ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — The Rockingham County board of commissioners unanimously voted to approve a controversial request to rezone property along US 220 Monday night.
While many walked away from the meeting with their heads down, commissioners say developing the land has been in the works for years.
Several rooms at the governmental center were full of Rockingham County residents and those from nearby counties.
The vast majority of people were eager to express their concerns about the county rezoning 192 acres off of US 220.
Those who spoke out against the rezoning included Rockingham County Sheriff, Sam Page and Mark Walker, former U.S. Congressman and Republican candidate running for North Carolina governor.
Of the people who spoke during public comment, many were concerned about the impact a development could have on nearby Camp Carefree, which is a camp for children with special needs.
Jeff Sellers was one of the first to speak, he lives close to the land and also worries the development will take away from the countryside and bring violence to the area.
"I was not surprised unfortunately; I was disappointed to say the least that they're really not listening to their voters, the ones who put them in office I don't think, at the same time I have respect for those guys, I know they have a difficult job trying to appease everyone and I hope they took everything into consideration," said Sellers.
The attorney for both the developer, NC Development Holdings, and the people who own the property spoke too.
They're the ones who submitted the request to rezone the area from residential agricultural to highway commercial.
While several community members oppose the rezoning, Commissioner Charlie G. Hall III says the area has been intended for business development for over 20 years, by the board's predecessors.
As a result, Hall says over the years county taxpayers have spent millions upgrading the roads, water and sewer systems, and more.
"We've had land use plans I think since 98' and with that corridor, business corridor designated as such we've been transmitting that to the public, to property owners, to potential investors to say guys if you want to look to put a business here then look favorably in this area and so we're trying to be consistent with this messaging that's been out there for a very long time," explained Hall.
Many people are concerned that a casino could be coming to the area off of US 220.
Senator Phil Berger said last month that there have been serious conversations among lawmakers about bringing a casino to Rockingham County.
Senator Berger said a casino could bring $6 million into the county annually and nearly 1,750 jobs.
However, the board of commissioners insist that Monday's meeting was strictly about rezoning and people who have questions about a casino should call lawmakers in Raleigh.
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