The question of how to handle a major mixed-use development in Summerfield proposed by David Couch, the owner of Summerfield Farms, has been a topic of debate in Summerfield for several years.
It now appears that the decision on if that development will move forward will be taken out of the hands of the Summerfield Town Council.
On Monday, Sept. 11, President Pro Tem of the state Sen. Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) sent a letter to Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms informing Sessoms that Berger would be supporting legislation to de-annex the 973 acres Couch owns from the Town of Summerfield.
Berger in the letter states, “As a legislator elected to represent Senate District 26, which includes Summerfield and much of northwestern Guilford County, I have a responsibility to step in when a local unit of government fails to take obvious and reasonable steps in the public interest, including creation of an environment conducive to addressing needs for housing and essential services for its citizens. The General Assembly has a vested interest in ensuring that the communities we represent are acting in the best interests of its citizens and the state. This action by the General Assembly is a necessary, appropriate, and reasonable step that must be taken.”
Much of Berger’s letter focuses on the lack of water and sewer service in Summerfield. Berger states, “Of particular concern is the fact that land use policies have hindered – some would say prevented – development of needed supplies of water and the necessary systems to treat wastewater. The Town of Summerfield is home to the largest population of North Carolina citizens reliant on septic tanks for sewage. An adverse public health event becomes more likely with each passing year. The absence of a public water supply for fire protection in Summerfield and northwestern Guilford County is an even more concerning present problem.”
Berger also notes that the Summerfield land use policies are not conducive to a mix of housing options. Berger states, “Without question, Summerfield’s housing and land use policies are among the most restrictive enacted by a municipality in North Carolina. Guilford Count’s growth presents an urgent public need for additional housing options so the nurses, teachers, first responders, and construction workers the Triad relies on can live in the communities they serve. Zoning practices codified in the Town’s ordinances exacerbate rather than ameliorate the current housing crunch.”
When Couch hit a roadblock with the Summerfield Town Council on proceeding with the mixed-use development he proposed, he requested that the legislature de-annex his land from the Town of Summerfield. With the letter from Berger, it appears that is what the legislature plans to do.
So tired of seeing Big Government, Wealthy Elites trampling over the rights of everyday people. smh.
Should of let him have his casino! Now he’s going to drop Smith homes 2.0 on your head Thanks win win for us welcome to Greensboro!
Odd that you didn’t mention the over $27k that Couch has donated to Berger over the last 5 years.
If the people of Guilford and Rockingham re-elect Berger, it is on us! He obviously could care less what we think as his constituents. He does not represent us. He represents campaign donors and lobbyist. Let’s remain outraged and vote for his opponent, regardless of the political party.
Again rules for common citizens, are changed to accommodate the affluent. This development is not in harmony with the surrounding Farmland of Summerfield. Do not allow rezoning of this area.
If we don’t start supporting Farmland , there will be nothing left to support us. Say no to politicians who are being paid for favors. David Couch does not plan on living there. He is going to decimate the land and move out west with his rich wife. This farmland cannot support the type of development he has proposed. Have your staff do some research, Mr. Berger
Berger is no longer on our side,
He never was! The only side he is on is the one with the largest wallet. To quote The Wire “That man was born with his hand in someone else’s pocket”.
If he gave two rips about water and sewer he would have done something about it before his buddy David Couch came on the scene. Follow the money as usual.
David Couch and Phil Berger are contemptable. Berger, stay out of Summerfield’s business. Couch, you are a piece of you know what. Couch is a contributor to Berger’s political campaign. This is payback time from Berger to Couch. Berger, you are why people hate politicians. Couch, you are why people hate developers.
Couch should not have the power to call the shots when he doesn’t get what he wants. Just like the schoolyard bully, my way or I will call in the mafia.
Thanks for destroying beautiful Summerfield! This is all about the MONEY! Get ready for crowded roads and more crime. Now we can be like Greensboro…
Anyone care to guess how much Couch paid to get this done
I see Phil Bergers political career coming to an end. Summerfield citizens need to vote him out. His interests is for the people he represents. Get rid of him!
And had not been for a while now. He’s just being exposed and greatly impacting our communities now. It’s time to stop Berger!
