Revised Rocky Branch Project Plan Returns to Durham Planning Commission
The Virgil Road proposal now calls for up to 190 homes and stronger stormwater protections. Thompson Village and two annexation-related rezonings also are on the Aug. 11 agenda.
Wes Platt
A proposal for a 51.9-acre housing development on Virgil Road - Reserve at Rocky Branch - is returning to the Durham Planning Commission with 35 fewer homes and stronger stormwater protections, nearly four months after commissioners voted 10-2 against recommending it.
Other commitments include:
- Setting aside 3% of the homes for households earning no more than 80% of the area median income for 30 years.
- Leaving a wildlife corridor and floodplain undisturbed.
- Limiting impervious surface coverage to 60%, rather than the 70% maximum allowed under the Unified Development Ordinance.
- Providing at least two amenities, such as a dog park, playground, nature trail, community garden, pool, clubhouse, or pocket park.
- Donating $19,500 to Durham Public Schools.
The revised Reserve at Rocky Branch plan leads four zoning hearings scheduled for the commission's meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The agenda also includes an eastern Durham housing proposal called Thompson Village and two annexation-related zoning changes intended to connect properties to city water and sewer.
The Thompson Village project, near Freeman and North Mineral Springs roads, would include as many as 80 homes, none of them income-restricted. Instead, the applicant - Craig Duerr of Land Alternatives, wants to make a $25,000 contribution to the Durham Dedicated Housing Fund and a $10,000 contribution to DPS.
Wes Platt
The Planning Commission reviews zoning cases and makes recommendations to elected officials, who have the final say.
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