Balance key in planning future of Raleigh's Hillsborough Street

The North Carolina State University senior was among those at a workshop Monday evening with residents and city leaders to discuss the future of Hillsborough Street.

Hale, like many others in the room, believe the final vision will include, but not solely focused on students.

“I think what's best for students is not always best for the other residents of the area and particularly with students kind of being a transient population,” she said.

Short term suggestions made during the meeting at N.C. State's Talley Student Union included rezoning, capital investments and new parking policies. Long term suggestions included more public open spaces and streetscaping.

“What we're really hoping to do is get all the ideas on the table for how Hillsborough Street can be a great place and can achieve its full potential,” said Ken Bowers, Raleigh’s planning director.

City leaders say while the area’s overall vision is still being formalized, a key element will be striking a balance between change and preservation.

“Even though students are very important, part of the mix on Hillsborough street, they're not the only thing on the mix,” Bowers said.