This actually makes the most sense to me. It lets Summerfield stay Summerfield, though it does stink of political favoritism. Everyone should have a friend like Phil Berger. Let Greensboro annex the land and provide water and sewer. Summerfield just needs to get a concession of some sort from Greensboro.
Except the land is in the middle of Summerfield! It’s not like it’s bumping up against Greensboro, it’s completely landlocked by the rest of Summerfield.
What make a person go against the people with a decision. such as this?
Get over your son losing to Mark Walker, Phil. Deannex if you want but be honest (you’re probably a Trumper) that your just trying to punish the area where Mark Walker lives. Had always respected you, but legal gambling, legal marijuana and now lying about your actions…classic Trump. Couch is not building anything the occupations you wrote about can afford.
Totally NOT TRUMP! Sounds more like a Democrat.
I can’t wait to see a creative planned community in a wonderful setting. I’m looking forward to moving into a patio home.
This just goes to show you that with enough money, you can buy anything in America, especially politicians. Shame on you, Phil Berger.
Political suicide at its best. Summerfield thinks way too highly of themselves & Couch, like many others, apparently thinks he can buy anything he wants, including votes. Frankly, I don’t care if the man wants to put up a hubcap fence or a skyscraper. It is his land to do with as he pleases. This is just another example of why our current two parties are a complete failure. Vote them all out as soon as you can.
Monday very important notice RECEIVED, BUT still not posted on town website. Town trying to keep it a secret? Total failure of the town Scott Whitaker, tim Sessoms, Lynne Devaney, Reece Walker. Jonelle Robinson and Jeff Davis and John Doggett. They went into another of secret sessions and told public would be a long time and no action so no need to stay. They refuse to tell public the truth about most simple things. Came out and had to put in the record that NC Senate is expected to vote today on the de-annex legislation, and expect YES vote. NC House is schedule to vote next Tuesday. Town desperately needs new leadership.
Reported NC Senate today voted Yes for the de-annexation. Total failure of Summerfield leadership and all their five law firms and about 15 lawyers and council constant secret meetings. What were they thinking? Appears not thinking!
Desperately need all new leadership in Summerfield.
It’s revenge against Summerfield for not supporting the casino. Pure and simple. Berger is mad that the house isn’t putting it in the budget so now he is executing political retribution against all his enemies. Be aware, things are about to get really dirty until we can get Berger out.
Hello Folks,
I hope this message finds you well. We’ve made it easy for everyone to voice their opinion on the de-annexation issue with our form email to the North Carolina House of Representatives.
You can access the email template by following this link:
https://sites.google.com/view/stop-summerfield-nc-de-annex/home
Your input is valuable in our collective effort to address this matter. Please take a moment to send your message and help us protect the interests of our community.
Thank you for your cooperation, and let’s work together to make a difference.
Warm regards,
Andrew
What an excellent, reasoned, and polite post.
I just sent an email to Berger et al, from your link, but it might be a little more caustic and pointed.
They’ll get the message, for what it’s worth.
non surprise here. the same trash nc rep trying to back door the casino is trying to back door this.
none of what this scumbag developer is trying to do is wanted in the area. the ones that do are the ones that dont live here but would benefit. stick to over priced wedding venue hosting and food truck service you clown. i do find it funny that most of summerfield is rep, but they mad at the rep for doing rep things.
Just Sayin, you are wrong. No one can do anything with their land that they so desire. That is why there are zoning laws. For over 100 years, NC has had zoning laws, and for over 100 years landowners and especially developers have tried to thwart zoning laws. Zoning laws are at the heart of Couch’s de-annexation effort. Summerfield has zoning laws that Couch does not like, so like the bully he is, he calls on his political buddy to whom he donated money, Phil Berger, to skirt Summerfield’s zoning by de-annexation. Berger should not have gotten involved with de-annexation. It is more than unseemly. It demonstrates that money can buy access to government and government is happy to accommodate. Only the NC House can stop this self-serving, egocentric, and selfish David Couch. Couch is only interested in getting richer, and Berger is only interested in helping Couch achieve his goal of more money. Berger’s political career and that of his son should be over.