Help neighbors raise support for legal fees!

1968 was a pivotal year in American History.  In Old Farm neighborhood 1968 marked a transition for young,  educated and ambitious African Americans in Durham who established themselves as first time homebuyers, while integrating a neighborhood.  Many long-term residents are now retired educators,  environmentalists,  engineers,  and health professionals.  All leave for their families and community a legacy of strong work ethic,  faith, love of community and a value for home.   More recently,  the neighborhood has become more diverse, but remains a predominantly black and brown community.   For more than 50 years Old Farm neighborhood has stood as a vestige of the American Dream - economic independence through homeownership in a beloved community.  

There are few  historically relevant African American neighborhoods remaining in Durham.  Through public policy,  disinvestment and "development" others have been dismantled. The social capital that these neighborhoods created are irreplaceable. 

The safety,  quality of life, and economic security of Old Farm residents is being threatened by a planned development.  Through this campaign,  we are asking our friends and our neighbors to stand with us. 

In January 2021, a small group of residents was notified by the US Army Corps of Engineers, that the wetlands surrounding the neighborhood might be impacted by the planned construction of the new Northern High school .   Another small group of residents was notified of a special meeting of the Durham Board of Adjustment to consider a development permit for Northern High School to be built within a residential area. 

At the time, no one understood that the approved site plan would draw a high volume of bus traffic,  diesel fumes, negative health and environmental impacts to a residential neighborhood - making it unsafe for seniors,  disabled residents and young children to be mobile.

Further, the development of a competition sized stadium backing up to residential property would disrupt a peaceful residential neighborhood.  No one from the district made efforts to engage the neighborhood to share development plans.  Recently, in response to media and political outreach the district has listened to our  concerns.  Unfortunately,  at this stage of planning and permitting the concerns are not likely to be resolved without a legal intervention. 

Residents appeared at the Board of Adjustment to stand up and voice concerns on behalf of the community.  Most of the testimony was stricken by the Board of Adjustment, and discredited by the district's counsel because the opinions were not considered "expert opinions".  This is coded racism,  and denies residents equitable opportunity to participate in the development process. And it prevents homeowners the opportunity to protect their neighborhood. We must stand against this. 

A group of residents "in standing" of the Board of Adjustment decision has engaged legal representation.   Funds raised from this campaign will go to any fees associated with legal support.

We are a group of concerned residents,  not wealthy people.   Contributions to this GoFundMe campaign are not tax deductible, but are critically needed.  We invite you to stand with us as we stand for our neighborhood. 

Any funds remaining after all fees have been paid will remain in our fund for future legal or advocacy needs.

March 22, 2021 WTVD News CoverageMarch 22 WTVD News Coverage 
https://abc11.com/northern-high-school-old-farm-durham-nc-north-roxboro-road-construction-community/10441576/

Jan. 26, 2021 Board of Adjustments Hearing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0hvasujm2o&t=4259s
Jan 26 Durham Board of Adjustments Hearing 

Our case begins (after all swearing in) around 1:06/6:30:45. Testimonies from Old Farm residents begin around 3:06/6:30:45.

#STILL STANDING for Equality
#STILL STANDING for Justice
#STILL STANDING for Legacy

Photos Credit: WTVD Story by Tim Pulliam, 3/22/2021