A water main segment along NC Highway 54 between Farrington Road and Stancell Drive is the last known pipe in the city using asbestos cement. During tonight’s Durham City Council meeting, the clock may finally start ticking on this hazard and eventually eliminate the need for city-wide asbestos testing in the water system.
The consent agenda includes a proposal to hire Moffat Pipe Inc. for about $7.7 million to replace the waterline and upsize 6,500 feet to increase hydraulic efficiency. That upsizing also is expected to allow the city to interconnect with Orange Water and Sewer Authority.
Also on the consent agenda:
- Increased rates to support water and sewer operating costs for 2025-26, which would go into effect July 1 for application on bills issued on and after Aug. 1. The monthly service charge for a 5/8-inch meter would go from $9.44 to $10.25; sewer service charge would rise from $10.40 to $11.29.
- A $1.5-million contract amendment with Browe Construction Company to repair asphalt, sidewalk, curbs and gutters, driveway aprons, and curb ramp repairs throughout the city.
- A new comprehensive plan for Durham Parks and Recreation.
On the general business agenda, council members have two public hearings about proposed developments:
- A request for utility extension, voluntary annexation, and initial zoning map change for 10 parcels of land known as The Howard Property along Wake Forest Highway totaling 86.41 acres, which would become a planned residential development with as many as 499 residential units. Members of the Planning Commission voted yes on this in February, but with some concerns about environmental impacts.
- A zoning map change for Strauss Drive Townhouses, a project proposed for nearly 13.5 acres of land that would allow up to 95 residential units. Planning Commission members in February voted unanimously in favor of this project.
Spread the word by sharing this Southpoint Access newsletter with friends and neighbors. Got a tip for your neighborhood news guy? Send email to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news. Call 919-695-9813, ext. 800.
Get Connected
- Send email to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news
- Follow on Bluesky
- Join our Discord community
- Join the Southpoint Access subreddit!
Author: Wes Platt
Lead storyteller. Game designer and journalist. Recovering Floridian. Email: southpointaccessnews@gmail.com.
Leave a Reply