Raleigh Chamber Foundation has received a grant from the City of Raleigh to engage and support small businesses while construction for a Bus Rapid Transit line occurs along New Bern Avenue. This series of articles will spotlight some businesses along the route.
Access to quality healthcare is essential for good health, disease prevention, disability reduction, and equitable outcomes. It also improves the quality of life. The Foot and Ankle Associates of North Carolina (FAANC) has been serving the Raleigh area for 22 years. New Bern Avenue has been the practice’s location for 19 of these years.
The center, which features four board-certified podiatrists, specializes in foot and ankle care. They offer a wide range of services, including diabetic foot care, wound care, and foot surgery. They are committed to providing their patients with the highest quality of care. The healthcare provider aims for all patients to be well-informed decision-makers and to have a complete understanding of any health concerns they may encounter.
Nicky White, practice administrator, said the office’s location was deliberate.
“We opened on New Bern Ave. to be close to WakeMed Raleigh, allowing us to have quick access to admitted patients,” White said.
In November 2016, Wake County voters approved the Wake County Transit Plan to build 20 miles of transit lanes along four Bus Rapid Transit corridors, including New Bern Avenue connecting downtown Raleigh with WakeMed and New Hope Road. This provides an additional transportation option for citizens with limited access. In March 2020, the City Council merged the New Bern Avenue Pedestrian Project to install better pedestrian facilities with the BRT project to avoid consecutive construction. Construction is slated to begin in late Fall 2023 and end in Fall 2025.
The FAANC is committed to providing its patients with the highest quality of care even during the BRT construction. The practice is working to minimize the impact of the construction on its patients, and it is confident the BRT will ultimately be a positive development for the Raleigh area. The development will benefit patients who rely on public transportation to attend appointments.
“With the bus being more wheelchair accessible, patients can be independent when coming to appointments, and safe with the 6-foot sidewalks,” White said.
The medical practice is anticipating possible appointment cancellations during the construction period if elderly patients are fearful of driving in construction zones. To mitigate this issue, the practice is collaborating with the BRT construction team to ensure that its entrance remains accessible.
Despite this, the practice is optimistic about the benefits of the BRT system, believing it will alleviate traffic congestion and improve appointment accessibility.
FAANC has made some changes to its building in preparation for the BRT construction. Additionally, the website and social media pages have been updated to provide patients with information about the construction and its possible impacts on appointments.
In addition to its location on New Bern Ave., FAANC has locations in Wilson, Rocky Mount, and Clayton.
For resources for businesses and information about the New Bern Avenue BRT project, visit wakebrt.com.