- The Braggtown and Southside neighborhoods will soon benefit from a seven-year street trees planting project. - If you travel along Duke and Gregson streets, the City’s Transportation team wants to hear from you about re-striping plans for bike lanes. - The City Council is considering a partnership with Durham County that would expand a program focused on preventing violence.
- If you want to have a say in how transit funds are used over the next 20 years, now’s your chance. - Durham has a new planning director. - Residents living on seven streets are now enjoying more space for pedestrians and bicycles.
- The City is working to reduce inequities in the way fines and fees are imposed by the Water Management Department. - The Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program recently marked a significant milestone. - Improvements at several parks and recreation facilities throughout Durham are moving forward.
- The history and culture of 10 of Durham’s historically black neighborhoods will soon be portrayed through public art. - The sale of the former Police Department headquarters site at 505 West Chapel Hill Street is moving forward. - The City is developing a plan for the short- and long-term maintenance of all of its sidewalks.
-The City is working to be as transparent as possible around the use of public housing funds. -Durham’s second round of Participatory Budgeting will look quite a bit different in an effort to respond to community needs stemming from COVID-19. -The Move Durham Transportation Study is now finished and ready to guide policies and infrastructure in central Durham.
- Durham Parks and Recreation now has a new leader at its helm. - If you have family or friends buried at Beechwood and Maplewood Cemeteries, the City wants to hear from you. - If you’re interested in helping to shape the future of the Highway 15-501 corridor between Durham and Chapel Hill, now’s your chance to have input on possible improvements.
- We're now officially taking part in Durham County’s Long-Time Homeowner Tax Deferment Program. - Here’s a reminder that you’ll be receiving your annual stormwater utility fee bill between October and January. - Businesses in downtown Durham are taking steps to help life get back to a new normal – at least on the weekends – with The Streetery.
- The City will receive additional funding intended for local governments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. - Durham Parks and Recreation is now offering care for school-aged children through their Recreation Works Program. - Changes to parking fees and fines for downtown Durham will soon go into effect.
- The development of the new Durham County Transit Plan is moving forward. - Our region’s transportation planners want to hear from you about the Greater Triangle Commuter Rail Study. - More aggravated assaults and a higher number of property crimes in general are behind Durham’s rise in crime for the second quarter of this year.
In this episode of Bull City Wrap: - The City is using funds from a national grant to support the development of its new Shared Streets initiative. - Durham City and County leaders are considering four proposals recommended by the Durham Recovery and Renewal Task Force. - The Durham City Council’s vacant Ward 3 seat is now filled.
-Our Durham Fire Department is now better equipped to save more lives thanks to a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant. -We’ll soon be using artwork to help make the intersection of West Club Boulevard and Glendale Avenue safer for pedestrians and cyclists thanks to a Bloomberg Philanthropies grant. -We’re looking at new ways to help residents who are in debt because of fines and fees they owe to the City thanks to a PolicyLink grant.
-There’s a new local burning ordinance in place to clarify what cannot be burned in the city limits. - There’s still time to get in on the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. - Longtime City Manager Tom Bonfield is retiring at the end of September.
- We're taking several steps to improve and maintain our parking system. - A new evening monthly parking rate will soon be available downtown. - Several changes are being made to the Durham City Code to make sure that all water and sewer customers are being treated equally.
- At least 180 low-income renters will soon be getting help paying their rent. - We're using federal funds to help individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance. - We're also using federal funds to provide medical respite care for homeless people who have contracted COVID-19, are at high risk of contracting the virus, or have disabling acute or chronic health conditions.
- In solidarity with Black communities across Durham, the City will begin recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday for employees. - The final report for Durham’s Racial Equity Task Force is now available. - The Durham Recovery and Renewal Task Force is developing an overall estimate for budget needs related to its COVID-19 work.
· Our new Back on the Bull Campaign is helping local businesses and residents alike navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. · During this time of being Safer at Home, Durham Parks and Recreation is continuing to provide plenty of opportunities for residents to play more from the comfort of their home. · A new interactive tree map is offering residents a way to understand the many benefits provided by our urban forest.
