Durham Unites: Say No to Heritage Square Rezoning and Protect Hayti?s Legacy
In the center of Durham, North Carolina, a citizen campaign is gaining momentum as residents and activists come together with one powerful message: Say NO to the rezoning of Heritage Square.
Supported by a coalition of churches, Hayti Reborn, and a growing list of signers, this petition demands that the local government stay true to its word to the historic Hayti community and reject the proposal that would transform Heritage Square into a corporate research complex that erases its legacy.
Durham has long spoken of intentions to revitalize in Hayti?a once-thriving center of Black enterprise and commerce, devastated by urban renewal projects. Through initiatives like the Hayti Promise Fayetteville Street Corridor Project, the city committed to equitable development, cultural preservation, and shared prosperity.
But Sterling Bay?s rezoning proposal undermines the goals of that commitment.
The Case Against Rezoning
1. A Threat to Legacy:
Sterling Bay?s plan includes renaming the site, severing ties from its Hayti roots. Residents insist that surface-level nods to history can?t replace the rich cultural and historical connection that would be lost.
2. Misrepresentation of Community Needs:
The developer alleged that residents rejected affordable housing. In truth, the community asked for plans that foster ownership, not displacement. When offered the chance to share equity partnerships for locals, Sterling Bay declined.
3. Empty Promises:
From community spaces to overflow parking, the so-called ?community benefits? fall flat. Promises of life science jobs sound hollow without infrastructure for existing residents.
4. Displacement Disguised as Development:
Rezoning would allow for larger buildings?serving developers and newcomers while inflating property values and displacing long-time residents and Black-owned businesses.
5. Not Against Development?Just Displacement:
The Hayti community is open to development that respects existing limits, includes income-sensitive mixed-income housing, and creates shared stakes for locals. They want growth that?s accountable?not imposed.
The Call to Action
Residents are urging the Durham City Council to vote NO the rezoning proposal. With over 100 verified signatures and counting?including Reverend Julian Pridgen, Sterling Hall, and dozens of others?the petition is a loud message that equity means uplifting the very communities affected.
?Durham cannot continue to say it values equity while ignoring the voices of Black communities fighting to preserve their homes, history, and hopes.?
The message is clear: Respect the people. Reject the rezoning of Heritage Square.
To learn more, search for ?Protect Hayti – Say No to Rezoning? and take action today.
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