Finally got the chance to visit Medellin, Colombia last weekend. The neighborhood we stayed in, El Poblado, had some amazing night life. This was in no small part due to the local government’s decision to close off many of the streets in this area to car traffic entirely, leading so a small grid of pedestrian-only gathering spaces. It was full of life, everyone was having a great time, and the jungle scenery was very cool. (the streets in these pics used to be choked with car traffic!)
If they can (very, very successfully) do it there – in what was one of the most dangerous cities on the planet not long ago – I can’t think of any reason not to try it on Glenwood. I am more convinced than ever that we need to embrace the nightlife culture, get the cars out of there at least on weekend nights, and ultimately let folks open carry alcohol through the street.
In Medellin, the “entrances” to the ped area usually were gated off and had a police tent that you had to walk through with 1 or 2 officers standing there all night. It wasn’t overbearing but it kept anyone from bringing their drinks (or tomfoolery) outside the neighborhood and seemed to work very well.
If Raleigh could recreate but a fraction of the vibes they had going on here, it’d be a huge draw for the city.
CC @anon8787296