[Durham INC] Good news -- DOT decision eases way for vet clinic (N&O)

[John Schelp]

DOT decision eases way for vet clinic
News & Observer, 09 Feb 2010

State highway officials have decided not to require the Triangle Veterinary Emergency Clinic to add a turn lane and move a sewer line at its planned new location on Morreene Road.

City Council member Mike Woodard said he and other city officials were informed of the decision at 8:28 this morning, after a meeting of NCDOT engineers.

DOT's change of mind removes an unexpected cost that had jeopardized the clinic's plan to relocate its practice to a renovated warehouse at Morreene Road and Linden Terrace in western Durham. Clinic manager Sharon Zeigler said last week that the lane and sewer move would add about $250,000 to the clinic's estimated renovating and landscaping cost of $1.9 million.

Residents near the warehouse, at the former Mariner's Cove restaurant location, had been eager for the clinic to remodel the building they consider an eyesore. Neighbors vigorously opposed its construction in 2007 and 2008, and it has stood vacant for more than two years.

After learning that DOT's requirements for the turn lane and sewer move jeopardized the clinic's plan, neighbors mounted a campaign to convince DOT to reconsider and enlist city and state officials on their side.