Greensboro NAACP files complaint alleging discriminatory housing practices in Summerfield

The Greensboro NAACP has filed a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission alleging the town of Summerfield's zoning practices are discriminatory.

The complaint filed in February alleges Summerfield is in violation of North Carolina's Fair Housing Act. According to the filing, the town's zoning laws restrict affordable housing, and impact lower-income and minority families.

Summerfield officials released a statement last Thursday denying involvement in any intentional, purposeful or unlawful discrimination. The town has hired the law firm Maynard Nexsen.

The complaint mentions the town's dispute with developer David Couch over building on more than 900 acres of land he owns — a controversy that led to the General Assembly's threat of de-annexation. The filing further alleges the town's racial homogeny isn't coincidental.

It cites data from the American Community Survey, which is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that says 86% of Summerfield's population identifies as white non-Hispanic. In comparison, 57% of nearby Greensboro's metro area identified similarly. The complaint says this is the result of "exclusionary zoning ordinances and housing policies."

The investigation into the complaint is expected to be completed within 90 days of the Feb. 20 filing.

The complaint comes as Summerfield has been embroiled in its own internal challenges. The Town Council voted not to renew Town Manager Scott Whitaker's contract in February, and Town Attorney Bob Hornik resigned shortly after.