The Durham Planning Commission narrowly approved a controversial 415-unit mixed-use development on Fairington Road on a vote of 7-4, with Vice Chair Saras and Commissioners Gham, Johnson, and Wal voting against the project despite months of community negotiations. The Northwood Raven project would include apartments, townhomes, and detached units between the 5200-5300 blocks, with only eight units designated as affordable housing at 80 percent of area median income for 30 years. Commissioner Cutright and others argued the project should include at least 20 affordable units rather than the 2 percent proposed.
Community opposition centered on multiple concerns. Residents from the adjacent Village at Culp Arbor, a 55-plus age-restricted community, worried about traffic safety, noting the project would increase southbound traffic from 10 to 15 cars per minute during morning peak hours, with residents concerned about making left turns into traffic moving at 45 miles per hour. They also cited the lack of public sidewalk connections to nearby Creekside Elementary School, which is already at capacity. Barbara and other residents requested a 60-day continuance, saying verbal assurances from developers about building height, unit types, and traffic calming measures were not reflected in the written proposal.
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