Durham City Council unanimously voted in favor of two zoning requests, addressed a recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Durham and heard public comments about funding youth programs during its Monday meeting.
Zoning requests
The council heard two zoning requests, one for a consolidated annexation and another for a zoning map change. Both requests were approved unanimously.
The passed annexation petition will incorporate the Polanco Residence into Durham city limits and includes a utility extension agreement which, according to general contractor Brian Sawyer, would connect the residence to the city sewer system.
The zoning map change called for alteration of land along Hoover Road in East Durham to a graphic development plan designation. This plan would allow for the development of at least 402 new residential units, with about 25% being townhouses.
The development plan is designed to “diversify the housing stock” while maintaining a commitment to affordability. Under this plan, townhomes and multifamily apartments would be designated affordable housing for 30 and 20 years, respectively.
Councilmember Nate Baker advocated for the affordable housing agreement for multifamily apartments to be extended to a 30-year timeframe. Patrick Byker, attorney at the Morningstar Law Group, opposed this suggestion, claiming that the market has not improved in reference to expensive interest rates for developing apartment complexes.
The developers made a proffer of $13,000 to Durham Public Schools, paying $500 for each additional student matriculating into the system.
ICE in Durham
Several council members addressed a recent operation by ICE in Durham, resulting in nine Durhamites being detained.
As a federal agency, ICE is not obligated to alert a local government when it comes to a community.
“No one on this council knew [about the operation],” Mayor Leonardo Williams said. “[The council members] all found out through community based information and video.”
In response to whether Durham police assisted ICE in their efforts, Williams noted that working with the federal government is outside the scope of the city police. City Manager Bo Ferguson echoed this sentiment, adding that the mayor “accurately captured the mission of the police department.”
Councilmember Javiera Caballero provided recommendations for Durham residents feeling “helpless” amid recent actions by the federal government.
She encouraged citizens to look into joining Siembra — an organization responsible for providing “rapid response to ICE” action — created in response to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in 2017. Caballero further commended the bravery of the Durham residents attempting to stand up to ICE during the raid.
“These particular raids did not make people feel safer in the neighborhood [and] do not make people safer in our city,” Baker said. “[They] only create a sense of fear and break up families.”
Youth comments
Williams opened the floor for Durham County youth to make public comments surrounding increased funding for youth organizations.
Several high school students spoke about Planning Our Own Futures, an organization that aimed at educating Black and brown teenagers about entrepreneurship.
One student stressed the role the youth program had in teaching him valuable lessons about community, while his peer shared how POOF has taught her how to “save money, book a flight, start a business and manage [her] money wisely.”
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Ambassadors from the Purpose Learner Lab — a STEM and wellness mentorship program for young girls — also shared their testimony. One woman who spoke on behalf of programs across the city highlighted that organizations like PLL are relatively small compared to a YMCA or Boys and Girls Club and are therefore in need of financial support.
“Timely compensation reflects the value of our work in creating programs that empower youth and develop essential skills,” one junior counselor said.
Public comment concluded with remarks from adult leaders of the related organizations, who reiterated the potential that lies in Durham youth and the value such programs play — particularly in addressing the youth mental health crisis.
Other business
Councilmember Chelsea Cook acknowledged and celebrated Black History Month, recognizing an open mic night at The Pinhook that showcased various Black artists.
Williams recognized Empowered Parents in Community, a “strength-based organization unapologetically focused on Black children and youth and their success.” Alongside three representatives from the organization, he proclaimed Feb. 17 as Empowered Parents in Community Day, urging “all citizens to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities and programs.”
Annie Eilers is a Trinity first-year and a staff reporter for the news department.