CAMA Land Development Plan-1976

P&SI-308a
To: Planning and Special Issues Committee
From: John Crew
IMF.
;.
Subj: Bertie County Land Use Plan Amendment: Blackrock Development}
Proposal
Date: 10 May 1989
r
The Bertie County Commissioners held two public information meetings, on 30 March
and 6 April to give the public the opportunity to comment on this proposal. The
required public hearing was held on 18 April and on 1 May 1989, the county
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commissioners adopted the amendment.
The amendment deals with a land classification map change for an 800+acre
tract from the rural to the transition land class. The tract is three quarters
of a mile north of the Highway 17 bridge on the Chowan River and reclassification
is being sought to accommodate a development
pme proposal known as Blackrock. The
,proposal includes a 1,700 unit residential development, an 18 hole golf course,
a clubhouse/restaurant and a 103 slip marina. Domestic water will be provided
by the developer as will wastewater treatment. The demand -supply analysis
conducted at the public hearing is attached including comments as to the ability
to provide police and fire protection, solid waste disposal etc. A vicinity
map is also attached and a copy of the site plan will be available at the
Cam.ussion meeting.
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AMENDMENT
TO THE
BERTIE COUNTY LAND USE PLAN
Desc iUt 2n
I
The amendment reclassifies 800+ acres of land bordering the
Chowan River from Rural to Transition in order to accommodate a
plannedCommunityproject known as Blackrock. Blackrock is
Proposed to be a 1,700residential unit development that includes
.an 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse/restaurant and
103 slip marina on the Chowan River.
The area is located approximately 4,000 feet north of the N.
C. Route 17 bridge which crosses the Chowan River at Edenhouse.
The project area continues northward along the River for about
6,000 feet and extends westward a - `
pproximately 6,000.feet. The
topography is fairly constant at the -26 to 29 feet level.
Currently the area is mostly open land with partial forest land
coverage and a very small amount of wetlands., The wetlands will
not be disturbed.
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Within the project area itself,' lot sizes are expected to
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fall in the'10,000 to 40,00o square feet range. The project will
be served b �
y private water and sewage treatment facilities.
Inasmuch as Bertie County does not foresee a County -wide water
and/or sewage system in the near future, they feel that the,
increased densities and activities generated by the Blackrock
Project can be handled adequately by the proposed P private
Systems. ��

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Demand -Supply Analysis ;!a
..The water system will consist of wells, treatment facili-
ties, and distribution lines. The system will be constructed by
the developer, and will comply in all aspects with regulations
promulgated by the N. C.-Division of Health Services. The system
will be designed for fire protection services and no structure
.will be located more than 500 feet from a fire hydrant. The
system will service only the residential and commercial ac
i
tivities of the development. Irrigation water for the golf
course will come from man-made ponds, to be constructed in phases
with a system that is compatible to expansion as needed.
Demands anticipated are as follows:
1. Residential units
1700 x 400 gallons per day (GPD) 680,000
2. Marina with bath house%shower
facilities ,
103 slips x 30 GPD 3,090
3. Clubhouse
800 members x 60 GPD 48,000 -
4. Restaurant
60 seats x 40 GPD 2,400
20 bar seats x 20 GPD 400
Total Demand 733,890 GPD
The private sewage treatment plant will include a settling
lagoon and spray distribution fields. The system will cover
approximately 500 acres and will be located on nearby lands. A
gravity sanitary sewer collection system will also be designed
and constructed to serve the project. All facilities will be
2

/® constructed by the developer, and will comply in.all aspects with i4
regulations promulgated by the N. C.. Division of Environmental I
Management.
Demands anticipated are as follows:
1. Residential units
1700 x 400 gallons per day (GPD) 680,000
2 Marina with bath house/shower
facilities
103 slips x 30' GPD 3,090
3. Clubhouse I
800 members x 60 GPD 1
48,000 _
4. Restaurant
60- seats x 40 GPD 2,400
20 bar seats x 20,GPD 400
Total Demand 733,890 GPD
gg.." Fire Protection
Fire protection will be provided by a volunteer fire
department located at Midway which is approximately five miles
I
ftom the project area.. Residential structure heights will -not
exceed the capacity of local fire fighting equipment. The marina 'I
I
will have an above-ground.fuel storage tank and pumping facili-
ties,- but.no other unusual flammable materials are anticipated.
Dry hydrants will be installed at the golf course ponds to
supplement fire fighting equipment capabilities. Please refer to
the attached letter from the Fire Chief of the nearby Volunteer
Fire Department.
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Police Protection ,
The attached letter from the Bertie County Sheriff covers
this section of the amendment.
Solid Waste
The attached letter from the Bertie County Manager covers
this section of the amendment.
E
Roads
All streets within the project will be constructed to N. C.
Department of Transportation Standards and Specifications.
Traffic generated is not expected to exceed the design capacity
of adjacent collector roads:
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Recreation N
Bertie County provides limited recreation services. The
developer indicates that the recreational facilities within the
project area are proposed.for priority use by project residents
with the possibility of non-residents having access on a fee
basis.
Schools
The attached letter from the Bertie County Superintendent of
Schools: covers this section of the amendment.
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Bertie County provides a variety of services for the
elderly. Experience has shown that the large majority of service
users are lower income citizens. Because the prime market for '
the project is anticipated to be upper income, the County does
not expect much impact on its senior services programs.
Medical services
Bertie County is served'by a small, full -service, 49 bed
hospital in Windsor. The town is located about 15 miles from the
project area. The project is also located across the river from
the Town of Edenton which is about eight miles away. Chowan
Hospital is located in Edenton and has a capacity of 71 acute
i� care beds and 40 skill care beds. The hospital is-a.full-service
hospital.
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THIS REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR THE RESIDENTS OF
• BERTIE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
C, H, Edwards, Chairman
W. J. Barnacascel T, E. Broom
Robert Spivey B, F. Bazemore
John Whitehurst,, County Manager
PLANNING BOARD
C. B. Griffin Jr„ Chairman
Kelly Bishop J, L. Hofler
Ben Weaver Phillip White
Kenneth Bryant George Jennings
J. L. Parker, Jr. John Whitehurst
Henry Spruill Bill Hill
PROJECT STAFF:
. John W', Shore, 1119 Community Planner
Marian Alligcaod, Secretary
Mary Noe, Secretary
Linda. Hobgood, Secretary
Mike Yount, Draftsman
Danny Smith, Draftsman

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I.
introduction
1
H .
Description of Present Conditions
4
A. Population and Economy
5
B. Existing Land Use
27
C. Current Plans, Policies, and Regulations
29
III.
Major Land Use Classes (Public Participation Activities)
35
A. Identification and Analysis of Major Land Use Issue
36
B. Alternatives Considered in the Development of Goals and Policies
39
C. Land Use Goals and Objectives
40
D. Process Used In Determining Goals
44
E. Securing Public Participation
46
IV.
Constraints on Development
48
A. Land Potential
49
B. Capacity of Community Facilities
72
V.
Estimated Demand
84
A. Population and Economy
85
B. Future Land Needs
91
C. Community Facilities Demand
91'
VI.
Areas of Environmental Concern
95
VII.
Plan Description
102
VIII,
Summary (Bibliography)
108
IX.
City County Plan Relationship
112
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FABLES
Page
1.
Population Trends, Bertie County
7
2.
Summary of Population Trends, Bertie County.and Township
8
3.
Population Trends, Selected Places, Bertie County
10
4.
Population Change by Age, Group and Race, Bertie County, 1960-70
11
5.
School Enrollment, Bertie County, 1960 and 1970
13
6.
Years of.School.Completed, by Sex, Bertie County, 1960 and 1970
14
7.
Years of School Completed, Bertie County, 1960 and 1970
15
8.
Survey of High School Graduates, Bertie County; 1960-1970.
16
9,
Non -White Population Schoen Enrollment, Bertie-:County 1960-1970
18
10.
Non -White Population, Years of School Completed, Bertie County
1960 and 1970
19
11.
Bertie County, Work Force Estimates, 1962, 1967, and 1972
21
12.
Employment Analysis, Bertie County, 1962, 1967, and 1972
22
13.
Community Patterns for Bertie County.
.24
14.
Family Income Data for Bertie County, 1969
25
15.
Manufacturing Firms, Bertie County, 1975
26
16.
Highway Mileage by System, Bertie County
30
1y.
inventory of Historic Areas, Bertie County
58-62
18,
Volume,of Growing Stock and Saw -Timber by Species Group
Bertie County
67
19.
Net Annual Growth and Removal of Growing Stock and Saw Timber
on Commercial Forest Land, By Species Group, Bertie County
68
20,
Bertie County, Selected Agricultural Statistics -
69
21,
Selected Agricultural Crops, Acres, Production and Value
Bertie County, 1�73
70
22.
Bertie County, N.C., Public School. Facilities, 1973-74
School Year
80
23.
Bertie County, Plan for Reorganization
81
24,
Utilization of Primary Roads, Bertie County, 1972
83
25.
County, Township and Municipal Projection, Bertie County
1970 - 2000
87
26.
County and Municipal Department Data
94

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TABLES (Continued)
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
1.
2.
Population by Age and Sex, Askewville, 1970
Projected Population, Askewville�o Windsor Township and
Bertie County, 1970-2000
Population by Age and Sex, Aulander, 1970
Projected Population, Aulander and Bertie County, 1970--2000
Population by Age and Sec, Colerain, 1970
Projected Population, Colerain, Colerain Township and
Bertie County, 1970-2000
Population by Age and Sex, Kelford, 1970
Projected Population, Belford, Roxobel Township and Bertie
County, 1970-2000
Population by Age and Sex, Lewiston, 1970
Population by Age and Sex, Woodville, 1970
Population Projections, Lewiston, Woodville, Woodville,
Township and Bertie County, 1970-2000
Population by Age and Sex, Powellsvlle, 1970
Projected Population, Powellsville and Bertie County, 1970--2000
Population by Age and Sex, Roxobel, 1970
Projected Population, Roxobel, Roxobel Township and Bertie
County, 1970-2000
Page
115
119
123
127
132
136,
141
144
150
151
154
158
161
166
168
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MAPS
1. Population Distribution, Rertie County
2. Townships
3, Transportation
4. Bertie County General Soils Map
5, Historic Sites
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Page
6
9
31
51-A
63
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FIGURES
Page
1.
Commercial
Forest,
Ownership
66
2.
Bertie County, Forest Types
67
3.
Population
Projections, Bertie County
86
1.
Population
Trends,
Askewtrille, 1940-1970
116
1.
Population
Trends,
A:ulander, 1940-1975
121
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1.
Population
Trends,
Coierain, 1940"1975
131
1.
Population
Trends,
Kelford, 1940r.1970
142
1.
Population
Trends,
Woodville, 1940,1975
148
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2.
Population
Trends,
Lewiston, 1940-1975
149
1.
Population
Trends,
Powellsville, 1940,1975
159
1.
Population
Trends,
Roxobel, 1940-1975
165
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DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT CONDITIONS
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A. POPULATION AND ECONOMY
POPULATION
Bertie County has been experiencing population loss since 1950 (Table L').
This outmigration can be attributed to, first, a.national trend of. migration
A from rural areas to urban areas, and,.secondly, a change in the agricultural
practices which reduced the labor demand for agricultural workers,
Tables.2 and 3.examine population shifts between 1960 and 1970 for town-
ships and municipalities, Note that while Windsor township lost population
during the decade, the Town of Windsor gained in population.. Askewville, which
is in Windsor Township, also gained population. The Town of Colerain also gained
in population while Coleraini Township lost.. This would indicate that migration
is occurring within the County, with the rural areas losing population and towns
gaining -in population.
Generally those who migrate from one area to another are the young, the
.better educated and the economically disadvantagedx Each of these groups are
seeking opportunities which they perceive as not existing in their native area.
This has implication for service offered by local government. First, demand for
facilities :and services for the elderly will increase. Secondly, fewer children
will be attending County schools. Other services, such as recreation; will be
affected by these population changes. Table 4 examines population change by
age group and race.
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�• � , .. � -=i -ter ; ' � '_" � • � ! _ - — � � . 1
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rrr • •• •r � '-, • ` �- • •a• • - �`
BERTIE COUNTY •J/'' �- y ' •
NORTH CAROLINA j ` +•
POPULATION —
DISTRIBUTION
1 Dot Represents 50 People MAY 1975
MAP 1'
0 0 0 0 0 0 i 0 1 s 0
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Table 1
1m
AN
POPULATION TRENDS
BERTIE COUNTY
1940 - 1970
NUMBER
YEAR
COUNTY
CHANGE
1940
26,201
--
1950
26,439
238
1960
24,350
-2,089
1970
20,528
-3,822
Source: U. S. Census of Population, 1960 and 1970
• 7

TABLE 2
SUM=Y OF POPULATION
TRENDS
BERTIE COUNTY AND TOWNSHIPS
1960 and 1970
Change: 1960 .. 1.970
1960
1970
Number
Percent
BERTIE.COUNTY
24,350
20,528
-3,822
- 15.6
` Colerain
4,756
4,069 -
- 687
- 14.4
Indian Woods
1,183
874
- 309
26.1
Merry Hill
-1,242
630
- 612
49.2
Mitchells
2,860
2,373
- 487
- .17.0
Roxob.el
2,256
1,871
- 385
- 17.0
Snakebite
1,206
1,036
= 170
- 14.0. °O
Whites..,
2,029
2,006
23
- 1.1
Windsor
6,893.
6,141
- .752
- 10.9
Woodville
1,925
1,528
397
- .20.6
Source: U.. S.
Census of Population, 1970

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SN
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JUL-
WOOOVILr E lTW.P� - _ —WHIT _P
OWAO
at
4L&V%w t!-
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00 amoft•. - �� MER
IN-OIAN _ WI SO =r 1 H!
TO
BERTIE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA (��' �` +•��+
.` is
TOWNSHIPS

TABLE 3
POPULATION TRENDS
SELECTED PLACES
BERTIE COUNTY
1960 and 1970
Change:
1960 - 1970
1960
1970
Place
Population
Population.
Number
Percent
Colerain
340
373
33
9.7
h,
o Powellsville
259
247
-12
-4.6
Aulander
1,083
947
-136
-12.5
Kelford
362
295
-67
-18.5
Roxobel
452
347
-105
-23.2
Askewville
195
247
52
26.7
Windsor
1,813
2,199
386
21.3
Lewiston
360
327
-33
-9.2
Woodville
344
253
-91
-26.5
Source:
U. S. Census of Population,
1970

TABLE 4
POPULATION
CHANGE BY AGE GROUP
AND RACE
BERTIE COUNTY
1960 -- 1970
Change:,1960
- 1970
1960
1970-
Number
Percent
Age Group
White -
Nonwhite
White
Nonwhite
White
Nonwhite
White
Nonwhite
All
9,897
14,453
8,913
11,615
984
2,838
9.9
19.6
Under 5
814
2,321
557
1,169
-257
-1,152
-31.5
-49.6
5 t6 9
965
2,222
678
1,531
-287
- 691
-29..7
-31.0
10 to 14
1,031
1,992
764
1,763
-267
- 229
-25.8
-11.4
15 to 19
:830
1,.492
822
. 1,493
- 8
1
- 0.9
-29.5
20 to 29
1,035
.1,440
1,032
1,014.
- 3
- 426
- 0.2
--29.5
30 to 44
1,882,.
2,190 .1,434
1,603
-448
-- 587
-23.8
-26.8
.45,ta 59
1,785
1,594
1,856.
1,676
71
82
3.9
5.1
60 to 64
465
345
559
441
94
96
20.2
27.8
�5 and Over
'1,090
.857
1,211
925
121
68
11.1
7.9
Source: U.
S. Census
of.Population,
1960
and 1970

