Our Goals for Growth

Our area is growing fast. We want new homes, offices, and shops that are positive additions to our community. We have some specific goals for new development.

Context

New development should blend with existing homes and neighborhoods. Designs should take advantage of each site's unique features.

Continuity

With careful planning, it's possible for different uses and different-density developments to work together. Attractive architecture and green buffers can help. Buildings and businesses should be sited thoughtfully in relationship to existing homes.

Green Space

New development should respect and maintain the natural beauty of our area. The original developers of Woodcroft, and other neighborhoods in southwestern Durham, wisely recognized the value of mature trees, green natural areas, and buffers to shelter living spaces from busy roads. These many years later, the Durham 2030 Comprehensive Plan embraces the same philosophies.

Comprehensive Plan

The Durham 2030 Comprehensive Plan recommends low- to medium-density residential zoning for most of southwestern Durham. This recommendation is consistent with current zoning and with existing uses. See a small part of the Future Land Use Map, with links to the whole thing.

    » Read a press release hailing the Durham 2030 Comprehensive Plan

Liveable Communities

We support projects that make our community more pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly. We support a useful mix of businesses that will enhance our community and discourage urban sprawl. We support neighborhood designs that foster a sense of community.

Ecology

The wooded areas in southwestern Durham are important wildlife areas, vital to nesting birds, foraging deer, and small animals. Wise planning will minimize pressure on wildlife, and encourage diverse habitats.

Water Quality

We have many small streams in the area, which feed into the already-troubled Jordan Lake. Developers should employ best practices to reduce sedimentation and minimize water-quality impacts. Water-wise landscaping and natural areas should be used to minimize fertilizer runoff.

Traffic

NC-54, NC-751, and other main roads in southwest Durham are already congested. Improvement plans are vague and many years away. Any new development MUST consider traffic impacts in context with other new development. Residents can provide valuable insights on traffic patterns and driving conditions.

Clearcutting is not acceptable.

Clearcutting is a worst-case approach to development, in so many ways. There are better practices.