Sustainable Development

More rural neighborhoods in Durham are being affected by rezoning rules from the City Council which allow for more housing, without considering the impact on traffic or low- and fixed-income residents. MMCDC is dedicated to fostering community ownership and amplifying resident voices. Through our initiatives, we strive to empower residents, ensuring their active participation in shaping the future of our community.

About

In February 2021, we stood up in front of the City Council against a proposed rezoning for up to 320 homes, in a plot of land adjacent to our community, connected to Cheek Road.

We won that battle, but new and similar challenges will probably come again as developers continue to buy land and build homes for $400,000 and up across Durham.

Although we at Merrick-Moore assume that development is going to happen —especially in a city that attracts 20+ new residents per day, according to estimates—, we are aware of development options that are more respectful with rural and low-density areas. One example would be conservation subdivisions, a type of land allotment that’s intended to provide flexibility of design in order to promote environmentally sensitive and efficient uses of the land,” according to Durham’s Unified Development Ordinance.

programs & initiatives

ARPA Funding

A portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will support the Merrick-Moore, Bragtown, and Walltown Communities!

These funds will support home repairs, energy upgrades, flood prevention and better air quality for Merrick-Moore residents. This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our Executive Director, Bonita Green and the support from the community.

Food Assistance Program

MMCDC, in partnership with Tall Grass FoodBox, hosts regular food distributions at Mount Zoar Baptist Church. This program provides Merrick-Moore and Bragtown residents with free boxes of healthy, nutritious food. The goal of this initiative is to increase access to fresh and wholesome meals, supporting the well-being of the community and promoting healthier lifestyles for all who participate.

Technology Training for Seniors

In partnership with Kramden Institute, MMCDC hosted a four-part technology training series for seniors at Mount Zoar Baptist Church. These workshops bridged the digital divide by equipping older adults, who often have limited online access, with essential tech skills. By empowering them to navigate the digital world safely and confidently, we are making stronger connections, expanding access to vital resources, and building a more inclusive community for all ages.

Pollinator Garden at Mount Zoar

MMCDC is proud to have gifted Mount Zoar Baptist Church a pollinator garden that supports both environmental stewardship and community health. Created with support from the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF), the garden has been maintained by our Garden Manager, Alex Joyce, along with community and Cisco volunteers.

This pollinator garden helps strengthen local biodiversity while also addressing the impacts of heat in our community, which is located within a heat island.