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