Town of Summerfield hires law firm to review recent de-annexation

The town of Summerfield has hired a law firm to review its legal rights after the state legislature's decision to de-annex nearly 1,000 acres of its land in connection to a controversial development.

The Summerfield Town Council voted four to one at its meeting Thursday to hire the firm Robinson and Bradshaw. State legislators in June approved a de-annexation of town land following a years-long fight between the town and developer David Couch over a proposal to create a new housing and retail complex.

Councilmember John Doggett voted against hiring the firm. He said the town needs to focus on the future and start rebuilding.

"I don't think that whatever is decided here that it's going to end here," he said. "I think that this is going to be a years long process with Mr. Couch."

Zoning of the de-annexed property is expected to be discussed at a Guilford County Planning Board meeting later this month.