505 West Chapel Hill Street Development

The City of Durham has begun a third effort to redevelop the 4.4 acre property located at 505 West Chapel Hill Street (“505”). This large public site in downtown offers an extraordinary opportunity for the Durham community. This significant public asset can give us a unique chance to take a big step forward in meeting Durham’s affordable housing needs while also providing support for local retail businesses, all while respecting an important part of downtown’s history.

The 505 Coalition has been following and advocating for this project for the last year and a half.  Included in this group are many of Durham’s community-centered organizations -- Coalition for Affordable Housing & Transit, Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, Durham CAN, Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, the Durham chapter of the NAACP, and the People's Alliance. A representative team of these organizations have been working meticulously as the newest iteration of the project unfolded. 

As the last remaining large, publicly-owned parcel of land downtown, 505’s development should reflect the most pressing need facing Durham today: a shortage of housing, and specifically housing affordable for Durham’s public servants – teachers, first responders, and City/County employees -- and families living on incomes of 60% AMI or less. The City Council recognized this need and made affordable housing the #1 stated priority for the property over 15 months ago. 

In line with our Progressive values, we support the following changes to the current proposals under consideration by the City Council:

1) The need for substantially more affordable units at 60% AMI or less in mixed-income buildings, including units that include multiple bedrooms.

2) The need for the City to retain ownership of the 505 property via a ground lease or similar arrangement.  

3) A review of the level of risk the City is being asked to assume.

Affordable housing experts and community groups have been advocating for the just renovation of this community asset for eight years. Every member of the group desires a conclusion to this process so we can move ahead with an equitable and inclusive project. Durham deserves a development that can help meet the needs of those in Durham who are being left behind.

This op-ed was submitted to the News and Observer on August 16, 2024 and was reviewed by the members of the 505 Coalition, and approved by the Board of People’s Alliance. It is drawn from the public statements made by 505 in the last year.