BERTTE"COUNTY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
From,.-.1960 to 1970 Bertie County has shown a decrease in -total school
enrollment"." Table 5 shows that in 1960, 1,358 persons were enrolled in high.
school as compared to 1,809 in 1970. .This represents a 33 percent change in
high school enrollment. The total number of persons enrolled in college rose.
from 25 in 1960 to 45 in 1970, representing.an 80 percent change. Overall,
the substantial decrease in total school enrollment can be paralleled with ..
total county population decline.
Traditionally,- completion of:school has been low in rural.sputhern
communities. From all indications, over the past ten years, education has
become more important.to the citizens of Bertie County. .As shown in Tables
6-and 7 the -number of individuals with no school years completed .has declined.
e
Comparing the figures -under the headings'High School and College, generally
one conclude's that. -:there has been a trend toward higher education in Bertie
County.
Table.7 lo.oks.at years of school. completed by.sex.
Table 8 eradicates the educational attainment in Bertie County. The
"
largest number of students graduated in 1969 and 1971. In 1969", over 50
percent of the total number of""graduates in Bertie County continued their
education. Of the -school years surdeyed, 1973 was the only year that less
than half the County's high school graduates did not continue their
education.
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1960 and 1970
Change.
1960 and 1970
1960
1970
Number
Percent
Total Enrolled
6,600
6,211
449
6.0
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Kindergarten
44
242
'198
450
Elementary
5,233
4,115
1,118
21.0
High School
1,358
1,809
451
33.0
•
College.
25
45
20
80.0
A
Source:. U.
S. Census of Population, 1960
and 19.70.
A
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TABLE 6
YEARS OF SCHOOL COMPLETED BY SEX .
BERTTE COUNTY
19.60 and 1970
Number
Percent
1960
1970
Change
Change
Male; 25 years old and over
5,385
4,902
483
8.9
No School years completed
219
295
76
34.7
Elementary: 1 to 4 years
1,493
992
501
33.5
5 to 8 years
2,198
1,779
419
1910
High School: 1 to 3'years
670
848
178
26.5
4 years or more
419
574.
`. 155
36.9
College: 1 to 3 years
252
215
37
1-4.6
4 or more
134
199
65
.4.8.5
Median School Years Completed
6.8
7.4 .:.
.6
8.8
Female, 25 years and over.
5,959
5,701
258
4:..3
No School 'Rears Completed
135
129
6
•.4,4
Elementary: 1 to 4 years
749
505
244
32.5.
5 to 8 years
2,406
2,029.
377
15.6
High School: 1 to 3 years
996
.1,4.76
-".480
48,1.' ;
4 years or more
982
914
68
6,9-
College: 1 to 3 years
415
295-- ..
120'
28.9
4 or more
276
353
77
27.8
Median School:.Years Completed
8.5
9.4
.9
10.5
... Source:.'U. S. Census eaR.-Population

TABLE 7
YEARS OF SCHOOL
COMPLETED
BERTIE
COUNTY
•
1960 and.1:970
Number
Percent
Total
1960-
1970.'.
change
change
Male and Female; 25 yrs. & over
11,344
- 10,603
741,
6.0
No. School
years.eompleted
.354
:424
70
19.0
Elementary:
1 to 4 years
2,242
13,497
.745
33.0
5:t6 8 years
4,604
..3,808
-796
17.1
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High School: l.to 3 years
1,666
2,324
­658
39.4
-
..4`years or more
1,401
1,488
87
6.2
College: .:
1 to 3 years
.667
510
157
23,5
4 or more
410 .
552
142
34.6
Source: U,
S,..Census of population,
1960. and
1970.
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lFiriLn O
SURVEY OF HIGH
SCHOOL GRADUATES
RERTIE
COUNTY
1969
1973
Enrolled
In.
Trade
Enrolled
Enrolled
Business
Number
in
In
and
Entered
Number
Of
Senior
Junior
Nursing
Military
Gainfully
All
Years
Graduates_
College
Colleges
Schools
Service
-Employed
Other
.1969
344
61 17.7.
21 6,1
103 29.9
30 8,7
106. 30.8
23
.5.8
1970
311
55 17.7
16. 5,1
115 37.0
7 2,2
97 31.2
21
6,8
1971
341.
62 18.2
25 7..3
98. 28.7
16 4,7
119 -34.9
21-
6.2-
1972
316
60 19.0
19 6.0.
s9o. 28.4
10 3,2_*.
121 28.3
16
5.1
1973
333'
63 18.9
87 26-,1
9. 2,7
25 7,5
149 44,8'
Source: N.
.C...Department•of Public
Education, Surveys'of High. School
Graduates, 1969
^ 1973,

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF THE NONWHITE POPULATION
The nonwhite population school enrollment has declined with the overall
county's total school enrollment decline. In-1960, there were 4,418-nonwhites'
enrolled in Bertie County schools. By 1970 the number of students had
declined by 111,. The most significant change occurred in the number enrolled
in high.schools, a 44 percent change, The most noteworthy-change.is found
in the number enrolled -.'.in college. In 1960 there were 14 nonwhites
in college as compared'to NONE in 1970. (See Table 9)
Table 10 shows,the nonwhite population years of school completed in
Bertie. County...During the 1960 - 1070 decade, Bertie County experienced an
increase in the number of nonwhites with no school years completed, a 25 per-
cent change. From all indications, the nonwhite population is lowest in
educational and income attainment in.Bertie County:
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TABLE 9
NONWHITE POPULATION SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT
BERTIE COUNTY
1960 and 1970
-
Number
Percent
1960
1970
Change
Change
TOTAL ENROLLED
4,418
4,307
ill
2,0
KINDERGARTEN
24
182
158
658
ELEMENTARY
3,583
2,976
607
16.0
HIGH SCHOOL.
797
1,149
352
44.0
'COLLEGE
14
0
A 14
00
;-100 r'
Source; U,
S, Census of Population, 1960
and 1970,

TABLE 10
NONWHITE
POPULATION YEARS OF SCHOOL COMPLETED
BERTIE COUNTY
1960 and 1970
Number
Percent
1960
1970
Change
Change
'-"Males and Females, 25 years old and
over 5,632
5,080
- 552
- 9.0
No School years completed
258
325
67
25.0
Elementary: l to 4
1,626
1,047
579
35.0
5 to 8
2,415
2,010
405
16.0
rn
High School: 1 to 3-
743
1,007
264
35,0
4 or more
377
424
47
12',0
College: 1 to 3
80
80
0
0
4 or more
133
187
54
40.0
M6dan School Years
Completed
6.6
7.0
Source: U. S. Census of Population, 1960
and 1970.

ECONOMY
A definitive analysis of Bertie County's economy is beyond the scope of
this study. This section will attempt to provve an economic overview and
framework of Bertie County to be used by local decision makers.
The past two decades have'witnessed a profound aange in the agricultural
practices in the United States. Farming has become increasing4v mechanized,
creating a trend toward fewer, but larger, farms and fewer workers needed to
produce equal or greater yields. This change in agricultural practices has had
:a tremendous impact upon Bertie County.
fin 1962, 49.7% of Bertie's civilian work force and 54.3% of the County's
employed were engaged in agricultural employment. During the ten year period
between 1962 and 1972, Bertie County lost 1,630 agricultural jobs (31.5% of the.
civilian work force). As Table 17 shows, their loss in agricultural jobs out -
striped job gains made in other sections of the economy.
j .. ..max-.,...,...: __
One method,of analysis of the work force estimates for counties is to divide
the activities reported into basic and non -basic activities. Basic activities are,
y
defined as those which export goods and services outside of the County. In
exporting goods and services,, these activities inject outside money into the
local economy. This "outside"~money has a multiplier effect, in that it supports
other non -basic activities within the County. The non -basic activities are
defined as those which provide goods and services for consumption within the
County.
An example of the basic and non -,basic activities defined above might be
provided.by a peanut farmer in Bertie County. The farmer raises a crop of
peanuts which he sells for consumption outside the County. The farmer's
activities are basic. With the money the farmer receives, he purchases items
• for his family, pays taxes which are used to educate his children and disposes
of his "outside" money in other ways. The merchants who -sell the farmer items,
20

the teacher who teaches his children and others who provide other goods and
services are engaged in non -basic activities.
TABLE 11
BERTIE COUNTY
WORK FORCE ESTIMATES
1962, 1967 and 1972
1962 1967 1972 Net Change 1962-1972 (+ or -)
Civilian Work Force 7840 7190 7210 -630
Unemployment, Total 660 430 520 -140
•
Rate of Unemploy. 8.4 6.0 7.2 -1.2
Employment,.Total 7180 6760 6690 -490
Non'Ag. Wage and Salary
Employ. i 2490 3060 3480 +930
Manufacturing 990 1190 1510 +520
Non Mgs. 1500 1870 1970 +470
•
All other Non Ag, Employ, 790 860 940 +150
Ag. Employment 3900 2840 2270 -1630
lIncludes: Food; lumber and wood; tobacco; apparel; printing; stone; clay and
glass; and non -electrical machinery.
2Includes: Construction; transportation, communication & public utilities;
trade; financial, insurance & real estate; service; government
and other non -manufacturing.
Source: Work Force Estimates, 1972, Employment Security Commission.
In this basic -non -basic approach, the export base �s the major factor
determining the level of the County income in that it supports the non -basic
sector. An indication of the area's economic health -can be gained by examining
the ratio of the basic and non -basic activities in a county, A county that
depends too heavily on one or a few large basic industries may be unstable in
-..that the impact of an economic slump might prove disastrous.
Table 12 utilizes employment figures in breaking down Bertie's employment
into basic and non -basic activities for the years 1962, 1967 and 1972. In 1962
Bertie County had an extremely high proportion of basic activities. This is due. to
the dominate role played by agricultural employment. By 1972 radical change had
21

7
occurred in the employment pictures The number of basic activities decreased
while an increase occurred in the non -basic sector, both as a whole and in gross
numbers.
While it is recognized that the ratio between basic and non -basic will
vary,:an increase in.basic employment generally gives rise to increased
• -supporting employment. Perhaps most significant is the direction of change
of,the ratio. An increase in the ratio of .basic employment to total :employ--..
went might indicate a new growth cycle, whereas a decrease may indicate a
leveling off or decline.
TABLE 12 s
EMPLOYMENT ANALYSTS
LM
LM
�7'
•
Bertie County
1962, 1967 and-1972.
Employment Catagory
.BASIC
-'`Manufacturing
Food
Wood & Lumber
Other Manufacturing
Total Manufacturing
Non -Manufacturing
Agricultural
All other non -manufacturing
Total Non -manufacturing
TOTAL BASIC
TOTAL NON -BASIC
Total Employed
Percent Basic/Total Employed
22
Number of Employees
1962 1967 1972
160
130
130
680
700-
660
150
360
720
990
1190
1510
3900
2840
2270
790
860
940
4690
3700
3210
5680
4890
4720
1500
1870
1970
7180
6760
6690
79.1
72.3
70.6 ' -
7

The decrease in total jobs available in Bertie County between 1962 and
1972.caused those that were displaced from the job market to seek employment
elsewhere. Undoubtedly,this contributed to the outmigration experienced by
Bertie County during the 1960's. Others chose to remain in Bertie County and
commute•to surrounding areas in order to obtain employment.
Table 13 examines commuting patterns for Bertie County during 1960 and
1970. Note the large net commuting loss between 1960 and 1970. The surrounding
counties of Hertford and Northampton captured the largest numbers of commuters.
Residents of Bertie County showed a willingness to commute as far as Norfolk,
Virginia and Beaufort County in order to find work.
Bertie-County had a personal income total of $52 million in:1972. This
broke down to.a per capita income of $2,461. This per capita income is only
55% of the national average and 66% of the State average.
Income data for families, often a more meaningful index of income, shows
a similar low level of income. The median family in Bertie County during
1969 was $4,829. The median income of black families was $3,296. The
following table (Tabel 14) examines family income and other income data for
Bertie County. The data is further broken down by race.
The income data (Table 14)gives an indication of the overall wealth and
prosperity of the population of the County. Incomes can serve as the bell
weather of the local economy.
Another indication of economic health is the number.o£ manufacturing
firms - in the County and the number employed by the firms. Table 15 lists
manufacturing firms in the County and the number,employed'by the firms..
23

TABLE 13
COMMUTING
PATTERNS FOR BERTTE COUNTY
1960
1970
Out-
in-
Out--
In-.
Count
Commuting Commuting
Commuting Commuting_
Beaufort
12
48
22
Chowan
38
25
249
12
Edgecombe
4
--
0
0
Gates
4
7
10
0
Halifax
.18
12
17
10
•
Hertford
450
183
753
121
Martin
38
58
98
124
Nash
0
0
4
0
Northampton
25
46
103
62
•
Pasquotank
3
--
0
8
Pitt
0
0
0
9-
Tyrrell
•0
0
0
7
Washington
4
--
21
28
•
Norfolk (Virginia)
0
0
33
--
Elsewhere
69
51
128
55
TOTAL:
658
394
1,464
458
•
Live & Work -in Bertie County
6,387
6,387
4,46.6
4,466
Employed Residents
7,045
xxx
5,930
xxx
Persons Working`in
Bertie '.�.
xxx
6,781
xxx
4,924
County.
Net Commuting -Gain
(+).or Loss (-) -264
-1,006
SOURCE: Employment Security
Commission of North Carolina North Carolina
Commuting
Patterns,
1960 and 1970,
•
24

TABLE 14
FAMILY INCOME DATA FOR BERTIE COUNTY, 1969
Bertie Co-. N. C.
All Families
Median income
$4,829
$7,774
Percent Receiving Public
Assistance•:..
26w,4, :,_
4.4
Percent Less than Poverty
Level
36.9
16.3
Percent Less than 75%
Poverty Level.
27.9
11.0
Percent Less than 125%
Poverty Level
45.1
22.3
Black Families
Median Income
$3,296
Percent Receiving
Public
Assistance
31.5
Percent Less than
Poverty
Level
56.2
Percent Less than
75%
Poverty Level
44.8
Percent Less than
125%
Poverty Level
64.9
Source: 1970 U. S.. Census of 'Population
25
$4,803
4.37
28.7
27.3
49.3

•
•
9
TABLE 15
MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Bertie County, 1975
Employment
Firm i
Location
Product
Range
Blue Ridge Shoe Corp.
Aulander
Shoes
100-249
National Peanut Corp.
Aulander
Peanuts
100-249
Georgia Pacific Corp.
Colerain
Timber
10-19
Perry, Wynns Fish Co.
Colerain
Canned herring,rock-&
fish 250-499
Kelford Coca Cola Bottling
Co.
Kelford
Soft drinks
10-19
H. E. Bunch Pattern Works
Lewiston
Wood & metal patterns,
Non-ferrous castings,
5-9
Models and mockups;
Special millwork items
Harrington Manu. Co.
Lewiston
Farm &industrial machinery
250-499
Weyerhaeuser Co.
Lewiston
Pine lumber
50-99
Roxobel Garment Co.
Roxobel
Children & Women's apparel
50-99
Bertie Industries Inc.
Windsor
Contract sewing
100-249
Bertie Stave Co.'
Windsor
Whiskey barrel staves
20-49
Blue Bell, Inc.
Windsor
Female dungarees.
100-249
Robert Sherlock Byrum
Windsor.
Logging
5-9
Copper Sand Co., Inc.
Windsor
Sand
5-9
Coulbourn Lumber Co.
Windsor
Dressed pine lumber
50-99
Gillam Bros, Peanut Shellers
Windsor
Peanuts
50-99
Stubbs Veneer Co.
Windsor
Rotary hardwood veneer
20-49
Lea Lumber & Plywood Co.
Windsor
Cut to size plywood
250-499
Metco
Windsor
American.buildings'metal
10-19
Windsor Wood Prod,, Inc.
Windsor
Furniture components
10-19
Tompson & Co.
Windsor
Cypress,..'.pine:_lumber_.&_chips.,10-19
Obie White & Sons
Windsor
Pine lumber
5-9
26
41

•
B. EXISTING LAND USE
Bertie County has a total of 464,576 acres within its boundaries. Water
•
areas comprise 23,986 acres, or 5.1 percent of this. The dominate land use
within the land area of the county is forestry, which has 309,083 acres, or
66,5 percent of the total area. Following forestry are croplands with 94,
234 acres (20.3 percent); other land in farms, such as feed lots, road, etc.
17,970 acres (3.9 percent); urban and built up land, 13,277 acres (2.9 percent);
and pasture, 6,116 acres (1.3 percent).
•
Between 1958 and 1967, Bertie County had a 314.9 percent change in the
number of acres in the urban and built up category. There was a small increase
in forest land (0.4 percent) and losses in cropland (-6.4 percent), pasture
(-10.2) and other land uses (-18.5.percent).
An examination.of the existing land use map will reveal that the county's
population is grouped in and around the communities. This seems to be the
•
pattern, with population leaving the more remote areas and migrating either
a=
out of the county or locating near population concentrations within the county.
Conceptually,,the county can'be viewed as having concentration of
•
development in the incorporated areas of Askewville, Aulander, Colerain,
Roxobel, Kelford, Lewiston -Woodville and Windsor, An unincorporated popula-
tion concentration exists in the Merry Hill section. The areas surrounding
•
these islands of development are used as a resource base for farming and wood
products.
Presently, development patterns are sufficiently dispersed so as to create
•
no significant compatibility problems from unplanned development which have
implications for future land use.
Two areas of the county are experiencing or.likely to experience major
•
27
0

land use changes. The Merry Hill section of southeast Bertie County has
been and is likely to continue experiencing an increase in residential develop-
ment, Job opportunities provided in nearby Plymouth make this area an
attractive residential area.
The second area likely to experience major land use changesthe
Wogdville-Lewiston and Roxobel-Kelford area. A large chicken processing
plant has recently opened on N.C.308 between the two areas. It is anticipated
that future land use changes will result from (1) support industries moving
into the area and (2) residential development resulting from the new job
opportunities in the area. There is a high potential for haphazard develop-
ment and conflicting.land uses in the area.

C. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
Current plans, policies and regulations provide a means to analyze prior
identification of needs and local.government's response to those identified
needs. What follows is.a listing of plans, policies and regulations available
to and commonly used by local governments in North Carolina..
1. Plans and Policies
Transportation Plans - Bertie County has no transportation plans. The
•
following is an analysis of the county's transportation systems. The primary •
mode of transportation.in Bertie County is highway based transportation.
North -South routes through the County are provided by N.C. 11 in the western
portion of the County; U.S. 13 running from Williamston, through Windsor,
to Ahoskie; and N.C. 45 running from Plymouth through Colerain into Hertford
County. East-West transportation routes within the'County are largely centered
around Windsor. U.S. 17 enters Bertie County at Williamston, proceeds to •
Windsor, and.from there toward Edenton. N.C. 308 begins in Windsor and runs
northeast toward and through Lewiston, Roxobel and.Kelford. N.C. 305 branches
off U.S. 13 five miles north of'Windsor and proceeds to Aulander. In the •
northern part of the County, Colerain is connected to Powellsville and U.S. 13
by N.C. 350 running west from Colerain.
In addition to the above, the County is interlaced with secondary roads.
•
There are a total of 490 miles of secondary roads in the County of which 209
miles, or 42.6% are unpaved. Table 16 examines the highway mileage by systems
in Bertie County.
The automobile plays a dominant role in the transportation picture of
Bertie County. Between 1960 and 1972, the number of automobile registrations
•
in Bertie County increased from 5,393 to 8,059, an increase of almost 50 percent
29
0

•
during a period when the:).County lost population. In 1972, one car was
registered'for.every 2.5 persons,
•
TABLE 16
Highway Mileage by Systems
Bertie County
Primary Secondary
Rural 128 477
Municipal. 12 13
Unpaved 0 209
Total 140 490
Source: N. C. State Government Statistical Abstract
Little is available for personal transportation in Bertie County, other than
the private automobile. Carolina Trailways serves Bertie County with inter
city bus service for fare paying passengers and smaller packages. Their routes
follow N. C. 11, U.S, 13 and U.S.. 17. No bus stations are located in the
County but agency stops are located in Aulander, Lewiston and Windsor.
Taxis offer a limited means of fare -paying transportation. The Choanoke Area
Development Association (CADA) operates a rural public transportation 'service,
in the rural areas of Bertie County. The system is intended primarily for the
low income, elderly and handicapped persons, Service is available through
•
regular routes or on demand.
Air transportation is difficult to obtain in Bertie County. Those
• seeking regular passenger service must.travel to the Rocky Mount -Wilson
Airport or to Norfolk, There are two general aviation aircraft based in
Bertie County. The nearest- publ cl)r7 owned airport is Tri-County Airport
in Hertford County.
•
30

�]
Historically, water transportation has played a major role in the develop-
ment of Bertie County. The Roanoke, Chowan and Cashie Rivers were used as
early avenues of trade. Today, water transport has almost ceased in the •
County. Surface transport, both rail and trucking, has replaced water trans-
port. The rivers today serve more as�a barrier to transportation than a
•
means of transportation.
The Roanoke River::has historically been maintained as.a navigation
project by the U. S. Army.Corps of Engineers. The project provides for a
•
channel 12 feet deep and 150 feet wide from the Albemarle Sound to one mile
above Plymouth, then 10 feet deep and 100 feet wide to Hamilton, then 8 feet
deep and 80 feet wide to Palmyra Landing and then 5 feet deep and 50 feet
wide to Weldon. The.Corps-has failed to properly maintain the river in recent
years and it is doubtful the project still exists. In any event no trade is
transported from Bertie County via the Roanoke River.
•
The Chowan River hasa channel 12 feet deep and 80 feet wide running its
entire length. Water transport is provided the Town of Colerain. Due to
the Chowan, the areas of the County adjoining it could be utilized by indus-
tries dependent upon water transport.
The Cashie River is also navigable. In the past it has been used
principally to transport pulpwood, sand, gravel and crushed stone. During
1973 no commerce was reported on the Cashie.
Rail service -is provided in Bertie County by Seaboard Coast Line whose
tracks run through the northwestern corner of the County. Rail service is
•
.provided to Aulander, Roxobel-Kelford and Woodville -Lewiston.
31
•

C14'
rn.

w
The Mid -East Commission has completed a Regional Transportation Plan
which can provide an overview of transportation in Region Q and Bertie County's
relationship to the regional transportation network,
Community Facilities Plan - Bertie County has no comprehensive community facili-
ties plan. It has had two plans completed that deal with water and sewer
• needs. The first study of this type was conducted by Rivers and Associates
in 1968,�the- Bertie County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Study. The study
contains recommendations for water and sewer facilities for the county.
A Region Q Water Management Plan prepared for the Mid East Commission in 1975
also examines the water and sewer needs of Bertie County. This information
is presented later in this plan,
One 1201' wastewater treatment area has been designated in Bertie County.
The area centers around the Lewiston -Woodville area and includes Roxobel and
Kelford. A comprehensive wastewater treatment plan will be developed for the
40
area,
utilities Extension Policies - Bertie County has no utilities.extension
policy.
Cr
Recreation Policy With the.advent of Revenue Sharing, the County began making
recreation grants available to local communities, These grants are adminis-
itered through a recreation advisory committee, This committee reviews
requests from local communities and prepares a budget for submission to the
County Commissioners, The current policy of the recreation committee and the
County Commissioners is to continue assisting communities in providing their
own recreational activities,
Open Space Policies - Bertie County has no policy for the acquisition or preser-
vation of open space.
33
0

Prior Land Use Plans Bertie County has not had any prior land use plans
prepared. The county has had a planning board established for a number of years.
•
Prior Land Use Policies - Bertie County has no prior land use policies.
2. Local Regulations
Counties in North Carolina have available to them a broad range of regula-
tory powers which enable local government to influence land use decisions.
Below are listed a number of these regulations and their status in Bertie
County..
Zoning Ordinance - Bertie County does not enforce a zoning ordinance in any
form.
Subdivision Regulations - Bertie County does not enforce any subdivision regu-
lations. •
Floodway Ordinances - Bertie County is not enforcing any floodway ordinances.
The County is not under the emergency flood insurance program and has not been
identified as a flood hazard area: At the time of this writing there are no
plans to map .the flood prone areas of Bertie County. Without these areas mapped,
it would be difficult, if not impossible, to adequately enforce a floodway
ordinance.
Building Codes - Bertie County is presently enforcing the North Carolina Electri-
cal Code. Some consideration is being given to extending code enforcement to
include the building and plumbing codes.
•
Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Ordinance - The county planning board presently
has under consideration a mobile home'and travel trailer ordinance.
•
34
•

w
Septic Tank Regulations - The Bertie County Health Department is presently
enforcing septic tank regulations. These regulations meet minimum standards
established by the N. C. Department of Human Resources.
Historic District Regulations- Bertie County does not enforce any historic
* district regulations.
Nuisance Regulations - Bertie County has no nuisance regulations which impact
land use patterns.
•
Dune Protection Ordinances - Bertie County has no dune protection ordinances.
Sedimentation Codes - Bertie County has no sedimentation codes.
0
Environmental Impact Statement Ordinance - Bertie County has no environmental.
impact statement ordinance.
3. Federal and State Regulations
As can be seen above, Bertie County enforces few regulations which have
a significant impact on land use decisions. Of more consequence are the
myriad of state and federal regulations which impact on the citizens,of
Bertie County.
The state guidelines for preparation of these land use plans require that
these state and federal regulations be listed and discussed. The N. C. Depart-
ment of Natural and Economic Resources was to prepare such a listing and
discussion for inclusion in this plan. At the date of this writing, no such
listing has been presented to local governments for inclusion into these
plans.
•
35
•

111, MAJOR LAND USE ISSUES
(PII$LIC PARTICIPATION ACTIVITIES)
•

d
A. IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF MAJOR LAND USE ISSUES
.The basic thrust of this plan is the identification of major land use
issues and proposed courses.of action to deal with the identified issues. In
identifying the major land use issues discussed in this plan, five subject
! areas were examined. These were: (1) the impact of .population and economic
trends; (2) the provision of adequate housing and other services; (3) the
conservation of productive natural, -resources; (4) the.,protection.of_important
natural environments; and_(5)'the'.protection of cultural and historic.:.resources.
Analysis of the above five areas resulted in the identification of,five
major issues facing Bertie County. Theseissues were: (1) the need -for addi-
tional economic development in the county; (2) the protection and utilization
of valuable natural resources;:(3) the need to improve factors affecting .the
quality of life in the county=;._W'the need to address land development.pxob-
lems facing the county;,and"(5) the need to provide a local government capable
of meeting the challenges facing Bertie County.
The number one identified need in Bertie County is the need for addition-
al economic development. The. -previous section on'population and economy de-
scribed the effects'of chang ng.agricultural.practices onA'.the population :and
economy of Bertie County. If the county is unable to attract additional
w economic development, then..the county is destined to remain at or near -the
bottom in a.ranking of North Carolina counties.in areas -such -as per -capita
r .
income, average family income,'.percent below poverty level, numbe.r.of.sub-
f
stantial housing units, etc. Outmigration is likely to continue,.although at
not as great a rate as in..the_past. The desire.to-attain.a higher standard
of living for all the citizens of the county will.not-:be"achieved.
� s
31

w
To break this cycle of poverty, the county has decided to continue its
efforts to attract additional industries into the county. In doing this, the 0
county will seek to upgrade the skills of the labor force, encourage the
development and utilization of the county's natural resources and further
develop the county's infrastructure to better accommodate new industry.
It is hoped that by attracting new industry into the county, income
levels will rise, unemployment will drop, and the trend of outmigration will
be stemmed.
The second major land use issue identified was the conservation and
utilization of the county's natural resources. Agriculture and forestry are
major factors in the local economy, as well as the dominant land uses in -the
county. These resources, properly utilized and managed, can continue to put
dollars into the local economy, provide recreation, safeguard the environment
and ensure the retention of the rural quality of life in Bertie County.
In order to conserve and develop its natural resources, Bertie County
needs an inventory of what those resources are. The county has long recog-
nized the need for a detailed soils inventory. During preparation of this plan, •
the county was able to begin surveying the soils of the entire county, begin-
ning in the growth areas or "hot spots."
In addition to inventorying the county's resources, it was felt that w
there existed a need to inform the small land owner of the need to properly
manage his productive natural resources. Efforts in this direction were to
be in supporting existing educational programs, such as the County Agricultural
Extension Service,_ and expanding programs into new areas such as forestry
management. Suggestions were made to hire a County Extension Forester to
serve the same function as the Agricultural Extension Service.
38

A
In an effort to ensure.the..protection of the county's natural resources,
future county regulations and policies will be cognizant of, and address,
constraints on development such as those discussed in this report.
A third major land use issue was identified and labeled "Quality of Life,".
The goal.isa result of many -expressions of thepositive aspects of life in
Bertie County. Included.under,:..this goal are such things as recreation., com-
munity spirit,communications, shelter, shopping opportunities, church life,
and many other factors which contribute to the community and how. the resi
dents feel about it.
In the efforts to obtain citizen input, both surveys and small.,group
meetings, residents indicate& that the most desirable aspects of life...in
Bertie County were such intangible factors as "the rural atmosphere," "good
neighbors," "no pollution," "the'hunt ing and fishing in the area," "a sense
of community"and similar qualities. The residents of the county wish to re.-
�. tain these qualities of life in Bertie County.while seeking changes in.economic
development.
Bertie`County has few, if any, major land development problems. --The
s sparsely developed, rural nature of the county accounts for few -conflicting
land uses.. Despite this land development was identified as a major land use
issue
A Citizens.araund the county cited such land development problems.'as.in-
adequate'lot.size, septic tank'problems due -.to soil characteristics, improper
mobile home developments and.other such problems. These problems -were -large-
ly centered in areas around communities in the county that were not serviced
by water and sewer:
The recent completiori..of.the Purdue plant in the Lewiston -Woodville area
* is expected to increase development.pressure in the northwestern section.of,
39

the county.. The .need to comply with development pressures by ensuring
orderly development through such devices as subdivision regulations and
mobile home park regulations is'recognized by the local officials.
If the county proves successful in attracting additional economic
development,. other areas of.Bertie County will be faced with development
.pressures similar to those presented by the perdue plant. - .The need to:pro-
vide the local control necessary to ensure orderly growth has been recognized.
a
A fifth major landuse. issue was identified which dealt with the effi-
ciency and responsiveness of local government.. If this plan:is to be a key
element in providing for a growing, prosperous Bertie County,.then it must
be implemented. Howwell it is.implemented is dependent on (1).how.closely
it matches the desires of -the people of Bertie County, and (2) the ability of
local government to carry.out.the objectives listed in this -document.
This goal seeks to involve more people.in the local government.process
and to ensure that the programs suggested are carried out in the most effi-
cient manner.
B. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN THE DEVELOPMENT s
OF GOALS AND POLICIES
Three basic alternatives were considered in the development of the goals
and policies for this plan. 'These alternatives centered on the overall growth A
and development of Bertie County. The alternatives were:
(1) To take no action, with .the probable results being a continuation
of the trends of outmigration, high --levels of poverty, poor housing
r
conditions, etc.;
(2) To seek'a reversal -.of the outmigration, a rise in income.levels, re�
duced unemployment,.etc.; and, w
40

