The proposed multi-million dollar mixed use development would be built off of Highway 751 near the Durham-Chatham County line. Opponents are concerned about the possible impact in would have on nearby Jordan Lake.
Commissioners did not vote on the development today because one lawmaker missed this morning's meeting.
Opponents of rezoning says the 751 south project is too big and could hurt the environment.
"Thirteen hundred houses, 300,000 square feet of retail, 300,000 square feet worth of office and 150,000 square feet of institutional uses," opponent Steve Bocckino explained. "To do this they'll have to bulldoze 144 acres of trees."
Commissioner have a different perspective.
"It will bring jobs to the community, it will increase our tax base and help us move forward financially, during these hard times, and I was looking forward to approving that project and moving forward," Durham County Commissioner Joe Bowser said.
A formal protest petition filed by opponents means four of the five commissioners must vote yes before developers can build.
One commissioners says she is opposed.
"[It] is not in the best interest of the people of this county, nor in our drinking water," Durham County Commissioner Becky Heron said.
Heron also said she will not vote for the project and doesn't care who knows her position.
It is not clear if there are enough yes votes to approve the project.
Commissioners plan to vote on July 26.
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