'I want you to trust us': Durham mayor remains upbeat, focuses on affordable housing during first State of the City address

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams delivered his first State of the City Address Tuesday night.

A poet began with a reading, and the North Carolina Central University marching band played as the mayor described the city as “stronger than ever” despite recent challenges.

One such challenge is the need for more affordable housing in the city.

In the address, Williams said achieving affordable living is to make the best decision with land owned by the city.

Williams specifically referenced the Durham Police Department’s former police station at 505 West Chapel Hill Street.

The site has a chain-link fence, overgrown grass and rusted-out stairs filling the four-acre property.

Williams offered his vision to transform the four-acre property.

“[With] this city-owned land, we can provide housing options at every level,” he said. “We can provide beautiful, open space, retail and commercial. We have so many options.”

In October, WRAL News reported at least six developers were interested in the property.

“I want you to trust us and allow us to make the best decision on behalf of the city,” Williams said.

Williams asked for grace while Durham leaders continued deliberating on what to do with the land.