HERTFORD – Residents packed the meeting room at the Perquimans County Library on Tuesday, Jan. 13, to voice strong opposition to a proposed rezoning that would allow construction of a Dollar General store near the intersection of Woodville Road and New Hope Road.
The Perquimans County Planning and Zoning Board met to consider a request from Glandon Forest Equity, LLC, to rezone 2.04 acres from Rural Agriculture (RA) to Rural Commercial (CR). The property, identified as tax parcel 4-0064-0052A, is part of a larger, approximately 60-acre tract located on the southwest side of New Hope Road, about 1,300 feet northwest of the Woodville Road intersection.
Board members present included Chair Antoine “A.J.” Moore, Vice Chair Lewis Smith, and members Thelma Finch-Copeland, Teressa Blanchard, and John Skinner.
Approval of the rezoning would allow for development of a commercial retail store. During the meeting, the developer presented plans indicating the project would cost approximately $1.9 million and create between four and seven jobs. The developer and its engineering firm were the only speakers who expressed support for the request. The property owner was not in attendance due to a prior commitment.
Residents of New Hope Township filled the room, representing a wide cross-section of the community, including business owners, multigenerational families, and individuals familiar with zoning regulations. As public discussion continued, opposition to the proposal became clear. When meeting attendees were asked to indicate their position, nearly every resident present raised a hand against the rezoning.
Community members expressed concerns about how the proposed development could affect the area’s rural character and existing businesses. One major issue raised was the potential impact on a long-established local country store that has served residents for many years and is currently making improvements to better meet community needs.
After hearing extensive public comment, the Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously to recommend denial of the rezoning request.
The board’s chair noted that it had been many years since such a large number of citizens had attended a meeting, outside of hearings related to proposed solar or wind farm projects.
The rezoning request will now move to the Perquimans County Board of Commissioners, which is scheduled to consider the matter at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. Despite the Planning Board’s decisive recommendation, residents remain concerned that the commissioners could override it and approve the request.
Following the meeting, community members organized to coordinate their next steps and discuss how best to present their concerns to county leaders. Residents emphasized that the issue extends beyond a single development proposal, saying it reflects a broader effort to protect the rural character of New Hope Township and ensure that decisions about its future are guided by the people who live there rather than by outside commercial interests.
