Established December 2013 as a Facebook media source that reports and shares local, county, state, and national news and events in the Guilford County area. Visit “Scoop” website: www.SummerfieldNews.com, Facebook, and Twitter @SumScoop4U
“None of us supports high density development, higher taxes, or taxpayer supported water. We believe in low density and keeping our rural charm, and community involvement.”
BJ Barnes, Tim Sessoms, Lynne Devaney, Reece Walker, and John O’Day.
“No high density development, No commercial water/sewer –only private wells and septic, NO “Couch” development, maintain its low tax rate, fiscal conservative, only a positive future with citizens engaged … we will move us out of the dark period in our town history.”
If true, how did we get to the proposed maps with Couch property in BLUE and PRIMARY/RED on “growth strategy” map, 1,000 acres, no density, multiple units to the acre, no open space requirements, apartments, and expensive municipal water/sewer for that area? These changes will surely entice more developers.
The “dark period in our town history” started October 2016 when council promoted a PD=Planned Development, high density development. We did very well with overall low density and moderate growth.
Learn more about the Present and Future Summerfield the council has decided for you
Share or publish a story or event that may be essential or of interest to the local community, even when it is not a politically correct issue.
Twitter: @SumScoop4U
For town news go to FACEBOOK Summerfield Scoop. There is also a link to watch the meetings live, or the videos may also be posted after the town meetings on Facebook Summerfield Scoop, or www.YouTube.com Summerfield Scoop
Email: SummerfieldNCNews@gmail.com
NEWS! Click on Summerfield Scoop LINK on Rhino Times for frequent Summerfield news.
https://SummerfieldNews.com
To read past issues of Summerfield Scoop newspapers:
Go to: issuu.com Put “summerfieldncnews” in the search bar and link to past issues.
Summerfield Scoop (336) 202 – 0488 (phone and text)
Mail address: PO Box 39296, Greensboro NC 27438-9296
Email SummerfieldNCNews@gmail.com for information about placing advertisements in Summerfield Scoop (336) 202 – 0488
Scoop has a unique and different way of reporting, sharing, and making a point. It is intended to be different than other outlets. Dry, silly, controversial, and serious to ensure followers get it all. We can be biased, and we don’t hide it, but we also “attempt” to be as fair as possible. You will not agree with us on everything (if you are married, you understand) and do not expect you to. We offer personal opinions, videotape public meetings, provide information related to news, politics, and share the local story that may impact our area. We aren’t shy when it comes to controversial issues. We call it as we see it, give our non-journalistic opinion, and provide video coverage.
News & Record: Letters to the Editor: Include your name, email address, home street address, and a daytime telephone number. Maximum length 200 words or less, 350 words or less for Bottom Lines (Bottom Lines may rebut columns and editorials but not letters).
All letters are subject to editing and must be signed by the writer. Two letters are allowed per writer every 30 days.
Email: EdPage@greensboro.com Questions: 336 – 373 – 7010
Rhino Times is online with frequent updates of SUMMERFIELD SCOOP News. To not miss the Rhino Times go to www.RhinoTimes.com and click on SUBSCRIBE to receive the edition in your inbox, with news that is timely and brief, Monday –Friday, about 3pm, with 16,000 other subscribers.
Letters to the Editor: Letters@RhinoTimes.com
Click on “GOT SCOOP?” on Rhino Times for frequent updates on Summerfield news”
POLLS OPEN 6:30AM – 7:30PM POLLING STATIONS SAME AS LAST YEAR.
Early Voting at Bur Mil October 20 - November 5, 2022.
Monday - Friday October 20 – November 4 – 8:00am – 7:30pm Saturday and Sunday, October 29 – 30 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Saturday November 5, 8:00 am to 3:00pm
You may register and Vote at early voting. The process is called “same day registration; and no same day registration on November 8th.
If you are unsure of your polling place for November 8, check with Guilford County Board of Elections, 336.641.3836, 301 West Market St., Greensboro NC 27401
Email: guilfordelections@guilfordcountync.gov Website: https://www.GuilfordCountyNC.gov/our-county/board-of-elections
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES CHECK THE FOLLOWING: The League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad has the online Voter Guide for the November 2022 election.
VOTE411.org - Scroll down to Your Voting Guide.
IF YOU DON’T VOTE YOU CAN’T COMPLAIN!
Town meetings are scheduled the second Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm, at the Community Center, in the park, 5404 Centerfield Rd, Summerfield, NC 27358.
PUBLIC COMMENTS EARLY ON THE AGENDA, AND THREE MINUTES PER PERSON. This is your opportunity for comments to mayor, council members and town manager. Videos of the town meetings are available at www.YouTube.com Summerfield Scoop.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 6:30PM - November 2022 change in date since the Community Center is for Voting on Tuesday, Nov. 8th.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022, resume the scheduled meetings.
