[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6656726,"mediaKeyId","5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68","parentId",5118270,"title","Council approves conveyance of skatepark ramps to Scrap Exchange for reuse","audioSeconds",180,"startMs",2520000,"endMs",2700000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68&start=2520&end=2700","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68/thumbnail_2520000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6656726/Durham-City/Durham-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-conveyance-of-skatepark-ramps-to-Scrap-Exchange-for-reuse","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656726-e4ce646febb6e42d6663be58178b71bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184073&Signature=W-0EEIqM1oOwKz8qVKeMQ99MAJ1eTHmxreiVxfzd7jos5k5y5s~VZuHnUyF8~bgGztBG9~riJfwMOPWWca19KPGwO~gQ8QnHko0awHVu8T-j2myNWrGm3KnZM2cQRflQRyYtHz7q02lLJCpPChOIwPq4FAUBXLDMVpTDxjc86PpnjPqolIDlI9ee2~BN3tS2C-89S-WdoMFasxzy17qNFbux0oMUpxLu9WkbuI~4mwlKwownr3mm5sWFwmaPKivArEDxPpm5Euxt-RSyoMC9RUwwLFkBcdH6oUWy4SGeYhkamMGHdOwK0HaxOq7rjBa1HeIRgP0FlP7Ccfqs2ToQWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Durham","date","2025-07-02T13:47:32Z","article","Durham City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday to convey skatepark ramps and amenities to Scrap Exchange Inc., a local nonprofit that is developing a do‑it‑yourself skate area.

Mike Johnston, a local skateboarder who owns Manifest Skate Shop, spoke in favor of the transfer and urged ongoing city support for skate facilities. He told the council that Durham’s skate community ranges in age and discipline and that the Scrap Exchange project would provide additional space for skateboarders, inline skaters and scooter users.

Staff and vote
Parks and Recreation staff and others worked with the applicant and with the Scrap Exchange in advance of the vote. The mayor called for a motion to adopt the resolution approving conveyance pursuant to state statute; the council moved, seconded and voted to pass the resolution unanimously.

Why it matters: the conveyance is intended to put reusable amenities into community hands, expand skate opportunities in the city and recognize the existing skate community’s needs.

Ending: Parks staff and Scrap Exchange will coordinate on accepting, transporting and installing the donated ramps and will return to council or staff with any required agreements or updates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Durham City Council Meeting May 19, 2025 (with closed captioning)","oneSentenceSummary","Durham City Council unanimously approved a resolution to convey skatepark amenities (ramps) to Scrap Exchange Inc.; city staff and a local skate‑community speaker supported the transfer as a way to expand skate space and programming.","taxTitle","Durham City, Durham County, North Carolina","taxId",5766,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656731,"Council approves 16.56-acre Briar Creek rezoning for up to 408 units; developer offers 5% affordability",3120,8520000,11640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68&start=8520&end=11640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68/thumbnail_8520000.jpg","/articles/6656731/Durham-City/Durham-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-1656-acre-Briar-Creek-rezoning-for-up-to-408-units-developer-offers-5-affordability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656731-1b87f67c01353f90749ee6e513474b5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184074&Signature=fc1hfovea~CYQiQE6BDCBJ~cgYWadbuDUgZKNReqkF64ApAzSoZSQRlu~3CDNhwkHbilfpK~a9wG7gvEtwFddxa6vfaNpQCIbu9mOQrx0uW7UUmGMwI6iUT96cm3whIiI0uXO~22H3iyqjEJEgE-15uCeqCEHedcVghfOdTZ14jjxXouun0Cb0SNX3tabw8G7UgBo0NmhnAdfk6IQde7PLH3dwdf2BKgn0ZAji2eYT3D-d2SMcuYIUdnGPeAPfuUboLuFSGsECgmM58FGfx3CEo6TG837wPnvqcYuIFl6fp0Js~M4BZ1NchGb4ltM0wyD2zrOhJemwoSK1YzJdx6iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Durham City Council on Monday approved a rezoning and a utility extension agreement for a 16.56‑acre parcel south of Andrews Chapel Road and east of Cozard Road, allowing up to 408 dwelling units in a mixed multifamily and townhouse project.

