bottom of each story is a > Back link which will take you to the table of contents.

If you have any changes for your e-mail contact information, please e-mail info@downtownraleigh.org.

In the next newsletter you will find a link to a perception survey regarding the contents of the Downtown Raleigh Newsletter. It is important to the Downtown Raleigh Alliance that our readers value the material distributed. We look forward to your feedback regarding content of material, frequency of distribution, or any suggestions that you think would enhance the newsletter. Please remember to participate in this survey available in the next issue.

Each quarter the Downtown Raleigh Alliance produces "Discover Downtown" (the complete map and guide to dining, shopping, entertainment and parking in Downtown Raleigh). To pick up your own copy stop by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance at 120 South Wilmington Street, Suite 103. Business hours are Monday through Friday (8:30 am-5 pm). Copies are also available in major visitor locations throughout downtown.

Guide Schedule:

Winter Guide - January through March

Spring Guide - April through June

Summer Guide - July through September

Fall Guide - October though December

If you are a business listed in the guide and need to update your business information please send an e-mail to info@downtownraleigh.org with "guide update" as the subject header.

There is one exclusive sponsorship opportunity available per quarter for the printing of "Discover Downtown." For more information, contact traceylovejoy@downtownraleigh.org.

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance is pleased to announce that the third issue of "About Downtown Raleigh" magazine is now available for download. This issue "details the human aspect of the remarkable Renaissance occurring downtown." Downtown changes are described from the perspective of a developer, an academic institution, a pedestrian, a church and downtown residents. To download this issue of "About Downtown," click here.

Strolling along Fayetteville Street visitors, patrons, and residents can revel in the imaginative work of 14 local artists. Each participating artist painted their visual concept of an angel to be showcased during the holiday season. With materials supplied by the Raleigh Convention Center, the artists' angels were hung on lamp posts lining the newly opened Fayetteville Street. These endearing works of art will be available for viewing through the week following New Year's Eve.

Several art teachers participated with three fifth graders from Lacy Elementary School, as well as artists from the Visual Art Exchange and Artspace. Other artists from the Visual Art Exchange, Artspace and the Lee Hansley Gallery also provided seasonal art for store windows in the 200 block of Fayetteville Street.

Artspace Artists: Anna Podris, Keith Norval, Luanna Winner, Veronica Samuel.

Visual Art Exchange Artists: Lee Ball, Dan Nelson, Jayne Cluggish, Carol Lancaster.

Independent Artists and Art Teachers: Kirk Adam, Charlene Bowling and Dawn Wade.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness unique depictions of angels in the sky.

On the brisk evening of Friday, December 8, Raleigh residents, patrons, and visitors huddled around Mayor Meeker and a charismatic group of Victorian carolers to witness the lighting of the trees on Fayetteville Street. Spectators anxiously awaited as the mayor "flipped the switch" lighting the 64 oak trees.

Enjoy the charming streetscape of Fayetteville Street decorated with holiday lights through the end of February.

On Tuesday, December 19, 2006, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) launched its new Downtown Safety Team program to enhance public safety needs in downtown and in the City parking decks and lots. DRA Vice-Chair Hilda Pinnix-Ragland and the new 13-member Downtown Safety Team were joined by Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker and Police Chief Jane Perlov in the announcement.

The new Safety Team services, providing security in the City parking areas, are sponsored by the City of Raleigh. Additionally, extra Safety Team hours, patrolling the City streets, have been funded by private contributions from Progress Energy, RBC Centura, BB&T and Wachovia. Working hand-in-hand with the Raleigh Police Downtown District, using two-way radios and patrolling on foot and bicycles, team members act as an extra set of "eyes and ears" for law enforcement and property owners. The Safety Team Members can contact the Raleigh Police directly and the police can respond to service calls in a matter of minutes. All of the Team members are registered as unarmed guards with the state.

Members of the Safety Team have attended a DRA one-week training session and have taken part in workshops with the Raleigh Police Department, Healing Place, the City’s Crisis Intervention Team, Gang Unit and Crime Analysis Division. Safety Team members have been on the streets of downtown since December 16. They patrol the downtown area at least 18 hours a day and the City parking decks eight hours a day, six days a week.

“The Downtown Safety Team adds an extra dimension to keeping downtown Raleigh safe,” said Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker. “This effort, combined with the Raleigh Police Department’s initiatives, demonstrates our commitment to the public-private partnership we have to provide community-wide safety.”

After spending six months researching and developing a program to address the needs and change the perception of safety in downtown Raleigh, the DRA with the support of the Raleigh Police Department proposed the creation of the Downtown Safety Team. “The Downtown Raleigh Alliance is proud to contribute to enhancing service in the city’s core through the Downtown Safety Team,” said John Boylan, chairman of the DRA. “We know this new initiative will have a lasting impact on combating the negative perception some employees, visitors and residents have about downtown Raleigh.”

The team members will answer questions and provide assistance and information about events and destinations of interest in downtown. They will also work in partnership with law enforcement, downtown businesses, and social service agencies.

Monitoring and patrolling the City parking decks, parking lots and public streets in downtown.
Providing an extra set of “eyes and ears” for law enforcement agencies.
Maintaining an authoritative presence to deter crime and establish a positive perception of safety.
Communicating with law enforcement agencies to address the public safety needs of downtown.
Providing workers, residents, and visitors directions and information.
Providing support during special events.
Assisting in emergency situations.

Downtown Raleigh is actually much safer than many people think. Statistically, downtown Raleigh has a relatively small amount of the city’s overall crime. Since that is the case, the Downtown Safety Team will focus not just on crime prevention, but also on making sure the public has an accurate perception of downtown safety.

The very successful Clean Ambassador program, which focuses on the cleanliness needs in downtown Raleigh, will continue to be a positive presence in downtown. The existing Safety Ambassadors will become part of the new Downtown Safety Team. They will continue the hospitality effort, but will place an increased emphasis on perceived safety concerns. These two efforts will continue to be funded by the downtown Business Improvement District (BID).

About the Downtown Raleigh Alliance:
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) manages the business improvement district created to offer enhanced maintenance, safety and communications/events in downtown Raleigh. DRA is a private, not for profit corporation governed by 26 directors representing the City of Raleigh and property owners in the 110-block district. In June 2003, the Raleigh City Council approved a five-year renewal of the district, following overwhelming endorsement by stakeholders. The district’s annual assessment is approximately $540,000. For additional information about DRA, please visit www.GoDowntownRaleigh.com.

In November, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the Raleigh Police Department launched an educational program to proactively reduce motor vehicle related larcenies. Dozens of bright yellow and red “Lock, Take, Hide” signs have been mounted on sign posts in downtown Raleigh. These signs encourage drivers to lock their cars, take their keys, and hide their belongings. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the Raleigh Police Department remind you to follow the three steps outlined before leaving your car. Many of the larceny incidents reported are crimes of opportunity and can easily be prevented.

MOVIN' OUT brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying new life as it tells the story of five life-long friends over two turbulent decades. It all adds up to one unforgettable Broadway musical.

Performances, dates, and times subject to change. For more information about Broadway Series South, visit: www.broadwayseriessouth.com

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When: Saturday, January 27 (9 am-5 pm) and Sunday, January 28 (noon-5 pm)
Where: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Cost: FREE

A day of astronomical proportions featuring out-of-this-world presentations, a cosmic array of exhibits and displays, and a universe of activities that will send you into orbit!

For more information, click here.

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For more information about Downtown Raleigh, visit www.GoDowntownRaleigh.com.

Special thanks to our sponsors: