🌳 Walltown Wins Support for Northgate Mall

Good Morning Durham!

Big week of local headlines: Chapel Hill’s Trader Joe’s has finally reopened after months of flood damage repairs, and Durham County property tax bills are now live online (brace yourself). Meanwhile, campaign season drama is heating up, the future of Northgate Mall is inching forward, and one of Durham’s biggest cultural festivals returns this weekend.

-Jordan

Freeman Accused of Poking Allam at Candidate Mixer

A heated encounter between Durham City Councilwoman DeDreana Freeman and County Commissioner Chair Nida Allam has drawn scrutiny during an already tense election season. At an Aug. 5 candidate mixer hosted by the People’s Alliance, Freeman repeatedly poked Allam in the arm, leaving bruises, according to Allam, who is backing Freeman’s opponent in the Ward 1 race.

• Caught on Video: Footage shows Freeman poking Allam several times before walking away. Witnesses say Allam appeared shaken and left in tears.

• Freeman Responds: She took responsibility for “tapping” Allam, framing the reaction as part of a broader pattern of “misogynoir” and false accusations against Black women in leadership.

• Pattern of Conflict: This marks the second time Freeman has faced allegations of physical confrontation with another elected official.

Read More >>

Walltown Wins Support for Northgate Mall

Durham City Council unanimously approved the Walltown Small Area Plan this week — a resident-driven framework to guide redevelopment of the long-vacant Northgate Mall site. The plan, years in the making, reflects the desires of Walltown, a historically Black neighborhood, to see affordable, community-centered development on the 60-acre property.

• Clear Community Priorities: The plan calls for at least 160 affordable housing units (30–80% AMI), small-scale retail including a grocery store, open green space, and indoor gathering places like a Walltown history hub.

• Sustainability Front and Center: It also proposes solar panels, EV chargers, expanded tree canopies, and the cleanup of the old Sears Auto Center site.

• What It Does and Doesn’t Do: While the plan does not force Northwood Investors (the mall’s owner) to comply, it gives the city a strong framework to evaluate any future rezoning requests.

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Op-Ed: Blocking Housing Makes Rent Worse

In a pointed response to Durham Council Member Nate Baker, two local authors argue that real tenant power doesn’t come from blocking development, but from building far more of it. David Berger and Owen Washburn contend that Baker’s opposition to market-rate housing, developer incentives, and streamlining projects unintentionally fuels scarcity and drives up rents.

• Scarcity Drives Prices: Durham has added 15,000 homes in four years—yet that’s not enough. Rents only stabilized, not dropped. To truly lower housing costs, the city must build far beyond what population growth requires.

• Regulation Can Empower Landlords: Strict zoning and slow approvals, they say, benefit large developers and corporate landlords—who profit from limited supply and rising prices.

• Lessons from Chapel Hill: The op-ed warns that Durham risks repeating Chapel Hill’s path where development restrictions helped turn a college town into a high-cost enclave that pushed workers out.

Read More >>

Council Backs Walltown Plan, Boosts Housing & Transit

Durham City Council made several key decisions this week, including zoning changes tied to the Walltown Small Area Plan and funding for affordable housing and public transit.

• Walltown Small Area Plan Adopted: The council voted unanimously (7–0) to adopt the resident-led redevelopment framework for Northgate Mall. Zoning changes for five surrounding parcels were also approved, including the reclassification of three residential parcels to Recreation and Open Space and one to Community Institution.

• Affordable Housing Funding: Council voted 7–0 to approve over $2.1 million in Housing Bond allocations and HOME funds. This includes:

  • $750,000 to CASA for new construction on Angier Ave

  • $1.2 million to DHIC for the Hoover Road project

  • $207,000 to Habitat for Humanity for critical home repairs

• GoDurham Service Enhancements: Council approved, again 7–0, a budget amendment to fund expanded bus service and route improvements using $1.6 million in federal and local funds. The plan supports increased weekend and evening service hours, especially on Routes 5 and 6.

• ARPA Oversight Committee Appointments: The council appointed Monica Johnson, Rev. Alan Parker, and Roslyn M. Walker to the committee overseeing the use of Durham’s American Rescue Plan funds. Approved 6–1, with Council Member Freeman voting no.

• Public Comments & Proclamations: Residents spoke in favor of housing equity and sidewalk access in South Durham. The meeting also included proclamations recognizing National Black Business Month and the 10th anniversary of the Durham Youth Commission.

Watch the Full Discussion >>

Emanuel Food Pantry Seeks Executive Director

Durham’s largest food pantry is hiring a new Executive Director to lead its mission of providing fresh, nutritious food to underserved families. The role includes overseeing operations, fundraising, community engagement, and strategic planning for the rapidly growing nonprofit, which now serves over 700 families each week.

• Key Focus Areas: Leadership, financial management, community partnerships, and long-term planning

• Qualifications: At least 5 years of nonprofit leadership, strong fundraising and communication skills, and a passion for food justice; bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

• Details: $75K–$90K salary + healthcare stipend; one-year renewable contract

Apply >>

Fizzwerks Brings Bubbly Innovation to Durham

Durham’s newest taproom, Fizzwerks, is putting a fresh spin on the craft scene with a lineup of hard seltzers, functional fizz, and spirit-free THC drinks.

• What to Try: Rotating hard seltzers, zero-proof cocktails, and functional fizz

• Where to Find Them: Check fizzwerks.com or @fizzwerks on Instagram for hours and pours

This is part of a new section highlighting local businesses. Want to be featured? Apply here.

Black August in the Park & Parade
Durham Central Park
Sunday, Aug. 24 · 3–6 PM
Now in its 10th year, Black August in the Park celebrates Black legacy and joy with music, food, and community. The day kicks off with the All Blacks Parade at 3 PM, starting at the Black Wall Street Marker on Parrish Street and ending in Durham Central Park. Free, family-friendly, and open to all.
Details >>

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