In the heart of Durham, North Carolina, a grassroots movement is gaining momentum as residents and community leaders come together with one resounding message: Say NO to the rezoning of Heritage Square.
Backed by St. Mark AME Zion Church, Hayti Reborn, and a growing list of signers across the city, this petition demands that the Durham City Council honor its commitments to the historic Hayti community and reject the proposal that would transform Heritage Square into a high-density, gentrified “Carolina Research Park.”
Durham has long promised to reinvest in Hayti—a once-thriving center of Black culture and commerce decimated by urban renewal and highway construction in the 20th century. Through initiatives like the Hayti Promise Fayetteville Street Corridor Project, the city pledged to support equitable development, community wealth-building, and cultural preservation.
But the rezoning proposal by Chicago-based developer Sterling Bay threatens to break that promise.
Why Residents Are Saying “No”
- A Threat to Legacy:
Sterling Bay’s plan includes renaming the site, distancing it from its Hayti roots. Community leaders argue that token historic markers can’t replace the deep cultural and historical significance that would be lost. - Misrepresentation of Community Needs:
The developer claimed residents opposed affordable housing. In truth, the community asked for projects that build wealth and ownership, not displacement. When offered the chance to include equity opportunities for locals, Sterling Bay refused. - Empty Promises:
From meeting rooms to minor retail space discounts, the so-called “community benefits” fall flat. Promises of life science jobs sound hollow without infrastructure or training paths for existing residents. - Displacement Disguised as Development:
Rezoning would permit larger, denser buildings—benefiting outside interests while driving up property values and pushing out long-term residents and Black-owned businesses. - Not Against Development—Just Displacement:
The Hayti community welcomes development that aligns with current zoning, includes truly affordable mixed-income housing, and creates ownership opportunities for locals. They want growth that’s shared—not imposed.
The Call to Action
Residents are urging the Durham City Council to vote NO on the rezoning proposal. With over 100 verified signatures and counting—including Reverend Julian Pridgen, Sterling Hall, and dozens of other passionate citizens—the petition serves as a powerful reminder that equity means listening to and uplifting the very communities cities claim to support.
“Durham cannot continue to say it values equity while ignoring the voices of Black communities fighting to preserve their homes, history, and hopes.”
The message is clear: Protect Hayti. Honor your promises. Respect the people. Reject the rezoning of Heritage Square.
To join the movement or learn more, search for “Protect Hayti – Say No to Rezoning” and stand with a community refusing to be erased.
