For the last month an issue from Durham and across the nation has captivated Raleigh City Council Elections - even surpassing citizen engagement.
A statue commemorating the lives of dead Confederate soldiers.
This story is not about monuments.
However, the issue flows into the much larger issue of "ugly" development in Raleigh and the removal of it.
Over the last several months, a Raleigh City Council member has jumped on the issue of ugliness on Capital Blvd.
He notes the "video contains content that some viewers might find disturbing." Instead of pointing out the lawless activity and vandalism in the video, he uses it to show how not-pretty the building looks. No evidence in the video of illegal activity occurring, homelessness, drug use, etc. Some graffiti yes. But it just does not meet his pretty standard.
He considers it a "blight on the City" and a "nuisance hotel."
What doesn't arise to the same level of concern among him and other city leaders? The City Studios Inn and Suites that's basically across the street. No it's not abandoned, looks okay from the street, no chain link fence surrounding the property. Meets the pretty factor. A simple google search reveals much more:
Stabbing, shooting, heroin, cocaine, child sex trafficking.
But it looks acceptable on the outside.
This represents a prime example of the problem with Raleigh's current "progressive" leadership. Capital Boulevard is the most traveled gateway into downtown Raleigh. They want it to have "curb appeal." "Content appeal" is really not an issue. Just redo it so everyone can look at pretty trees and postmodern buildings while sipping on coffee during their drive.
But let's go further into the ugly factor.
We sincerely doubt these ads for "adult services" are from an abandoned hotel on Capital Blvd. But these are hidden from view. They won't create visual displeasure during your morning or afternoon drive.
But let's go even further.
Not sure it offends us, but sure it's ugly, a waste of tax dollars and should be moved to a more suitable location. But conservatives (including us) have focused on this for years in error.
Head north on Capital Boulevard and across the street you will see this:
Castle Video & "More"
We cannot confirm any activity occurring at this location, nor have have we requested any police logs. Internet forums suggest the following:
And just down the street from Castle Video & More on Capital is:
Adult Super Center
Again, we cannot confirm any activity occurring at this location, nor have we requested any police logs. Internet forums suggest the following:
There's much more, but this conveys the point well enough.
Several areas mentioned lie in David Cox's district. The other area lies in Corey Branch's district.