M
(3) To seek large scale industrial development.
The second alternative was, -selected. This alternative was in.keep ng
r with.the desires of the citizens of the county to seek more economic develop-
ment while retaining,.the:,rural lifestyle of Bertie.County.
The concensus on the desirable, growth direction for the county -was
40 held by almost every citizen contacted by the public participation effort.
C.' LAND USE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals provide an ideal,or target. to aim for-. The following goals -and
objectives were established for Bertie. County. The goal is a broad, general
area or issue such as growth... The.objectives listed under that goal..'de-'
scribe specifics such as. -the rate of growth desired by the county. When
taken together,. these goals and objectives draw a picture of what..Bert�e
County should look like in -the future. Your elected officials will constantly
refer to these goals.while considering -matters related -to the future growth
and development of Bertie County. The goals and objectives for-Bertie County
are:,
I. GOAL: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT f
Using almost.any indicator, per.capita income, family income, etc..,
Bertie County is shown to be an economically underdeveloped area.
Sixty-three percent of.the County's residents responding to a ques-
tionnaire. felt that unemployment was a moderate or severe problem
while 56.8 percent felt that lack of employment was a.moderate or
severe problem. The need for more economic.development was cited
in every public meeting held by the Planning Board.
Economic development was felt to be the most severe problem facing
Bertie County and was.assigned the number one priority. In,an effort
to achieve more economic development, the following objectives should
be pursued:
To maintain or increase the present County,efforts to recruit industry.
- To upgrade the skillsof the unemployed to enable them to qualify for
available jobs...-
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- To assemble.information on loans, grants, market analyses, etc., to
be used by individuals or corporations interested in establishing a
business in Bertie County.
- To assist local communities in upgrading their water and sewer systems
in order .to enable them to become more competitive in attracting in-
dus try.
To encourage the development and.utilization of the natural resources
in Bertie County.-
- To attempt.to stop the County population loss'by providing -job oppor-
tunities.*
II. GOAL: NATURAL RESOURCES
Bertie County has an.abundant supply of.natural resources.. Forestry and
agriculture are major factors in the local economy and the dominant land
use in the County. These resources, properly utilized and managed, can
continue to put dollars into the local economy, provide recreation, safe-
guard the environment.and ensure the retention of the rural quality of
life in Bertie County.
In order to utilize .and ..manage the natural resources of Bertie County,
the following objectives should be pursued:
- To seek a detailed soils map of the entire County.
- To support programs which assist agricultural development within the •
County.
- To encourage proper forest management by providing education as to its
benefits.
- To address the constraints on development in preparing County regula-
tions and policies.
III. GOAL: QUALITY OF LIFE
The goal regarding -quality of life covers a broad area. Included under
it are such things as recreation, community spirit, communications, shelter,
shopping opportunities, church life, and many other factors which contribute
to our community and the way we feel about.it.
Most County residents, when asked "what do you like best about Bertie
County?" generally list items, such as, "the rural atmosphere," "good 49
neighbors," "no pollution," "the hunting and fishing.in the area," "a
sense of community;'and other -qualities such as these. In seeking changes
such as :economic development it is important not to lose these qualities
for in doing so we may raise our standard of living but make our lives
less meaningful and enjoyable. The following objectives are proposed:
A
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- To retain the rural lifestyle of Bettie County.
- To retain.the environmental quality and protect the natural resources
of Bettie County.
• - To develop recreational facilities with programs to utilize those
facilities.
- To provide -recreation for'all age groups.
- To support programs which assist the elderly in maintaining their
independence.
- To.seek improvement in the transportation system in Bettie County.
- To support community pride by.encouraging local control of programs
such as recreation, fire and rescue departments.
- To facilitate communication by supporting the concept of a county -wide
telephone system.
- To encourage the development of safe and adequate housing and upgrade
existing housing.
- To support greater cultural opportunity.
- To encourage the development of safe and adequate housing -and upgrade
existing housing.
- To support greater cultural opportunity.
- To encourage the development of shopping opportunities.
- To establish boat.ramps.on the County's waterways.
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- To initiate a junk car removal program.
IV. GOAL: LAND DEVELOPMENT
One might not expect .a county such as Bettie,,which.is.losing..population,
to be.facing any land_development.problems. Yet citizens around the
County have cited such.land..development problems as inadequat,e.lot.size,
septic tank problem due.to.soil characteristics, improper mobile home
development:.and other such problems. If Bettie County succeeds -in
attracting development it will face ari increasing number of land devel-
opment problems.
r
In order to cope with existing land development problems and to avoid
future problems, the'following objectives will be pursued.
To obtain a detailed soils map of the county.
- To educate -the public on the effect of differing soil types on septic
tank performance.
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- To adopt subdivision regulations to ensure the orderly subdivision of
land.
- To adopt zoning regulatilons in rapidly developing areas to avoid con-
flicting land uses. •
- To encourage the development of housing within the.county..
- To establish building codes enforcement to ensure.standard.construction.
- To adopt a mobile home .park ordinance to ensure the orderly development •
of mobile homes in Bertie County.
- To address the constraints placed.on development by areas of environ-
mental concern in local regulations and policies.
V. GOAL: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
•
Every .citizen has a stake in how well his local government operates. In-
efficient local government wastes taxpayers' money and is ineffective at
solving problems. The objectives set forth here seek to ensure effective
local government which can deal with day-to-day problems and strive for
long-term goals such as are expressed in this document. -The keys to the •
implementation of this plan are, first, a desire of the local community
to implement it, and second, the ability of.local government.to address
long-range.goals. The following objectives are suggested:
To developa management system capable -of implementing this plan.
•
= To increase efficiency of local government by.coordinating of pro-
grams and departments.
- To increase black involvement in decision making..
- To foster cooperation among communities within the County. •
- To -better communicate the purpose and operation of County programs to
.the public.
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Do PROCESS USED IN DETERMINING GOALS
The Bertie County Planning Board used a three step process in determining
goals. The first step was a data gathering and analysis process. This pro-
vided the planning board with an insight into whether,.and to -What degree,
problems existed in areas such as housing, wages, employment, forestry and
agricultural production, etc.
The second step in the goal determination process was an effort to as- .
certain what the public perceived as the problems, needs, and desirable points
of life in Bertie County. Two methods were used in an effort to obtain the
desired public input into the planning process. One of these was a question-
naire distributed county -wide through school children. The questionnaire asked
questions related to local problems, level of local government expenditures and
a number of questions regarding development and environmental quality.
In addition to the survey of opinions in the county, the planning board
held a number of meetings throughout the county so as to be afforded an oppor-
tunity to hold small group discussions on'possible goals and objectives. In
holding these meetings, a process known as the nominal group process was used.
This process ensures maximum participation by each person attending and does
now allow any one person or group of persons to dominate the discussion.
With the information from the data collection and analysis and the small
group discussions, the planning board met to develop the goals and objectives
that were presented in the prior discussion. The process ensured maximum public
participation and goals that are an accurate reflection of the desires of
the citizens of Bertie County.
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In August; 1975, the planning board met and -utilizing the information
obtained from the survey and.the.public meetings, established the goals that
are contained.within this.report.. •
In November, 1975, a draft..of the plan was submitted to the CRC.for review.
Comments from this review were received and corrections and additions were
made to the plan. •
On May 8, 1976, the.Bertlie County Commissioners held a public hearing on
the plan and subsequently adopted it.
To what extent was.public-participation successful? The public.participa- •
tion process was designed so as to give every individual in Bertie County a
chance to participate in the -planning process, however only about.35.percent
of the adult -population participated: Proportionately, participation by.blacks
was higher than by whites._. It was felt that those who did'participate made a
meaningful contribution to the planning process.
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�. SECURING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Bertie County's public participation program was developed by the local
• planning board following suggestions outlined in the Coastal Resources Commis-
sion's "Handbook on Public Participation." In addition to the steps outlined
in the handbook, meetings were held in the various communities of the county
• where small group discussions centered on identifying county land use issues.
The first phase of the program .was to inform local citizens about the
CAMA program. The local newspaper, the'Bertie Advance -Ledger, gave extensive
• coverage to the planning board's activities. In addition, a number of CAMA
related articles were published and a large number of CAMA leaflets were dis-
tributed.
•
While the informational process was evolving, the planning board held a
number of public meetings throughout the county in an effort to obtain public
input into the planning process. Meetings were held in Aulander, Colerain,
• Askewville, Merry Hill, Roxobel-Kelford, Lewiston -Woodville, and a number in
Windsor. At these meetings, each person was asked to identify land use issues
in the county and then each group established priorities for those issues listed.
The information was retained from each meeting for use by the planning board
in setting goals.
In an effort to reach a broader segment of the population than would be
• possible through the public meetings, approximately 2,000 questionnaires were
distributed throughout the county using school children. These questionnaires
asked questions related to local problems, levels of local government expendi-
•
tures, and a number of questions regarding development and environmental quality.
Responses were tabulated by the Regional Development Institute at East Carolina
University and analyzed by computer.
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A. LAND POTENTIAL
1. PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
a. Hazard Areas
Hazard areas can be either man-made or natural. Bertie County has few
man-made hazard areas. Possibly of greatest danger are above ground tanks
used for storage of flammable liquids. There exist no concentration of
these in Bertie County. Caution should be exercised in development of sites
immediately adjacent to any existing tank. Future land use regulations should
address this subject in order to avoid potential problems.
Two types of natural hazard areas exist in Bertie County: flood hazard
areas and estuarine erodible areas. The shoreline of the Chowan River and
Albemarle Sound has a high probability of excessive erosion occurring, thereby
endangering development in the area. Estuarine erodible areas are examined
in Part Two under discussion of areas of environmental concern.
Based on a general soils map, approximately 66 percent of the county is
subject to flood hazard. Flooding hazards range from seasonal flooding of the
Roanoke River bottom land to tidal flooding in areas adjacent to the Chowan
River and Albemarle Sound. The Town of Windsor has taken steps to come under
the National,Flood Insurance Program. Because of this, detailed maps of the
flood -prone areas in Windsor are being prepared.
Detailed mapping of flood -prone areas in the county outside of Windsor
are non-existent. Rough mapping of the 100-year flood level has been done by,
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for parts of the Roanoke and Chowan rivers.
No topographic maps exist for the Chowan River.
County officials have made no efforts to come under .the flood insurance
program. The general opinion is that, other than Windsor, areas subject to
flooding are underdeveloped and are likely to remain so. Benefits of joining
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the program are: (1) obtaining detailed mapping of flood prone areas, and
(2) qualifying county residents for flood insurance.
Also of major concern is the flooding of the Roanoke caused by release of •
water from dams upstream from Bertie County. Local officials feel that the
water is released to accommodate recreational interest upstream. The result
is that the Roanoke remains flooded.for..longer periods of time than if the •
dams upstream did not exist. Theprolonged flooding has caused damage to
agriculture crops and wildlife along the Roanoke Valley.
•
b. Soil Limitations
The soils of an area will greatly determine the extent of present de-
velopment and the potential for future growth. Unless an area has the proper
•
soils, progress cannot be made in agriculture, urban development, and con-
struction. In general, the soils of Bertie County are favorable for many types
of construction and various functions.
•
The General Soils Map of Bertie County, Map No. 4, shows the soil
associations, their location and extent in the county. The accompanying soil
interpretation table gives the suitability of the principal soils for general
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agriculture and woods. Also, it gives their limitations when used for non-
farm -purposes, such as septic tank absorption fields, foundations for light
industry,'or for dwellings where public sewerage is available. For detailed
•
information on particular areas, the Soil Conservation Service should be
consulted.
Generally, the soils of Bertie County are rock -free as a result of
•
sedimentary deposits that underlay them for several hundred feet. Consequently,
they are excellent for growing field crops. With good farm management, high
yields can be achieved.
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The texture of the top soil used for farming 3s good, ranging from sandy
loam to silty loam, The slopes of these soils range from 0-10 percent. Most
• of the soils suitable for cultivation are somewhat poorly drained. The ground
water table varies widely throughout the county depending on weather and
location.
Below are descriptions of the soil associations asshown on the General
Soil Map.,(Map No. 4) for Bertie County,
1. NORFOLK-GOLDSBORO-LYNCHBURG ASSOCIATION
Nearly level to gently sloping, well drained (Norfolk), moderately
well drained (Goldsboro). and somewhat poorly drained (Lynchburg) deep
friable soils with gray sandy surface and yellow to mottled yellow and
gray sandyclay loam subsoil.
2. DUPLIN-CRAVEN-MARLBORO ASSOCIATION.
• Moderately well drained (Duplin, Craven) and well drained (Marlboro)
soils with gray loamy sand or sandy loam surfaces and -deep, firm,to very
firm, yellow to yellowish red clay loam to clay subsoils.
3. LENIOR -CRAVEN ASSOCIATION
Nearly levelto sloping, somewhat poorly drained (Lenior) and mock-•
erately well drained (Craven) soils with gray to dark gray fine sandy
loam to silt loam surfaces, 4-10 inches thick over deep, very firm,
mottled yellow and gray clay subsoils.
• 4. CAHABA--KALMIA ASSOCIATION
Well drained soils with brownish gray to dark brown loamy sand to
sandy loam surfaced 10-20 inches thick over friable yellowish brown.to
yellowish red sandy clay loam subsoil.
5. LENOIR-COXVILLE ASSOCIATION
Somewhat poorly drained (Lenoir) and poorly drained (Coxville) soils
with thin (4--611) gray, fine sandy loams to silt loams surfaces over deep,
firm to very firm gray or sandy clay bubsoils which are mottled with yellow
throughout.
6. WICKHAM--ALTAVISTA-WAHEE ASSOCIATION
Well drained (Wickham), moderately well drained (Altavista) and some-
what poorly drained (Wahee) soils with drak gray to brown sandy loam to
silt loam surfaces and firm, yellowish red sandy clay loam and gray, clay
• subsoils. These soil6-are derived.from.old stream alluvium.
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7. SWAMP
Very poorly -drained soil material of highly variable textures and
depths, occupying positions at or near normal stream level. These soil
materials remain inundated throughout most of the year.
8.- ROANOKE-CHEWACLA-WEHADKEE ASSOCIATION
Nearly level, poorly -drained (Roanoke-Wehadkee) and somewhat poorly
drained (Chewacla) soils of the first bottom on low terraces, having •
black -to brown fine sandy loam to silt loam surfaces over gray to
yellowish brown loam to clay subsoils. They are subject to frequent
overflow.
9. WAGRAM-OCILLA ASSOCIATION
Nearly level to gently sloping, well -drained (Wagram) and moderately
well to somewhat poorly -drained (Dunbar) soils with gray sandy loam surfaces
6-10 inches thick over deep, firm, brownish yellow to mottled yellow and
gray sandy clay subsoils.
c. 'Water Supply Areas
Adequate supplies of water for farm, domestic, and municipal uses are
provided in Bertie County by dug, drilled, or bored wells. Surficial sands
•
and gravels of Quaternary age furnish more water to individual wells than any •
other aquifer in the county. Dug wells and driven wells, ranging in depth
from 10 to 40 feet, obtain from 2 to 15 gpm from this material in most parts
of the county.
Driven wells deeper than 40 feet and jetted wells as deep as 120 feet
obtain water, from the sand and marl beds in the Yorktown formation. Inasmuch
•
as no single water -bearing horizon is recognized in this formation', the depths •
of individual wells is quite variable. No adequate figure for the yield of
wells tapping the gpm, and several times the maximum figure, might be obtained
at specific sites.
In the central and eastern section of Bertie, many jetted and drilled
wells up.to 4 inches in diameter obtain water from the Beaufort formation at
•
depths as great as 450 feet, the depth depending upon the location. West and •
northwest of Windsor, jetted and drilled wells obtain the bulk of their water
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from the Cretaceous formations at depths as great"as 300 feet. As no single
water -bearing horizon is present in these formations, the depths of individual
wells cannot be determined in advance of the drilling.
Several of the municipal wells at Windsor are gravel walled wells 12 inches
in diameter and obtain water from the Beaufort,,,Peedee, and Black Creek
formations. These wells, tapping multiple aquifers, have specific capacities
ranging from 4 to. 8 gmp periJoot of drawdown and generally yield 3.00 gpm or
more.
The chemical quality of ground water in Bertie County is adequate for
most purposes. Water in shallow surficial sands, although soft, may be
corrosive and have objectionable concentrations of iron. Water :in shell beds
•
of the Yorktown formation and impure shell limestone'of.the Beaufort formation
may be hard but otherwise is of good quality. The waters generally become
softer with depths below 100 to.125 feet. Brackish waters are commonly present
•
in the deeper Cretaceous aquifers in all parts of the county below 500 feet.
Flouride in excess of the maximum concentration (1.5 ppm) recommended in
drinking water is present in waters from.several aquifers below a depth of
300 feet.
The present rate of withdrawal of ground water in the county is only a
small fraction of the total available supply.
•
d. Steep Slopes
Slopes of more than twelve percent occur adjacent to the Cashie, dhowan
• and Roanoke Rivers. Development potential along the Roanoke and Cashie is
slight. The areas along the Chowan are high bluffs subject to erosion and
provide a constraint on development.
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2. FRAGILE AREAS
Many areas exist in coastal North Carolina which are important economi-
cally, environmentally and aesthetically, yet can be easily damaged or des- •
troyed by inappropriate or poorly planned development, These areas in
Bertie County include estuarine and public trust waters, complex natural
areas, areas that sustain remnant species, scenic areas, and archaeologic •
and historic sites.
The estuarine and public trust waters, complex natural areas, areas that
contain remnant species and some of the historic sites are given particular •
attention as to their constraint on development.
a. Coastal Wetlands
Bertie County has a limited number of coastal wetlands (marshes) located •
along the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River.
This marshland type contributes to the detritus supply necessary to the
highly productive estuarine system essential to North Carolina's economically
valuable commercial and sports fisheries,
The higher marsh types offer quality wildlife and waterfowl habitat depending
on the biological and physical conditions of the marsh, The vegetative diver-
sity in the higher marshes usually supports a greater diversity of wildlife types
than the limited habitat of the low tidal marsh, This marshland type.also
serves as an.important deterrent to shoreline erosion especially in those marshes •
containing heavily rooted species. The dense system of rhizomes and roots of
Juncus roemerianus are highly resistant to erosion, In addition, the higher
marshes are effective sediment traps.
b. Outer Banks and Dunes
Bertie County has no outer banks or dunes.
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c. .Ocean Beaches and Shorelines -
Bertie County has no ocean beaches and shorelines.
d. Estuarine Waters and Public Trust Waters
Estuarine waters are defined in.G.S. 116.-224 (n) (2) as, "all the waters
of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters
of the bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing
line between coastal fishing waters and inland fishing waters, as set forth
in an agreement adopted by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Depart-
ment of Conservation and Development filed with the Secretary of State
entitled 'Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fishing - Inland Fishing
Waters, }revised March 1, 1965-,"' or as it may be subsequently revised by the
Legislature.
Public trust areas are defined through the CAMA Planning Guidelines as
"All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean
high water mark to the seaward limit of State jurisdiction; all natural
bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the
mean high watermark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands there-
under to the mean or ordinary high water mark as the case may be, except
privately owned lakes having no public access; all waters in artificially.
created bodies of water in which exist, significant public fishing resources.
or.other public resources, which are accessible to the public by navigation
from bodies of water in which the public has rights of navigation; all waters
..in artificially.created bodies of water in which the public has acquired
rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication or any.other means. In
determining whether the public has acquired rights in artificially created.
bodies of water, the following factors shall be considered:'(i) the use of the
body of water by the public;.(ii) the .length of time the public has used_'the
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area; (iii) the value of public resources in the body of water; (iv) whether
the.public resources in the body of water are mobile to the extent that they
can move into natural bodies of water; (v.) whether the creation of the artifi
cial body of water required permission from the State; and (vi) the value of
the body of water to the public -for navigation from one public area to
another public area.,,.
While estuarine waters and public trust areas are treated separately in..
the State Guidelines, they will be considered as one for.the purpose of this
plan. The distinction. drawn between them in the guidelines is an artificial
one and.has no basis other than as a political division between the commercial
.and sport fisheries interest. The significance of'both areas is identical as
are the -appropriate land uses.,
The estuarines of any river system are -among -the -most productive natural.
environments of'North Carolina. They not only support valuable commercial
and sports fisheries] but are"also.utilized for commercial.navigation,
recreation and.aesthetic purposes,. The high level of commercial and sports
'fisheries and the aesthetic appeal of coastal'North Carolina is dependent
upon the protection and sustained quality of our estuarine and river system.
e. Complex Natural Areas
Complex natural areas are defined as areas that -have remained essentially
unchanged by -human activity. The Planning Board feels that the hardwood swamp
of the Roanoke Valley and Roquist-Pocosin are complex natural areas and should
essentially be unchanged.in their use.
f. Areas Sustaining Remnant Species
Records as late as 1971 indicate the presence of the red -cockaded.
woodpecker in association with remnant longleaf and mature loblolly pines.
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The osprey still occurs in small numbers - however, there are no recent
records of the endangered bald eagle or peregrine falcon. Sturgeon have
been taken in the Roanoke River, and the endangered short -nose sturgeon
has been recently reported in Albemarle Sound. The endangered bigeye
jumprock and the riverweed darter are listed in the Roanoke drainage, as
well as the Carolina darter and Roanoke.
g. Areas Containing Unique Geological Formations
There exists a marine molluscean fossil site near Colerain.
h. Registered Natural Landmarks
Bertie County has no registered natural landmarks.
i. Archaeological and Historic Sites
Scenic and prominent high points are prevalent along Bertie County's
waterways. Bertie County has an interest in seeing that these areas are
preserved. Developers should be made aware whether or not their development
is located in a scenic area identified by the County and asked to consider
aesthetic values in developing. Future land acquisition forparks or
recreation areas should be targeted for these areas..
Twenty-six historic areas have been identified in Bertie County. Four
of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The
remaining twenty-two sites possibly have as much local historic significance
as those listed on the National Register.- The County should encourage that
thesehistoric sites be retained and that adjacent development be compatible
with the s-ites.Map 5 locates the historic sites which are listed in
Table 17.
57