DON WENDELKEN, EDITORIf you or someone in your household is age 55 or older they may want to know about the two monthly Summerfield Senior Luncheons that are free to seniors, and other senior benefits.
Second Tuesday of each month, Center United Methodist Church, 6142 Lake Brandt Road Summerfield, starting at 10:50am for the program and take home lunch. If you would like to participate please call the church the first week of the month, before 12 noon on Thursday. (336) 643.7765. Next lunch will be Monday, November 7th, as Tuesday Nov. 8th the church is a voting location. December 13 return to the second Tuesday of each month.
Third Thursday of each month at First Baptist Summerfield Church, 2300 Scalesville Road, for their 10:30am program and take home lunch. If you plan to participate please contact Marsha McDaniel or Connie Hicks at (336) 373.4816 x 265 the week before the lunch to let them know that you will be there, or Email: RuralOutreach@Senior Resources-Guilford.org
Senior Resources/Center of Guilford County and The Evergreen Lifestyle Center are located at 1401 Benjamin Parkway, Greensboro, and have a wealth of services and programs that are fun and may be helpful to you. If you would like to receive email updates, or have questions, contact Julie Silverman. Phone: (336) 373.4816 x 280
Email: SeniorCenter@Senior Resources-Guilford.org
Friday, October 28, 1:30 to 3:30pm – Pumpkin Palooza with fun activities.
Separate from these activities for age 55 and older, for those age 60 and older there is a Senior Line with help for many senior needs and services. You may want to save this number if this information is new to you. (336) 333.6981.
work to protect ourselves, our homes, and families.
To file a consumer complaint: call (877) 5–NO-SCAM or go to https://ncdoj.gov/ or https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint
This includes reporting Door-to-Door scammers posing as maintenance workers, contractors, salespeople, if you were a victim of a financial scam, and more.
Watch out for flood-damaged Used Cars for Sale. Consider a pre-purchase inspection, and check title history at vehiclehistory. gov the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
If you feel you are victim of price gouging (overcharging in times of a crisis) Attorney General Stein has brought 11 lawsuits against 27 defendants under NC price gouging statute, and obtained 14 judgments or settlements totaling $1,080,000 against 25 defendants, including the largest price gouging settlement in the department’s history. https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/pricegouging/
To learn more to keep families and children safe online: https:// ncdoj.gov/internet-safety
Leading the Fight Against Robocalls. AG Josh Stein has led the formation of a nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force of 50 attorneys general to take legal action against telecom companies bringing foreign Robo calls to the U.S. The task force has issued 20 civil investigative demands to 20 gateway providers, and others responsible for a majority of foreign Robo call traffic. Stein said, “I’ve already brought one path breaking lawsuit against an out-of-state gateway provider, and I won’t hesitate to take legal action against others who break our laws and bombard North Carolinians with these harmful, unlawful calls.” Register with the Do Not Call Registry www.DONOTCALL.com 1-888-382-1222, and to learn more https://ncdoj.gov/report-robocalls/ (The work continues).
Operation Silver Shield was organized to protect seniors from scams and fraud, take legal action when necessary, and educate people how to best to keep themselves, parents and grandparents safe. www.ncdoj.gov/silver If you have questions about the laws that protect Senior Citizens, or your legal rights as a Senior Citizen, contact NC Attorney General Office of Public Protection experts at (919) 716-6780 or publicprotection@ncdoj.gov
NO PUBLIC HEARING after significant changes were made to the town adopted UDO (Unified Development Ordinance), including radical increased overall density, much less open space, and quadplex apartment buildings. Teresa Perryman only no vote.
Land Use Plan (LUP) meeting. After their election and before taking the oath of office, they gave developers the “Keys to the Town”, and the whole town will be impacted. Land use planning is the process of regulating the use of land by a central authority, government.
(Eight town working days after taking oath of office.)
Four page detailed contract, $29,470, for engineering to move forward “Water Feasibility Study” as “Town would like water supply alternatives for municipal water source for residential, commercial, feasibility, routings, and more.” Contract to be completed within 60 days.
“With the availability of water (and sewer), higher density development such as the Summerfield Farms project would be viable. The Hazen Study projected a build-out ADD of 0.48 MGD and MDD of 0.8 for the Summerfield Farms project. This type of project could happen on a relatively fast track and would tend to skew projections.”
David Couch presented his “Summerfield Future Development Opportunities” and council members agreed “This is a logical step to move forward.” Town officials had been pushing hard for high density development, and discussed commercial water and sewer from Greensboro.
It was clear that BJ Barnes and council had been working quietly, and expensive decisions were made outside of the Open Meetings Laws, for higher density, commercial water, and a PD=Planned Development/Text Amendment.
Town Council Retreat promoting the January 5th contract for water infrastructure for Couch property--$26 - $29 million to bring one water line from another municipality, uphill, to Summerfield border.
