United we stand, divided we fall. Over a year the town of Summerfield, NC has been in a battle against de-annexation (removal) of nearly 1000 acres of unattached land in the heart of its town. A prominent state Senator indicated he’ll push for a vote on House Bill 909 (HB909) that includes involuntary forced land removal from Summerfield. The vote is expected to occur during NC Legislative Short Session, beginning late April 2024. This is a threat to ALL small towns across the state. 

The largest de-annexation in the State’s history would remove approximately 5% of land from the middle of Summerfield. De-annexation of this magnitude diminishes the rights of local municipalities to govern in accordance with its citizens and what is right and feasible for a particular town. If passed, it sets a harmful precedent in diminishing the role of local government granted to municipalities by the State. It opens the door for similar forced de-annexation in other towns, encouraging developers to seek forced de-annexation to avoid local rules. 

Summerfield has written resolutions and made changes to its ordinances, to encourage inclusivity and housing options. These changes allow a specific developer who owns the almost 1000 acres to build in unity with what was requested from Summerfield. Despite the developer-friendly zoning regulation changes and repeated attempts for negotiations, forced legislative land removal is still on the table. 

Help Summerfield and small towns by signing this petition. Contact NC legislators to vote against HB909 (formerly HB5) and oppose Summerfield de-annexation. Stand behind the rights of towns and thousands of citizens to lead in a manner that is right for their community. 

Summerfield and its citizens didn’t ask to be in this battle. If you ever wanted to get behind a cause, to make a difference for those around you, this is the one! This is your chance to Save Summerfield.

STOP! FORCED DE-ANNEXATION  STOP! HOUSE BILL 909

 

 

 

 

For More Information:  SummerfieldNC.gov

Summerfield is a small rural town, not much different from other communities, located in northwest Guilford County of North Carolina. An area of rolling, open, and wooded countryside, residential neighborhoods, and limited commercial development. It’s an attractive community of approximately 11,000 people with good schools, parks, and a developing trails system. Citizens are working, raising families, enjoying leisure time, and are interested in quality of life and their peaceful, safe surroundings. The town has a limited-services, small-staff approach to governance and desires reasonable growth while maintaining identity as a small town. Its guided growth and community are a highly sought area for families to live, grow, and play.