Guilford County Planning Board approves rezoning majority of de-annexed Summerfield land

The Guilford County Planning Board on Wednesday approved rezoning a portion of land that was formerly part of the town of Summerfield.

In June, the General Assembly approved the de-annexation of nearly 1,000 acres in Summerfield. The legislation was connected to a proposal by developer David Couch to create a new housing and retail complex on the land.

At the Planning Board's special meeting it remained clear the two parties still did not see eye-to-eye.

Summerfield Town Council member Janelle Robinson said at the meeting officials could not find a middle ground with Couch.

"We tried over and over to work with the developer, and gave many concessions and many compromises, and none of them were ever good enough," Robinson said.

Attorney Tom Terrell, who represents Couch, argued the town was difficult to work with and alleged at one point it increased rezoning fees that would directly affect his client.

"When the claim is made that they have done everything they can to work with that developer, I want you to know that there is a reason why it was de-annexed," he said.

The Planning Board voted to rezone a majority of the area with the exception of a portion of the land staff recommended to be zoned general business, or GB.

Board member Cara Buchanan said there needed to be some restrictions.

"I'm all for development. My job is development," Buchanan said. "However, there needs to be some sort of limit. And if we allow this to all be GB, then there's no limit."

The Board may consider rezoning the remaining area at its meeting on Sept. 11.