Town stated, “Be sure the study includes
the proposed water loops proposed by Summerfield Farms Village.” The infrastructure “loops” through part of the town to the Couch development could be $50 to $100 million bond debt, paid by all property owners, as too large a debt for a small area to pay.
Planning Board Text Amendment #2 to benefit David Couch property passed 3 2. Kathy Rooney made the motion. Clark Doggett second and Trudy Whitacre voted Yes. Feulner and Jeff Davis voted No.
“Land Use Plan Public Input Session” High vote getter from the citizens was low density, however, public input NOT included, and only consultants “interpretations.” Requests from citizens rejected. Their 5 member LUP Steering Committee was chosen to be decision-makers, 100% supportive of “Dave Couch plan, and no minutes of their meetings.
Town council voted No to Couch #2 Text Amendment 4 – 1 and said concerns with apartment buildings. John Doggett voted Yes.
However, since January 2022 council actions were pushing ahead on many fronts for municipal water/possible sewer with the Engineering Study contract for high density development.
Guilford County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve $5.5 million to Town of Summerfield using federal ARPA money (American Rescue Plan Act), to “Create, authorize and fund municipal water in Summerfield and to fund multifamily, commercial and other development.”
Consultants presented Land Use Plan to mayor, council and planning board. Those 11 people were allowed to ask questions. Their mission and the Steering Committee is “to plan for future development and designate future growth strategy areas.” After almost two years and spending $65,000 of taxpayer money, this was the first that the Public was allowed to listen, but no questions or comments.
The 11 did not ask one question about the “Couch” property on the maps, (BLUE) and (RED) on “growth strategy” with no density. Babcock asked about infrastructure and schools; but they showed no concern of schools or two lane roads. The numbers for their focus groups do not reflect public participation and overwhelmingly public has been excluded from their Land Use Plan process.
WERE THEY TRUTHFUL ABOUT THE IMPACT ON YOUR HOME, YOUR PROPERTY, AND THE COMMUNITY THAT WE LOVE?
LEARN MORE ABOUT LUP https://summerfieldnews.com /f/summerfield-land-use-planlup-raises-questions
Friday
“Q. I read an online post by “Summerfield Scoop” that said ‘(Summerfield) town council voted and approved changes in the Summerfield development ordinance which allows Mr. Couch to build his villages and apartments.’ When did the town change its development ordinance to allow landowner David Couch’s proposed villages and apartments?”
“A. Summerfield Town Manager, Scott Whitaker, responded, “Summerfield Scoop’s statements are wrong and misleading.”
I disagree with the manager’s (Scott Whitaker) statement. He is misleading the community. The Summerfield Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is exactly what it states, and what Mr. Couch wants is a Text Amendment. Two different issues.
The council changed the UDO June 8, 2021 and passed with a 4-1 vote. The “NO” vote was Teresa Pegram Perryman.
The council voted to go from one unit to four units per acre. While making radical changes to the UDO the word “APARTMENT” was finally replaced with the words “DWELLING QUADPLEX.” This definition found pages 11-18 of the UDO’s July 2021 edition.
Friday, June 4, 2021 Lynne Devaney, Reece Walker, and they said a couple committee members, met privately, and wrote and agreed to “ALL CHANGES FROM 6-8-22 COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS,” pending final 4-1 vote on June 8, 2021.
June 8, 2021, Tim Sessoms made the motion, including “Greensboro North-type” changes, apartments, higher density, much smaller lot size, less open space, etc. “..To adopt the UDO as consistent with the Town’s adopted Comprehensive Plan because it provides for appropriate housing and residential development and was reasonable and in the public interest because it promotes public health, safety, and general welfare.” Second by Reece Walker and carried by a vote of 4-1 (Perryman opposed). The vote 4 -1 was to approve the UDO, with the major changes and NO Public Hearing, and no prior notice of the changes on the Agenda! The memo with yellow highlights approved June 8th, is not in the town public record for that meeting and only available from Summerfield Scoop or via Public Record Request to the town.
September 22, 2022, Scott Whitaker, “Rather than duplicating items already memorialized within a well-vetted ordinance UDO…”
The UDO was not “well vetted” and did not comply with required North Carolina General Statutes compliance dates. If “well vetted” by 15 people and public excluded – then say that.
Whitaker and the town attorney actions do not meet the definitions for “well vetted.” Allowing only a few 3 minute comments on a draft document after ten years of UDO ‘work’, and, non-disclosure of those decision-makers at the June 4, 2021 meeting(s), and NO Public Hearing for the June 8, 2021 UDO, and repeating that public was involved – when not involved – does not make the UDO “well vetted.”
April 12, 2022 Reece Walker said, “…the new UDO was recently adopted using heavy citizen involvement…”
The public was excluded from radical changes from Reece Walker and Lynne Devaney on June 8, 2021 and NO Public Hearing.
