Town of Summerfield still faces lingering threat of de-annexation over controversial development

The next step for a development that sparked the general assembly's threat of de-annexation in the town of Summerfield still remains unclear. 

The town council approved a text amendment that would pave the way for mixed-use housing in October. The decision came after a proposal by developer David Couch to build on more than 900 acres of land he owns was initially denied.

Officials discussed lingering concerns for the next steps in a special meeting on Saturday.

Town Manager Scott Whitaker says the approval gave Summerfield a reprieve from de-annexation, but his office has no indication of whether or not Couch plans to apply for rezoning.

Whitaker says if the developer pursues de-annexation there's only so much officials could do to stop it.

Councilmember Jonathan Hamilton says the town is caught between keeping the land and not dramatically changing Summerfield while doing so. He also says there's a lack of feedback from the developer.

The town council is now reviewing past correspondence with Couch's team to possibly be made public for transparency.