In fact, the well-traveled shortcut between Chapel Hill's main drag and the Wallace Parking Deck is almost as famous for its slippery slopes as it is for its former tenant: the legendary Rathskeller restaurant, which called the alley home for nearly six decades.

That could change tonight if the Chapel Hill Town Council decides to spend $53,879 to improve the narrow, dimly lit corridor.

George Draper, who owns the Bandito's Mexican Grill half of the alley, says the renovations would make the privately owned thoroughfare safer and more accessible.

In a letter to the Town Council, Draper noted that "the primary reason for wanting to make improvements to Amber Alley is a safety issue ... with inclement weather the alleyway becomes slick because of the terra cotta finish." Over the years, he said, there have been many spills, but "fortunately no serious injuries except bruised egos."

Passers-by largely agree.

"It's very dangerous, especially when it's wet," said Bob Epting, a Chapel Hill lawyer who has been cutting through for 40 years. "The steps have been worn down, though on the other hand, that's also part of its charm."

UNC-Chapel Hill student Jessica Powell said the alley needs better lighting.

Like most pedestrians, Powell didn't know the property was privately owned. Draper said nearly all the foot traffic across his property is generated by the nearby public parking garage.

Public right-of-way

It is because of the alley's status as a "private alley that is used as a public right-of-way" that Draper says Chapel Hill should pitch in to upgrade it.

He has found a contractor, Accent Construction, to replace Amber Alley's slippery surface with concrete stamped to look like brick or cobblestone.

He also hopes to replace the alley's uneven stairs and the sluggish drain line that leads to "waterfalls cascading down the stairs" on rainy days.

Draper said he and the alley's co-owners have pledged an additional $43,850 to install new awnings, paint the surrounding buildings, remove unsightly aluminum chutes from the buildings' sides and paint a crosswalk.

Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos says the the deal is a first for Chapel Hill. In exchange for the town's funding the repairs, the alley's owners will keep it open to the public for 30 years, the time the improvements are expected to last.

Draper said that he offered the town a permanent easement on the land but that this agreement allows the town to avoid liability for the property.

The Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership first approached Draper about improving the alley in late 2006 while he served on the group's board, he said. Draper is now chairman of the partnership, which works to revitalize the central business district.

The Town Council is set to consider the proposal at 7 tonight. Councilman Ed Harrison said he has received complaints from constituents about Amber Alley and supports the resolution.

Now, if only the town could bring the old Rathskeller back.

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