“APPOINTED BOARDS. – Members of appointed boards shall not vote on any advisory or legislative decision regarding a development regulation adopted pursuant to this Chapter where the outcome of the matter being considered is reasonably likely to have a direct, substantial, and readily identifiable financial impact on the member. An appointed board member shall not vote on any zoning amendment if the landowner of the property subject to a rezoning petition or the applicant for a text amendment is a person with whom the member has a close familial, business or other associational relationship.”
For purposes of this section (160D-109 Conflict of Interest) a “close familial relations” means a spouse, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, or grandchild. The term includes the step, half, and in-law relationships.
Kathy Rooney, is a Planning Board Member, and one of five important Steering Committee members of the Land Use Plan
The Land Use Plan Steering Committee members, PTRC (Piedmont Triad Research Council) consultants, and town staff, show they are dedicated to David Couch development. In fact, the new Land Use Map has all Couch property (1,000 acres?) labeled PRIMARY with no density, no rules, and no restrictions, and working for municipal water and sewer for that PRIMARY area.
Kathy Rooney owns 26.5 acres in the town core, with a 2020 A.V (Assessed Value) of $460,000, and 2022 A.V $626,700. Sale of the property could easily be higher than A.V. Rooney said at early Land Use Steering Committee that she owns property in the town core, and her investment property is contiguous with David Couch property, and that her vision for Summerfield is her land and the David Couch development, and the rest of the town can be a suburb or something like that. Steering Committee/Land Use Plan meetings are not posted or shared on the town calendar, and no minutes, only a brief agenda. On Zoning Board she pushes for
higher density, two units to the acre with NO open space requirement, and those votes could promote her property investments.
Kathy said no conflict of interest as her investment properties are the same as a $1 million home. She was told that a $1 million home cannot be subdivided, and a personal home is not computed as Conflict of Interest.
Why did the town attorney Robert Hornik, (since Dec 2019) decide there was no Conflict of Interest? Who was he representing?
May 11, 2021. Town attorney Hornik, and town manager Whitaker, requested, and town council approved a “binding document”, a monetary agreement, “Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement for Summerfield Farms Village Concept” for Couch/Blue Ridge Builders to deposit funds to the town to reimburse the town attorney Hornik legal fees! ($20,000 and more…no limit). Sessoms made the motion and second by O’Day and vote unanimous.
The Doggett families own approximately 1,000 acres in Summerfield and Clark Doggett is on Planning Board. On one occasion he stated he did own property very close to the proposed re-zoning, but his financial interest “would not impact his vote.”
David Couch has filed Text Amendment #3 and will come before the Planning Board and Town Council. The Land Use Plan presentation on September 26, 2022 is promising for Couch. In fact, council and planning had no density, no questions or concerns about 1,000 acre Couch property, now all called PRIMARY. Taxpayers paid $65,000 for the Land Use Plan.
“On March 28, 2022 I attempted to exercise my Constitution Rights to Freedom of Speech for the three minutes that each person was legally to receive at the Public Hearing for Couch Text Amendment. I only wanted to read the Legal opinion from former town attorney Bill Hill that Kathy Rooney had a Conflict of Interest and could not vote, ‘solely based on land ownership.’ Rooney received that legal opinion directly from Bill Hill.
March 28, 2022 Dick Feulner as Planning Chair of the Public Hearing for David Couch Text Amendment, said I was not allowed to read the legal opinion, and to sit down (and shut up) and threatened to call the Sheriff and have me arrested. (Shocking as there was no disruption, just wanting to read the legal truth.)
Gail Dunham“ GOVERNING BOARD – A governing board member shall not vote on any legislative decision regarding a development regulation adopted pursuant to this Chapter where the outcome of the matter being considered is reasonably likely to have a direct, substantial, and readily identifiable financial impact on the member. A governing board member shall not vote on any zoning amendment if the landowner of the property subject to a rezoning petition or the applicant for a text amendment is a person with whom the member has a close familial, business, or associational relationship.”
John Doggett, Summerfield Town Council Member, is the son of Clark Doggett who serves on Planning Board, and his mother Jane Doggett has been active and past chair of Parks, and Trails and Open Space. John Doggett did vote YES for David Couch Text Amendment on April 12, 2022, for much higher density and there was no discussion about Doggett land ownership.
March 28, 2022 at the Text Amendment hearing at Planning Board Kathy Rooney made the motion in favor of David Couch, with Clark Doggett second, and Yes vote from Trudy Whitacre. It passed 3 -2. (Feulner and Jeff Davis voted no.)
Lynne Williams Devaney, Summerfield Town Council Member and Mayor pro tem, also owns investment property in the town core, and been supportive as town council member/voter for her property and higher density. She voted No April 12, 2022, however, she supported January 2022 engineering contract for commercial municipal water and very high density such as two units to the acre and no required open space.