INVENTORY OF HISTORIC
AREAS
TABLE 5
BERTTE COUNTY
Map No.
or
,
Letter
Name
Type of Area
Location
Description
Present Use
1
Woodbourne
Historic
Roxobel
Built in 1810^owned by
Dwelling
Norfleet family,
2
Oaklana
Historic
Roxobel
Built in-1825Aowned by
Dwelling
Tyler family.
3
Fishery
Historic.
Colerain
Named by.John Campbell
who purchased•planta-
Town
tation in 1743. Site of
world 'Is'largest fresh
water fishery,
4
Pugh -Walton
Historic
Woodville
1801, Two-story house
Dwelling 0
Mizelle House
with a.dentil cornice
"'
and double portico,
5
Yellow House
Historic
Woodville
Built in 1815-owned
Dwelling
by C.B. Griffin
6
King House
Historic
Windsor
ca. 1763-one-and-a
Dwelling
half --story brick ended
house with gambrel
roof,
7
Hope Mansion
Historic
Windsor
Built 1803-birthplace
House -Museum
Samuel Cox_
of David Stone, gov-
ernor and U.S. Senator
8
Locke Craig
Historic
Windsor
Built 19th Century-
Dwelling
House
birthplace of Gov,
Locke Craig

INVENTORY OF HISTORIC AREAS
.
TABLE-5 (con1t)
J
DgRTIE COUNTY
Map. No:
or
Letter
Name
Type of Area
Location
Description
Present Use
9
Hoggard's Mill
Historic
Windsor
Site of town of "Cashiell
Woods
and site of Bertie Co.
Courthouse-1741-1770,
10
Eden House
Historic
Chowan River
Site of home of Colonial
Farm & Woods
Governors Charles Eden &
Gabriel Johnston, 18th
century,.
11
Rascoels Mill
Historic
Spruill1s ,',i
_:.-Of the 4 remaining
Pond
Covered Bridge
Store
covered bridges in N.C.
this is.the only one
connected to a mill,
a,
Ln
12
Indian Woods
Historic
Site of Tuscarora
Woods
Reservation-est. 1717
after the war of 1717--
1713.
"13
Bertie County
Historic
Windsor
1909-�1941-built in
Courthouse
Courthouse
classical style, In
process of renovation
in similar style,
14
Cobb House
Historic
Windsor
Built.lst quarter of
Dwelling
19th Century, Two
story frame house with
a pedimented porch of.
classical design,

INVENTORY OF HISTORIC AREAS
TABLE 5 (con1t)
BERTIE COUNTY
Map No.
or
Letter
Name
Type of Area
Location
Description
Present Use
15
Gillam, Carroll
Historic
Windsor
Early 19th Century
Dwelling
House
two-story frame house
with one-story porch.
Renovated ca. 1960,
16',
Gillam, Frank
Historic
Windsor
ca, 1818 two• -story
Dwelling
House
frame house with a
one-story borch,
17
Rosefield
Historic
Windsor
ca. 1735-home of
Dwelling
William Blount, member
of Continental Congress
signer of Federal
Constitution
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18
Windsor Castle.
Historic
Windsor
1858, 1908-birthplace
Dwelling
of Robert Winston,
Superior Court Judge,
Patrick Winston,.
Attorney General of
State of Washington,
Frances Winston,
Superior Court Judge
Lt-Gov, of N. C.
19
Gillam, J.B.
Historic
Windsor
ca, 1829-home of
Dwelling
David Outlaw, member.
of House of Commons
and U.S. Congress
20
St. Thomas
Historic
Windsor
Built in 1839-congre-
Church
Episcopal Church
gation was organized
in late 18th century.

INVENTORY OF HISTORIC AREAS
TABLE 5 (con't)
P.ERTIE COUNTY
Map No.
or
Letter
Name Type of Area
Location
Description
Present Use
21
"Bal Gra" Historic
Chowan River
Site of -. "Cary 's Re--
Resort ,
bellion", 1712 and
frequent seat of gov.—
ernment 1710-1722;
Home of Thomas Pollock
Dept, Gov, of N..C.
1712-1714-1722,
22
Avoca Plantation Historic
Merry Hill
Early 19th Cenpury,
Farm.
Homes of Edward Hyde.
Seth,..Sothel',Samuel
Stephens, Pre gTxetar'yr
governors, were located
in this area, Site of
home (Batts House) of
1st known permanent
white settlers in N.C,;
site of the 1st gover-
nor of the separate
province of N.C,; site
of Holy Innocents
Church, 1890,
23
Scotch Hall Historic
Merry Hill
1835, Home of Charles
Dwelling
Pettigrew, 1st bishop,
elect of Episcopal
Church in N.C, Acquired
by Capehart family early
years.of countryts
independence and still
owned -by family,
40 0 0r

INVENTORY OF HISTORIC
AREAS
TABLE 5 (con10
BERTIE COUNTY
Map No.
or
Letter
Name
Type of Area
Location
Description
Present Use..
24
Batchelor Bay
Historic
Merry Hill
Battle -of Batchelor Bay
Bay
1864-site where
Confederate "Ram
Albemarle"sunk seven
Union ships,
25
Thunderbolt
Historic
Cashie River
18th Century small home
Dwelling
in original condition.
26
Jordan House
Historic
Windsor
1712-story-and^a--half
brick house laid in
Flemish bond,
N
%O

W
3 /
o
o
,' 6 .�.,, ry• L •• _ `,� ,..�1 .ice ,. �� ^•\ :..-,f
RoLNo
2.� ✓�`}`ate. '.. ".J � �r. _ n • �� + _ _ � I
�� �'... \ •+,tea d , •��� _ �J 1 •� ALRENARId
1 13 T 20 °:� �' - ii �\sa,n'o
2-2
25
WW✓' J � _ `fir - ` ��_ l
BERTIE COUNTY it
iry
y o
NORTH CAROLINA .� �'� ;�,
.
• HISTORIC .S ES
IT -_-
(NUMBERS KEYED TO TABLE) MAY. •1976

1 J
J. Water Quality
The North Carolina Board of Water and Air Resources classifies all streams
in the State as to their best usage. This in effect established water quality
standards, They provide a guide in determining what level of treatment is
necessary prior to discharge of waste into the streams. A brief explanation
of the "best usage" for which waters in each class must be protected is given
as follows:
Fresh Waters
Class A-T - Suitable as a source of water supply for drinking, culinary, or
food processing purposes after treatment by approved disinfection
only, and any other usage requiring waters of lower quality.
Class A -TT- Suitable as a source of water supply for drinking, culinary, or
food processing purposes after approved treatment equal to coagulation,
• sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, etc., and any other
best usage requiring waters of lower quality.
Class B - Suitable for outdoor bathing, boating, and wading, and any other
usage requiring waters of lower quality.
Class C Suitable for fish and wildlife propagation. Also suitable for
• boating, wading, and other uses requiring waters of lower quality.
Class A Suitable for agriculture and industrial cooling and process water
supply, fish survival, navigation, and any other usage, except
fishing, bathing, or as a source of water supply for drinking,
culinary or food processing purposes.
• Swamp Waters. Those waters which. are topographically located so as
to generally have low velocities and certain other characteristics
which are different from adjacent mstreams draining steeper topo-
graphy are designed by the letters "SW" in the schedule.
In Bertie County, all streams are classed "C" or "C-SW" except the
Chowan, lower 1 mile of the Cashie, the portion of the Roanoke in the area
where the Cashie joins it, and the Albemarle Sound, which are classed "B."
•
64

3. AREAS WITH -RESOURCE POTENTIAL
Bertie County abounds with prime, productive agricultural and forest
lands. There has been little encroachment on either by development.
•
While development pressure is likely to remain slight, it is important
that these lands be identified.
The most efficient manner of identifying these.areas is through soils
mapping. The generalized soils map that exists for Bertie County.is not
sufficient for identifying these areas. A more detailed map is needed.
Action by the North Carolina General Assembly,which stated that forest land
would not be taxed on standing timber, has added further'impetus to the`need
for a detailed soils map.
•
a. Forestry and Agricultural Lands
Of Bertie County's total land area (443,500}-a:eres, 319,754 acres, or 72%
of it,.is in commercial forest land. Bertie County's topography, soils and
•
climate make it one of the most productive forest areas in the State.
Almost half of the countyts forest"land is owned by farmers.The
Torest'.industry owns 27.2% of the forest land in the county. Most of the
remaining acres are owned by individuals in other occupations.
Figure 1 Ownership
?7, axr:er
Commercial Forestland 47.5
Public. 298a 0.1% F
0.16
Forest Industry86 947 27.2/ -orest
' Industry
Public
Farmer 151,966 47.5%
Misc. Private 80,543 25.2% 27`•2.
25.2
319,754a 100. %
..1sc.
I.rivat
•
Several forest types are evident in Bertie County ranging from the
highly productive hardwood sites of the broad river bottoms. to the pure pine
types. of the pocosins and ridges. The percentage .ot`:;the different types
65

i
•
Table 19 . .
' Net Annual Growth -and Removal of Growing Stock and
Saw -timber on. Commercial Forest Land, By Species
Group, Bertie County
GROWTH REMOVAL
All Species Softwood Hardwooe All Species Softwood Hardwood
Growing Stock 19,491 7,766 11,725 32,584 15,919 16,665
M. Cu. Ft.
Saw -Timber 77,04.6 40,453' 36,593 149,723. 80,749 68,974.
MBF :
•
Agriculture has historically played a major role in the lifestyle of
Bertie County and continues to do so today, Of Bertie County,�s total land
• area, 282,931 acres, or.63.8 percent, are in farms, Almost one third of this
land is used for growing crops (32.3%), while the majority (66.2%) is in
woods and some homesites, Pasture land comprises 1.5 percent of the farm
land in Bertie County.,,
Table 24 examines some selected agricultural statistics for Bertie
County in the years of 1959, 1964, and 1969. An analysis of this table shows
that farms in the county are becomming fewer in number but larger. Average
value of the farms, both per farm and per.acre, has risen dramatically.
The"iumber of farms by class category breaks -..the farms in the county down.
• into classes 'based on the value of products sold. Class 1 farms sold $40,000
grnore�lt-n. products. during.;: the sample -year. Class 6 farms sold , from $50 to
44,499. A comparisorL,of 1964 and 1969 indicates that the farms in Bertie
County, are becomming. more large-scale. Class L and 2 comprised only 7,3 per-
cent of fie farms in Bertie County in 1964, whereas in 1,969, these two classes
comprised 15.4% of the countyIs "total, All of those farms which_ here .upgradecL.
• came 'but of classes 3 and 4. The percentage of farms comprising Classes 5 and.
6 remained at approximately 26 percent during 1964-1969,.although the number of
fa-rms.;.In these two lower classes did decrease,
b6'

that comprise Bertie Countyls 319,754-acres of forest land are examined
below.
Figure 2 Bertie County Forest Type
far 0a-'
Type Groups 37_1.ckor� Tine .i
- 22.0 17
Short Leaf
o __
OakLoblolPine 17.0% T o1.101
` r 4.
n.sh
Oak - Hickory 22.9% bortlea__ 71.
Oak - Gum --'.Cypress 24,1% 31.3 na1..­ruri Cottonwood
Elm a, -Ash - Cottonwood 4.7% Cva?'ess
.100.0% 24.1
In 1974,' there'were 364,5 million cubic feet of growing'stock and 1.7
billion board feet of saw -timber in Bertie County, Below is a breakdown of
these volumes by species group.
Table 13
Volume of .Growing Stock and Saw -timber
by Species Group, Bertie County
All Other Soft Hard
Species Pine Softwood Hardwood Hardwood
Growing Stock 503,674 177,273 12,781 175,491 116,129
(Thousand Cu. Ft.)
Saw--Timber-=1,701,159 750,276 54,271 569,755 326,857
(Thousand Board
Feet)
During the past five years the N, C, Forest Service.has sold
3,747,300 tree seedlings in Bertie County. Despite this effort at refor-
estation the rate of removal exceeds the rate of. growth. The following:
table examines the net annual growth and; removal by species group... In both-
growing stock and saw timber the rate of removal is almost double the rate of
•
growth. This_ indicates overcutting.during.the period that the survey was
r�-
taken. Due to fluctuating market conditions, it may not hold true over a
period 6-f several years,
•
67

