Council Approves HIV Housing Amendments and New Affordable Housing Units

The council heard urgent calls from community leaders to address housing needs for people with HIV and prevent federal funds from going unused, then approved substantial amendments to housing plans. Major rezoning and annexation decisions also advanced 160 new income-restricted apartments and more 'missing middle' housing in Durham. 39mins

Health Housing Policy Planning & Zoning
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Original Meeting

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Durham City Council on YouTube
Monday, April 21st, 2025
13592.0
Full Meeting on YouTube
Video Notes

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

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

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Wes Platt
Durham, NC
Neighborhood news guy for Southpoint Access in Durham.
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In This Video
  • Assistant Director Coleman outlined the purpose and details of a public hearing regarding proposed substantial amendments to the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans for Community Development Block Grant and housing programs. 
  • A speaker urged the council to prioritize stable housing as a key strategy to address Durham's HIV epidemic, highlighting unused federal funds and the need for expert collaboration. 
  • Carolyn Hinton urged the council to include a local housing coalition in the proposed amendments to better address housing needs for people with HIV and prevent federal funds from going unused. 
  • A speaker from the Cornwallis community described urgent needs for on-site therapy and counseling due to high eviction rates and substance abuse, requesting city support for local families and children. 
  • Haley Cunningham and Sarah Schmidt, representing a coalition focused on HIV care, raised concerns about proposed amendments and budget allocations for housing support, urging that community partners be more involved in decision-making and funding distribution. 
  • The council unanimously approved the motion as printed following a brief vote. 
  • A senior planner from the Planning Department summarized a staff-initiated rezoning proposal for the Page Miami Design District, outlining its goals to support transit-oriented and equitable development, and explained that the proposal was limited to properties where owner consent was obtained. 
  • Council members and staff discussed the process for property owners to opt into the Page Miami Design District rezoning, with staff clarifying that future updates to the zoning map would allow additional properties to be included. 
  • The public hearing for the Page Miami Design District rezoning was opened, and a speaker expressed strong support for the proposal, noting that the city is the applicant. 
  • The council closed the public hearing and unanimously approved amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance for the Page Miami Design District rezoning. 
  • A representative from the Planning Department presented a request for annexation, rezoning, and a development agreement for two parcels on Page Road, proposing 160 income-restricted apartment units and outlining associated community benefits and regulatory changes. 
  • A council member expressed concerns about reduced open space and transportation options for a proposed affordable housing development, but ultimately supported the project due to its unique provision of 160 income-restricted units without city subsidy. 
  • Council Member Rist highlighted the lack of affordable housing in the Page Design District area and praised the proposed project for providing 160 income-restricted units without city subsidy, expressing strong support for its community impact. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Middleton and others discussed the competitiveness of 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for the proposed affordable housing project, with the applicant explaining that the rezoning approval was needed before submitting their application and council members expressing support for the project. 
  • The council unanimously approved the ordinance to annex Page Corners into the City of Durham, effective June 30, 2025. 
  • A representative from the Planning Department and the applicant presented a rezoning request for two parcels on Ellis Road to allow up to 20 single-family and duplex units, emphasizing the project's alignment with the area's mixed residential designation and a commitment to provide at least 50% attached houses or duplexes. 
  • The council closed the public hearing, discussed the likely number and variety of housing units for the Ellis Road rezoning, and unanimously approved the ordinance to rezone the property for increased residential density. 
  • The council unanimously adopted a required consistency statement for the Ellis Road rezoning in accordance with state law. 
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