Developer proposes revitalization of Braggtown neighborhood in north Durham, including affordable housing

LDG Development is seeking a rezoning of a 10-acre property at the intersection of Dearborn Drive and Old Oxford Road. The plan is to build as many as 182 affordable apartments with up to 5,000 square feet of community space.

There's strong community support for the project, especially in the Braggtown neighborhood in north Durham, where new developments are few and far between.

"The reality is we have a long list of people who are on the verge of becoming homeless," said Donna Frederick, a Braggtown resident.

"Development is good, don’t get me wrong, but development also needs to fit the community needs," said Vannessa Evans, president of the Braggtown Community Association. "We are in support of it."

While the association supports the project, they hope the developer will seek additional funding to make the apartments more affordable in the future.

The new units will be considered 'affordable' for people making 60% of the area median income or about $36,000 for a one-person household. The Braggtown Community Association wants to see that go down to 30% of AMI — affordable for a person making about $18,000 a year.

"We need development, but we also need to worry about the people who cannot afford $400,000 and $500,000 homes or the $3,000 and $4,000 apartments," said Evans.

The Community Association told WRAL News they have been working closely with the developer on this project. The developer has also committed to improving infrastructure in that area including bike lanes and bus shelters.