Durham property owners advocate for Hayti community preservation amid revitalization efforts

City leaders in June allocated $10 million to revitalize the area. The city plans to use the money for real estate programs, small business support and infrastructure improvements.

“There is a value in preservation,” Denise Hester said. “The value of land ownership because that's what keeps the community stable because it keeps ownership and wealth in people's families.”

The Hesters own Phoenix Crossing and Phoenix Square, shopping centers that dozens of Durham businesses have called home for years.

"If development is at a scale that is too great, then all of that would disappear,” Larry Hester said.

Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton said the city funding addresses longtime disinvestment.

“We've been talking about development and restoration along that corridor for a long time,” Middleton said. “I think for a lot of people it just became talking points, but there's real money in this budget.”

Hayti Reborn Director Anita Scott Neville acknowledged the area needed rehabilitation, but with intention. She wants the money to address blight and neglect while protecting the character of the community.

“I would hope that the $10 million could be used to support the evidence of Hayti's history, of the homes and Black businesses that exist,” Neville said.

The city will work with community members on how to spend the money.

In the Hayti community, a private company is working on a mixed-use project, and two Housing Authority projects will soon be underway. The mixed-use project will have offices, labs and residential units.

People here are excited about public investment in the area, but they want to ensure the people who live and work in Hayti aren't pushed out.