Study: Officials Not Tapping Into Commercial Potential Of SE Raleigh

Experts also suggested that millions of dollars are lost each year because the city is not tapping into the area's commercial potential.

"Southeast Raleigh has a number of assets and opportunities," said Jim Johnson, of the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. "Our basic conclusion is you have to sell it. You have to market it better. You have to end the process and make sure all citizens have equal access to opportunity."

Economic expansion for the area, stretching from New Bern Avenue to East Pool Road, is exactly what the City of Raleigh has in mind.

"We believe that there are tremendous opportunities here," said Johnson.

Johnson and his colleagues spent spent six months studying this area for the city of Raleigh.

"You've got to sell it," said Johnson about southeast Raleigh. "You've got to market it better, and you've got to make sure in the process people have long-term opportunity."

Johnson said $30 million leaks out of Wake County each year because southeast Raleigh's Hispanic population is spending its money elsewhere. He said the city needs to do a better job of embracing its cultural diversity in that area and use it to attract more businesses.

Johnson also suggested that Raleigh classify the area as a development zone and list large parcels of available land on their Web site to attract new businesses.

The study will be made public at 7 p.m. Monday in the City Council chambers at City Hall.