Durham considers options for former police HQ

The department is expected to move out next year to a new building on East Main Street.

City Council members on Thursday heard the results of a citizen survey and accompanying study with suggestions about future uses for the prime, four-acre property.

The greatest proportion (43 percent) of the more than 900 people surveyed said residential use should be the top priority for the site.

Justin Gehtland, who lives and works in Durham, disagreed, putting his top priority as office space.

"I don't think we need any more housing. It seems like we have enough apartment units coming in," he said.

"I think we need more commercial space that isn't in the heart of downtown, that's a little more affordable for smaller companies. There's just not enough small office space for startups to get a foothold."

Only 10 percent of those surveyed put offices at the top of their wish list.

Chris Geiss said he could see a personal benefit of having access to more office space.

"I’m a new startup founder and always looking for portable office space. So I wouldn’t mind some office space there," he said, adding that a mix of restaurants and retail would help to lure office tenants.

The city presentation included a pair of options, each with a mix of homes, offices and outdoor space.

The city has also to decide whether to demolish the existing building or renovate.

No matter what the future brings, Geiss is a fan.

"I think it would just add to the already accelerating Durham so it’s pretty cool," he said.