TABLE 20
BERTIE COUNTY
SELECTED AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS
.
ITEM
1959
1964
1969
No. Farms
2447
1785
1477..
Acres in Farms
.227,569
191,500
-193,966
Average 'Size.of Farms.
93.0
107.3
131.3
Average Valuegof'Land
and Buildings .
" Per 'Farm
$17,498.
$24,543,
$41,259.
Per'Acre
$204.53
$222.76
$30.00
No, of Farms;by Class
Class 1
28
68
Class 2
102
160
Class 3
382
289
Class 4
577 _.
311
Class 5
298
243
Class 6
165
147
Part Time
95
153 .:
Part Retirement
137
105 .'`
Source:.U. S,'Census
of Agriculture,
1959, 1964, 1969.
=68
-_
•
K

SELECTED AGRICULTURAL CROPS
ACRES, PRODUCTION AND VALUE, BERTIE COUNTY
1973
•
CROP
Areas.Harvested
Production
Value ($)
Corn for Grain
35,200
3,450,000
Bushels
$7,994,000
Corn for Silage
150
2,080
Tons
------
Soybeans
19,700
591,000
Bushels
3,298,000
�
Wheat
300
10,800
Bushels
29,150
Oats
25
1,130
Bushels
1,200
Peanuts
23,250.
64,170
Lbs.
10,652,000
Cotton
955
625 480-16 bales
180,500
Sweet Potatoes
60
7,500
Hundredwt.
52,500
Trish Potatoes
20
3,100
Hundredwt.
25,400
All Hay
1,000
1,000
Tons
43,00..0
Tobacco
4,280
9,563,000
Lbs,
8,511 000
TOTAL
84,940 Acres
$30,786,750
•
..Source; 1974
N. C-. Agricultural
Statistics,
N. C, Department of
Agriculture,
69

•
A sharp increase occurred in the number of part-time farms. These are
farms where the operator was employed off the farm for more than 100 days.
More people are "going to town" for primary employment, and farming is
becoming a secondary occupation -vocation.
Table 21 examines selected agricultural crops in Bertie County. It shows
that Bertie County's chief agricultural crop is peanuts, followed closely by
tobacco and corn. These three ^crops comprise approximately two-thirds of the
County's crop production by value.
A detailed soils map would allow county officials to identify prime
agricultural and forestry lands.
40 b. Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites
To date, Bertie County is not known to contain any potentially valuable
mineral sites other than sites for the extraction of sand.
C. Publicly Owned Lands and Other Non -Intensive Outdoor Recreation Lands
There are no publicly owned non -intensive outdoor recreation lands in
Bertie County. Much of the County's privately owned forest lands -are leased
to hunting clubs. for their use.
d. Privately Owned Wildlife Sanctuaries
There are no privately owned wildlife sanctuaries in Bertie County..
0
•
70
A

B. CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
1. Identification,.::Design Capacity and Utilization of Existing Water
and Sewer Services.
Water and Sewer
,Water and sewer lines have.been called the umbilical cords of modern
development, Todayls development, whether it be residential, commercial
or industrial, is often dependent upon water and sewer services.. Some
communities have tried to control when and where development takes place,
by providing or denying water and sewer services,
Below are:listed the water and sewer systems in Bertie County and an
analysis of -them, The information is taken from a recent study done for
the Mid --East Commission, The Region':Q Water Management Plan,
''1 ' '':' WATER.. FACILITIES:
The Town of:.Askewville
Existing Facilities and Conditions
The Town of Askewville is a small,'rural community just east of
U. S, Highway..13., located near the center of Bertie County,
A water distribution system has been recently constructed in
Askewvilla.serving approximately 80 connections, Water is supplied by
two wells, each having a capacity of 100 gpm. Water storage is provided
by a hydropneumatic tank, The groundwater requires no treatment prior
to distribution,
71

THE TOWN OF AULANDER, THE MILLENNIUM AND S. AULANDER WATER ASSOCIATION
Existing Facilities and -Conditions
Town of Aulander
The Town of Aulander presently utilizes groundwater as its source of
supply. The water system consists of two wells with a combined average yield
of 700 gpm, a 225,000 gallon ground tank, a 75,000 gallon elevated storage
tank, and a distribution'system which serves most of the townts 1000 residents.
Only chlorination is required before the water enters the distribution system.
The South Aulander Water Association, Inc, ;
This water system is located along N.-C. Highway 305, immediately south
of Aulander in Bertie County, The water system serves approximately 30
families and one school. The water supply comes from one deed well which
has a.yield of 75 gpm.- Water from this well 'is not treated, but is pumped
directly into a 1925 gallon hydropneumatic pressure tank, The distribution
system consists of 'small mains and offers no fire protection. `
The Millennium Water Association
Millennium is a small rural community approximately one-half mile
north of Aulander along N. C. Highway 350, in the.southwestern portion of
Hertford County,
�. The, community, at.present, is served by the Mellennium Water Assoc-
iation, which was organized in 1964, The system consists of one'.deep well
which has a pumping:capacity of 160 gpm, a 5,000 gallon hydropneumatic
pressure tank, and'distritution mains.. Even though adequate fire protection
is not available, hydrants.are located�at strategic positions -in orderto
fill the volunteer fire department water truck, The.present'system serves
approximately 300.people.
THE TOWN.OF-OOLERAIN
Existing Facilities and Conditions
The Town of.Colerain, located in the northeast corner of Bertie County
on the Chowan River, has a municipal water.system which serves the
' residents of the community'.. The water system.consists of two wells, one.
600 gpm and one 60 gpm; a distribution system; and'a 35,000 gallon elevated
Fstorage tank. At present,. the water does not require treatment,
72
w
a

THE TOWN OF KELFORD
The Town of Kelford is located in the northwest corner of Bertie
County, approximately two miles south of Roxobel, The town obtained
its municipal water supply system in 1965. The system consists of
one 75,000 gallon elevated storage_ tank, a distribution system with
meters and hydrants, and one well which produces an average yield of
200 gpm.. Another well exists which has no.pump and cannot, therefore,
- be used at this time,
THE TOWN -OF ROXOBEL
Existing Facilities and Conditions
The Town of Roxobel is located approximately seven miles from the
Town of Aulander, in the northwest corner of Bertie County. The water
system, installed in 1964, consists of two deep wells supplying a
combined yield of 300 gpm,.one 75,000 gallon elevated storage tank,
and a distribution network with fft %ydrants.
THE TOWNS OF ZEWISTON AND WOODVILLE
Existing Facilities and Conditions
The neighboring towns of Lewiston and Woodville are located in the
northwest".corner of Bertie County, about five miles south of Kelford.
They jointly operate a water"utility association. The water association
�.
serves both'towns adequately with distribution lines extended to most
areas within both towns. The system -consists of two wells, yielding
a :no i'ted--total of 300 gpm; a 100,000 gallon elevated storage tank; and
a distribution system with fire hydrants....
73

M _
-
THE TOWN OF POWELLSVTL'LE
Existing Facilities and Conditions
The water system that serves- the Town of Powellsville was constructed
in 1954, and serves almost the entire town. The water -supply comes from
two wells, which have a combined yield of 115 gpm. The water is
chlorinated and then stored in two pneumatic tanks having a 1,000 gallon
capacity each. There is also one 10,000 gallon elevated storage tank
in the system.
The existing water system is insufficient in the following.areas:
there is not enough storage capacity; fire protection is not provided;
distribution lines are too small; and not enough surplus capacity
exists to attract any potential industry.
The East Powellsville Water Corporation, located immediately east
of Powellsville, serves approximately 200 people. The system is in two
sections, each having one well. Neither section is connected to the
other nor to the Powellsville system.
Thesystem to the northeast of Powellsville consists of one well,
yielding 50 gpm, and a 760 gallon pressure tank.
The system to the southeast of Powellsville consists of one.w ell
yielding 100 gpm,.and a 2500 gallon pressure tank.
THE TOWN OF WINDSOR
Existing Facilities and Conditions
The Town of Windsor operates and maintains a municipal water system
supplied by three deep wells which have a combined pumping capability
of 1100 gpm, The water -requires no treatment.Storage is provided by
a 0;100 mg ground _tank and a 0,300 mg elevated tank for a combined
storage capacity of 0.400 mg. The town also serves the South Windsor
Water Association which extends south of Windsor on U.S. Highway 17/13
approximately-2 miles. The water association purchases all its water
from the Town of Windsor.
74

WASTEWATER FACILITIES
THE TOWN OF ASKEWVILLE
Existing Facilities and Conditions
Although the.Town of Askewville recently constructed a water system, the
town does not have municipal wastewater facilities.- The residents of the
town presently rely on individually owned on -site wastewater disposal
systems. Soil in the Askewville area consists primarily of the Lenoir,
Craven and Bladen Associations. The soils are generally not suitable for
the efficient operation of septic tank filter fields. The streams in the
Askewville area have-7 day/10 year low flows of 0 cfs.
WASTEWATER FACILITIES
THE TOWN OF AULANDER
Existing Facilities and Conditions
The Town of Aulander has a collection system and a treatment facility.;
effecting primary treatment. The treatment facility, constructed in 1962,
has a design capacity of.0.08 mgd. The collection system presently serves
about 650.people. The average daily flow is approximately 0.06 mgd. Treated
effluent'is'discharged into Fort Branch', a tributary of Ahoskie Creek.
The NC/DEM has requested that the present treatment facility be replaced
with a new one which effects a tertiary degree of treatment. Disinfection
also needs to be added to the treatment process.
THE COMMUNITY OF MILLENNIUM
. The residents of Millennium presently utilize various on -site methods
for wastewater disposal. Soils in the area of Millennium are of the Leniir,
Craven, Bladen Associations which are generally unsuitable for wastewater
disposal by use of septic tanks and absorption fields.
THE COMMUNITY OF SOUTH AULANDER
This community is.similar to Millennium in that it also depends on
various on -site methods for the disposal of wastewater.- Soil conditions are
generally not conducive to the use of on -site -disposal units.
75
r
r]

THE TOWN ,OY COLERAIN
Existing Facilities and Conditions
The wastewater collection and treatment facilities for the Town of
Colerain serve-the.area within the town limits. The treatment facility is
an Imhoff tank, with a capacity of 0.050 mgd. Wastewater treatment is
currently inadequate: Effluent is discharged into the Chowan River.
The NC/DEM has requested that the treatment facility be replaced with
one which would utilize a higher degree of treatment.
The residents in the outlying areas of Colerain are presently relying'on
various on—site'methods for wastewater disposal. With the high water table
that exists in this area, absorption fields are often subject to flooding.
This presents a possible contamination problem to nearby groundwater sources.
THE TOWN OF KELFORD
Existing Facilities. and Conditions
The Town of Kelford is similar to Roxobel in that the residents depend
on septic tanks -and absorption fields for the disposal of wastewater. The
soils are also favorable, in that there are only moderate limitations to the
use of on —site disposal units.
THE TOWN,OF ROXOBEL
Existing Facilities and Conditions
Residents of the Town of Roxobel presently utilize individual on —site
disposal systems for wastewater disposal. Soils in this area are comprised
mainly of the Wagram, Occilla, and Kalmia Soil -Associations which are
generally suitable for the use of septic tanks and absorption fields. The
S present population is expected to drop significantly by the year 2020.
THE TOWN OF POWELLSVILLE
Existing Facilities and Conditions.
The residents of Powellsville presently rely -on individually owned on -:-
site systems for, wastewater disposal. The soils in the region are comprised
of the Lenoir, Craven and Bladen'Soil Associations, which severely limit the
efficient operation of septic tank absorption fields. The town's population
has dropped 5% in the past ten years, and isYexpected to decrease throughout
the planning period.
76
0

Existing Facilities and Conditions
The wastewater<collection and treatment system for both; -towns is
operated`by the Lewiston —Woodville Utility Corporation. The.0.070 mgd
secondary wastewater treatment plant_was-constructed in 1970 and utilizes •
an extended aeration -•-process. The collection system serves most of the
area within'the'corporate limits.of both towns. The treatment facility
is presently operating at approximately 60% capacity. The Cashie River,
which is classified C—swamp, receives the effluent from the treatment
facility.
THE. TOWN OF WINDSOR
Existing Facilities and Conditions
The.Town of Windsor operates and maintains wastewater collection and
treatment`.facilities. A new 1.150 mgd secondary treatment facility is
under construction at the site of the existing lagoons. This facility will •
be operational in.September 1975. The collection system is presently
experiencing excessive infiltration. Effluent from the existing and
proposed treatment facilities is discharged into the Cashie River.
Bertie County does not operate any water or wastewater systems. `
77

0
2. Identification, Design Capacity and Utilization of Existing Schools
The Bertie County Board of Education currently operates 12 elementary,
one (1) junior high and one (1) senior high school. The elementary schools
are located throughout the County and serve children in kindergarten through
grade seven in each attendance area. The junior and senior high schools
serve the entire county.
The Board of Education has prepared a proposal for reorganizing the
schools. It was felt that several of the elementary organizations are not
• conducive to good educational programs and revisions are necessary in order
to improve instruction. Also several elementary facilities are obsolete and
in very poor structural condition.
Table 22 lists each attendance area, schools presently -serving that
area, present membership, projected membership and organization in 1977-78.
Table 23 lists the present facilities, capacity, enrollment, pupil -teacher
• ratio, grade taught and year elected plus additions.
The Board of Education, in their proposal for reorganization, states
the following:
• "The declining enrollment throughout the County indicates an urgent
need to reorganize all schools in order to maintain the philosophy and
concept'of community schools to serve local students.
Average daily membership has declined from 6118 in 1968-69 to 5559 in
1972-74. This trend of declining population is expected to continue through
1978 and then level off with a County population of 16,400. By 1978, member-
ship in all schools is anticipated at 4492. Membership should remain
stable around 4400 after 1980. (Note that the population projections differ
from others in this study.)"
78`
•

