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Council annexes Sharon Grove parcels, approves rezoning with proffers after neighbors cite creek flooding and EMS strain
Summary
Council voted to annex and rezoned three Sharon Road parcels for a Drees Homes project, accepting developer proffers including a $120,000 contribution to the Durham housing fund, a $21,000 school contribution, and a commitment to design stormwater controls sized for a 100‑year storm; the measures passed 4–3 amid neighbor opposition about Little Lick Creek conditions and emergency‑service strain.
Durham City Council voted to annex and rezone approximately 24.2 acres on Sharon Road to allow up to 120 single‑family and townhouse units as part of the Sharon Grove proposal by Drees Homes.
Staff described the request as an expansion of prior rezonings for adjacent parcels and said the Planning Commission recommended denial (12–1). Neil Go, representing Drees Homes, said combining the three parcels allows shared stormwater infrastructure and reduces redundant on‑site ponds; he said two of the parcels already had zoning approvals and that adding 803 Sharon Road permitted efficient stormwater routing so the developer could design a single treatment system.
Several residents and community speakers urged denial, saying nearby Little Lick Creek and other streams are already impaired, that recent construction in the corridor has increased flooding, and that emergency‑service response and school capacity are strained in the area. Speakers asked the council to avoid rerouting runoff into impaired streams and to prohibit blasting and extensive mass grading near sensitive areas.
During the meeting the applicant increased monetary proffers: a $120,000 contribution to the dedicated Durham housing fund and a $21,000 contribution to Durham Public Schools were recorded in the public packet. Staff and the applicant also committed to designing stormwater controls to handle the 100‑year storm event; the developer said the 803 parcel has limited tree canopy and that the consolidated approach allowed grading adjustments to route drainage south rather than east to address existing issues.
Council adopted the annexation and rezoning ordinances and the required consistency statement. The rezoning and annexation passed on recorded votes of 4–3; Council Members Baker, Cook and Freeman voted no. Staff said site‑plan review, stormwater design and any required construction permits remain to be completed before any building begins.
