They came chanting, "DHA is lying" and carried signs reading, "MAC lives matter" -- dozens of McDougald Terrace residents rallied outside Durham City Hall then flooded city council chambers. Every seat was taken, forcing the fire marshal to send the rest to listen from the lobby. McDougald's carbon monoxide crisis was not on the agenda - but it dominated the meeting. Durham Mayor Steve Schewel called for a moment of silence in respect for the sacrifices of displaced residents.
Durham Housing Authority CEO Anthony Scott was called to update city leaders. His first words, condolences to the families of the two infants who died in November and December.
"While the circumstances surrounding these deaths are not yet known - no parent should have to go through that," Scott said. Autopsy reports on the infants are still pending.
Carbon monoxide is just the tip of a large iceberg of McDougald complaints. Residents said there's mold, rats and bathroom sewage backups.