See Gov Highlights of Durham City Council from September 3, 2024

In This Video

Disjointed discussion and meeting call to order. Presiding Officer Middleton calls the meeting to order, mentions the Mayor's absence, and leads a moment of silent meditation.
Councilmember Baker reads the National Recovery Month proclamation.
Presiding Officer Middleton makes an announcement on behalf of the Mayor about the Bull City Future Fund.
Vote on the grant agreement with Legal Aid of North Carolina, followed by a motion to authorize the City Manager to make necessary changes to the grant agreement.
Andy Lester from the Planning Department presents the staff report on the annexation request.
Mr. Marlow, the applicant, joins virtually to provide additional context and answers to Councilmember Baker's questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton closes the public hearing and the council votes on the annexation and zoning changes for Woodlands Preserve Torridge Road.
The public hearing for consolidated annexation Leigh Valley is opened. A report from staff is received, detailing the proposal and its history.
Mr. Ghosh introduces himself and his team, and thanks Mr. Lester for the presentation. He begins discussing the history of the project and the alignment of the north-south Collector Road.
Mr. Ghosh explains the influence of the previous light rail corridor on the thoroughfare plan and the challenges posed by the adopted alignment.
Mr. Ghosh discusses the challenges of developing the property with the adopted alignment and the decision to rezone only a portion of the property.
Mr. Ghosh describes the efforts to work with city staff and other property owners to achieve a new alignment for the Collector Road.
Mr. Ghosh discusses the potential future development of the remaining parcels and the benefits of the new alignment for the overall project.
Mr. Ghosh discusses the potential future development of the remaining parcels and the benefits of the new alignment for the overall project.
Mr. Ghosh reflects on the long process of the project and the positive outcome of the realignment. He mentions the Planning Commission's recommendation for approval and additional commitments related to sustainability.
Councilmember Cook expresses concerns about the lack of non-residential uses in the project. Mr. Ghosh acknowledges these concerns and explains that the comprehensive plan calls for mixed uses, but the current rezoning is a practical way to develop the property.
Councilmember Baker appreciates the improvements made to the project and emphasizes the importance of transit-oriented design. He highlights the need for commitments to additional transit and commercial uses to align with the comprehensive plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton supports the project and cautions against setting unrealistic expectations for applicants.
The applicant shares thoughts on the future of the adjacent areas they own.
Council Member Caballero comments on the road configuration and the improvements made to the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton emphasizes the importance of incremental progress and the need to take wins where they come while pushing for systemic changes.
Mayor Pro Tem Middleton declares the public hearing closed and entertains motions to adopt various ordinances and amendments.