The discussion comes as Glenwood South continues to attract large crowds and new visitors. Some business owners and residents support exploring additional security measures, while others question whether metal detectors would effectively reduce violence.
"I am open to it," said Carey Kidd, owner of the Dirty V Plant-Based Noshery. "I think it'll help deter that stuff and maybe we don't have to do it permanently."
Kidd said the district has expanded in recent years and continues to draw more people downtown.
"We've got the colleges back, so it's a bunch of fresh faces coming downtown as well," he said.
The conversation follows a shooting at a Fayetteville Street nightclub and discussion among Raleigh city leaders about ways to improve public safety.
During Tuesday night's City Council meeting, Council Member Jane Harrison, who represents the district, said Glenwood South is more than a "nightlife hub" and expressed a desire to change how the area is perceived.
"I don't want us to be known as the party destination for all of eastern North Carolina," Harrison said. "How do we work with businesses and residents to redefine this part of downtown to what it is we want to see and then also to free up valuable city resources."
Harrison said Glenwood South requires a heavier police presence, which she said diverts resources from other parts of the city.
Raleigh police have increased patrols in the area, but some residents remain uncertain that metal detectors would address the broader issue of weapon-related crime.
"It would stop the people who are doing things they shouldn't be doing from going into those places, but I think that's also part of the problem," said Raleigh native Heaven Johnson. "They get to mingle outside"
City leaders are also weighing zoning changes that could slow the growth of nightlife businesses in the district. Proposed changes could subject new businesses to a stricter approval process and require greater separation between bars and homes, as well as between nightlife establishments.
Any changes under consideration would not take effect immediately. City planners said it could take years before the impact of zoning changes is seen.
"The impacts would take many years to see fruit because the length of tenure it takes for those businesses to change over," said Raleigh Planning and Development Director Patrick Young.
While the City Council has limited ability to regulate nightlife in Glenwood South, Kidd said business owners are willing to work together to improve safety.
"We all need to follow the same rules," he said. "We need to come together and just really iron out what we need to do. But if we can follow these rules, we're going to be fine."
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