INC NEWS - Contract Approvals and Housing Initiatives Highlight the Next "City Hall This Week"

[Blalock, Amy]

For Immediate Release: April 8, 2008

 

A Look At What's Going On Inside Durham's City Hall

New Episode Begins Airing Friday, April 11 on Time Warner Cable Channel 8

 

Durham, N.C. - The following highlights from the April 7, 2008 Durham City Council meeting and other topics of interest will be featured in the upcoming episode of "City Hall This Week."  The show will begin airing on Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. 

 

Acquisition and Relocation Phase of Rolling Hills Development Project Set to Begin

The City Council approved a $199,140 contract with the Wooten Company to provide acquisition and relocation services for the Rolling Hills Development project.  The City will try to acquire 51 privately-owned housing units within the development, which also means relocating the residents who currently live in those homes.  The estimated acquisition cost for the privately-owned units is $3.6 million.  The estimated acquisition cost for both homeowner and tenant relocation is $1.1 million.  The Community Development Department says that because additional funds will be needed to acquire all properties within Rolling Hills, the acquisition may have to be spread over time as more housing bond program income becomes available.

 

More Permanent Affordable Housing to be Available for People With Special Needs

The City Council took action in support of two projects that will work toward implementing the goals of Durham's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.  $532,000 in the form of a general fund grant agreement and in federal HOME funds was approved for use by Housing for New Hope.  The funds will go toward land acquisition and construction for the first phase of the Williams Square Apartments at 501 East Carver Street.  Phase I will include 10 rental units to serve very low-income individuals who are chronically homeless and are able to live independently with supportive services.  The Council also approved using $326,000 in the form of a general fund permanent loan agreement and federal housing funds in support of Community Alternatives for Supportive Abodes (CASA).  CASA will use the funding to buy two recently renovated duplexes at 1115 and 1117 North Buchanan Boulevard.  The apartments will provide housing for adults who have special needs and whose incomes are at 30 percent of the area median income or less.

 

Architectural Façade Treatment Plan Approved for East Deck

The City Council approved an architectural façade treatment plan for the west and south walls of the East Parking Deck.  The deck is located near the Durham Bulls Athletic Ballpark and where the new Durham Performing Arts Center is being built.  As part of an economic development incentive agreement with Capitol Broadcasting Company, the temporary façade will cover the exposed cement walls until construction can begin on additional development that will eventually surround the deck.  The façade treatment plan will consist of banners depicting various Broadway shows that will be performed at the new Durham Performing Arts Center.

 

City to Improve Reliability in Water Supply and Treatment Facilities

The City Council approved a $1,522,440 contract for construction of improvements at the Little River Dam and the Brown Water Treatment Plant that are geared toward improving reliability at those water supply and treatment facilities.  Among the improvements will be a back-up generator that will be able to help provide power to the Brown Water Treatment Plant if the primary sources of power should fail there.  An earmark appropriation from the federal government will help to cover the cost of the improvements. 

 

City Operates Under Stage III Moderate Mandatory Water Conservation

The City is now operating under Stage III Moderate Mandatory Conservation measures required by Durham's Water Conservation ordinance.  Stage III restrictions allow Durham customers to water outdoor landscapes on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, either between 5 a.m. - 8 a.m. or 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Customers may only water during one of the allowed times each Wednesday and Saturday.  For the very latest information on water conservation in Durham, visit the City's Web site at www.durhamnc.gov <http://www.durhamnc.gov/> . 

 

"City Hall This Week" is a news program dedicated to informing Durham residents about what is going on inside Durham's City Hall.  Each edition is taped on the first and third Tuesday of the month - the day after City Council meetings.  It airs twice a day on Time Warner Cable channel 8 through the week of the next City Council meeting.  For more information, call the City's Office of Public Affairs at (919) 560-4123 or visit the City's Web site at www.durhamnc.gov/departments/public/dtv.cfm.

 

 

 

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