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Thanks to a twist in proceedings, Red Hat Amp could still be demolished.
ICYMI, Red Hat Amphitheater is still at risk of being lost, due to a rare (and unfortunate) twist in City Council proceedings.
The South Street plan is now slated to be voted on a second—and hopefully final—time Oct. 15, with the same consequences as before if the vote fails (bye-bye, Red Hat Amp). So, if you’re wondering how this happened—after weeks of advocating for the amphitheater and celebrating an apparent victory—we break it down for you.
There are two parts in the process—approving the street closure and amending the Comprehensive Plan to remove this block as a street. On Sept. 17, City Council voted unanimously (with two absences) to close a block of South Street to make room for the Red Hat Amphitheater expansion. Afterward, on Sept. 24, the Planning Commission (an appointed body, not elected) voted to deny the Comprehensive Plan component.
This vote is only a recommendation to City Council, and council members are not required to accept their decision. And, so, on Oct. 15, the Comprehensive Plan amendment will head back to council for approval, without the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
As a result, like before, if this City Council vote does not pass, the Red Hat Amphitheater expansion project is dead, meaning the amphitheater would be demolished for good and Live Nation is likely to take their booking outside of Raleigh.
So, what can you do to support the amphitheater and help (finally) put the issue to rest? Show up at the Oct. 15 City Council meeting wearing red. A large in-person presence will show Raleigh is still paying attention—and isn’t going to let this issue fly under the radar. Once again, let’s band together to save Red Hat Amphitheater.
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