Raleigh Residents Take Creek Restoration Into Their Own Hands

In December, a North Raleigh neighborhood fought back against a proposed road extension and won. Their dispute involved Sycamore Creek, located behind the Harrington Grove subdivision.

However, the fight is not over. Residents said the city has not fulfilled a promise to pay for restoration work on the creek bed that was damaged before the road construction was stopped.

Patty Hernandez and her neighbors said their City Council representative has not done enough to follow through.

"You know, if he comes out, it would be great to be able to show him personally what's been happening down here," she said.

"I have not forgotten about these folks. I've made sure in keeping tabs with the city engineers with what's been going on," said Councilman Phillip Isley, who saw the creek Saturday.

Even though the Corps of Engineers approved of the restoration work, Isley admits more work is needed.

"Clearly the grass doesn't look like it's taken very well," he said.

Saturday, neighbors held a yard sale to raise money to fix the creek. Hernandez and her neighbors have taken it upon themselves to buy materials, provide the labor and do what needs to be done.

"We have the master gardener coming out and they're going to give us recommendations for what we can do to bring the creek back to its natural beauty," Hernandez said.

The homeowners want the city to push the developer to cover the costs, but are willing to do the restoration themselves if necessary.