October 2019. BJ Barnes, candidate for Mayor of Summerfield said he, “Did not see a need for a new town hall.” Barnes, Sessoms, Devaney, Walker, O’Day said they did not support high density development, higher taxes or taxpayer supported water.
February 1, 2020. Town Council Retreat and a new town hall high on their list; and said they wanted a new town hall for 15 years.
February 1, 2020. BJ Barnes said the first issue was town money for water for FIRE fighting and it would be a high cost. BJ Barnes said his consensus to move forward. (FIRE is a separate taxing district.) (Perryman said no.)
“Total cost for new town hall will be $3.5 million.”
May 19, 2020. Lynne Williams Devaney gave a presentation to promote town hall development. She said it would not cost any money because they would use the town reserve funds, land the town owns ($1 million+), rental income from community groups, and grants.
They did not keep their campaign promises. Teresa Pegram Perryman was the only Council Member that voted and used her voice to maintain overall low density, low or no town tax, and opposed to taxpayer expensive municipal water.
Affordable options during the 15 years included: Use the 26 acres adjacent to the Community Center, purchase one acre next to town hall for $138,000, purchase Laughlin school, or 5 acres adjoining Gordon building was for sale, and more.
For years they said it was water for firefighting. At a future Retreat, John Doggett, as council member, said they should finally say it was for “potable” drinking water, municipal water for high density housing.
This was not true, and was repeated for two years. Property value at $1 million would be $4.5 million, and more.
She said No Cost and No Debt. Others were thinking debt and mortgage. Teresa Pegram Perryman stated that with Covid 19 now was not the time to start an expensive project like this.
September 22, 2020. Barnes had said the funds are there to construct the building since the town has a large savings account.
Town Hall Leadership Committee. Tim Sessoms, Lynne Devaney, John O’Day, (and Scott Whitaker) would be the leadership committee for decision making.
Town Hall Location was decided by phone vote from BJ Barnes for the new town hall on the 13 acres at 150 and 220, with A.V. Assessed Value of $1 million. BJ Barnes would not allow a vote or public discussion about the site he had chosen.
Referendum. Citizens requested a Referendum. Mayor BJ Barnes and council refused, and said they would use town reserve funds – cash - so could not have a Referendum.
Dee Hall, finance officer, said “Bank will not accept the ball fields as collateral” (to get mortgage for new town hall)! Finance Committee supported the new town hall and debt/ mortgage.
February 9, 2021. Architect presented Design #1.The design was not well received.
April 13, 2021. Design #2 for town hall is a square design with a suite of planning offices to expand to meet high density development they are expecting. They kept the private washroom for mayor and council in all designs.
Approved Creech Architects from Charlotte for cost up to $280,000 that has been spent to date. Samet Construction approved November 2020
There are emails and references to meetings where expensive decisions were made, but no known minutes of those decisions.
No cost to use the existing 26 acres adjacent to community center and park, as the property has no commercial value. Later mayor and council decided on a Dog Bark Park for that property.
A Referendum is the place for voters to decide how to spend their money. Yes they could have had $$$ Referendum.
Truth came out that town may have needed the $1 million property to get the mortgage for the new town hall, and want reserve funds for FIRE district and municipal water for higher density development.
March – April, 2021 The town hall lead committee spent time and money with architects working on a new design.
Note: Stokesdale is an example of a well-designed town hall, and easy to expand as the town grows.
BJ Barnes and others said, “The primary reason to build a new town hall was because the Town has desperate need for meeting space.”
January 2021. It was reported that town knew costs were too high but they kept on spending.
September 14, 2021. Tim Sessoms said construction on the new town hall was “PAUSED.” He said, “The project was estimated to be more than $100,000 over budget and they would pause to allow pricing for materials to come down so that the project can be delivered at or below budget.” They had spent considerable time and costs were always too high. News all reported that the New Town Hall was PAUSED. All went along with the “NEWS.”
September, 2021. It was stated that town was considering buying the Laughlin Education Center. (This had been suggested for consideration since 2012.) Lynne Devaney stated the town should proceed with the new town hall and purchase Laughlin School.
September 14, 2021 that town had PAUSED before the November elections Town expenses for the new town hall from 2020 to Sept 2021 were $146,990.
From design #1 to design #2 town hall went from 9,300 sq.ft. to 7,678 sq.ft. The meeting room became much smaller, with seating area less than the Community Center -- more offices and less meeting space.
One reported cost estimate was $4,660,405 plus land and other expenses.
Better decisions could have been made with taxpayer money, in spite of Covid and other real limitations. Sessoms statement of only $100,000 over fails basic math, as project was not $3.5 million. Sessoms mentioned items that had been removed from budget and would still be necessary.
For 12 years town has no financial spreadsheet with breakdown of all costs for any Capital Project.
It appears new town hall was never “PAUSED” as town spent another $121,214 from Nov 2021 to May 2022.
