Are we building to a need, or building something and then attempting to market it for full use? Or some combination of both? It hasn’t become evident to me what exactly the direction is.

I read last week about the developers’ request (condition?) for financial incentives from the city and county to redevelop the Hill Building into a boutique hotel and first-floor art museum.

While some minor investments from “us” might assist in the continued redevelopment (at least our “show-of-faith” in it) for the downtown area, I think it’s time that potential developers and others do their analysis/assessment of risk/returns and venture their development proposals based on what they perceive as good investment opportunities for their own investment returns.

Durham and its reputation should have, or should be moving in the direction of, some investment credibility at this point to attract sincere and varied investment options, for those who have the wherewithal, based on its own merits and planned future growth. Developers’ confidence in Durham’s potential would also be a good indicator that we are in fact moving in the right direction as espoused by local promoters.

And lastly, if we (taxpayers) are going to incentivize development I think we owe it to ourselves to look beyond just “flipping” buildings and consider cityscape options (exterior buildings/street-functionality/view options) that could be unique, impactful and really “showcase” the Durham downtown area.

Example: The Hill Building thing has been stuck for several years and a bit more time for focused planning, here, and some other locations around town, could benefit the potential of the final outcome well into the future.

Just an observation and my two-cents worth, based on a personal vision of possibilities.

C. Gibbs

Durham

Cohousing closing in

Durham Central Park Cohousing Community has reached another important milestone – our architects (Weinstein-Friedlein) have completed our building and individual residential unit floor plans. Our building will be just east of the corner of Rigsbee and Hunt (one block from the YMCA and Farmer’s Market). Check out the drawings at: durhamcoho.com/available/available.html.

DCPCC members have been working hard on building design features the last six months, nailing down details ranging from the style of dishwasher in the common kitchen to the size of the guest room suite. We’re pleased and excited that we’re scheduled to break ground this October and move in fall, 2013. Twenty of the 25 available units have committed buyers – we need only a few more adventurous souls to complete this picture. Do you want to join us? Email us at this link durhamcoho.com/contact/contact.php or contact me at daustin@mindspring.com or 919 433-6718.

Dave Austin

Durham

Unfair regulation

Although I appreciate the streamlined rules and respect the city’s need to balance the interests of a variety of constituencies, I do not support the new limitations proposed for our food trucks.

In particular, I do not feel that the restrictions regarding proximity to downtown, to restaurants, and to Central Park during the Farmer’s Market are best for our city or for the business community. Food trucks bring vibrancy and people. At all locations, this should be seen as a boon to other food businesses (restaurant owners and farmers), as well as other business owners.

I understand the importance of keeping our brick and mortar properties leased up, and if the city has clear evidence that the food trucks are leading to a decline in commercial tenancy, then I would reconsider my position. However, from my professional experiences in economic development and my personal experiences with the food trucks, I believe they are a net benefit for the community. I also wonder if the city is considering restricting the number of brick and mortar restaurants in close proximity to each other to limit competition, which would only be fair if the city is restricting the location of food trucks.

Finally, while I know parking is an issue near downtown and many existing trucks are larger than one parking space, to pass this ordinance after so many entrepreneurs have made capital investments in their trucks would be a harmful and unfair ex-post facto regulation. That being said, I suppose if the city has evidence that trucks can be smaller and still successful, it could consider grandfathering in those that already have permits.

Matt Kopac

Durham

Time for ‘rap-arations’

In the aftermath of the recent Colorado mass murder as well as murders in places like Chicago, Durham and cities across the country, I am calling for a national boycott of all music that glorifies violence and drug abuse.

July 31 was also the release date of the year’s most anticipated Hip Hop CD, “God Forgives, I Don’t” by rapper Rick Ross, whose record label Maybach Music happens to be owned by Warner Brothers Records whose former parent company, Warner Brothers Pictures, also released “The Dark Knight Rises” movie.

Ross allegedly took his name and personality from notorious drug dealer Freeway Rick Ross, who is credited for bringing cocaine into South Central Los Angeles during the early ’80s. Ross also glorifies drug dealing in his music.

While we can’t control the actions of every sicko that enters a movie theater we can control the “murder music” that the maniacs at the major record labels give to our children.

I also say that, as people have demanded reparations for the Holocaust and Trans Atlantic slave trade, the record industry also owes the black community “rap-arations” for the damage that commercial rap music has done to the community.

Minister Paul Scott

Durham