As Durham's growth accelerates, so do concerns about housing affordability
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Developers continue to eye the Bull City, from Target's plans at the former Northgate Mall site to Southpoint, where hundreds of new units are proposed along Massey Chapel Road.
"I've noticed they're building houses and apartments everywhere," said Diane Bullock, a longtime Durham resident.
She says rapid growth is changing her community, as rising rent and home prices affect housing affordability.
"I don't think we have enough housing," Bullock said. "But there's more development being built now than before. So I think things are going to be better for Durham than maybe years ago."
Although the city is growing rapidly, challenges remain in expanding affordability, according to Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams.
"We can't control the pace at which people are moving here," Williams said.
Data from the North Carolina Housing Coalition shows rising costs are leaving 31% of Durham County residents financially strained.
Multiple plans are in the pipeline, including a $160 million investment to address housing.
"We have to have more housing at every single level," Williams said. "We've accomplished a large part of the goal, and yet we are nowhere close to where we need to be."
