Durham's Planning Commission forwarded several rezoning cases and a UDO text amendment on development moratoria, with the contested 3815 Wake Forest Highway apartment project drawing the most public opposition.
A staff-initiated amendment to TC26-0002 would remove UDO barriers to imposing development moratoria and strip redundant standards already covered by state law; public commenters cited data center concerns as motivation.
Residents near 3815 Wake Forest Highway raised concerns about traffic on already-congested NC 98, proximity to Oak Grove Elementary, and flooding; the applicant added last-minute commitments including 5% affordable units and a culvert study.
A commissioner argued the 5% affordable-unit proffer was below the typical ask for a transit-accessible development 18 minutes by bus from downtown, and pushed for 10%; the applicant said the owner was still evaluating feasibility.
The city asked the commission to remove a 2020 graphic development plan from the 505 West Chapel Hill site — vacant for years — to allow roughly 80 units of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit affordable housing on a portion of the property.
Neighbors testified that Sharon Road already carries 14 active developments and over 39,000 daily vehicle trips, with 280 crashes in five years; residents urged the commission to pause further approvals until infrastructure catches up.