Solutions
In collaboration with Haw River Assembly and New Hope Bird Alliance, and following the recommendations of Durham City Planning Commission, we present specific actions City Council can require the developer to take to ensure the Pickett Apartments project provides accessible & affordable housing, protects wildlife, and prevents watershed pollution.
Commit to include "universal design" elements for apartment units
This solution addresses Policy 48 of the Comprehensive Plan (currently not met in the developer proposal) toward Accessible Housing: "Encourage, incentivize, and require a variety of housing types in new developments." This policy recommends the use of accessible design standards.
Design standard recommended: Residential Universal Design Building Code
Commit to green building certification
This solution addresses Policy 49 in the Comprehensive Plan (currently not met in the developer proposal) toward Accessible Housing: "Work toward healthier housing and lower utility costs for residents by using green building techniques and technologies, particularly in affordable housing units."
Design standard recommended: US Green Building Council LEED Certification Process
Commit to 15% of housing units at 30%-80% AMI for 30 years
This solution addresses Policy 46 of the Comprehensive Plan (currently not met): "At least 15 percent of housing in all other residential and mixed-use place types should be affordable to households making 30-80 percent of AMI."
Commit to incorporate bird friendly design elements, both building and lighting, per New Hope Bird Alliance
This solution addresses the special consideration for the site of this project in close proximity to Sandy Creek Environmental Park, home to more than 185 bird species as well as a myriad of other wildlife. The close proximity of housing to known habitat greatly increases the potential for incidents of bird strikes.
Commit to donate wetland zoned piece of parcels REID 236561, REID 138786, REID 138783 to City to add to Sandy Creek Park to preserve and conserve for wildlife per US Fish and Wildlife Service recommendation
This solution addresses the special site considerations and Durham City Planning Commission proposal to donate the wetland to Sandy Creek Environmental Park. Proximity of housing to wetland endangers wildlife habitat, nesting, and migration. Wetlands are home and migration refueling stops for 1/3 of all bird species.
Commit to follow Low Impact Development Strategies to complement conventional stormwater containment and filtration
This solution addresses the special site consideration of proximity to floodplain and floodway. Specific commitments: reduce overall impervious surface to 10% through inclusion of green roofs and permeable pavement. No impervious area or clearing in the floodplain.
Design standard recommended: National Institute of Building Sciences Whole Building Design Guide "Low Impact Development Technologies"