Summerfield Town Council approves resolution to reconsider major development

Summerfield town council approved reconsidering a development in hopes of slowing legislation that could turn over more than 900 acres of land to Guilford County.

The move comes after the town voted against a proposal by developer David Couch in February. The plan has been controversial, with residents largely speaking out against it.

Couch plans to build a mixed-use development with 600 apartments called Villages of Summerfield Farms.

Mayor Tim Sessoms says the town started with a stroke of the pen and could similarly end that way.

"This that we have just done is in an effort to work with Mr. Couch's team for the preservation of our town," he says.

Last week, state legislators voted on a bill that would de-annex the land. Summerfield town council approved three resolutions including a reconsideration of the development at an emergency meeting on Monday.

Sessoms says this is a good faith effort by the town council. A public hearing on the development is now scheduled for Sept. 28.