3 minute read
WHAT IS ETJ?
SCOOP EXCLUSIVE NEWS
The Town has been pursuing “ETJ” Extraterritorial Jurisdiction for over a year.
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They want to take control of planning and zoning of the one to two mile radius outside the incorporated town border
– note areas on the map. Led by Reece Walker, Barnes, Sessoms, Devaney, and O’Day have approved ETJ every step of the way – but those affected may not be aware how they will be impacted. Teresa (Pegram) Perryman voted no, and raised important questions and concerns. (Motions by Reece Walker and seconds by Lynne Williams Devaney, and Tim Sessoms.)
Reece Walker said he was meeting with County Board Members representing Summerfield, Carly Cooke and Jason Conrad, and Mayor BJ Barnes stated meeting with County Chair Skip Alston to get approval. Please note the CONTACT INFORMATION in Scoop and suggest that you call, write and send emails while the “Inner Circle” has ETJ on a fast track and saying they represent “the town.” (March 9, 2021 “There have been initial
conversations with affected/interested jurisdictions.”)
If you or your friends or family own land/ property investment in that ETJ area it may be in your best interests and be proactive to learn more. If opposed you may need to go to the Guilford County Board, and Summerfield mayor and council, as soon as possible.
The cost of a much larger Town Zoning Department will be paid by Town taxpayers, not those in the ETJ area.
1. Town attorney Hornik stated, “The Town
doesn’t need to seek permission from property owners to establish an ETJ.”
Town is going directly to Guilford County for approval of its ETJ Resolution. 2. With county approval the town would hold a Public Hearing; however, a Summerfield Public Hearing could continue to be more of a zoom lecture, with little public notice. 3. Attorney Hornik, “An ordinance would
need to be approved by Council to establish zoning districts within the ETJ.”
The new Town Planning and Development Ordinance is based on NCGS 160A that was repealed January 1, 2021. Why didn’t the town planner comply with NC Statute 160D that was required by January 1, 2021?
Attorney Hornik said legal to approve a draft Summerfield U.D.O Unified Development Ordinance based on law repealed January 1, 2021, with frequent changes after “public hearing” expected for next few months or more. So not sure what the town attorney will determine is “legal” ordinance for ETJ for “Zoning and Development.” Why would anyone want to subject their property investment to governance and zoning by a document not in compliance with North Carolina Statutes, and to the Summerfield mayor and town council?
Reece Walker keeps saying the ETJ jurisdiction will prevent higher density development adjacent to the Town. How do you know that is true? What is true is that it is a way to take away property rights.
Reece Walker decided it would be easier (to get this through) with a “phased approach and the first area he decided to pursue is south of NC-150 West and to the west of Spencer-Dixon Road.” Do you know who owns that property? Have they signed off that the Town can control
their zoning and planning? (Motion passed March 9, 2021)
(Scoop, doing our best to privately notify the property owners, filed a PRR Public Record Request for the location of that property as they approved the motion with the map. As of this writing town is refusing to comply with PRR to disclose what property they are “pursuing.”)
