Durham Council Tackles Development and Historic Inequities

Councilmember Cook raises alarm over eviction impacts on elders, advocating for public housing solutions. The council also debates a major zoning change for a new residential project, emphasizing walkability and affordable housing. Additionally, an economic development incentive for a local funeral home sparks discussions on community impact and historic inequities. 24mins

Budget Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Economic Development Housing Policy Planning & Zoning
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Original Meeting

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Durham City Council on YouTube
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025
10108.0
Full Meeting on YouTube
Video Notes

Welcome to the Durham City Council meeting for Jan 21, 2025.

To view the meeting agenda, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/AgendaCenter.

PLEASE NOTE: Comments left on this livestream will not be read or entered into the meeting record.

For details on how to participate, visit https://www.durhamnc.gov/1345

To contact City Council members directly, visit https://www.durhamnc.gov/1323

Call to Order

Moment of Silent Meditation

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Ceremonial Item - National Mentoring Month Proclamation

Announcements by Council

Priority Items by the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk

Consent Agenda

General Business Agenda

1. Durham Planning Commission - Appointment

5. Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) Grant Cooperative Agreement – Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. d.b.a Eckerd Connects

General Business Agenda - Public Hearings

14. Zoning Map Change - 3112 South Alston Avenue

15. Zoning Map Change – Brickworks

16. Zoning Map Change – Davis Park West

17. Five-Year (FY2025-2030) Consolidated Plan & FY2025-2026 Annual Action Plan Public “Needs” Hearing

18. Public Hearing and Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Ellis D. Jones and Sons, Inc.

Other Matters

Adjournment

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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • Councilmember Cook shares her concerns about eviction court, highlighting the dire consequences for elders and advocating for public housing solutions. 
  • Councilmember Caballero calls for community vigilance and support for immigrant rights. 
  • Mayor Williams announces the upcoming State of the City event and shares his focus on public safety, recounting a personal story about visiting a family affected by gun violence. 
  • The meeting moves to item number 15, where a request for a zoning map change is presented by Dan Jewell. The proposal involves rezoning six parcels of land for a planned development residential project. 
  • Mr. Ghosh details the development plan, highlighting the project's urban development background, transportation access, and environmental considerations. 
  • Mr. Ghosh continues to discuss the development's focus on walkability, the inclusion of walking trails, and the affordable housing commitment. 
  • Mr. Ghosh addresses potential environmental impacts and clarifies the project's tree cover and green building commitments. 
  • Councilmember Baker discusses the benefits of rezoning the site for new development, including the variety of uses proposed and the alignment with the comprehensive plan. 
  • Councilmember Freeman concludes by stressing the transformative potential of the development and the need for careful deliberation. 
  • Mister Ghosh responds to Councilmember Baker's concerns, explaining the design challenges and intentions for the project, including urban-oriented design and environmental considerations. 
  • Councilmember Cook raises concerns about the increase in students and the financial commitment to Durham Public Schools. Mister Ghosh agrees to double the contribution to $120,000. 
  • Mayor Williams entertains a motion to authorize a utility extension agreement with Brickworks Land, LLC. The motion is moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. 
  • Mayor Williams introduces a public hearing on an economic development incentive agreement with Ellis D Jones and Sons. Chris Dickey presents the proposed agreement and its benefits. 
  • Nina Jones Mason, a funeral director, speaks about the importance of the Ellis D. Jones Funeral Home and the need for renovations to support community and business growth. 
  • Mayor Williams introduces Latasha Best-Gaddy, who supports the Ellis D. Jones Funeral Home and discusses its legacy and community impact. 
  • Councilmember Freeman expresses gratitude for the funeral home's community role, especially during COVID-19. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Middleton supports the incentive agreement, highlighting the funeral home's historical significance and community service. 
  • Councilmember Rist discusses his cautious stance on incentive deals but supports this one due to its focus on small business and community impact. 
  • Chris Dickey explains the focus of the Neighborhood Revitalization Fund on capital improvements rather than job creation, addressing Councilmember Rist's concerns. 
  • Councilmember Rist seeks clarification on the public return of investment and the 'but for' calculation, questioning the use of public funds. 
  • Chris Dickey explains the 'but for' calculation and the role of the city in facilitating bank loans for small businesses. 
  • Councilmember Rist requests more quantitative analysis on the public return of investment, emphasizing the need for transparency in public spending. Chris Dickey provides some of the likely impact. 
  • Councilmember Caballero discusses emphasizes the need for supporting legacy businesses and shared economic prosperity in Durham. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Middleton and an unknown speaker discuss the distinction between different types of incentive agreements, highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses to address historic inequities. 
  • Councilmember Freeman discusses the impact of racism on Black businesses and the need for reparative work. They express concern about future challenges to programs supporting these businesses and suggest increasing funding for such initiatives. 
  • Mayor Williams calls for a motion to authorize an economic development agreement for a building renovation project. The motion passes with a vote of 6 to 1, with Councilmember Wrist voting no.