Applicant presentation and key commitments
The applicant, represented by Worth Mills of Longleaf Partners, described the proposal as a multifamily and townhouse community compatible with recent development in the Briar Creek area. The development plan shows the buildable area set back from environmentally sensitive wetlands and stream buffers; the applicant agreed to the use of 100% native tree plantings for buffers and vehicle use areas and to prohibit vinyl siding on buildings.

Affordability and contributions
After review by the Planning Commission, the applicant increased affordability commitments to provide 5% of units affordable at 80% area‑median income for a 30‑year term. The applicant also agreed to a $50,000 donation to the Durham Housing Fund and agreed to increase a contribution to Durham Public Schools from $10,000 to $16,500 after council questions.

Access, sidewalks and transit
The development plan calls for two access points on Andrews Chapel Road, a 10‑foot multi‑use path along the site frontage, and construction of off‑site sidewalks to connect to existing pedestrian facilities. The applicant said staff-level review will determine whether off‑site connections can be completed within existing right‑of‑way or whether easements will be needed from adjacent property owners.

Council votes and next steps
Council adopted the ordinance to rezone the property to PDR 25 (planned development residential), authorized the city manager to execute the utility extension agreement, and approved the required statutory consistency statement. All motions passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the rezoning permits a substantial new supply of multifamily and attached housing near major commercial nodes and planned transit corridors; the project includes modest affordability and school fund contributions and explicit native‑planting and architectural material limitations.

Ending: Planning staff and the applicant will finalize development‑plan details, off‑site sidewalk arrangements and the utility agreement during the permitting and site‑plan process.","The council approved a rezoning and utility extension for 16.56 acres south of Andrews Chapel Road to allow up to 408 dwelling units (383 multifamily, 25 townhouses); the developer agreed to 5% of units as affordable for 30 years and offered additional contributions to housing and schools.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656735,"Council approves annexation and zoning for Danube Lane townhouses, 6–1 vote on annexation",1320,9600000,10920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68&start=9600&end=10920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68/thumbnail_9600000.jpg","/articles/6656735/Durham-City/Durham-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-annexation-and-zoning-for-Danube-Lane-townhouses-61-vote-on-annexation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656735-a40b017577974e1bbd2dfd6c4774e2d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184074&Signature=dN6-24g~mjpIsWOpZtm02RUnnqmXK6Bza95gMPlJDIibyx3vb6o6XFdMhayFo5cb8MvSa1cSQGVrWmaJHnIYmWaBLGOwyVgBLVGRsJD2AyPqXJtRo1yfXZO7WS3GVgmSKLYlKUDzC6o2GN2agveL3W8YzvTLj5uAr1UmlGUR2Udylk~Y3wVWcYAtG9OKw0mWRwq3Bih6Szh5bw0QUz5OikXLiFkG3v6XjH6nrHAFypotL9pBy2jJFv~0Yk7Z0exPEBGWDy8Co9ggDOfCOm3XfTzzREiEryIdI~LX~v~Wv62719fsZOLUZA8FC8IBDw4YVEBoTzEra8zie6AeAuLoTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Durham City Council approved a voluntary annexation and zoning change for a roughly 5.04‑acre site at 3824 and 3910 Danube Lane on Monday, clearing the way for as many as 30 townhouses and duplexes in the Carver neighborhood.

Planning staff said the site’s existing county zoning would allow up to 10 single‑family houses; the applicant requested a change to planned development residential (PDR 7.813) to permit the higher‑density townhouse and duplex design. Staff said the proposal is “generally consistent” with the comprehensive plan place‑type designation and noted commitments to preserve environmentally sensitive area north of Carver Street and to dedicate a greenway easement for the Cub Creek Trail.

Public comment and applicant commitments
Local residents and speakers asked that the council prioritize street safety projects and noted Vision Zero connections; the applicant, project planner Laura Holloman of McAdams, said the developable area would be limited south of Carver Street and that native landscaping would be used. Holloman also offered a $10,000 contribution to the city’s affordable housing fund as part of the rezoning commitments.

Council action and votes
- Motion to annex the property and authorize a utility extension agreement: passed 6–1 (Councilmember Baker voted no).
- Motion to adopt the UDO map change to PDR 7.813: passed unanimously.
- Motion to adopt the required consistency statement under state statute NCGS 160D‑605: passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the change allows a smaller infill townhouse project instead of a 10‑lot suburban subdivision, adds a greenway easement that could support the Cub Creek Trail, and includes modest affordable‑housing and school‑system contributions.

Next steps: the applicant will proceed to site plan and permitting; parks staff will review the greenway easement; utility extension agreements will be finalized with the city.

Ending: Council members expressed mixed views in questioning but ultimately voted to approve the annexation and zoning change; one member objected to the annexation vote but the zoning changes carried unanimously.","Durham City Council approved the voluntary annexation and zoning change for roughly 5.04 acres at Danube Lane, allowing up to 30 townhouses and duplexes; annexation passed 6–1, zoning ordinance and consistency statement passed unanimously.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656740,"Durham council unanimously opposes state bill curbing local development rules",250,2760000,3010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68&start=2760&end=3010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68/thumbnail_2760000.jpg","/articles/6656740/Durham-City/Durham-County/North-Carolina/Durham-council-unanimously-opposes-state-bill-curbing-local-development-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656740-844c123ae06d8bab8d8140a324a912c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184074&Signature=VwtCuLr5dcQlcVI~1vGxXSv3yN27WqtmG-6OE59BDkkkX7nIyCrORH5b3j323tWpC0AvRYTZHLdlROhHow~arrFZ1bFpRg-ghiWoX9Ua7zMTyzGXzpxB-6jrIUl6od8cs6KU9mXsEwBjMhzeAyz~WQnl0izdsouVhotegjt0Jxtf3Qmkv519GSSXbSovJxQmf4LQ~ovSeIhEe51~jR0fDueO92ha8jU2wFEt49ziWdTXpQlcH6Ofsyks54CQ2Pngexyy63PLeOl855GdQGPxhjVczMIe8aX11VrmIplXwjhXkDXH2FNqccss8~h0MN0MhVlK~Cyj5C9Ef5f4zlFgJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Durham City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt a resolution opposing House Bill 765, a proposal in the North Carolina General Assembly that the mayor and other council members said would limit local control over development rules.

Mayor Leonardo Williams moved the resolution into the early part of the meeting and described the bill as a direct intrusion on local decision‑making. “This bill…does dramatically reduce the local powers of…how we actually grow and develop our own communities,” he said during the meeting, adding that Durham officials had discussed the issue with state legislators from both parties.

Why it matters: city leaders said the bill would “preempt” local development authority and make it harder for municipalities to shape growth and land‑use to local priorities.

Council response
Council members thanked Mayor Williams for bringing the item forward. Councilmember Caballero and others said the city should speak up to protect local processes that council members and staff use to review development proposals. The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously.

Procedural note
The mayor said staff had reviewed the item at a prior work session and posted a video of that discussion; council members who spoke indicated outreach to General Assembly members to seek alternatives on housing policy while maintaining local review authority.

Ending: The council’s vote was a policy position intended to be shared with other municipal leaders and the General Assembly as the bill progresses.","Durham City Council adopted a unanimous resolution opposing House Bill 765, which the mayor said would significantly curtail local authority over development rules; council encouraged mayors and cities statewide to join the opposition.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656745,"City manager proposes $722 million FY26 budget, cites revaluation and bond debt",1560,3600000,5160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68&start=3600&end=5160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5118270-3c61fcbffc0b0f057dacc6d5c89baf68/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6656745/Durham-City/Durham-County/North-Carolina/City-manager-proposes-722-million-FY26-budget-cites-revaluation-and-bond-debt","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656745-3be541b0133d20cd39f984555a828482/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184074&Signature=CnvHvBogUhXuNwgbgXuCg-3hGyB5CGkVrEPFSu~D~wvgETcV8tTRsBboyEiRJalNrHnMlcJPonRtFgM7fwHsuRmToCiGQjalE~jGyLEBRsm8CFiuNhKC91GeWBdNrpRaMMDfL-psQ4L7xG01fQQpT~5uqU91s-G2prO8aao-eXn03k9sfltEgy3DD1DUYeCR3erfKPRZqdjmuO5DbcQCMZ2K-bNnrMIfa0FistBf~vCcSWFp7l0klh0Fg0mRcwSs-GC0~~HXKPe2xdWr~eOs2Ste6hLSUCk0F-HTVHUNLkKlSyFc66i5gzFFMI0YWWQlkGstzm1L1g-v3Blng-lkpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Ferguson on Monday presented his first proposed budget for fiscal year 2025–26 to the Durham City Council, asking the council to adopt a $722,000,000 budget and a property tax rate of 43.71¢ per $100 of assessed value.

