Raleigh, N.C. — As Raleigh City Council gears up for budget season, residents of Peace Street hope they will be heard. The busy corridor, known for shops and apartments, is long overdue for an overhaul.

The city has $1.3 million, currently held in an economic reserve fund, to pay for improvements, including wider sidewalks, buried utility lines and street trees with grates, along Peace Street from St. Mary's Street to West Street.

"What the downtown living advocates are hoping for is that, during this budget cycle, City Council can release that money and begin work on that phase of the project," City Councilwoman Mary-Ann Baldwin said.

"It gets busy," said Sarah Meany. "Especially in the afternoons with the school.  It's only two lanes, so it gets pretty congested."

The funding won't address congestion issues along the road. Those require involvement from the state Department of Transportation and are part of a long-term plan to overhaul Glenwood Avenue.

The City Council's pre-budget hearing is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Avery C. Uphchurch Government Complex, at 222 W. Hargett St. The City Council must adopt a budget no later than July 1.