TABLE 22
BERTIE
COUNTY
PLAN FOR'REORGANIZATION
Attendance
Schools Serving
73-74
Projected
Resulting
77-78
.Area
Area by Grades
Membership
Plans For.Use
Organization 77-78
Membership.
Askewville
Askewville 1-7
194
Add-1 Class
K-8-
237
Aulander
Aulander 5-7
.125 .
Abandon
K-8
264
South Aulander K-4
187
Addition
Powellsville
C:G. White K-7
310
N C*
K-8
.246 .
Colerain
Colerain 5-7
.296
Renovate
K_g
749
348
Renovate
West Bertie
J. B. Bond•3-5
304
Abandon
WeSt-Bertie K-2
201
Addition
K-8
530
Roxobel-Kelford 6-7
180
Abandon
Windsor
W. S. Etheridge K-4
551
Abandon
Not In Use
0
Windsor 5-7
515
Abandon
Merry Hill
J. P. Law K-7
173
N C*
K-8-
181
Bertie Jr.
Bertie Jr. 8-9
1002
Convert to
K-8 Windsor Dist.
K-8.
794
Bertie Sr.
Bertie Sr. 10-12
1188
Convert to 9-12
9-12
1491
Senior High
Additions
Total
5572
4492
*NC - No Change

r'
TABLE 23
BERTIE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
•
Public
School Facilities
1973--74
School
year
u
1
14
,
$4 o
w �
SCHOOL'.
co
s�
o 0.
,� .���
u o
x o
•H c-H
w �
"a bo
� •�
•
c�
H�
aHa
H
>4PW
Askewville Elementary
200
204.
7
29.1
1-7
1964
Aulander Elementary
420
131
4
32.7
5-7.
1914,26,41
.800-
Bertie Junior High
1,000
1,058
51k
20.7
8&9
1962,68
•
900-
Bertie Senior High
1,100
1,304
6111
21.4
10-12
1962,68,70,72
575-
C. G. White Elementary
625
333
12
27.7
K-7
.1951,70
Colerain Elementary
500
305
12
25.4
5-7
1922,39,49
•
John B. Bond Elementary
460
322
11
29.2
K,3-5
1935,52
John P. Law Elementary
225
183
7
26.1
'K-7
1961
Roxobel/Kelford Elementary
330
212
6
.35.3
6&7
1928
•
South Aulander Elementary
225
201
8
25.1
K-4
1964
West Bertie Elementary.
225
210
8
26.2
K-2
1961
West Colerain Elementary
200
373
13
28.7
1-4
1932,61
W. S. Etheridge Elementary
7.80
568
23
24.7
NG
1925,46,52
Windsor Elementary
660
528
21
25.1
NG
1926,41,47
•
�M
40

LJ
"Another factor to be considered with declining population is -the extreme
high cost of construction, Under.present'organizatIon, $ertie.County would
need approximately $4,000,000-to meet current building. -needs;
"By reorganizing all school districts,:the.amount needed could be
reduced to approximately $2,7 million. Of.the $2.7 million,needed, $1.4
million is available from 1973 State Bond Funds. Ber"tie County would then
need only $1.3 million -to provide convenient, modern and adequate facilities
for all children in the County,"'
In' addition to the above public educational institution;.,primary and
secondary=education is provided by two private institutions, Roanoke-Chowan
Academy in Windsor and Lawrence Academy -in Merry Hill,
Post -secondary education is offered by Roanoke-Chowan Technical Institute. 0
in Ahoskie and Martin Technical Institute.in Williamston.,
3. Identification, Design Capacity and Utilization of PrimaryiRoads:..
Bertie Countyts primary roads consist of U, S, 17, running from
Williamston with a four --lane road to Windsor and then a two lane road to
Edenton; U. S'. 13,,Vunning from Williamston, through Windsor, north through ` .
Powellsville; U. S. 11, running from Oak City in Martin -County, through
Lewiston, to-Ahoskie in Hertford County; N.-C, 308,running from Windsor,.
through Lewiston, Kelford and Roxobel to Rich Square in Northampton County;
N. C. 305„running from 5 miles.north of Windsor, through Aulander to Rich' •
Square; N, C, 350, running from Aulander to Ahoskie and from Colerain to
Powellsville; and N. C. 45'running from Washington County, through-:Colerain
to Winton in Hertford County:,

of U, S. 17-13
is not shown to the low level of utilization
vis-a-vis
the
design capacity, The traffic counts
are only for areas
in county
•
jurisdiction.
Table 24
examines percentage utilization.
•
TABLE 24
UTILIZATION OF PRIMARY ROADS
BERTIE COUNTY,
1972
Road
Design Capacity Max.
24-hour Count
% Utilization
U.S.
17
10,920
4,100
37.6%
U.S.
13
10,920
4,000
36.6%
U.S.
11
10,920
1,900
17.4%
•
N,C,
30.8
7,200
21000
27.8%
N.C,
305
7,200
1,510*
21,0%
N.C,
350
7.,200
2,600,
36.1%
•
N.C.
45
7,200
1,650
22.9%
•
82

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z
V-; -• EST I MATED- .DEMAND.

•
U
A. POPULATION AND"ECONOMY
1. Population
Accurately projecting future population figures is recognized..as.an.al-
most impossible task, yet it is recognized that it is essential to -attempt such
projections in order -to -plan -for future development. Providing services,.such
as schools, water and sewer,..require that local government make some estimate,
of the demand thatmight--be..-placed on these services.
Currently, at least two, -different population projections are_being.;used
in-Bertie County. The.School­Board is planning future school services'!;based
on population projections indicating that the county will decline in,.population
from 20,528 in 1970 to 16,437 in-1980. A recently completed water and sewer
plan, on the other hand,.uses..population projections showing population.in,1970
at 20,528,a drop .in .1980 .to' 19',500, up to 20,600 in 1990. Still; another. set
of projections recently issued.by the North Carolina Department.of-Administra-
tion, source of the other projection as well, shows population rising from
20,528 in 1970, to 20,880 -in. 1980, to 21,110 in 1990.
• Using different population projections for planning different services
could mean that the.school-could be underdesigned, or the water and sewer -sys-
tems overdesigned. Bertie County should reach.some concensus on which_.projec:i�.:.
• ,-tions are to be used, or_at a..mi:nimum, ensure that facility plans are flexible
enough .to allow for variations;.between the projections.
The following table breaks..down the most recent population projections for
the county into township -and -municipal projections The accompanying figure '
compares the various -projections.
Many forces affect. -local population change, such as national population
trends and national economic conditions, local economic,trends and birth rates.

Figure 3
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Bertie County
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
•
•
•
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 •
1Projections used in school planning.
2Most recent Department of Administration projections.
3Projections used in water and sewer planning.
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TABLE
25
COUNTY,
TOWNSHIP AND MUNICIPAL PROJECTIONS.
•
Bertie..County,
1970-2000
2000
1970
1980
1990
Bertie County
20,528
20,880
21,110
21,700
Colerain Twp.
4,069
4,170
4,230
4,360
Indian Woods Twp.
874
770
670 .
600
Merry Hill Twp..
630
600
500 ,;
420.
•
Mitchells.Twp.
2,373
2,450
2,480
2,550
Roxobel Twp.
1,871 .
1,830
1,790
1,170
Snakebite Twp.
._1,D36
830
720
620
Whites Twp..
2,006
.2,060
2,180
2,330
Windsor Twp.
6,141
6,730
7,190
7,770
Woodville Twp.
1,528
1,440
1,350
1,280
Colerain.Town
373
382
388
400
Powellsville
247
226
229
237
Aulander
947
923
834
961
Kelfoid
295
302
295
292
Roxobel
347
309
302
299
Askewville •
247
270
289
312
Windsor
2,199
2,494
2,789
3,150
Lewiston-.
327
308
289
274
Woodville
253
250
235
223
86
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Therefore, the population projections provided should be used as indications.
Local conditions, such as the location of the Perdue plant in the Lewiston -
Woodville area, should be considered in looking at the figures. The location •
of that particular plant in the Woodville -Lewiston area would probably indicate
that the population would not decline and if it did, not at the rate projected.
The Bertie County Planning Board feels that all of the projections listed
are too low. It is felt that in view of the county's success in attracting in-
dustry in the past few years, coupled with national population trends which
show a reversal of past rural to urban migration, Bertie County can expect a
faster rate of growth than projected.
Bertie County is projected to increase in population by 582 between 1975
and 1985. •
The capability of the land and water to sustain the above projected popu-
lation is largely defined by the means used to dispose of sewage. Bertie
County has an abundant supply`of ground water,and water supply provides no •
constraints to growth.
If the projected population is accommodated in dwellings utilizing septic
tanks, it is conceivable that the projected population could exceed the capacity •
of the land and water to sustain it. In the coastal area, the detrimental ef-
fects of sewage disposal on ground and surface water resources represent an im-
portant example of physical limitations of development. After the density is
reached which the land can effectively assimilate in its natural state, then
any increased development results in a diminution of the quality of ground and
surface waters. Up to a certain point, which varies depending on the species, •
this diminution in water quality can be tolerated by marine organisms which
dwell in the surface waters. Also, up to a certain point, the diminution in
surface and ground waters can be tolerated by humans. However, after one of •
87
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•
these threshold "toleration" points is reached, the waters become unusable or
unacceptable for use bymarineorganisms and humans. Beyond such_a threshold
a different order of public investment is needed to prevent degradation. Thus,
upon approaching these thresholds* and.there are no easily determinable..:in-
dices.by which these thresholds can be established, certain planning decisions
need to be made. Basically, these decisions involve determining whether to
limit.further increases inAensity, to put money and energy into the.system to
provide alternative methods•of waste disposal, or to tolerate the diminution
• in water quality.as an.acceptable "cost" of further development. If neither
one of the first two choices is made, then the third alternative is chosen by
default. It is clear that at some point density must be regulated or water
• quality will diminish.It is not possible to choose both alternatives without
expending money 'and energy on alternative solutions to the problem.
Since it is unknown at:what density and where the projected population
• will be accommodated and to what extent means other than septic tanks will be
used for sewage disposal, it'is impossible to determine the exact capacity of
the land and water to sustain population growth. During the implementation of
• this plan, it will be necessary to constantly monitor the impact of new devel-
opment on the land and water.
Seasonal population has .not traditionally played a major role in..Bertie
• County.. It is anticipated that the amount of seasonal population will in-
crease slightly in the future; drawn to the amenities offered here..:The
major impacts this will have.locally are 1) an Ancrease in service related
• activities'and 2) increased demands made ofi selected local governmental ser-
vices such as solid waste disposal.
•
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2. Economy
The opening chapter examines past trends and present conditions.in
Bertie County's economic. -environment. In order to make decisions for -the •
future, it is necessary to understand forces at work in our national economy
which will influence Bertie County. What follows is a look at a few of these
forces.*
Agriculture has played.a.dominant role in Bertie County, but that.role
is changing. In the past agriculture was.the major employer.in the.County.
With changes in agricultural practices, mainly -mechanization, the number of
workers needed in agriculture has been reduced. There are indications_ that
the impact of mechanizationhasleveled off. In -the future there.'should be
fewer jobs lost.due to mechanization, but it is likely that the remaining
jobs will demand a higher level of training and skills.
For the past few decades there has been a nationwide trend of -population
migration from rural areas to urbanized ones. This trend,along with the
mechanization of agriculture, was the cause of'Bertie County's population
loss.. There now appears.to.be a trend emerging of migration from the urban
areas to rural areas. If Bertie County 'wishes to recoup some of their popu-
lation loss, then by providing job opportunities and other benefits, they
might be able to capture a number of the new migrants.
There recently has emerged.a.national recognition that resources are
limited. The impact of this,is .just making itself felt on the national
economy. The.resulting competition of limited resources will have both
positive and negative impact.
Perhaps the major negative impact will be in the area of -higher -energy
cost, particularly gasoline.. Most workers not employed in agriculture are
dependent upon the private automobile to transport them from place of

•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
residence to place of work. With higher gasoline cost, it will become in-
creasingly difficult for workers to live-in Bertie County and commute outside
the County to work, as 1,006 did in 1970. These workers will be under in-
creasing economic pressure to live closer to their place of work. If Bertie
County is unable to provide more employment opportunities; it.will continue
to lose population.
The limited resources will have a positive impact on Bertie.County in
that the long-range prospect for, agriculture and agriculturally related bus-
inesses '(this includes timber) 3s good. The County remains.relatively rich
in $atural resources which will bring an increasingly higher price in the
market place.
B. FUTURE LAND NEEDS
The Coastal Area Management Act guidelines direct that a gross.ten year
estimate of land needs be allocated to the appropriate land classes. In
doing this the estimated population.growth is allocated.to the Transition,
Community and Rural land classes of Land Classification System. This system
is explained in detail. in Part.Th,ree of this plan.
Bertie County's estimated population increase from 1975 to 1985-is 582.
The County's•policy is to upgrade: existing.population concentration by pro
viding them with services such as water and sewer. Therefore,.the entire
future land need is allocated to Transitional.
C....COMMUNITY"FACILITIES DEMAND
.1. Ten Year Population -Increase.
.,As discussed previously,.Bertie County's population is'expected to in-
crease by 582 by.1985. Local desires would.place that population at a higher
level. The two"major growth areas will most likely be Windsor and the Lewis-
ton -Woodville area.
90

n
2. Services Needed.to Accommodate' -Projected Population_..
Bertie County will,. be able .to absorb the projected population.and more .
without need for extensive.additions.to existing facilities. As noted: pre-
viously, the school system is.undergoing modification. When completed,..the
schools will -be able to handle the additional population increase.without an
increase in.facilities. i
A '201' wastewater _treatment -study is scheduled for the Lewiston -Woodville
area and will •include •Roxobel..-.and Kelford.. Completion of, this study. will1 .
qualify the area for federal monies for wastewater treatment. This money would
be spent in the area impacted(.by the Perdue plant location.
Existing water systems and new ones to serve communities in the.county.
could be financed through FHA loans and grants and be self-supporting through
user fees.
The present road system is capable of accommodating anticipated population
increases.
3 Ability. of. Local_ Economy :to-_ Finance. Service Extension'_-,
A local government's ability to provide services to its citizens is limit-
ed by_ the amount•of revenues.. -it can' raise. Local governments in North .Carolina
depend basically on four sources of revenue. A portion comes from grants from
State and Federal government._ While these are importantsources of revenue,
local government has limited control over how much.money they will receive and
how it.will be spent.
A second source of funding and traditionally the most important., is.local
property taxation. Bertie.County:lacks the heavy.industry that is o.£ten,used
'`� o!'obtain.,a high per capita appraisal value; therefore, the County is limited
in the burden it'can place on local taxpayers.
91

LJ
A relatively new source of income for local. governments in North Carolina
is the local sales tax.. Due to a.low level of per capita income,plus.a 1 ack
-of shopping areas in_the County,..Bertie County has a per capita retail sales
level of: only $1,193 -- the lowest in Region Q. This limits potential revenue
from the local sales tax.
• Other revenues are collected from miscellaneous sources, such as,ABC.
revenues,. licenses, and fees. Table 26 looks at county and municipal tax
and debt data.