October 1, 2022. $268,207 that we know of 2020-May, 2022 for architect and design. Finally stated Sept. 14, 2021 town could not afford the new town hall and cost was NOT $3.5 million. After the November 2021 election the New Town Hall was again full speed ahead and spending accelerated to $121,214 or more.
Visit The Greensboro Science Center for the return of WINTER WONDERLIGHTS!
The hours will begin at 5:30pm till 10pm most nights. Select nights will stay open until 11pm. It will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.This year it will offer an immersive experience with 12 uniquely designed zones, including Dancing Fountains, Polar Pond, Starry Night, Forest Light, among others. Guests will be invited to the Community Stage for festive music. Food and beverages will be sold there. This year, the 11 acre Revolution Road will be included in the expanding light show.
Tickets for Wonderlights are $15, $20, or $25 depending on when you go, and members receive a discount. Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Consider a family membership and enjoy all that The Greensboro Science Center has to offer!
Daily admission for Summerfield residents $16.50 to $24.50 per person. Day Admission Tickets can be bought as a combination with Winter Wonderlights. Best value – Annual Membership for Summerfield residents. All ages will learn and be entertained all year long! Party of one: $64.75 Party of two: $129.50 Party of three: $194.25 Party of four: $259.00 Party of five: $323.75
Children are free under age 3. Greensboro residents are 10% less.
9/27/2022 - Planning Board meeting to discuss a possible Text Amendment that could have major impact on Elmhurst Estates. Homeowners spoke so well about the need for their safety and access to the necessary roads they depend on and need. The “rules” in the Unified Development Ordinance, UDO, do not serve the homeowners and town could not figure out if or when homeowners could speak, before or after the presentation, that night or another meeting, or if they could speak at all!
Meeting notices mailed Thursday before a Tuesday meeting. Citizens should be given more notice. Citizens need to protect emergency access for their community.
Town Manager Scott Whitaker, Planning Board and 100% of Town Council made it an Ordinance, a law, to mail rezoning type notices to fewer people. Manager said to save money on postage, and no consideration to prompt notification. For 2022 appears notices mailed a couple days in advance. Some property owners are not in Summerfield, and most people figured out that mail takes longer today— and they are mailing to fewer people and with a couple days’ notice.
The UDO could have been vetted during the past ten years, and used the professional expertise of the amazing
citizens of our town, but mayor (BJ Barnes) town council (Tim Sessoms, Lynne Devaney, Reece Walker, and John O’Day), Town Manager, and Planning Board did not schedule a Public Hearing for the final document that governs your property and our town.
Attorney Amanda Hodierne with DR Horton requested a waiver to build 83 lots on 106 acres that butt up to Elmhurst Estates, with one major entrance. The Town Ordinance, and Summerfield Comprehensive Master Plan, approved May 2010, for a major subdivision with more than 50 lots, requires two permanent open road accesses for ingress and egress.
Thank you to FIRE Chief Chris Johnson for presenting helpful information at the meeting.
Planning Board voted NO 5 -0. Thank you to the citizens from Elmhurst Estates that spoke their valid concerns. The developer may return with a subdivision application to the Planning Board and Town Council. If, or when they apply, each meeting should have a Public Hearing.
(Mayor, Council, Town Manager and Planning Board should explain to another subdivision why they were denied a second entrance in/out with over 50 homes).
GO TO TOWN WEBSITE: www.summerfieldnc.gov
Click on Committees & Boards, Introduction to Committees, click on application and apply. In the past Town required applications to be filed by May 1st, so apply early, and some vacancies can be filled now.
• PLANNING BOARD. There are vacancies as Alternates.
• TRAILS & OPEN SPACE (TOS) has nine-voting members, and six members at this time, including Paul and Ginger Lambrecht, so three vacancies. Jane Doggett has been Chair for years and now serves as an ex-officio member. Doggett’s husband is on Planning, and son on town council.
• FINANCE COMMITTEE, five resident members and four at this time, so one vacancy on Finance and all four terms expire 7/23 and three serving on Extended Terms should be retired if there are applicants.
• HISTORICAL COMMITTEE. Nine members at this time.
Committee and Board applicants are screened and interviewed by Lynne Devaney and John Doggett, and then may be approved by Town Council. Applicants should know highly qualified volunteers can be denied and publicly voted down by council, or Mayor Tim Sessoms can be very influential in the outcome.
