Shea Ramirez, the proud owner of Sh’Bella Recreation Center in south Durham, finds herself entangled in a legal battle while striving to maintain her creative haven. This space, launched two years ago, is designed to celebrate arts and inspire the community. However, Ramirez states that a recent fence installation and a subsequent lawsuit are costing her thousands of dollars from her initial $250,000 investment.
The core of the issue began in April of last year when, according to Ramirez, the owners of University Hill, a newly developed mixed-use residential and commercial area, erected a fence. This fence has allegedly blocked accessible or handicapped parking spaces that were crucial for customers trying to reach her business. Consequently, patrons requiring accessible entry are now forced to use stairs, creating significant barriers. “I’ve had clients come in that have asthma; they have to catch their breath,” Ramirez explained, highlighting the physical strain on some visitors.
Adding to the complications, Hawthorne Residential Partners, the owners of University Hill, have filed a lawsuit against Ramirez’s landlord, Miller Property Management. The lawsuit accuses Ramirez of operating a nightclub after regular business hours, leading to issues such as illegal parking, excessive noise, and garbage accumulation. Hawthorne Residential Partners are seeking damages totaling $25,000, allegations which Ramirez firmly denies.
Despite murals celebrating Black culture adorning University Hill’s walls, Ramirez expresses her belief that the actions taken by the owners are a deliberate attempt to displace her business. Sh’Bella Recreation Center stands as one of the few Black-owned businesses in the vicinity, a fact that Ramirez feels is relevant to the ongoing dispute. “This is a place for everyone. This is a place of love and unity, and I feel like where I’m providing it to the community, I’m being broken dealing with him,” Ramirez lamented, conveying her emotional distress over the situation.
In an attempt to resolve the escalating conflict, Ramirez’s landlord sent a letter last May to Shoff Allison, identified as one of the owners of Hawthorne Residential Partners. The letter proposed a solution where they would pay for designated handicapped parking spaces on Hawthorne Residential Partners’ property to restore accessibility for Sh’Bella Recreation Center’s clientele. However, Ramirez states that this offer has been met with silence. “He refuses to acknowledge that it’s an issue,” Ramirez said, further adding, “And I believe it is more of a racism issue. Because I don’t know this man. This cannot be tolerated in Durham.”
ABC11 contacted Shoff Allison for a statement regarding the situation, but has not yet received a response. Ramirez’s landlord has confirmed that the lawsuit is currently in mediation, offering a glimmer of hope for a potential resolution and compromise in this ongoing dispute.
