INC NEWS - Letter: Keep an eye on planning for Duke Central Campus (Chamber of Commerce)

[John Schelp]

FYI, from the Sunday paper.

More information can be found at...
http://www.owdna.org/duke.htm

~John Schelp
Old West Durham


"The provision of non-residential space has prompted
concern on the part of nearby neighborhoods about how
much non-residential space will be provided. This
concern is commendable. No one is interested in seeing
a project that will negatively impact nearby
commercial areas along Ninth and Broad streets."
-Ted Conner, Chamber of Commerce


Letter: Keep an eye on planning for Duke Central
Campus
(Herald-Sun, February 27, 2005) 
 
I had the pleasure of attending the recent community
briefing on the redevelopment of Duke's Central
Campus. Duke Provost Peter Lange and Director of
Community Affairs Michael Palmer provided details of
the project's planning process. Duke plans to redesign
Central Campus and replace the current 1,000 units
with 1,200 new, innovative student housing units to
accommodate a small student population growth. Duke is
seeking to provide a housing environment that will
better prepare students for life after college. 

In addition, Duke will add space on Central Campus for
student needs such as restaurants, a bookstore and
other non-residential facilities. The provision of
non-residential space has prompted concern on the part
of nearby neighborhoods about how much non-residential
space will be provided. This concern is commendable.
No one is interested in seeing a project that will
negatively impact nearby commercial areas along Ninth
and Broad streets. Moreover, nearby commercial
establishments logically want to capture a portion of
Duke students' business. From my perspective, both the
community and the university want Duke students to
venture off-campus to interact with Durham residents
and support local businesses. 

I heard Lange describe a rather laborious planning
process over the next year. He could not provide
definitive details because the planning process has
not advanced to that point. He promised an open
process, and I trust him and Duke. Another public
meeting will be held in the spring or summer. 

Getting the site appropriately zoned will be a public
review process conducted by the Durham City Council,
offering another opportunity for public input. Let's
stay tuned to the planning process and work to ensure
that it proceeds with an effort by all parties so that
a new Central Campus arises serving the needs of Duke
and Durham. 

TED CONNER
DURHAM

Editor's note: The writer is vice president of
economic development for the Greater Durham Chamber of
Commerce. The length rule for letters was waived.