RICHARD “DICK” FEULNER, CHAIR Member since 6/03 Term expires 7/24
TRUDY WHITACRE, VICE CHAIR Member since 3/00 Term expires 7/24
KATHY ROONEY
Member since 11/07 Term expires 7/25
WALTER DOGGETT (CLARK)
Alternate since 4/17 Regular member since 10/20 Term expires 10/23
CLINT BABCOCK
Alternate since 4/17 Member since 9/22, Term expires 7/25
TIM SESSOMS, MAYOR (term ends 12/23)
6507 Horseman Trail Summerfield NC 27358 (336) 803-0322 - cell
TSessoms@summerfieldnc.gov
LYNNE WILLIAMS DEVANEY, MAYOR PRO-TEM (term ends 12/23) 7503 Strawberry Road Summerfield, NC 27358 (336) 215-5335 - cell
LDevaney@summerfieldnc.gov
JEFF DAVIS (term ends 12/23) 3100 Annry Drive Summerfield NC 27358 (336) 988-2308
JDavis@summerfieldnc.gov
REECE WALKER (term ends 12/23) 7475 Strader Road Summerfield, NC 27358 (336) 706-3195 - cell
RWalker@summerfieldnc.gov
JOHN DOGGETT (term ends 12/25) 7962 Highfill Road Summerfield NC 27358 (336) 462-1852
JDoggett@summerfieldnc.gov
JANELLE ROBINSON (term ends 12/25) 4945 US 220 N Summerfield NC 27358 (336) 312-5170
JRobinson@summerfieldnc.gov
As of May 2022 John O’Day is no longer a council member as he moved out of Summerfield. Welcome to Jeff Davis who was appointed to the council August 9, 2022.
SCOTT WHITAKER, TOWN MANAGER (336) 643-8655 - town hall (336) 520-7469 - cell
SWhitaker@summerfieldnc.gov
SARAH TIBBETTS, TOWN CLERK (336) 643-8655
Clerk@summerfieldnc.gov
CHERYL GORE, MANAGER ASSISTANT/ EVENTS COORDINATOR (336) 643-8655
CGore@summerfieldnc.gov
DEE HALL, FINANCE OFFICER (336) 643-8655
Dhall@summerfieldnc.gov
JEFF GOARD, PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR (336) 643-8655
JGoard@summerfieldnc.gov
BRAD RENTZ, PLANNING MANAGER (336) 643-8681
BRentz@summerfieldnc.gov
ROBERT (BOB) HORNIK AND KEVIN HORNIK, TOWN ATTORNEYS (contracted)
The Brough Law Firm, PLLC Chapel Hill, NC
TOWN HALL is located at 4117 Oak Ridge Rd. (Corner Hwy 150 & Summerfield Rd) Mail to PO Box 970 Summerfield, NC 27358
Town Hall, Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Phone: (336) 643-8655
RICHARD L. (DICK)
FEULNER, CHAIR (member since 6/03) (term expires 7/24)
3507 Windswept Dr, SFD (336) 643-5680
DFeulner@triad.rr.com
TRUDY WHITACRE, VICE CHAIR (member since 3/00) (term expires 7/24) 5115 Bunch Rd, SFD (336) 643-2131 - home
TKWhitacre@gmail.com
KATHY ROONEY (member since 11/07) Reappointed 8/22, motion by Walker, second by Doggett and unanimous by council. (term expires 7/25)
7130 Rabbit Hollow Rd SFD (336) 643-7878 (336) 209-0378 info@rolfingassociates.com
WALTER DOGGETT (CLARK) (alternate since 4/17, member since 10/20) (term expires 10/23) 7986 Highfill Rd, SFD (336) 202-8899
KG4HOM@hotmail.com
CLINT BABCOCK (alternate since 4/17, member since 9/22) (term expires 7/25)
(5802 Henson Farm Rd SFD (336) 918-0256
Clint@vettedude.com
Planning Board has 5 members, & NO ALTERNATES at this time. In the past the Board has had 1-3 Alternates, & Summerfield residents may apply now to be appointed an Alternate to the Planning Board. Planning Board tends to meet the 4th Monday of the month, & some months no meeting.
CARY GENTRY (term ends 7/24)
3401 Annry Ct, SFD (336) 978-6753
GentryCDWeather@gmail.com
BILL KING (term ends 7/24) 5270 Bunch Rd SFD (212) 388-1751
Nyckings2nc@gmail.com
PAUL & GINGER
LAMBRECHT (both terms end 7/23) 7707 Summerfield Rd SFD (336) 255-0402
Paul.Lambrecht@volvo.com
GingerLambrecht@gmail.com
TRUDY WHITACRE (term ends 12/23) (extended term) 5115 Bunch Rd. SFD (336) 643-2131
TKWhitacre@gmail.com
NEALA JONES (term ends 7/23) 6700 Fegan Rd SFD (703) 447-9548
Nealanddave@hotmail.com
JANE DOGGETT
(founding member since 7/13) (term expires 7/23) now active ex-officio member
7986 Highfill Rd SFD (336) 644-1582
Doggettja@gmail.com
TOS has 3 vacant seats at this time. **Extended term means a person serves until someone volunteers for that position. If no one volunteers, that person may be appointed to stay on for another year or term. Finance Committee is not listed here, & Finance has 5 resident members. All 5 terms expire July 2023, 3 are “Extended Term” so those can be filled if there are volunteers.
