Durham City Council Highlights

Plans for a major parcel in RTP are debated. Duke University requests rezoning of a number of properties near downtown. 32mins

Awards & Recognitions Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Planning & Zoning
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Original Meeting

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Durham City Council on YouTube
Monday, October 7th, 2024
13672.0
Full Meeting on YouTube
Video Notes

Welcome to the Durham City Council meeting for Oct 7, 2024.

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

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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
  • Sheila Fossett, Deputy CFO, speaks about MED Week activities and the importance of supporting minority businesses. 
  • Proclamation for Digital Inclusion Week is presented, highlighting efforts for digital equity in Durham. 
  • Frederick Raven, Patrice Carroll, and Marcella Engman discuss digital inclusion initiatives and partnerships in Durham. 
  • Mayor Williams discusses the impact of natural disasters in Western North Carolina, emphasizing the need for organized donations and the city's efforts to coordinate aid. 
  • Deputy City Manager Ferguson provides an update on the city's aid efforts in Western North Carolina, detailing contributions from the Department of Water Management. 
  • Deputy City Manager Ferguson continues with details on the Fire Department's involvement in search and rescue operations and support efforts. 
  • Deputy City Manager Ferguson explains the coordination of emergency management efforts and the importance of cash donations for disaster recovery. 
  • Introduction of item number 19, consolidated annexation of Parmer Edge. Aaron Cain presents a request for utility extension, voluntary annexation, and zoning map change for multiple parcels. Discussion includes zoning consistency and infrastructure. 
  • Public hearing opens. Patrick Biker presents on behalf of Parmer Edge, discussing the annexation and its benefits, including economic development and infrastructure improvements. 
  • Patrick Biker addresses Planning Commission comments and policy considerations, emphasizing the importance of the site for economic development and infrastructure. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Middleton expresses support for the Parmer Edge project, citing its industrial use and infrastructure benefits. 
  • Councilmember Freeman requests more information from the City Attorney regarding zoning limitations and expresses a desire for additional details. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Middleton shares his perspective on the annexation and zoning decision, emphasizing the need to vote on the application as presented. 
  • Councilmember Caballero questions the applicant about road easements and the impact on rural residential zoning. 
  • Mayor Williams calls for a motion to adopt the ordinance for annexation and rezoning, which passes with a vote of 5-2. 
  • Aaron Cain presents the request for a zoning map change for Duke University, detailing the parcels involved and the current zoning designations. 
  • Neil Ghosh, representing Duke University, begins his presentation, introducing Mr. Adem Gusa, Director of Planning and Design at Duke. 
  • Adem Gusa explains the benefits of University College zoning for holistic campus planning and the parcels Duke seeks to rezone. 
  • Neil Ghosh describes the scattered nature of the parcels and Duke's acquisition process, emphasizing the lack of specific plans for these parcels. 
  • Ghosh provides an example of a parcel at 300 Alexander, explaining the benefits of UC zoning for campus integration. 
  • Ghosh highlights the history and protections of the UC district, including the Transitional Use Area concept. 
  • Director Gusa introduces Duke's master planning principles, emphasizing pedestrian-friendly and environmentally sustainable campus design. 
  • Mayor Williams introduces Mimi Kessler, who advocates for Duke to provide workforce housing on the rezoned parcels. 
  • Neigh Ghosh responds to Kessler's comments, explaining the limitations of the UC zoning district regarding residential housing and Duke's interest in the UDO rewrite. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Middleton supports the UC designation and commends Duke's contributions to housing, emphasizing the importance of planning. 
  • Council Member Baker reflects on the intertwined destinies of Duke and Durham, advocating for planning before zoning. 
  • Councilmember Cook appreciates the presentation and expresses concerns about community trust and timing of zoning decisions. 
  • Councilmember Freeman responds to Mayor Pro Tem Middleton, explaining her rationale for requesting a continuance to gather more information from the applicant. 
  • Mayor Williams calls for order and moves to adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, which passes with a vote of 5 to 2. 
  • Mayor Williams adjourns the meeting.