Residents urge commissioners to pause Durham–Roxboro purchase over outreach, watershed and privacy concerns

Dozens of residents told the Durham County Board of Commissioners during public comment that they oppose moving forward with acquisition‑related expenditures until more local outreach, legal title documentation and environmental review are shared publicly.

Sandra Wright, who said she delivered a petition, told commissioners the studies used to justify the plan misrepresented local participation and relied on responses outside the corridor: “The grant study led to the approval of the feasibility study … Most of the surveys obtained by Destination by Design and Tool Design were from other areas,” she said. Charles Sanford warned of privacy and safety effects for homeowners near the railbed, and raised concerns about industrial adjacencies and impacts to drinking‑water watersheds. Bob Alverson said documents did not show a clear title history and asked why county taxpayers would fund acquisition work without title certainty.

Supporters testified that long‑term public access and connectivity justify the acquisition; a Bike Durham representative said corridor connections would improve mobility for many residents. Commissioners and staff said many documents are available online and that the county and NCDOT will continue engagement; staff also reiterated that NCDOT will hold fee title and that survey and environmental assessments were completed. Several residents asked for clearer parcel‑by‑parcel notices and more time to review legal materials before construction or acquisition steps proceed.