NEIGHBORS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN TRINITY PARK
Today the Board of Adjustment (BOA) voted 7-0 to not allow any further evidence to be admitted in the public hearing, and also denied a request for a continuance by the developer, Park City Development (PCD). PCD was offered a choice of withdrawing their application for a minor special use permit for height and density, or moving forward to a vote by BOA. PCD chose to ask for the vote, and BOA voted 2-5 in denial of both requests.
Concerns were expressed by City staff at the developer’s request to alter procedure, and echoed by members of BOA. One BOA member (Andrews) questioned why no additional details were available, another (Winders) asked why no new plans were presented during the 5-months long continuance, and several expressed concern with the proposed deviation from procedure.
Neighbors for Sustainable Development in Trinity Park (NFSDTP) was gratified to hear BOA agree that plans for a project of this magnitude needs to go through the proper channels, with appropriate review by staff, Design Review Board (DRB) and Downtown District Review Team, two review panels who inspect plans for compliance and appropriateness.
Trinity Park is a special neighborhood within urban Durham. Much loved by its residents, owners and tenants alike, the neighborhood is subject to a variety of pressures. A 60-year-long history of civic activism planted the seeds that led to formation of NFSDTP just this year. The members of NFSDTP are mindful that whatsoever happens to any single individual, affects the integrity of all.
We commend the Board of adjustment for their decision today to vote against the special use permits for the 7-story, 48-unit condo project. The unique character of the Trinity Park National Historic District is worth defending and enhancing for our neighbors and our city for generations to come.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our many dedicated and hardworking supporters for their help and encouragement. In all, over 80 people were involved, bringing an amazing variety of skills, expertise and passion, nearly all donating their time for free or at reduced rates: attorneys, architects, designers, engineers, a photographer, a behaviorist, babysitters, government workers, real estate developers, and many busy stay-at home moms. Our network included advisors with 30-year histories of community activism, strategists, volunteers, letter writers, cheerleaders, parking and traffic experts, people doing community outreach, liaison with government, media, planning and preservation groups.
Today's result was due to the sustained efforts, passion, and substantial financial contributions of this great network of neighbors and friends. It has been no small sacrifice to do so, but special places must be preserved. A bond and camaraderie have been built which will continue to sustain us for the many challenges ahead.
We still believe that condominium/townhouses at a scale and design more harmonious with the surrounding structures is the highest and best use for this pivotal site at the southern end of the National Historic District, and will apply our considerable resources to attract and assist those who share this vision, one which can unite our city and neighborhood. We are confident that honest and open communication can lead to projects that the neighborhood can embrace, and that will enable developers to build a project successfully. We believe that good developers will always be drawn to our location, and we want to work with those who honor and work for harmony between the existing neighborhood and infill development and adaptive reuse.
Contact: Stefanie Kandzia, NFSDTP President, 688-0396