-If you’re interested in helping to shape the future of transportation in our area, find out how. -Durham is receiving national recognition as one of the best cities for bicycling in the country, find out why. -Learn how our Cultural and Public Art Program is now accepting proposals for funding support for cultural festivals and special events for the rest of this year and next.
- If you’re interested in Durham Police crime data, you can now find what you’re looking for through our Durham Open Data website. - If you’re a local or regional artist, our Cultural and Public Art Program is encouraging you to apply for a new public art project. - Durham Police employees are doing their part in a variety of ways to support local non-profits.
- If you live in or travel around downtown, your input is needed on the final draft plan for the Move Durham Transportation Study. - Our website has a new look and many improvements to make it easier to use. - Our 2019 Water Quality Report is now available.
- We’re taking more steps to make sure we’re operating as sustainably and responsibly as possible. - Work on the re-examination of the Falls Lake Nutrient Management Strategy is continuing. - We’re on track toward having a full-scale composting operation. - The company providing household hazardous waste collection and management services for us since 2004 will remain in that role.
- We’re continuing our commitment to supporting and improving downtown Durham. - We now have more legal control over how the old police headquarters property is used in the future – even once it’s sold. - Water customers who pay their bills in cash will soon have another option for making their payment.
- We have a new budget in place for the coming year. - A new set of rules and procedures are now providing more guidance for our affordable housing bonus. - We’re continuing to support the Durham Housing Authority's efforts to redevelop public housing.
- The Durham Police Department’s first quarter crime report shows both violent and property crimes are up compared to the same time period last year. - The Durham Housing Authority is moving forward with its plans to preserve and expand affordable housing. - The Downtown Durham Business Improvement District is continuing to provide a variety of services to business owners and visitors.
In this Virtual Bull City Wrap episode: - @movesafedurham Alston Avenue sidewalk project is ready for construction, but will require more federal funding. - Durham, @RaleighGov & @TownofCary are partnering with @GoTriangle to implement a mobile-ticketing system & fare-capping policy for public buses. - Residents are supporting the work of @ElFuturoNC thanks to @PBDurhamNC.
- An update on Durham Parks & Recreation facilities impacted by COVID-19. - City Council considers how to use funds for housing challenges caused by COVID-19. - City Council develops a Local Small Business Recovery Loan Fund to support small businesses devastated by COVID-19. - Transportation seeks input on their Woodcroft Parkway Extension project.
Watch our new Bull City Wrap now at https://youtu.be/Fp0o3gEKXTo : - Our proposed budget for the coming year is reflecting the impact of COVID-19. - We have a new partner for servicing our Affordable Housing Loan Portfolio. - Work on a much-needed sidewalk project on East Club Boulevard is continuing. - Our Waste Disposal and Recycling Center is now open with some changes due to COVID-19
- We’ll soon have revised guidelines for developing next year’s budget. - Ten properties making a significant contribution to Durham’s appearance are being recognized as Golden Leaf Award winners. - Local student-artists are being honored for their work to bring attention to water conservation efforts as part of Drinking Water Week.
- New unsheltered coordinating agency to address some of the most pressing issues related to homelessness in Durham. - New YODurham text line to help connect young people to services available to them. - New “Seen in Quarantine” social media challenge for youth to submit ideas for a digital hangout event they want to host for other young people.
Watch our new Bull City Wrap to learn more about the temporary delay in the appointment process for filling the Ward 3 vacancy; a recap of the Durham Police Department’s Fourth Quarter Crime Report; details on the recently approved funding to help the Durham Housing Authority’s McDougald Terrace; and an update on the soon-to-start construction of Durham Parks and Recreation's new Hoover Road Athletic Park.
Watch our new Bull City Wrap to learn more about the temporary changes to the Durham Fire Department's emergency call responses due to COVID-19, our new small business resource website, and how the Durham Police Department's Recruiting Unit is still accepting applications.
