Raleigh City Council discusses transforming area near Lenovo Center, hears concerns

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- New details are emerging about the bold new development that could transform the area around Raleigh's Lenovo Center, creating a new entertainment district around the arena in west Raleigh.

At Tuesday night's City Council meeting -- where a necessary rezoning for the project to move forward was the subject of public feedback -- city leaders supported the development but had questions about how to get it done in a way that works for everyone.

Among those in attendance inside a packed Council Chambers were dozens of students and staff from Cardinal Gibbons High School, which is across the street from the proposed "Raleigh Sports and Entertainment District".

"We're not asking to stop the project, we're asking to make it better," said Lola Holderness, a senior at the private high school.

Holderness and fellow senior Austin Govey both spoke out in favor of the project but shared concerns about pedestrian safety around the school and the effects that construction could have on their morning and afternoon commutes.

"We also hope this project will be planned in a way that takes the daily routine of Gibbons students into account," Govey said.

The development, years in the making, would transform the area around Lenovo Center into a bustling new neighborhood of high-rise apartment and office buildings, shopping and entertainment, and new restaurants. It would also include major upgrades to the arena itself.

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"Really what we want to do is make it a community asset 365 days a year, but also amplify the hockey experience, amplify the basketball experience, bring more people out for concerts and get them to stay in our community longer," said Brian Fork, CEO of Hurricanes Holdings LLC, which oversees business interests for the Carolina Hurricanes.

ABC11 asked Fork about the concerns raised Tuesday night, and he said they remain committed to making sure solutions to those questions are part of a final site plan.

"Working with all these people and continuing to have these conversations will enable this development to be the best that it can be," Fork said.

It's a project that those in attendance acknowledged is generating a lot of excitement in the city, even though it likely will take years -- perhaps decades -- to complete.

"Right now, there aren't many places within walking distance of school where we can safely spend time before or after practice, rehearsal, or events. This development could change that in a great way," Holderness said.

Following public comment, City Council voted to resume conversation of the rezoning at their April 15 meeting.