During a recent city council meeting, representatives from Parmer Edge presented their case for the annexation of 183 acres of land, which includes 140 acres zoned for industrial use and 43 acres zoned for residential use. Attorney representing Parmer Edge, along with lead developers Bart Olds and Elliot Brewer, emphasized the site's strategic importance for economic development in Durham.

The developers highlighted their successful track record in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area, referencing the revitalization of the former Glaxo campus into a multi-tenant facility. They noted that the proposed annexation site has been identified as one of the top five locations for industrial development in Durham County, based on a 2020 industrial land use study that evaluated 179 sites.

A key point of discussion was the potential for a Duke Energy substation on the site, which has been sought after for 15 years. The developers conveyed Duke Energy's enthusiasm for the location, which they believe would enhance energy redundancy for downtown and East Durham.

Concerns regarding the lack of provisions for bike and pedestrian infrastructure were addressed, with assurances that the future development would include the construction of the Pettigrew Street Extension, featuring bike lanes and sidewalks as mandated by the city's comprehensive transportation plan.

The annexation is seen as a critical step in closing a significant gap in Durham's industrial landscape, with the developers asserting that it would create new job opportunities closer to residents. They dismissed concerns from the planning commission regarding the potential for future rezoning of the residentially zoned land, clarifying that Parmer Edge is focused solely on industrial development.

Overall, the annexation proposal aims to bolster Durham's economic growth while addressing infrastructure needs, positioning the city for future development in a competitive market.