In This Video
  • Mayor Williams introduces Makayla Booker Johnson from Wall Street Juniors and begins the proclamation for Wall Street Juniors Day, highlighting the organization's mission and impact. 
  • The proclamation continues, detailing Wall Street Juniors' commitment to community wealth building and their partnerships with local organizations to promote financial literacy. 
  • Makayla Booker Johnson shares remarks, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational wealth building and encouraging support for Wall Street Juniors. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Middleton continues, thanking colleagues and discussing the National League of Cities celebration, urging support for Western North Carolina, and addressing a controversial news story about Durham. 
  • Mayor Williams responds to the news story about Durham, emphasizing the city's strengths and addressing implicit bias in media coverage, and highlights the importance of respecting the community. 
  • The meeting proceeds to the next agenda item, a zoning map change for Vivo Living Durham. Andy Lester presents the staff report on the proposed change to allow multifamily units. 
  • The public hearing for the Vivo Living Durham project opens. Tarek Shire from Urbanist Group presents the project, highlighting the conversion of a hotel into multifamily housing and the inclusion of affordable units. 
  • Key commitments of the project are reiterated, including the allocation of units for affordable housing and contributions to local funds. 
  • Public outreach efforts are highlighted, including positive feedback from a neighborhood meeting and Planning Commission support. 
  • Councilmember Cook raises concerns about the burdensome application process for potential residents, highlighting the high fees and strict criteria that may disqualify low-income applicants. Tarek Shire acknowledges the concerns and commits to reviewing the process. 
  • The council votes to adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance and a consistency statement, both motions passing unanimously. The meeting moves on to the next agenda item. 
  • The meeting proceeds to the next agenda item regarding a consolidated annexation request for Doc Nichols Towns. Andy Lester presents the staff report, detailing the annexation and zoning change proposal. 
  • Nil Ghosh, representing the applicant, presents details about the proposed development on a 4.5-acre site, discussing its context, community engagement, and contributions to local schools and affordable housing. 
  • Pamela Andrews speaks about the environmental impact of development, particularly sediment pollution in local creeks, and urges the council to consider cumulative impacts on the environment and community. 
  • Discussion shifts to concerns about stormwater management and environmental impacts of the development. Council member Rist and other speakers discuss the project's compliance with stormwater standards and site characteristics. 
  • Councilmember Caballero and other council members discuss the challenges of balancing development with community concerns, emphasizing the need for density and infrastructure improvements. 
  • Councilmember Cook and other council members reflect on the broader implications of development decisions, considering the context of existing projects and the need for thoughtful planning. 
  • The council votes on the annexation and development ordinance, with the motion passing 4-3. Council members Baker, Cook, and Freeman vote no. The council takes a break after the vote. 
  • Andy Lester presents a staff report on the Consolidated Annexation Tri Creek project, detailing the request for utility extension, voluntary annexation, and zoning changes for the development of townhouses. 
  • The public hearing for the Tri-Creek project opens, and Tim Sivers presents the project details, emphasizing its consistency with surrounding developments and zoning. 
  • Pamela Andrews references Planning Commissioners' comments on the project, emphasizing the need for more affordable housing commitments and environmental considerations. 
  • Pamela Andrews read statements from Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Woke that discuss the inadequacy of contributions to affordable housing and the impact of development on erosion and water quality. 
  • The council votes on ordinances related to annexation and zoning changes, with motions passing narrowly. Councilmembers Baker, Cook, and Freeman vote against the motions. 
  • The council votes on the ordinance and consistency statement for the Caring House project, both passing unanimously. Mayor Williams concludes the meeting with an announcement about the upcoming Christmas tree lighting event. 
Durham City Council
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November 18, 2024 Meeting

The council celebrates Wall Street Juniors Day, addresses a controversial news story about crime, and debates zoning and annexation cases, including a project converting a hotel into affordable housing. Discussions highlight community engagement, environmental concerns, and the challenges of balancing development with infrastructure needs.

23mins of 2hr 59min meeting
Awards & Recognitions Environment Planning & Zoning Public Engagement
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Durham Public Schools Board of Education
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Video Notes

Welcome to the Durham City Council meeting for Nov 18 2024.

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

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

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