Dr. Terrance Ruth received his PhD in Public Affairs from the University of Central Florida. He received his Master in Education from Nova Southeastern University and his BA from Oglethorpe University. Dr. Ruth completed a national fellowship through Boston College with a certification in nonprofit leadership. Dr. Ruth is an advocate for public education, once serving as a teacher, principal and the parent of a son who attends public schools in Wake County. As a former Administrator for Wake county Public Schools who now serves as an Education Consultant to numerous nonprofits. Dr. Ruth sits on several state wide boards.
Livable Raleigh will consider blog submissions from City Council candidates that deal with local issues. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect Livable Raleigh’s positions.
Mayoral candidate Terrance Ruth submitted his thoughts on the future of the Red Hat amphitheater.
Residents want better communication with city leaders and a review of the Red Hat Amphitheater’s future. This echoes a pattern of residents and business owners feeling less secure about the current leadership’s decisions. The amphitheater is more than entertainment; it’s an economic driver, generating $17.5 million in 2023. Its downtown location benefits nearby businesses, like Crank Arm Brewing, which sees increased revenue on show days. Relocating the venue could hurt these businesses that rely on the amphitheater’s visitors and atmosphere.
Before announcing the decision publicly, I would have initiated a series of discussions with local businesses and residents. Many of them feel excluded from the decision-making process, contributing to the existing perception that downtown is suffering from declining foot traffic, public perception, remote work, and major crime issues. Local and small businesses are particularly concerned that every major decision could further damage downtown’s immediate vibrancy and customer support. Raleigh’s vision is “to pursue world-class quality of life by ACTIVELY COLLABORATING with our community towards a fulfilling and inspired future for all.” Residents are still waiting on the “active collaboration” from the city, especially on major decisions like this.
To address these concerns, I would share the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis with impacted businesses. I would also strongly oppose moving the Amphitheater to Dix Park, believing that downtown needs all the positive momentum it can get. Furthermore, I would stand with local and small businesses, providing financial and programming support to help them survive this transition of the theater.
Relocating the Red Hat Amphitheater would disrupt Raleigh’s cultural and social fabric. Its central location fosters community and accessibility. Moving it to a peripheral area would diminish the unique urban experience. Caution is needed to align any decision with the city’s long-term vision and community values.
Moving the amphitheater to Dix Park would be challenging and less advantageous. Costs would be higher due to infrastructure needs, including parking. Building a parking deck or using more green space would be expensive and harmful to the environment. The current downtown location eliminates the need for new parking, and the amphitheater’s design mitigates noise issues.
Relocating the Red Hat Amphitheater from downtown Raleigh would have significant cultural, social, and economic impacts. The amphitheater has hosted over 400 performers and plays a vital role in fostering community and urban vibrancy. Local businesses rely heavily on the amphitheater’s revenue, and relocation would entail higher costs, logistical challenges, and increased parking concerns. Alternatively, Dix Park could accommodate smaller venues for specific genres.
The proposed expansion of the amphitheater and convention center in Raleigh raises concerns about urban planning and connectivity. The closure of South Street should be evaluated for its impact on the city’s grid system. Balancing these developments with surrounding community needs is crucial, especially for nearby neighborhoods. The community needs to feel heard and seen prior, during and after this decision is made about the theater. While expanding the amphitheater and the Raleigh Convention Center brings clear benefits, it’s essential to balance these with the needs and voices of the community, particularly those in nearby neighborhoods like Boylan Heights and Heritage Park. Effective community engagement and transparent decision-making are essential for inclusive and beneficial growth. Residents want to feel secure about this decision and right now they are not confident. I want Raleigh residents to feel secure in 2024!
Dr. Terrance Ruth
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