Following a disruptive Fourth of July weekend, Raleigh leaders are weighing options to make Glenwood South safer.
Thousands of young people gathered over the holiday weekend on Glenwood Avenue and in areas of Brier Creek in what police described as "teen takeovers." Despite traffic changes and an increased police presence, Glenwood Avenue experiences ongoing safety issues.
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On Tuesday, city leaders met, and assistant city manager Niki Jones said the city is working on a plan to create a nightlight entertainment task force. He also proposed a voluntary program that adds metal detectors to the entrances of downtown bars and clubs.
“We need to talk to the attorney's office to make sure that there’s legality around it. But we also want to engage with the bar owners to better understand what they need. I think it's in its infancy. Theoretically, there could be an incentive program," Jones said.
Several bar owners are pushing back against the idea.
Fay Reese, co-owner of North Street Beer Station, said there’s a sticker on the front of the bar telling patrons that weapons are not allowed inside. She said the extra security would change downtown completely.
“I just don’t envision bars in this city having to have a metal detector to go out. I personally would probably not want to go to that place,” said Reese.
Reese believes the solution is a larger police presence on Glenwood Avenue and surrounding downtown streets. She said police need to “be vigilant about what’s going on everywhere, not just how many people are in one place.”
City leaders said they hope to engage with bar owners about the voluntary metal detector program immediately.
Jones also mentioned a nightlife entertainment task force, which would conduct safety inspections. He said city leaders will be working on a plan in the coming weeks.
Raleigh police have seen an increase in traffic to the downtown areas and a rise in violence in recent years.
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said Glenwood South "looks like a club spot for folks pretty much from here to the eastern part of the state."
He said that as the city continues to grow and more visitors come to the area, having a strong safety plan is essential to the development of Raleigh.