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Sheffield Farms Project Loses Bid at Planning Commission
The Durham Planning Commission on Tuesday voted 12-0 against a proposal to build the Sheffield Farms project off Farrington Mill Road. The City Council will take that vote under advisement when it considers the proposal on March 18. However, the board recommended 8-5 to move Leigh Valley to the City Council with a favorable recommendation.…
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[FLASH POLL RESULT] Who Deserves the Most Blame for DPS Disruptions?
On Feb. 12, 2024, Southpoint Access encouraged readers to participate in a flash poll about recent school disruptions in Durham Public Schools after classified workers learned their increased pay structure was at risk of being rolled back. More than one-third of respondents (36.1%) blamed DPS administrators, while 27.8% blamed the Board of Education for failing…
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Ready for Weird-Tasting City Water?
Starting March 1, City of Durham water customers can expect altered taste and scent of tap water while the Department of Water Management performs its annual water treatment disinfection changeover process. It lasts through April 15. The changeover, required by federal and state regulations, isn’t expected to affect safety or water quality. According to a…
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More Disruption for a District Ready to Move On
As Thursday’s Board of Education meeting started, one sensed a community – teachers, staff, parents, and the politicians sitting on the board – ready to move on and start rebuilding after weeks of turmoil. Superintendent Pascal Mubenga and former Chief Financial Officer Paul LeSieur were gone after apparently bungling the reconfiguration of classified worker pay.…
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Good News, Bad News Night at DPS Board of Education
Good news (for many): Durham Public Schools classified workers keep their higher paychecks for at least one more month. Bad news (for some): The Board of Education tabled further discussion about the future of those checks until Feb. 22. Good news (for most): DPS announced an interim superintendent to take over after the departure of…
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[SOUTHPOINT SPOTLIGHT] Shining On: Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen
Occasionally, Southpoint Access will showcase local businesses that serve customers in South Durham. This installment features Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen, 3219 Chapel Hill Rd., with questions answered by Susan Head. What inspired you to open a restaurant in Durham and how does the local culture influence your establishment? Susan Head: We are from South…
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DPS Superintendent Resigns; Report Released
Superintendent Pascal Mubenga has resigned after seven years with Durham Public Schools, in the wake of turmoil spawned by confusion and frustration over classified worker pay. Bettina Umstead, chair of the Board of Education, announced Mubenga’s resignation after a closed-door special meeting. Deputy Superintendent Nicholas King is assuming the superintendent’s duties until an interim is…
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South Durham Housing Market Update [February 2024]
Occasionally, Southpoint Access will provide data about the local real-estate market pertinent to zip codes in our readership area: In the 27713 zip code, median home prices reached about $438,000 – up 4.2% compared to the same time in 2022, according to Redfin.com. The market is listed as somewhat competitive. Average homes sell near list…
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Meet the Candidate: Millicent Rogers
Millicent Rogers, currently the incumbent representative for Consolidated District B on the Durham Public Schools Board of Education, grew up in Durham and holds the philosophy that all families matter in this town where she grew up. Her grandmother, Reathie Mae Rogers, was president of the McDougald Terrace Residents Association and worked with the North…
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DPS Foundation Urges Paycheck Commitment
The Durham Public Schools Foundation appreciated the Board of Education’s decision to hire an external comptroller, break off its relationship with compensation study provider HIL Consultants, and approval of steps toward a “meet and confer” policy with the Durham Association of Educators. But DPSF isn’t happy about the delayed movement on classified worker pay for…
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[IN MEMORIAM] Gus
Gus, an 18-year-old American black bear and longtime fixture at Durham’s Museum of Life and Science, has died. Museum officials in a blog post described Gus as “an enduring symbol of kindness, compassion, and wonder for visitors of all ages.” Last week, tests conducted by the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine led…
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Best of Durham 2024: Southpoint Access for Best New Business?
Durham Magazine readers have until Feb. 29 to vote for their favorites in the Best of Durham 2024 poll1, but I didn’t see a category for Best News Site in South Durham. However, they do have a Best New Business category and readers are allowed to write-in nominees. So, I’d much appreciate the support if…
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