•
TABLE 26
COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL DABT DATA 1
a)
0
Cd
+J '0
a0
Cd�
U Cd
N
cd N
Q
0. Q
E-+ 94
Local Government
-
to
Ca
•�
+-
a
U -
b
¢,
E- m o
a. im
Bertie County
$119,929,830
$5,842
$1,129,410
$ .85
$869,000
$ 42.81 •
Askewville
720,006
2,915
5,253
.50
-0-
-0-
Aulander
5,292,848
5,589
111,842
1.65
-0-
-0-
Colerain
2,335,744
6,262
10,689
1.00
-0-
-0-
Kelford
791,216
2,682
31,093
1.25
48,500
167.24
Lewiston
1,676,849
5,128
47,058.
1.25
45,000
140.62
Powellsville
923,175
3,738
21,728
.50
-0-
-0- •
Roxobel
1,583,089,
4,562
38,243
.80
40,000
117.65
Windsor
13,228,421
6,016
2,288,217
1.00
200,0002
-0-
Woodville
1,713,180
6,771
10,458
.20
-0-
-0-
1County data is for 1974-75. Municipal data is for 1973-74.
2Bond anticipation notes.
Source: North Carolina Local Government Commission and local governments.
Computation by N.C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources.
93
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The�North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act"states that the local.land
use plan "shall give special attention to -the protection and appropriate develop-
ment. of areas of environmental.concern"'designated by the Coastal Resources Com-
mission. That is the purpose of..this part_of the.plan.
Those areas of environmental concern which are listed_in.the "State Guide-
lines for Local Planning in.the Coastal Area" and occur in Bertie County will
be described, significance discussed, a policy objective stated, and appropriate
land uses prescribed. ,
Once the areas of environmental.concern (AEC) have been adopted,-by,the
Coastal Resources Commission, then development taking place within an AEC will
require a permit. Major developments must receive their permit.from the -State
...while minor developments can.heeadministered by local government. However, the
identification of AEC's in this -document will not serve for purposes of permit
letting. This Identification is for planning purposes only.
HISTORIC.PLACES _.
DESCRIP.TIOIJ:
,.Historic -places are defined..as_historical, archaelogical, and other.places
and properties owned;'managed,.or. assisted by the State of North Carolina pur-
suant to G. S. 121; and properties:,or.areas that have been designated by the
Secretary of 'the Interior*as National Historic Landmarks.
Specifically, these sites in Bertie County are: the King House and Hope
Plantation.
SIGNIFICANCE
Historic resources_are.bo-th.:non-renewable and fragile. They owe their-
significance'.to their association with American.history, architecture,.archaelogy
and culture. Properties on or appxoved for the National Register of Historic
Places may be of national, state or local significance.
95

C]
POLICY OBJECTIVE.
To protect and/or preserve the integrity of districts, sites, buildings
and objects in the above categories.
APPROPRIATE LAND.: USES
Adjacent development should.be in keeping with the character of the his-
.toric place. -Local government -.'can ensure this by•historic zoning, establishing
a historic properties commission and careful planning of facilities.
ESTUARINE WATERS AND PUBLIC TRUST AREAS
DESCRIPTION:
Estuarine waters are defined in G.S. 113-229 (n) (2) as, "all.the water
of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North. Carolina and all the waters
S
of the'bays, sounds, rivers, and tributaries thereto seaward of the dividing
line between coastal fishing waters and inland•fishing waters, as.set.forth
in an agreement adopted by the.Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department
of Conservation and Deve'lopment.filed with the Secretary of State entitled
s
'Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fishing - Inland Fishing Waters, -
revised March 1,-1965,'-" or as it may be subsequently revised by the
Legislature.:
Public trust*are'as'are•defined through the.,.CAMA Planning Guidelines.as
"All waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands thereunder from the mean high
water mark to the seaward limit..of State jurisdiction;.all natural.bodies of"
water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high
water mark; all navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder::to the
mean or ordinary high water mark as.the case may be, except privately owned
'lakes having no public access; all waters in artificially created bodies of
water In which.,exists significant public fishing resources or other public
9

LJ
resources,,which are accessible to the public by navigation from bodies of
water in which the public.has.rights-of navigation; all waters in artificially
created bodies of water in which the"public has acquired rights .by prescription,
custom; usage, dedication or any other means. In determining whether the pub-
lic has acquired.rights in artificially created bodies of water, the.following ,
factors shall be.considered.:.(i) the use of the body of water by.the public;
(ii) the.length of -time the public has.used the area; (iii) the. value of:pub
lic resources in the body of water;.(iv) whether the public resources..in the .
• body of water are.mobile to the extent that they can move into natural bodies
of water; (v)•whether.the creation of the artificial body of water required
permission from the State; and .(vi):the value of the body of water to the pub
S`. lic..'for, navigation from one public area to another -pub lic area."
While estuarine waters and public trust areas are treated separately in
the State Guidelines, they :.will.be-considered as one for the purpose of .this
plan. The distinction. drawn between them in the guidelines is.an artificial
one and'has no basis other than as 'a political division between the commercial
and sport fisheries.interest. The significance ;of both areas is identical
as are the appropriate land uses.
SIGNIFICANCE
The estuaries of any river system are among.the most productive natural
environments of North.Carolina. They,. not• only support valuable -commercial
and sports fisheries, but'are also utilized for commercial navigation, recre-
ation and aesthetic purposes." The high level of commercial and sports_ fisheries
40
and the aesthetic appeal of.coastal:North Carolina is'dependent upon the pro
-tection and sustained quality of our estuarine and river systems.

•
POLICY OBJECTIVE
To preserve and manage'our.estuarine waters and public -trust areas..so as
to safeguard and perpetuate their biological, economic and aesthetic values.
APPROPRIATE IZES
Appropriate uses shall..be.consistent.with the above policy objective.
Highest priority -shall be given to`the conservation of estuarine..watersand
protection of public trust rights. The development of navigation. channels,
the use of bulkheads to prevent erosion, and the -building of piers.or.wharfs
are examples of appropriate land use, provided such land uses will not be
...detrimental to the biological: and physical estuarine function and public
trust waters. Projects which woulddirectly or indirectly block or impair
existing navigation channels, increase shoreline erosion,.deposit spoils be-
•
low mean high tide, cause adverse water. circulation pattern, violate water
quality standards, or cause degradation of shellfish waters are generally.con-
sidered incompatible with -the management.of 'estuarine waters and public trust
•
areas.
Development control.over-development occurring in estuarine water.or.public
trust" areas is presently exercised by State or Federal .government. Local:. govern=
•
ment can assist in managing these.areas by controlling development.adjacent to
,these areas. Devices such.as.setback lines, minimum lot sizes, septic tank
ordinances, flood plain ordinances and sedimentation control can be used to
•
..control adjacent development which could impair estuarine waters or public
trust.areas.
98
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CONPLEX'NATURAL AREAS
DESCRIPTION`
Complex natural areas -are defined as. lands that..support.na.tive plan•t.and
animal communities and provide,.;habitat.:conditions or characteristics .that, have.
remained essentially unchanged:by.human activity. Such areas are surrounded
by landscapes that.have been modified..but that do not drastically. -alter the
conditions within the .natural.areas'or their scientific or educational°value.
Specifically.these.areas in_.Bertie County are the bottom swamp and wood-
lands of the Roanoke River and Roquist Pocosin.
POLICYOBJECTIVE
To preserve: the natural..condition of the site'so as to safeguard.i:ts
S existence as an example of naturally occurring, relatively.undisturbed plant
and animal communities of major scientific or educational.value.
APPROPRIATE.. -LAND: USES
Appropriate.land uses shall. -be those -consistent with the above policy
objective. These largely will -,consist of forestrypracticed in a manner con-
.sistent with good forest and wildlife management practices.
ESTUARINE ` AND` XTVER'. ERODIBLE" AREAS;. .
DESCRIPTION
Estuarine and river erodible areas are defined as the area.above.ordinary
_highwater where excessive erosion has'a high probability of'occurring... In
delineatingthe landward extent of this area, a,75 foot recession line:1shall
be used.
The erodible areas in Bertie County are located along the Chowan River
and Albemarle Sound.
•

SIGNIFICANCE.
The estuarine, sound and river erodible areas are natural hazard.areas
especially vulnerable to erosion.. Development within this type of AEC is •
subjected to the damaging process of erosion unless special development
standards and preventative measures are employed-.
POLICY OBJECTIVE
To ensure that development.occurring within the 25 year erodibility line
is compatible with the dynamic nature of the erodible lands thus minimizing
the likelihood of significant loss of property. •
APPROPRIATE..LAND USE
No development activity shall take place.within the area vulnerable to
erosion unless measures are.taken_to prevent the erosion which have proven •
effective -in similar situations and which do not threaten to accelerate erosion
on adjoining property. The 25-year erodibility line shall be used in deter—
mining setback from the river or sound in all ordinances and regulations,such •
as subdivision:_regulations and health regulations.
•
100

The areas-expected.to increase -in population in the future are-. Aulander,
Lewiston -Woodville, Colerain and -Windsor, the Merry Hill Community and Askew-
ville. The remaining:areas of the County should lose population to the above
areas and areas out of the County.
Efforts should be.made.to.upgrade the community facilities in existing
communities to enable them to facilitate development.
Map 6 classifies all of the land in Bertie County into five classes
contained in the North Carolina Land Classification System. The five classes
provide a framework to be used:by local governments to identify the general
use of all lands in each.county.
As a statement of local -policy consistent with statewide needs and. goals,
the county land classification map will serve as a basic tool for coordinating
•
numerous policies, standards, regulations and other governmental activities at
the local, state and -federal level.
The system also .provides a guide for public investment in land. _ For
example, State and local governments can -anticipate the need for early
acquisition.. of lands and .easements in the Transition class for schools,
recreation, transportation..and.other public facilities.
The system can also provide a useful framework for budgeting and planning
for the construction of .community facilities such as water and sewer systems,
schools and roads. The .resources of many state and Federal agencies, -as well
as those of the local government which are used for such facilities, can then
..be more efficiently allocated.
In addition, such a system will aid in better coordination of regulatory
policies and -decisions. Conservation and.Rural Production lands will help to
focus.the attention of state and local agencies and interests concerned with
the valuable natural resources of the state. On the other hand, lands in the
102
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Transition and Community classes will be of special concern to those.agencies
and interests who work for high quality development through local land use
controls such as zoning and subdivision regulations.
Finally, the System can help to provide guidance for a more equitable
distribution of the land tax burden. Private lands which are in the Rural
and Conservation classes should have low taxes to reflect the policy .that few, f
if any, public services will be provided to these lands. In contrast, lands
in the Transition class should.be taxed to pay for the large cost of new
public services which will be required to support the density of growth �►
anticipated.
103

THE FIVE CLASSES
' DEVELOPED
Purpose: The Developed class identifies developed. lands which are presently
provided with essential public services. Consequently, it is distinguished
from areas where significant growth and/or new service requirements will occur.
Continued development and redevelopment should be encouraged to.provide for
the orderly growth in the area.
Description: Developed lands are.areas with a minimum gross population density
of 2.,000 people per .square mile. At a minimum,:,these lands contain existing.
public services including.water:and.sewer.systems,. educational systems, and
road systems --all of which are able to support'the present population and its
accompanying land uses including commercial, industrial and institutional.
TRANSITION
Purpose: °The Transition class identifies lands -where -moderate -to high density
S growth is to be encouraged and where any growth that is permitted by local
regulation will be provided with the necessary public services.
Description: The area to be designated as Transition must be no greater than
that required to accommodate the estimated county population growth at a.
minimum gross density of 2,000 people per square mile. For example, if the
population increase for the following ten year period is.projected to be.
10,000'people, and it is planned that 8,000 of them will be accommodated in the
Transition area, then no more than four square miles of Transition area should_.
be shown. In addition, the minimum.services-which will be required are the
necessary -water and sewer facilities, educational services; and roads.
Consideration must be given.to the.cost ofpublic services in the Transition
area. Eachlocal government.is encouraged to estimate the approximate cost
of providing public services where they do not already exist.
Lands to be classifiedTransition should be considered in the following
order:
w 1) First priority is for lands which presently have a gross popula-
tion density of more than 2,000,pe'ople per.square mile, but do not
qualify as Developed because.they lack the necessary minimum public
services. These areas -may not be expected to accommodate additional
population, but they will require funds for services to avoid public
health and safety problems,
,. 2) Second priority'is for lands that have all the -necessary public services
in place, but which lack the minimum gross population density of 2,000
people per.square mile needed to.qualify the area as Developed. These
areas therefore have not utilized the. capacity of the. -existing services.
104
to

•
3) Additional lands necessary to accommodate the remainder of the
estimated Transition growth for the ten year planning period.
In choosing lands for the Transition class, such lands should not
include:
1) Areas with severe physical limitations for development with public
services.
2) Lands which meet the definition of the Conservation class.
3) Lands of special value such as the following unless no other
reasonable alternative exists:.
a) Productive and unique agricultural lands;
b) Productive forest lands;
c) Potentially valuable mineral deposits;
d) Potential aquifers and key parts of water supply watersheds;
@) Scenic and tourist resources;
f) Habitat for economically valuable wildlife species;
g) Flood fringe lands;
h) Open coast flood -hazard areas, exclusive of ocean erosive. S
areas;
ij Estuarine flood hazard areas, exclusive of estuarine erosive
areas.
COMMUNITY
Purpose: The Community class identifies existing and new..clusters*of low ,
density development not requiring major public services:'
Description:.
1) The Community class _includes existing clusters of one or. more land
uses such as a rural residential subdivision or a church, school,
general store, industry, etc. (Cluster.is defined as a number -of
structures grouped together in association or in physical proximity)
-Tebster's Distionary
2) This. class will provide for all new rural growth when the lot size is �
ten acres or less. Such clusters of growth may occur in -new areas,
or within existing community lands. In choosing lands for Community
growth, such lands should not include:
a) Areas with severe physical limitations for development;.'
b).Areas meeting the definition of the.Conservation class;
c) Lands of special value,such as the following,unless no -other
reasonable alternative exists;
1) Productive and unique agricultural lands;.
2) Productive forest lands;
3) Potentially valuable•mineral deposits;
4) Potential aquifers and key parts of water supply watersheds;
105
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5) Scenic and tourist"resources;
6) Habitat for economically.valuable wildlife species;
7) Flood fringe lands;
8).Open coast flood hazard areas;
9) Estuarine flood hazard areas, exclusive of estuarine erosive
areas:-
3) New development in the Community class areas will be subject to
subdivision regulations under.the.Enabling Subdivision Act
(G.S. 153A-330'et. seq..)
4) In every case, the lot size..must be large enough to safely accommodate
on -site sewage disposal and where necessary water supply so that no
public sewer services will be required or needed in"the future.
4 5)- Limited public services should be provided in the Community class such
as 'public road access and electric power.
6) As a guide for calculifi-ing the amount.of land necessary to accommodate
new rural, community growth, a gross'pop elation density of 640 people
per square mile or one person per acre should be used. For example,
if 1,000 new people are expected to settle in low density clusters
during- the following ten year period, then roughly 1,000� acres of land
should be allocated for new growth in Community class areas.
Vk
RURAL
Purpose: The Rural class identifies lands for long-term management for
productive -resource utilization, and where limited public services will be
provided. Development'in such areas should be compatible with•resource
production. ..
Description:* The Rural class includes all lands not in the Developed,
Transition," Community and Conservation classes.
CONSERVATION
Purpose: .The Conservation class identifies.land which shoul,d.be maintained
essentially in its natural state and where very limited or no public services
are provided.
Description: Lands to be placed in the Conservation class are -the least
' desirable.for development.because:
1) They are too fragile to withstand development without.losing their
natural value and/or;
2). -They have'severe'or hazardous limitations to development and/or;
• 3) Though they are not highly ,fragile or hazardous, the natural resources
they represent are too valuable to endanger by development.
106

Such lands at a minimum should include:
1) Fragile
a) Wetlands
�' )� Steep slopes and prominent high points
c) Frontal dunes
d) Beaches
e).Surface waters'Iiicluding
-- Lakes and ponds
- Rivers and streams
- Tidal waters below mean high water
f) Prime wildlife habitat
g) Unique natural areas and historic and archaeolog ical 'sites
2) Hazard
a) Floodways
b) Ocean.erosive areas
c) Inlet lands
d) Estuarine erosive areas
3) Other
a) Publicly owned forest,'park, and fish and game lands and other.
non -intensive outdoor recreation lands
b) Privately owned sanctuaries, etc. -which are dedicated to
preservation
c) Publicly owned water supply watershed areas
d) Undeveloped key.parts of existing water supply watershed
e) Potential water impoundment sites
In addition to the above named types of land, a county may include other
areas to be maintained in an.essentially natural state which are needed to
implement their stated policy objectives.
107
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El
A. MANNER OF DATA ASSEMBLY AND ANALYSIS
40 Due to time and monitary limitations, very little primary data was generated
for this study. Data used in this plan was obtained from six different sources.
These sources are:
1) Standard references such as U.S. Census, N.C. