Durham’s New Small Area Plans: Potential and Pitfalls
This new tool could strengthen public spaces — or deepen the housing crisis
Over the past year, Durham has been rolling out its “Small Area Plans” (SAP) initiative — described by the city as “a way for residents to influence the future planning and development in their neighborhoods.” Just last month, the City Council adopted its first SAP, the Walltown Small Area Plan. Other neighborhoods are clamoring to start their own SAPs — the public engagement process is now underway for Lakewood, West End, and Lyon Park. SAPs aren’t a direct or immediate change to the UDO, but much like the larger Comprehensive Plan, they set the vision for the development of a neighborhood. Neighbors and councilors will judge future rezonings and developments against the SAPs, making them a powerful public instrument.
Neighbors coming together to develop a collective…
