When the Durham Freeway sprung up in the 1970s, some communities such as the Hayti community took a hit when the construction impacted longtime businesses, homes and places of worship.
“My father’s business was on Pettigrew Street, which was a thriving business district,” Anita Scott Neville said. “It dissolved a good part of the Hayti community. It dissolved all of the Pettigrew Street Business District, and it disbanded homes and families, just dispersed them from a neighborhood that was full of pride, full of positive impact on others.”
Now, community advocates are working to reconnect communities in central Durham, starting with an 18-month-long study that includes community feedback to help shape the vision for the future of the Durham Freeway.
It dissolved a good part of the Hayti community.
Aidil Ortiz, who’s the community engagement specialist, said from March to June, they went out to the entire community across the 4.1-mile stretch of the Freeway to hear from people about what they think should be done to address the impacts of the Freeway and how it is reimagined.