Durham City Council voted 5-1 to advance the downtown 505 West Chapel Hill Street redevelopment only after imposing stricter affordable housing requirements and a ground lease option over the developer's resistance.
Council voted 5-1 to advance 505 West Chapel Hill Street redevelopment only after requiring the city to retain a ground lease option and demanding either 120+ affordable units or annual rent capped at 6 percent.
Mayor Pro-Tem Middleton dissented, calling the amended terms imposed mid-process "borderline irresponsible" without financial analysis; Council Member Cook raised concerns developers received new language a day before public release.
Council Member DeDreana Freeman raised urgent alarm about 100-plus residents at JFK Towers facing housing crises and coordinated a city inspection for the next day at 1 p.m.