City Council hears impassioned discussion on future of vacant former DPD building

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Discussions around the fate of the abandoned Durham police headquarters along West Chapel Hill Street were passionate during Thursday's work session. This is the city council's third attempt at trying to redevelop the property.

It's possible the council could terminate negotiations with the Peebles Corp. In March, the company brought a proposal to the city that included mixed-use development with affordable and market-rate housing, office or lab space, retail space and a hotel.

Residents say there is a dire need for affordable housing across the Bull City. They encouraged the council to move forward with a plan for the abandoned building, be it with the company or another.

"The city should not stop the development process, but continue to move it forward with the affordable housing component, with all possible speed," said Ann Rebeck with the People's Alliance

City staffers said tight labor markets, increasing construction costs because of tariffs and high interest rates don't support development of this proposal with the Peebles Corp.

"We're not seeing numbers that we felt like were reflective of what we've been able to do previously. And then just generally, the economic conditions have been deteriorating in the market, right," said Stacy Polston with the City of Durham.

Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton reminded council members that they had an opportunity to move forward with the company last year, but decided not to.

"Part of our issue has been we have been moving the goalposts on this project," said Middleton. "We were in the position where we would have gotten our affordable housing. We would have kept the building. We would have had commercial property."

City Council will vote on June 16 as to whether to end negotiations with the Peebles Corp.