News
Rocky Branch Restoration Underway, and an Oil Spill Coverup?
In a unfortunate bit of synchronicity, the oil spill at NCSU’s central heating plant occurred the same week the following piece was written. With a negligence smacking of happy-news cover up, the N&O as well as NCSU tried to soft pedal that the oil did in fact leak into Rocky Branch via a storm drain on the north side of the creek, near Pullen Road. Tuesday morning, The News and Observer report read, “NCSU workers noticed the spill Monday evening and worked to prevent it from reaching Rocky Branch Creek, which runs through campus.” The story went on to report that workers at the city’s Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant noticed the bunker oil clogging intake screens at the plant and suspended discharge into the Neuse river Tuesday, “leading city officials to declare there is no threat to the public.” I read the story Tuesday morning, then surveyed Rocky Branch amid a heavy odor of fuel and black tarry residue and reported my findings to NC State. [Continued below the fold.]
Economy Proves Too Unusual for Reynolds Tower
Last month NewRaleigh reported that the Reynolds Tower project on Hillsborough Street was moving forward despite the economic downturn. Today, however, City Council voted not to extend the Reynolds Company’s deadline for closing on the property.
Black History Month: The Sit-Ins at Woolworth’s
The student sit-in movement that began at a Wooloworth’s started a peaceful protest that helped Raleigh along the path to integration.
Toxic Free NC Tip of the Week: Toxic Junk Food
Turns out, it’s more like high MERCURY corn syrup. Yikes!
Tonic Design Finalists for Gimme Shelter Competition
Nope, this isn’t a bunch architects covering the Rolling Stones.
Foundation Launches Website, Nears Opening
Serving up handcrafted libations from the region and beyond.
Natty Greene’s to move into Powerhouse Building on Jones St.
Over the course of 2009, Greensboro-based Natty Greene’s Brewpub will open a new location in Raleigh. The location will be 505 West Jones St., the former location of Southend Brewery and Prime Only Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. Both Natty Greene’s and Greensboro were named for for Nathaniel Greene, the Revolutionary War General who commanded Colonial troops into battle throughout North Carolina. While the pub shares its namesake with a specific city, Natty’s owners are eager to establish Natty Greene’s as North Carolina’s premier brewery. In an article in Greensboro’s News & Record on January 23rd, co-owner Chris Lester stated “We want to become North Carolina’s brewery…We need to establish ourselves in the large metropolitan areas to achieve that goal.”
Raleigh Man Scares Woman To Death
Larry Whitfield’s bank robbery went awry. So awry that as he hid in an elderly grandmother’s home, he scared her so bad that she died of a heart attack.
Comment Period Ends Today for Raleigh’s New Comprehensive Plan
The draft Raleigh 2030 Comprehensive Plan was unveiled in December. The comment period ends today, January 31, for comments to be included in the Public Hearing Draft. Comments made after January 31 will not be considered in the draft prepared for the Public Hearing on the plan (to be held in March). To comment online, go here
Economic Hope: Jimmy John’s in City Plaza
For those doubting the prospects of Raleigh’s City Plaza project, eat this: a delicious sandwich.
Pattern is Movement at Tir Na Nog Thursday Night
Voted best Bear Band of 2008. Maybe they should call it Local Bear, Local Band.
Howlies Invade Raleigh
Atlanta’s Howlies arrive with great anticipation this Saturday. The pop-punk group’s bouncy tracks have been lauded by critics far and wide. Their short rise to success is certainly deserved, the band’s debut album Trippin’ with the Howlies offers surf rock spiked with do-wop psychedelic melodies. The Modern Lover’s Producer, Kim Fowley has helped to craft an album that captures the electricity of Howlies’ live show by recording them live in analog.
