Raleighs Downtown South development sparks fierce debate Entertainment venue impacts Black neighborhoods
PHOTO | NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL CLUB The proposed Downtown South sports and entertainment complex in Raleigh has sparked concerns of gentrification and environmental damage in mostly-Black neighborhoods in the urban core. The Wake County Planning Commission last week unanimously rejected a request by developer John Kane to rezone 145 acres near South Saunders and Wilmington streets and Interstate 40 for a mixed-use sports-entertainment complex dubbed “Downtown South.” For over a month – as commissioners repeated expressions of concern over being rushed for a decision – unanswered questions, and unsatisfied conditions were echoed by impacted residents and allies who voiced demands and opposition. And, like the momentum some fear the project will add to gentrification and the storm water run-off that for decades has plagued historically Black Southeast Raleigh neighborhoods in its path, the proverbial floodgates aren’t likely to close any time soon.