RALEIGH, N.C. — From much-needed parking to more shops and living space, there is a push to drive people back to Raleigh's Hillsborough Street.

The lack of parking has always been a problem along Hillsborough Street. Mayor Charles Meeker wants to change that.

"It's an area that needs to be completely redone and changed," he said.

This summer, the construction of a new 900-car parking deck is set to begin, as well as 45,000 square feet of retail space, new condominiums and student housing.

Restaurant owner Kevin Jennings agrees that it is about time.

"Whether you have a positive or negative view of Raleigh becoming a real city it doesn't matter, because that's the way we are going," he said.

One of the major developers, Val Valentine, is pushing the state to finance $16 million in street improvements. Those would include building roundabouts. The General Assembly could make a decision on that in the months ahead.