Group backs Duke proposal

From staff reports

The InterNeighborhood Council of Durham voted Tuesday night to support a proposed university-college ordinance for Duke's Central Campus, which lies in the Old West Durham neighborhood near Ninth Street.

The plan would allow Duke to include limited retail sales that support the university's academic mission.

INC members agreed that the following businesses should be allowed: three restaurants, an on-campus bookstore with a coffee shop, a performing arts center, a 99-room hotel, a Duke apparel store and a bowling alley.

The UC ordinance differs from a general commercial zoning, because it allows any type of retail sales. Duke is exempt under state law from paying taxes, and some worry that will give on-campus merchants an unfair advantage.

While most INC members supported the motion Tuesday, some wanted to postpone a vote so that all neighborhoods, some of which weren't present and some who don't belong to the group yet, could share their views.

"They want to make sure that everyone is on the same page," said Michael Palmer, director of Duke Community Affairs.

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