Durham City Council approved two contested residential developments in 4-3 votes, sparking fierce public demands for expanded mental health crisis services and traffic safety funding.
City Council approved Wesley Downs residential development in 4-3 vote, adding 229 units with townhomes starting at $290,000, lowest new construction price in five years, despite traffic concerns.
Public speakers demanded full funding for HEART mental health crisis program and a dedicated Vision Zero coordinator, citing program gaps and zero reduction in traffic deaths since 2017 adoption.
Council approved Shady Grove development near Brier Creek in 4-3 vote with 440 units and 5-acre park, but opponents warned of blasting damage to wells and cumulative impact from 15,500 approved southeast Durham homes.