Members in this important committee were by invitation only. Meetings are not posted and minutes are not public. No expiration date on their terms. **“AD HOC: Definition - “Created or done for a particular purpose as necessary.”
Scott Whitaker, with mayor and council support, said, “Land Use is ‘AD Hoc.” “An AD HOC committee wouldn’t constitute a public body, and more efficient and better for project schedule.” That “purpose” to define “land use” appears to benefit developers with high density development, with municipal water and sewer.
Scoop requested that ALL meetings be posted and open to the public for us, the property owners, citizens, taxpayers, and voters! Response was no, and citizens were denied compliance with NCGS Open Meetings Law. NCGS 143-318.10.
Planning Board
7130 Rabbit Hollow Rd SFD (336) 643-7878 | (336) 209-0378 - cell info@Rolfingassociates.com
Trails and Open Space 5270 Bunch Rd SFD (212) 388-1751 NYCKing2c@gmail.com
(Former Mayor - emails show years of support for Couch development) History Committee 6212 Horseshoe Dr SFD (336) 681-6730 Edard48@aol.com
Representing Merchants Assoc. 7014 Equestrian Trl SFD (407) 405-4402 Terry@Helmsmarketing.com
Representing all town HOA
7506 Shadow Creek, SFD (336) 675-0542 Scott27358@gmail.com
BRAD RENTZ Town Planner (336) 643-8681 BRentz@summerfieldnc.gov
JESSE DAY & CARTER SPRADLING Consultants from PTRC, Kernersville NC 27284 (336) 904 – 0300 JDay@PTRC.org | CSpradling@PTRC.org
Please contact and tell them to keep Greensboro water and sewer, and DO NOT construct anything through the Greensboro watershed or other source for commercial water/sewer to Summerfield. Where would Greensboro put Summerfield sewage?
The following will take you to one form to send email: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/ city-council/e-mail-city-council or www. Greensboronc.gov click on Government
Telephone number for mayor and all council members: (336) 373-2396
Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401
NANCY VAUGHAN, MAYOR (336) 373-2396
Nancy.Vaughan@greensboro-nc.gov
YVONNE J JOHNSON, MAYOR PRO TEM (336) 375-5173 (336) 255-3060-cell
Yvonne.Johnson@greensboro-nc.gov
MARIKAY ABUZUAITER, AT LARGE (336) 601-0286
Marikay.Abuzuaiter@greensboro-nc.gov
HUGH HOLSTON, AT LARGE (336) 500-7331
Hugh.Holston@greensboro-nc.gov
SHARON HIGHTOWER, DISTRICT 1 (336) 373-2286 - voicemail (336) 317–4590 - cell Sharon.Hightower@ greensboro-nc.gov
GOLDIE E. WELLS, DISTRICT 2 (336) 373-2391 (336) 317-4590 - cell Goldie.Wells@ greensboro-nc.gov
ZACK MATHENY, DISTRICT 3 (336) 373-2396
Zack.mathey@ greensboro-nc.gov
NANCY HOFFMANN, DISTRICT 4 (336) 856-8128-work (336) 255-1306-cell
Nancy.Hoffmann@greensboro-nc.gov
TAMMI THURM, DISTRICT 5 (336) 373-3688 (336) 601-0435 - cell
Tammi.Thurm@greensboro-nc.gov
IMPORTANT UPDATE! August 9, 2022 the Guilford County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve $5.5 million to Town of Summerfield, using federal ARPA money (American Rescue Plan Act), to create, authorize and fund “municipal water in Summerfield to fund multifamily, commercial, and other development.”
Town may need to provide more info to receive the funds, however the town has not publicly voted for this request, so county is the authority. County said cannot call it a “Water Authority.” “Water Authority” might require Public Hearing and compliance with our Town Charter for a Referendum.
301 W Market St. Greensboro 27401
Contact: Link to send email to all County Commissioners
https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/getconnected/contact-us
MELVIN “SKIP” ALSTON, BOARD CHAIR (336) 324-3515
Salston1@guilfordcountync.gov
J. CARVENA FOSTER, VICE CHAIR (336) 365-0692
CFoster@guilfordcountync.gov
KATIE “KAY” S. CASHION, AT-LARGE (336) 274-6272
kcashion@guilfordcountync.gov
JUSTIN CONRAD (term ends 12/22) (336) 641-7717
JConrad@guilfordcountync.gov
CARLY COOKE (term ends 12/24) (336) 252-8766
Ccooke@guilfordcountync.gov
FRANKIE T. JONES, JR. (336) 404-7097
FrankieTJones@guilfordcountync.gov
MARY BETH MURPHY (336) 685-1102
MBMurphy@guilfordcountync.gov
ALAN PERDUE (336) 451-6707
Aperdue@guilfordcountync.gov
JAMES UPCHURCH (336) 870-7217
Jupchurch@guilfordcountync.gov
