Highly-anticipated Durham development delayed - but not cancelled

The project, called Latta Park, is expected to bring a Publix and hundreds of townhomes to the intersection of Guess Road and Latta Road.

The commercial component, which includes the park at the corner of Guess and Latta Road and the Publix anchor shopping center is actually 10 acres of a 30-acre master project.

The ground-breaking should've already happened, and with no construction activity on the site, rumors started circulating on social media that the project had been canceled.

However, developer Austin Williams wants to assure the community the project is still a go – it's just been delayed by about three months.

With nearly 200 townhomes and 55,000 sq.ft. of retail, Latta Park is a major development for North Durham.

"We do recognize about a 90-day or so delay from our initial groundbreaking schedule. (It's) really just due to permitting," says Williams. "It’s getting harder than ever to put the shovel in the ground, given the costs. But Publix is a great partner, committed to the project."

Williams says the site will have unique features. It will prioritize walk-ability, with trails for cyclists and pedestrians. It'll have an area for food trucks.

Steve Toler serves as a citizens advisor to the project. He said, "There’s going to be retail, new local restaurants that are going to be cool. There’s going to be some retail, a community park."

North Durham resident Jeffrey Given has heard the rumors, but he looks forward to Latta Park.

"I know it’s been in the works for a while,' he said. "A lot of people are against it, because I guess all the traffic it’s going to cause on this side of town, but if it benefits that side of town then I’m all for it."

Khadija McNair, a lifelong resident of north Durham, is looking forward to new shops closer to home.

"I am excited and I think it’s needed because it’s nice to have more options," she said.

A 20-acre parcel is being developed by TriPoint Homes, a home builder, and that’s going to be a community called the Grove at Latta Park. At least 5% of the homes built will be designated as affordable housing.

With the new timeline, the shovels should be going into the ground this summer.