Durham City Council Approves Light Rail Project
After several hours of public comments from concerned citizens, the Durham City Council recently voted unanimously to rezone parts of suburban southwest Durham for the construction of a Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility. The facility supports the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project. An article on the discussion regarding this North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) project is available here.
The facility will be built on a 25-acre site off Farrington Road—near I-40 and those neighborhoods surrounding Creekside Elementary School. The move will also alter traffic patterns on a number of downtown streets. Some streets may be closed to automobile traffic entirely. The facility—operated by the Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority—would house administrative offices, rail-car maintenance facilities, and storage space.
About the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project
As noted on our website, the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project will connect UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill to North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham. The line will service 18 stations, connect three universities, and add bus service to link the stations. The 17.7-mile project—with an end-to-end travel time of approximately 44 minutes—will cost approximately $2.4 billion by the time of its 2028 opening.
Voicing Opposition
The speakers who submitted comments opposed the project nearly three-to-one. A number of speakers indicated they support light-rail transit, but not the plan for the railyard itself. Many expressing their concerns over noise pollution, environmental impact, and the taking of land through eminent domain.
Comments on eminent domain suggest the acquisition plans disproportionately affect African-American property owners from the low-income households surrounding Creekside Elementary School. An interim director of the light-rail project acknowledged African-American residents did lose property for the rail yard project through eminent domain.
We’re on Your Side
If your land, home, or business is affected by any type of land condemnation; call Henson Fuerst at 866-821-3146 for a FREE CONSULTATION. An experienced eminent domain and land condemnation lawyer will speak with you and answer all of your questions. At Henson Fuerst, we will explain your options—and stand with you every step of the way in fighting to protect your rights to the fair and just compensation you may deserve.
When you call, you will speak with one of our experienced North Carolina eminent domain and land condemnation attorneys absolutely FREE. Attorneys David Henson and Anne Fisher are committed to protecting the rights of property owners facing Land Condemnation.
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