Joint City-County Committee Meeting: Comprehensive Plan, Gun Violence Prevention, and Museum of Durham History - June 20, 2023

This joint meeting of the Durham City Council and Board of County Commissioners covered several major topics including the draft comprehensive plan update (with focus on the urban growth boundary), reports on youth gun violence prevention and survivor support programs, a presentation from the American Red Cross, and an update from the Museum of Durham History. Due to a lack of a quorum on the city side, no formal votes were taken, but the committee discussed key issues and set next steps.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rebecca Freeman (1818 South View Road): Expressed that rural residents felt unheard in the comprehensive plan process, stating that engagement was inadequate and that over 16,000 dwelling units are already approved but unbuilt in her area. She urged the committee to listen to smaller property owners.
• Thomas Freedom (1880 South View Road): Criticized upstream development in Southeast Durham for causing erosion and environmental damage to Falls Lake, claiming that leaders did not consider secondary consequences. He opposed expanding the urban growth boundary.
• Pam Williams (Southeast Durham resident and engineer): Questioned the need to expand the urban growth boundary, noting the plan only requires 60,000 new homes by 2050 but provides capacity for 150,000, plus additional units from RTP. She cited severe grading and erosion problems and urged against adding more land to the urban growth boundary or future growth areas.
• Malarna Paul: Cited Policy 1.66 of the draft plan, which requires that changes to the urban growth boundary demonstrate no expansion into critical watershed, no significant long-term infrastructure costs, and address a clear community need. She urged referencing the plan's policies in decisions.

Discussion Items

• Comprehensive Plan Update (Urban Growth Boundary and Future Growth Areas): Senior Planner Carl Kalazna presented the draft plan, focusing on the proposed urban growth boundary (UGB) and future growth areas. Staff recommended retracting the UGB from about 660 parcels (nearly 7,000 acres) currently in the suburban tier to focus growth within the existing city footprint, citing infrastructure limitations, environmental constraints, and cost. The committee reviewed several specific areas (Stagville/Oxford Road, Farrington Mill Road, Patterson Road, Cheap Road/Redwood, Hamlin Road, and Southeast Future Growth Area) where property owners requested to be added back into the UGB. Planning commission straw polls showed split opinions. Commissioners discussed costs, environmental impacts, and the need to balance growth with infrastructure capacity. Commissioner Jacobs stated support for all staff recommendations. No formal action was taken due to lack of quorum, but staff will prepare materials for upcoming work sessions and a joint public hearing on August 31, 2023.
• Youth Community Hackathon to Prevent Gun Violence: Clark Haldeman (parent and activist) reported on a student-centered hackathon held on May 6, 2023, with 20 students. Key student requests included more mental wellness days, more trusted adults trained in mental health, and opportunities to express grief. Students expressed feeling unsafe and unsupported in schools. The report highlighted the need for trauma-informed approaches and compensation for student participants. A funding shortfall of $2,000 was noted (students were paid $75 each instead of the promised $175). Commissioner Burns urged resolution and suggested the safety and wellness task force or county/city could cover the remainder.
• Prescription for Repair Pilot Program: Asmond Johnson (coordinator) presented a one-year pilot (funded by City of Durham and Duke Institute for Health Innovation) that uses restorative justice circles to listen to survivors of gun violence (those shot or family members). The program aims to identify healing needs. Currently 28 participants enrolled (goal of 40). Services include facilitator support, compensation for participants, and connection to community resources. The program emphasizes deep listening and survivor-centered approaches.
• Safety and Wellness Task Force Update: Co-chairs Marcia Owens and David Case reported that the task force has extended its term by six months (per bylaws) to complete its work. The final report is expected by September 2023. They highlighted the need for community input and collaboration across organizations.
• American Red Cross Presentation: Executive Director Lori Hughes and Disaster Program Specialist Sweetley Sanders described Red Cross services: disaster response, home fire campaign (Sound the Alarm - free smoke alarm installation), blood services, and training (CPR, first aid, etc.). They requested partnerships to spread preparedness messages, especially in schools and public housing.
• Museum of Durham History Update: Executive Director Patrick Wolko requested $568,000 for architectural design and development phases for a future museum at 500 West Main Street, plus $108,000 for operational items (digital exhibits, salary increases, development staff). The museum has an annual operating budget of $152,000 from city/county. Commissioners discussed forming a joint committee to explore options, but noted that elected officials on the museum board may have conflicts of interest due to state law. Chair Howerton directed the museum to help organize a committee with city and county staff. The item will be on the next meeting agenda (August 8, 2023).

Key Outcomes

• Comprehensive Plan: No formal vote; staff will incorporate feedback and present to the Board of County Commissioners work session on August 7 and City Council work session on August 10, with a joint public hearing on August 31.
• Hackathon Payment: The city and county managers were directed to work with the community safety and wellness task force to find a path to cover the remaining $2,000 owed to student participants. Dr. Haldeman will submit a formal request.
• Museum of Durham History: The committee agreed to form a joint city-county staff committee to explore the museum's capital request and land issues. The museum will help identify members. The item will be revisited at the August 8 meeting.
• Safety and Wellness Task Force: Extension to October 2023 acknowledged; final report expected by September.
• American Red Cross Collaboration: City and county officials will explore partnerships to promote preparedness programs in schools and public housing.