Durham to prioritize sidewalks, crosswalks and signage in $2.5 million for improvements

People in Durham had the opportunity to give their two cents.

More than 12,000 people voted on how to allocate $2.4 million to projects around the city.

The largest allocation is for pedestrian improvements along East Trinity Avenue.

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Almost a million dollars will go toward improving the sidewalks, adding crosswalks and signage.

People who live and work in this area said the changes are needed.

With those dogs and their volunteering, they do a lot of walking.

"It's really bad," Hipps-Figgs said. "This street is like the Indy 500 of Durham."

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"People can get hit, which people have done," Hipps-Figgs said. "There have been accidents. Dogs have been run over because of the speed limit."

"I've had knee surgery," Hipps-Figgs said. "They tell me I need to get out and walk. When you can't get out of the house because you're scared of getting hit crossing the street, you have to find other ways of you know finding a way to walk."

The change along Trinity Avenue is one of five projects voted on by Durham residents.

Three others involve parks all around the city.

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Funding is earmarked for lighting and sustainability, along with new teen equipment at recreation centers.

Approximately $110,000 will go to security measures for two Durham Housing Authority properties, including cameras, locks, and lighting.

Durham was the second city in North Carolina to implement participatory budgeting back in 2018. This was the third cycle.