Concerns over discriminatory zoning practices took center stage at the New Hampshire Special Committee on Housing meeting on February 22, 2025, as local residents voiced their frustrations regarding new regulations affecting student housing in Durham.

During the meeting, a passionate speaker highlighted the implications of recent zoning amendments that restrict student rentals to industrial zones, arguing that such measures unfairly segregate students from the community. "This is not a fire safety bill. This is an equitable housing bill," he asserted, emphasizing that the proposed changes would exacerbate the housing crisis rather than alleviate it. He pointed out that the current zoning practices manipulate the housing market, limiting available options for students and creating unnecessary barriers.

Another resident, Steven Kimball, echoed these sentiments, invoking the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection under the law. He criticized the use of zoning ordinances to discriminate against students, stating, "Equal is equal," and warned that such segregation is fundamentally wrong and unsupported by law. Kimball recounted his family's long history of accommodating students in their properties, highlighting the flexibility and community spirit that current regulations threaten to undermine.

The discussions revealed a deep concern among residents that the new zoning laws would not only restrict student housing but also hinder the overall housing supply in Durham. As one speaker noted, if students were allowed to rent in more residential areas, it could open up opportunities for workforce housing, addressing the broader housing crisis.

The committee's deliberations underscored the tension between local governance and the need for inclusive housing policies. As the meeting concluded, participants left with a sense of urgency, calling for a reevaluation of the proposed zoning changes to ensure fair treatment for all residents, regardless of their status as students. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the future of housing in Durham, making it a critical issue for the community moving forward.