Area Raleigh Residents Want More Access To Beltline Greenway

RALEIGH, N.C. — Standing in protest, residents of Raleigh's Reedy Creek area told the City Council Tuesday evening to do something about the lack of access to a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Interstate 440 Beltline.

Their complaints are backed up with more than 900 signatures from residents who say the greenway is a "tease" because they can't even walk to it.

"We have so many people who bike and walk -- and the neighborhood was so excited when it was built, and now, it's a shame we're not able to use it," said Jenny Hilliard.

The easiest access point is at Meredith College, but it is considered a security risk to open that up to the public.

Reedy Creek residents said they understand the concern and that the solution would be to build an access path on Wade Avenue across the street from the campus.

City leaders say the reality is that building more access points would cost more money, but residents say without access, the greenway is going to waste.

The Raleigh City Council said it would consider the proposed access point along Wade Avenue.

City leaders say it should be noted that Meredith College donated the land for the greenway.