The Eno River Association would like to acknowledge the recent questions we’ve received surrounding several properties on Open Air Camp Road in Northern Durham.
A core part of our mission is to support and grow Eno River State Park by purchasing land identified in the Eno River State Park Master Plan for protection and expansion. As a nonprofit entity, we are able to act quickly to protect the land and hold it for future transfer, when Park resources are available to purchase and maintain the properties. We have been instrumental in acquiring land and conservation easements to grow the Park to its current 4,500-acre footprint.
From 1984 to 2001, the Eno River Association acquired several parcels on Open Air Camp Road that are included in the Eno River State Park Master Plan, with the sole intention of transferring them to the Park. The approximately 18 acres include seven rental units. We have managed month-to-month leases on these properties and provided affordable housing for several families in North Durham, until the Park was ready to acquire and use the property.
The Association is now in the process of transferring this land to North Carolina State Parks. Our property management company, V.S. Rich Property Services, Inc, notified three of the seven tenants via letter on September 7 that their month-to-month leases will not be renewed after November 30, 2022. The remaining four tenants were also notified in early September that they will continue to have their leases renewed monthly until July 31, 2023, after which date they will no longer be renewed.
As Durham neighbors, we recognize that our city is facing a challenge in providing affordable housing for residents. We regret the impact this will have on these residents, especially when housing is increasingly scarce. We have connected these families with resources that support affordable home ownership and rentals, both through our networks and those of our property manager. For tenants in good standing with leases ending in November, we have also waived rental fees for two months.
A press release with more information about the transition of this site will be shared after negotiations are completed and the land is transferred to North Carolina State Parks. For any further questions, please contact us at association@enoriver.org or 919-620-9099.
