The Durham Planning Commission approved a contested 499-unit mixed-use development near NC 98 and Kemp Road on a 7-1 vote, despite extensive public opposition about traffic, environmental concerns, and infrastructure shortages. The Howard Property rezoning represents the most significant action from the February meeting and the most divisive, with one commissioner voting against the project while residents packed the hearing with safety and capacity concerns.
The development on 143 acres was reduced from the original 650-unit proposal to 5.78 units per acre. Landscape architect Daniel Jewell announced last-minute commitments during the hearing, including a 30-foot landscape buffer along Highway 98, a 200-foot setback for apartments from neighboring homes, a greenway trail with a 50-foot easement to be completed before the 200th unit is occupied, an affordable housing component, and a $932-per-student contribution to schools.
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