Local Couple Relieved City Has Finally Paused Neighborhood Development Shortly After They Moved In
Yes In My Backyard... But Not In Yours
East Durham residents John and Jane Holmes said they were thrilled to hear the city had placed a temporary moratorium on new construction in the Goose Creek overlay district, affecting parts of East Durham.
Durham city leaders recently halted new development permits in the Goose Creek area after discovering that the sewer servicing the area is already at capacity, after decades of under-investment and lack of maintenance by the City. John and Jane Holmes say the news felt like a relief.
“Things around here have already been changing pretty quickly,” John shared from the front porch of the East Durham bungalow they purchased two years ago. “Since we arrived, there’s been a lot of building. People say that these developers in Durham, they just want to cram in as many houses as possible to make the highest profits possible.”
Jane went on, “We need the city to halt all building by any means necessary, and force builders to build affordable housing before we do anything else. We need a radical solution to these developers’ unfettered capitalistic rampage.”
Previously living in New Jersey, the couple moved south during the pandemic in search of a larger home in a smaller city with, as John put it, “culture, restaurants, and a sense of place.” Like many newcomers, they initially hoped to buy in an older neighborhood close to downtown.
“We really loved the idea of being near downtown in one of those beautiful historic Southern neighborhoods, like Trinity Park or Forest Hills” John said. “Walkability, big trees, that sort of thing.” But after months of searching, the Holmeses discovered that their budget did not go as far as they had expected.
Eventually they expanded their search and discovered East Durham, where their budget stretched further. “We got a bigger house on a bigger lot, and it felt like such a cool neighborhood that was really on the upswing,” Jane said.
With the savings on their home purchase, they decided to construct an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in their backyard. “It’s a beautiful space,” Jane said. “One bedroom, lots of natural light, really well designed. And it’s a great location especially with the new brewery down the block.”
“And it’s a good thing we got our C.O. before they issued the moratorium,” John added.
The Holmes recently listed the unit for rent but couldn’t get a renter at their asking price. They plan to lower the rent, and are considering offering a month free or other discount. “That seems to be what other rentals are doing,” John lamented.
“It’s kind of a weird market right now,” Jane said. “Hard to explain why.”
Still, they remain optimistic the unit will attract a tenant soon.
Disclaimer: The above article is a parody. Any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. Or tragically believable.