Harmony Road, Take Two
Speak Out
Please voice your concerns to the City of Durham's decision-makers via email and letters. We have included a sample letter and contact information below.
On our website you can also learn more about the Planning Commission hearing and about the rezoning process in general.
Planning Commission
Case# Z05-32 is tentatively on the Planning Commission agenda for Sept 13 '05. Neighbors should plan to attend that hearing! In the meantime, please email (or postal-mail) individual Planning Commission members to voice your concerns and ask that they vote to recommend denial.
Contact Info
Cut & paste this address list into your email's "TO" field:
"George Brine" <gab@rti.org>, "Harry Dawley" <hfdrdd@aol.com>, "Deborah Giles" <deborah.giles@durhamnc.gov>, "Wendy Jacobs" <geewen@nc.rr.com>, "Jon Kuczynski" <jck@csitedesign.com>, "Corinne Mabry" <corge01@aol.com>, "Jarvis Martin" <apprrtp@aol.com>, "Don Moffitt" <d.moffitt@verizon.net>, "John Mozart" <John.Mozart@durhamnc.gov>, "Joseph Parker, Jr." <jparker@premiermtg.com>, "John Parrish" <jparrish@yahoo.com>, "Lynn M. VanScoyoc" <lmv@duke.edu>
These two Commissioners do not have email:
Mr. Robert W. (Bob) Jentsch, 3906 Springstop Lane, Durham, NC 27705
Mr. Caleb Southern, 604 West Morgan Street, Apt 304, Durham, NC 27701
If you prefer postal mail:
See our Politics section for complete Planning Commission contact info, or see the Planning Commission's web page.
Sample Letter
Feel free to use or edit the text below. Some pointers:
- Keep it brief: half a page.
- Keep it personal, with a community focus.
- Keep it straightforward; irony or sarcasm can be misleading.
- Keep it positive.
- Ask for (don't demand) their help and support.
Dear Mr./Ms. ____,
(or, Dear Durham County Planning Commissioner:)
I live at (street address) in southwestern Durham, and I'm writing to ask for your help and support regarding Rezoning Case # Z05-32.
A developer has applied to rezone 75 acres along Harmony Road, between northern Woodcroft and southeastern Hope Valley Farms, from R-20 to PDR-2.76. This rezoning would allow almost half again as many homes as the current zoning.
Traffic from that many more homes would put additional pressure on 2-lane roads in the area, which are already overburdened with no improvements in sight. Neighborhood streets would be forced to carry part of the new traffic burden.
Also, schools in my area are already overcrowded. If this land could be developed as it's currently zoned, our schools could carry an additional 60-70 households' children.
This rezoning application will be discussed at the September 13 Planning Commission meeting. I plan to be at that hearing, and I hope I can count on your support. My neighbors and I would welcome a development plan at the existing R-20 zoning. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
________
(and also print your name, street address, and phone number)