By Ray Gronberg

gronberg@heraldsun.com; 419-6648

DURHAM -- Supporters of a Fayetteville Street landlord's bid for a $175,000 city incentives grant this week criticized elected officials for delaying a vote on her application.

Officials appear to be changing the rules of the game, even though the landlord, Mozella McLaughlin, complied with the requirements set by Durham's Office of Economic and Workforce Development, local businesswoman Denise Hester told the City Council.

But McLaughlin's application -- which seeks money to expand a commercial building at 2520 Fayetteville St. -- is also drawing increased criticism from her leading tenant.

Bruce Bridges, owner of the Know Book Store & Restaurant, went to the podium a few minutes after Hester on Monday and told council members the landlord's moves are jeopardizing his business.

Bridges believes McLaughlin's plan, which calls for shrinking his space and bringing in a new jazz caf