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🌳 Durham Ends Deal on Police HQ Site

Author

Jordan Parker
June 06, 2025

In this issue:

  • Durham Ends Deal on Police HQ Site

  • Durham Schools Face $1B in Repairs

  • 911 Call Surge Stretches Durham EMS Thin

  • New Wilmington Beach Hotel Opens for Summer Getaways

Approx Read Time: 3 mins

Durham Ends Deal on Police HQ Site

The Durham City Council officially ended negotiations with The Peebles Corp. this week, halting a years-long effort to redevelop the former police headquarters downtown. The Miami-based firm had sought more public funding as project costs rose, but the city chose to walk away, once again leaving the high-profile site in limbo.

  • Developer Dropped: Peebles was hired in 2023 to create a mixed-use project with affordable housing, labs, offices, and retail.

  • Costs Escalated: The developer requested $78M in public subsidies, up from $61M, citing a 34% jump in construction costs.

  • Future Unclear: City leaders say the project isn’t dead, but no new plan has been decided for the 4-acre site at 505 W. Chapel Hill St.

Durham Schools Face $1B in Repairs

A consultant's report to the Durham school board revealed that Durham Public Schools may need nearly $1 billion over the next decade to address maintenance issues across its campuses. These figures do not include potential upgrades for energy efficiency or modernization.

  • Urgent Repairs First: Around $540M is needed immediately, largely for mechanical and electrical systems, plus critical paint and HVAC fixes.

  • Elementary & High Schools Hit Hardest: 68% of elementary schools and 83% of high schools require near-term investment.

  • Capital Plan Underway: The 10-year estimate will inform DPS’s 2025–2035 capital improvement plan, with bond funding likely in play.

911 Call Surge Stretches Durham EMS Thin

Durham County EMS is facing mounting pressure as 911 calls surge alongside population growth. Officials say the county is on pace for a record 60,000 calls this fiscal year. Without new hires, emergency medical services may struggle to keep up.

  • Call Volume Up 24% Since 2018: No new staffed transport units have been added in that time, despite rapid growth.

  • New Hires Proposed: The county’s budget includes 12 new EMS positions—6 paramedics and 6 EMTs.

  • Held Calls Becoming Common: As many as 35 calls were held on a recent day shift, with staff forced to prioritize critical emergencies.

Durham City Council Meeting – June 2, 2025

This week’s City Council meeting focused heavily on disaster preparedness, updated rules of procedure, and community investments tied to the 2025–26 proposed budget. The session also featured a packed public comment period, particularly around safety, housing, and transit.

  • New Rules Approved: Council voted 6–1 to revise procedural rules, including clarification on public speaking time during zoning hearings. Council Member Nate Baker initially voted no, then changed to yes after confirming flexibility would be preserved.

  • Amazon Union Support Resolution Passed: Council unanimously adopted a revised resolution supporting Durham Amazon workers' right to unionize, after softening language about specific allegations.

  • Budget Feedback Heard: Residents spoke in favor of fair-free transit, Vision Zero street safety projects, and HEART crisis response, while calling for more investment in youth services, affordable housing, and community-led public safety.

  • Appointments Finalized: 17 new members were named to boards including Planning Commission, Human Relations Commission, Racial Equity Commission, and the Durham Sports Commission.

New Wilmington Beach Hotel Opens for Summer Getaways

Looking for a beach escape with real style? The newly opened Trailborn Surf & Sound in Wrightsville Beach is a top pick for Durham travelers this summer—just 2.5 hours away and fully reimagined from its former life as the Blockade Runner. The boutique hotel brings breezy, modern design to a prime spot on Waynick Boulevard, with views of both the ocean and sound.

PLAYlist in the Park: Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Durham Central Park
Friday, June 6 | DJ at 7 p.m., Band at 7:30 p.m.
GRAMMY-winning New Orleans legends bring their high-energy brass-funk fusion to Durham as part of the city’s free summer concert series.
Details >>

Danny Go! Live
DPAC – 123 Vivian St
Friday, June 6 | 5–7 p.m.
A high-energy, music-filled live show for kids ages 3 to 7 from the NC-based creators of the hit YouTube series.
Details >>

Full Moon Fever Bike Ride
Start: Mellow Mushroom (7:30 p.m.) or Bean Traders (8:30 p.m.)
Friday, June 6
A casual night ride down the American Tobacco Trail under the full moon. Helmets and lights required.
Details >>

21st Annual Durham Beaver Queen Pageant
Duke Park Meadow
Saturday, June 7 | Preshow 4 p.m., Pageant 5 p.m.
A wildly creative mix of costumed pageantry, humor, music, crafts, and food.
Details >>

Geek & Grub Market: Love, Rainbows & Unicorns Edition
Sunday, June 8 | 12–5 p.m. | Durham Armory
A free, family-friendly market featuring geeky vendors, cosplay, games, and food trucks.
Details » 

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