Raleigh City Council urged to include Fourth Ward in planning and funding efforts

The Raleigh City Council held an afternoon session on April 15, 2025, focusing on community concerns and development plans. The meeting addressed several key issues, particularly regarding the Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association.

The session began with a discussion about the omission of the Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association from the consolidated plan. A representative emphasized that this oversight was a significant error and urged the council to allocate $300,000 in funding to rectify the situation. The representative stated that the Fourth Ward should have been included from the start, highlighting the importance of this community in the city's planning efforts.

Following this, Miss Rosarand from the Fourth Ward Historic Neighborhood Association presented additional requests. She called for the establishment of signage and markers throughout the Fourth Ward to acknowledge the community's history and heritage. These signs would welcome visitors and signify their entry into the Fourth Ward, which has faced displacement issues in the past.

Furthermore, Miss Rosarand requested that the Fourth Ward be formally included in the Chavis Dix Strollway project. This inclusion would help ensure that the community's contributions to Raleigh's walkable heritage are recognized. She also proposed that a member of the Fourth Ward Historic Neighborhood Association be appointed to the planning committee for the Chavis Dix Strollway, ensuring that the community's voice is represented in future developments.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing community needs and integrating historical neighborhoods into Raleigh's urban landscape. The discussions will likely lead to further actions and considerations in upcoming council sessions.