Moore Square construction continues while keeping city's homeless in mind

For several months, crews have been working to redo the space.

"So, this park will have a celebration of history, it will be forward thinking, it will have a place to eat. But it will be welcome for everyone," said Stephen Bentley, Raleigh’s assistant director of parks.

For many years, the downtown park was a popular gathering spot for the city's homeless.

Shana Overdorf, with the Raleigh Wake Partnership to End and Prevent Homelessness, said that, since the planning process began, they have been communicating information about the park's revitalization and impact.

"We had signs up at our center, and we got information out, and we started talking about where else in the community people could go during the construction period," she said.

Bentley also said the city has worked to help provide services to those who have been displaced.

Those who once found refuge at Moore Square have gone to other places where they feel safe, according to Overdorf.

She said that she believes the opening of a new, much larger facility at around the same time Moore Square plans to reopen will likely impact things.

"Some of the folks that were in the park before may go back to the park, but I anticipate because it's going to be...much more family focused, that people will not be there as much," Overdorf said.

"It's running on schedule. We're pretty much at the mercy of Mother Nature. So, if it's a fairly dry year, we'll be on track. If we have some wet time, we'll work with our contractor in adjusting the schedule," Bentley said.

There is about a year left of construction.