Strauss Drive Townhouses Approved, Howard Property Divides Council

The council unanimously approved the Strauss Drive Townhouses, citing affordable housing and environmental commitments, while a 4-3 vote on the Howard Property annexation followed heated debate over growth, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. 13mins

Economic Development Housing Policy Planning & Zoning
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Original Meeting

Monday, May 5th, 2025
14067.0
Full Meeting on YouTube
Video Notes

Welcome to the Durham City Council meeting for May 5, 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

Open

Call to Order

Moment of Silent Meditation

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

Ceremonial Item - Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month Proclamation

Ceremonial Item - National Drinking Water Week Proclamation

Announcements by Council

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

Consent Agenda (one vote for items 1 - 13) [passes unanimously]

Public Hearings

16. Zoning Map Change – Strauss Drive Townhouses [passes unanimously]

15. Consolidated Annexation – Howard Property

Break / Recess

continue 15. Consolidated Annexation – Howard Property [passes 4 - 3; Baker, Cook & Freeman voted no]

Adjourn

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Wes Platt
Durham, NC
Neighborhood news guy for Southpoint Access in Durham.
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In This Video
  • A speaker explained a zoning request to allow townhouse development in a transit opportunity area, highlighting design features that support transit use and environmental protection.
  • A speaker described commitments for the Strauss Drive Townhouses rezoning, including reduced impervious surface, increased tree coverage, affordable housing, environmental protections, and support from the Planning Commission.
  • Council Member Baker expressed strong support for the Strauss Drive Townhouses rezoning, citing its alignment with the comprehensive plan and commitments to affordable housing.
  • Katie Ross argued that Durham has already approved more housing units than projected as necessary by 2050, raising concerns about overdevelopment and environmental impacts.
  • A speaker argued that the Howard Property development would worsen existing crises in Southeast Durham, including rural gentrification, environmental, traffic, and infrastructure issues, and raised concerns about the accuracy of density claims and the enforceability of blasting commitments.
  • Developer representative Dan Jewell responded to Council Member Cook's question by stating that while no specific commercial use has been determined, they are considering options such as a childcare facility for the proposed development.
  • Middleton said that the perception of frequent 4-3 council votes is inaccurate, noting that vote outcomes often depend on who is present and engaged at meetings.
  • The council voted 4-3 to annex the Howard property into the City of Durham and authorized a utility extension agreement, with Council Members Baker, Cook, and Freeman voting no.
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