Durham City Council approves $44 million bond for major redevelopment in Hayti

DURHAM, N.C. — City leaders, housing officials and longtime residents say the Fayette Place project site marks a major step toward rebuilding a neighborhood that has awaited revitalization for decades.

For nearly 16 years, 20 acres in the heart of Hayti have remained empty, a silent reminder of the once-thriving Black neighborhood.

But now, the Durham Housing Authority, a partner in the project, says the redevelopment will help reconnect the community with its roots.

“There are efforts underway to reclaim the life of what once was there,” said Anthony Snell, interim CEO of DHA. “I’m not saying that we can reclaim all of it with this initiative, but what we are doing, certainly, I think is in the right direction.”

The redevelopment plan includes over 250 affordable housing units, which would serve families earning 30% to 80% of Durham’s area median income. It’s a decision that project leaders say is critical at a time when housing costs are so high.

Just blocks away, longtime Durham resident and business owner Angel Greene says she knows firsthand how challenging it has become to find affordable housing in the city. 

Greene now owns a flower shop, Angel World of Flowers, that has served the community for nearly three decades. She took over the business earlier this year and says she wouldn’t be able to live in Durham today if she hadn’t purchased her home years ago.

“If I hadn’t purchased my home years and years ago, I don’t know that I would be able to even live in Durham,” Greene said.

Despite the challenges the community has faced over the years, Greene says she is optimistic.

“I’m hoping in a few years, with the revitalization and all the money that’s been poured into this community, I’m really looking forward to the business booming,” she said.

Snell says that is the goal, to rebuild Hayti in a way that benefits the people who have long called it home.

“Give us an opportunity. I’m not saying that we have the panacea here,” he said. “We are not, going to be the one project that’s going to tilt the community back to its original state, but I think we are a critical piece of it because of our commitment.”

DHA estimates the total cost of the development at $86 million, and officials say phase one of construction could begin as early as next year.

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