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SoDu Week in Review - Jan. 11, 2025

SoDu Week in Review provides a quick recap of what you need to know about news in our South Durham neighborhoods.

Wes Platt

11 Jan 2025 — 3 min read

Family Responsibility Zones Await; Express School Bus Stops Delayed

On Jan. 21, the new "family responsibility zones" developed by transportation staff at Durham Public Schools take effect around 21 elementary schools throughout the county.

This means that, for many students living within as much as a mile from these schools, school bus service won't be available. Instead, families must either drive children to school or allow them to walk or ride bicycles.

However, DPS isn't rushing into the plan for express bus stops serving secondary magnet schools Rogers-Herr Middle School, Durham School of the Arts, and The School for Creative Studies.

Dr. Lavonia Allison: A Durham Legend Remembered

On Jan. 7, local civil rights advocate Dr. Lavonia Allison passed away at the age of 94. She's remembered as a champion for social justice who sought equality for marginalized communities in Durham.

"She was no shrinking violet," said Walter Jackson, chair of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, "and her style made her stand out in almost any crowd. She could, would, and did talk. And when she talked, people listened, and I think they were almost always glad they did."

Bean Battle Brewing?

Durham planning records show that the massive Starbucks coffee chain, which already has plenty of stores around Durham (including inside the Harris Teeter at Southpoint Crossing), now wants to move into the defunct Wendy's location across the parking lot from Bean Traders.

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