News

In another blow to water quality — and to Falls Lake’s drinking water supply — Durham’s city council approved rezoning of 84 acres of forested land in the Lick Creek watershed to make way for more development.

The vote was 4 to 3, with Mayor Leonardo Williams and council members Mark-Anthony Middleton, Javiera Cabellero and Carl Rist voting for proposal. Council members Nate Baker, Chelsea Cook and DeDreana Freeman voted against it.

“I am heartbroken and discouraged and angry, but unfortunately not surprised because this has been a trend with this council — they are continuing a trend of a 4-3 vote in which four people on the council continue to dismiss the evidence we’re bringing them of impacts to their waterways and Falls Lake,” said Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop.

Since April of 2022, Samantha has been documenting the results of rampant development in the Lick Creek watershed, which has resulted in ongoing sediment pollution impacting waterways all the way to Falls Lake, a major drinking-water source for Raleigh.

“Rather than acknowledge the importance of protecting the Falls Lake watershed, Durham’s leaders — the mayor, specifically — continue to underplay and minimize the importance of Falls Lake,” Samantha said. “They’re approaching this all wrong. They’re acting as if it’s not a big deal to dirty Falls Lake instead of taking responsibility and protecting it.”

The Howard property is adjacent to the Falls Lake Critical Watershed area and located 1.5 miles upstream from Falls Lake in forestland identified by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as a high priority for conservation.

During the public hearing preceding the vote, 25 people spoke out against rezoning the area for development, including Samantha, members of Durham’s Environmental Affairs Board, southeast Durham community members.

Samantha said the rezoning of this land for development not only impacts waterways and land designated as ideal for conservation, it goes against how southeast Durham residents want growth to progress.

“This sprawl goes against a vision of climate resilience and environmentally responsible, walkable, thriving communities that so many Durham residents want,” Samantha said. “We will continue to fight for a better alternative to this sprawl-style approach to development and growth. As it is, I am grateful for those three councilmembers who continue to stand up for Durham’s residents.”

Like the work your Riverkeeper is doing to protect the Lick Creek watershed and the drinking-water source for 500,000 people? We think it’s pretty impressive! Donate today to support responsible development that doesn’t impact your waterways!