Durham's City Council heard an extraordinary outpouring of community priorities during a lengthy budget hearing that consumed most of the regular meeting, but the only major decision made that night was approving a controversial apartment complex rezoning by a narrow 4-3 vote.
The council approved rezoning 24.87 acres on Sharon Road for 260 apartments, with Nate Baker, Chelsea Cook, and two other members voting no while Leonardo Williams and Carl Rist supported the project. The developer offered just 5 percent affordable units at reduced rates for 30 years. Environmental advocates raised concerns about damage to Little Lick Creek from ongoing Southeast Durham development, and accessibility advocates pointed out the developer refused to commit an estimated $80,000 to $100,000 for ADA-compliant crosswalk upgrades. Despite these objections, the rezoning passed.
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