Ferguson told the council that a recent countywide property revaluation increased assessed values by 71.6%, producing an estimated $47,000,000 in additional property tax revenue. He said the proposed tax rate reduces the current 59.62¢ rate by 15.91¢ but remains 5.48¢ above the revenue-neutral rate of 38.23¢ calculated under state law.

The manager said the budget increase of roughly $54 million, or 8%, over last year’s $668 million budget would support public safety, infrastructure, employee pay and benefits and the debt service related to the $200 million bond program voters approved in November. “This rate allows us to invest in the services and the infrastructure that our community has asked for,” Ferguson said.

Why it matters: the package sets policy priorities and funds multi‑year projects. The council must adopt a final budget after public hearings and budget work sessions; Ferguson scheduled budget work sessions for May and a public hearing on June 2.

Major spending and program highlights
- General fund: $326.5 million (proposed), a 6.6% increase mostly driven by employee pay and benefits and operating costs.
- Property tax: proposed new rate 43.71¢ per $100 assessed value; median home (assessed $415,000) would face an estimated city property tax bill of about $1,814.
- Water/sewer: an average monthly increase of $6.33 (about 8.5%) starting July 1 to cover operations and major capital work.
- Bond program: debt service for the voter‑approved $200 million bond is explicitly funded; the presentation highlighted a $43 million aquatic center at Merrick‑More Park and $42 million to connect Longmeadow and East End parks.
- Community safety and HEART: Ferguson proposed expanding the HEART crisis response program, adding 17 new positions including 9 crisis responders; he recommended prioritizing daytime expansion first.
- Affordable housing and homelessness: continuing Forever Home Durham work, $27 million in ARPA-funded projects in partnership with Durham County, and a community‑wide homeless prevention strategy in development.
- Infrastructure: a proposed CIP of about $537.6 million over the planning horizon; $315.7 million for water and sewer capital; $25.7 million for stormwater; nearly $6 million for equitable green infrastructure; $18 million for fleet replacements.

Public comment and council reaction
Members of the public used the budget presentation as an opportunity to press for specific safety and housing priorities. Several speakers asked the council to fund design and construction of Vision Zero street safety projects on Roxborough, Mangum and Duke/Gregson streets and to continue funding the eviction diversion program and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.

Council members praised elements of the budget while flagging areas they want to sharpen. Council members commended the manager for fulfilling a market pay program for staff and raising the city minimum livable wage to $21.90 per hour, but several members asked the manager to identify possible reductions and to be mindful of tax impacts on seniors and low‑income households during a revaluation year. Councilmember Baker emphasized support for continued fare‑free GoDurham bus service, calling it important to equity and operations.

Next steps and deadlines
Ferguson provided the full proposed budget online at durhamnc.gov/budget and scheduled budget work sessions in May and a public hearing on June 2. Council members will deliberate changes at work sessions before adopting a final budget later in the month.

Ending: The council did not take action on the budget Monday; the presentation sets the starting point for weeks of deliberations and public input ahead of the June public hearing.","City Manager Ferguson presented a $722 million proposed budget for fiscal year 2025–26, recommending a property tax rate of 43.71¢ per $100 assessed value, funding expansions to crisis response, continued fare-free transit, water and sewer investments, and bond projects; council directed further review at upcoming work sessions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves conveyance of skatepark ramps to Scrap Exchange for reuse

Council approves 16.56-acre Briar Creek rezoning for up to 408 units; developer offers 5% affordability

Council approves annexation and zoning for Danube Lane townhouses, 6–1 vote on annexation

Durham council unanimously opposes state bill curbing local development rules

City manager proposes $722 million FY26 budget, cites revaluation and bond debt