SUMMERFIELD, N.C. — The Town of Summerfield filed a resolution encouraging Rockingham County to make a local referendum for voters to decide whether or not a casino can be built in the area.
The Guilford County town is right over the county line, 8 miles from the proposed casino site.
The Mayor of Summerfield and the town council decided to take the matter into their own hands.
Mayor Tim Sessoms said, "What we decided to do was just ask the North Carolina General Assembly to give the people of Rockingham County, an opportunity to be heard on the topic.”
Residents in the area say they need to be heard.
Bobby Eaton lives close to the property where the proposed casino would be.
He urges residents to speak up.
"Don’t stay quiet, speak your mind because I really don’t want it there because if it does, I’m moving,” Eaton said.
Franklin Stuart works at a small engine repair shop off Highway 220. He agrees the decision needs to be in the hands of residents.
"Should definitely be voted on. People need to make their voices heard. That’s how the system works," Stuart explained.
Glenn Claeys owns a florist shop on Highway 220. He said the decision of the casino should be made by the people it'll impact the most.
Claeys said, "I think it should be on the ballot and we should have a choice. We live here, we support the area, and we should be able to decide what we want in our area."
Last month, North Carolina Development Holdings asked the county planning board to rezone nearly 200 acres off Highway 220.
The planning board denied the request, but county commissioners have the final say about rezoning the land.
The controversy surrounding the possibility led to nearly 500 people gathering to voice their opposition.
Republican lawmaker Phil Berger said a casino could bring $6 million into the county annually and nearly 1,750 jobs.
Opponents say they worry about crime and other negative impacts a casino could create.
Although the development company hasn't shared what they plan to do with the land — paperwork filed with the state showed it's tied to a casino developer.
The Rockingham County rezoning meeting, where commissioners are expected to vote on the casino, is taking place on August 21.
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