NC legislature approves bill to de-annex Summerfield land following rally by residents and officials

The North Carolina State House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that will de-annex nearly 1,000 acres of land in the town of Summerfield.

Its passage comes a day after Summerfield residents and town officials rallied outside the state legislature in opposition to the bill.

The legislation is connected to a controversial proposal by developer David Couch to create a new housing and retail complex on the land. Couch presented his plan to the Summerfield Town Council nearly a decade ago, and the two parties have been in a dispute about zoning requirements for the development since.

The council recently approved a change that would pave the way for mixed-used housing on the land. But critics, including Senate leader Phil Berger, said it didn't go far enough and that the town's zoning laws have been too restrictive. Berger backed the legislation to take land out of Summerfield's control, which sparked outrage in the town.

Around two dozen people gathered in Raleigh on Wednesday to oppose the bill with Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms among them. He said the issue should be resolved at the local level, or it may have far-reaching effects.

"I do believe it's time that we sit down together, talk through this and find an acceptable resolution for everyone," he said.

Following the hour-long rally, residents entered the state legislature with signs opposing the bill. Among the attendees was Robert Vansteen who said he was concerned about what this would mean for small towns across the state.

"I really think that it's a poor decision to let state government decide local issues," he said. "I don't think anybody could disagree with that."

In a statement, Couch said he’s thankful lawmakers recognized the “importance of reasonable rules that accommodate new housing.”

The new law will make the land a part of unincorporated Guilford County. It goes into effect Sunday.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the bill's passage.