Future Trail Access Debated in Right-of-Way Decision

The council weighed a neighbor’s request to close a right of way against the community’s hopes for future trail connectivity, ultimately sending the issue back to staff for further analysis. Concerns about losing public access and the city’s Vision Zero safety goals also shaped the discussion. 6mins

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Original Meeting

Monday, August 4th, 2025
14494.0
Video Notes

Welcome to the Durham City Council meeting for August 4, 2025.

To view the meeting agenda, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/AgendaCenter.

PLEASE NOTE: Comments left on this livestream will not be read or entered into the meeting record.

For details on how to participate, visit https://www.durhamnc.gov/1345

To contact City Council members directly, visit https://www.durhamnc.gov/1323

Call to Order

Moment of Silent Meditation

Roll Call

Ceremonial Items

Announcements by Council

Priority Items by the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk

Consent Agenda Items

Pulled Items

Public Hearings

25. Cliff Street partial street closure

26. Zoning Map Change – 401 East Lakewood Avenue

27. Zoning Map Change – Durham Rescue Mission East Main Street

28. Revisions to Durham City Code Regarding Stormwater Facility Replacement Fund and Perpetual Surety Requirements

29. Public Hearing and Approval of the Draft Five-Year (2025-2029) Consolidated Plan, 2025 Annual Action Plan, and Citizen Participation Plan

Other Matters

Adjournment

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Bike Durham Advocacy, Old West Durham, Duke
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In This Video
  • Council Member Rist reflected on the passing of Marilyn Hedgepeth in a bike accident and emphasized the city's commitment to Vision Zero road safety goals.
  • Council Member Baker and Assistant Director Dobrensky discussed concerns about losing public connectivity to the planned Rockwood Trail if a right of way is vacated.
  • Eric Hamilton explained that closing a portion of Cliff St. would not significantly impact access, as alternative routes are available and the trail crossing is nearby.
  • Mayor Williams and Eric Hamilton discussed the uncertainty of the timeline for a proposed trail and the potential development plans for the adjacent property.
  • Mayor Williams, Council Member Baker, and Assistant Director Dobrensky discussed the possibility of partially vacating a right of way to preserve future trail access while considering a resident's request to close the entire section.
  • Council Member Rist expressed concern about closing a street without provisions for public access, highlighting the risk of losing future trail connectivity amid ongoing rail trail planning.
  • Council Member Freeman suggested referring the right-of-way closure issue back to staff for further analysis regarding trail access, and Eric Hamilton expressed willingness to collaborate with staff on any remaining concerns.
  • Mayor Williams expressed concern about making decisions based on a proposed trail that has not yet been constructed, noting that some planned projects do not always materialize.
  • Mayor Williams asked staff to seek a solution that would preserve options for future trails while considering the referral of the right-of-way issue.
  • Council Member Cook expressed concern about losing a public right of way and the potential future cost to taxpayers if the city needed to reacquire access for trail development.
  • Mayor Williams announced that the right-of-way issue would be referred back to staff and encouraged collaboration to find a mutually beneficial solution.
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