[Durham INC] 751 South asking the city for water again -- pls write city council ASAP

[Melissa Rooney]

This project's plans currently show an unprecedented SEVENTY PERCENT impervious surface (in what is now completely forested land with a walking trail to Jordan Lake).

On January 24, the attorney for the 751 South developers formally asked the City Attorney for City services (water and sewer) to be extended to the development. The developers requested that the reply come within 30 days. (Click for Herald Sun article).

http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/17292625/article-751-South-developers-renew-push-to-city-water-and-sewer-?
 
Without water, 751 South, as planned, cannot be built. Now is the time to contact—emails, letters or phone—the Mayor and Council, asking them to say NO to 751S:  council at durhamnc.gov
 
At the very least, you could ask the city council to stick to their original decision in this regard and wait to take any vote until the current lawsuit (regarding the county's suspect handling of the previous rezoning case) has been closed (the opponents have appealed the judge's ruling in the current case).

Environmental Facts

751 S borders Jordan Lake, the drinking supply for thousands of Carolinians. 

Jordan Lake is already on the Federal "impaired waters" list because of pollution.

The developers admit that they will not be able to meet the Jordan Lake rules for nitrogen and phosphorus emissions on site. Instead they will buy land 10 miles away, in Orange County, to "offset" their nitrogen.

Commercial development here will trigger a land rush along 751 into Chatham County, further endangering the lake.

Traffic Facts

751 S would add 30,000 automobile trips per day to 751, but the developers have offered only to widen 751 to Stagecoach Rd. 

The City has  estimated that the cost of widening 751 from Stagecoach Rd. north to I-40 to be $7 million. The developers expect the taxpayers to pay for it.

Process Facts

The developers wish to be annexed by the City, yet went to the County for their rezoning.

The density of 751 S runs entirely counter to the 2005 Comprehensive Plan approved by the City, which calls for low density residential on the site.

The developers made massive campaign donations to current County Commissioners.

Despite overwhelming local opposition, and in the face of 2 protest petitions, the BOCC approved the rezoning.

The City Manager's staff conducted an exhaustive economic analysis of annexation, and determined that it would cost the City much more than it would bring in for years to come.

And if you need a little extra motivation to write that email today, or just a moment of joy in your day, take a look at the live feed of a bald eagle and her eaglets nest on Jordan Lake.

http://www.ustream.tv/jordanlakeeagles

Thanks for caring!
Melissa Rooney
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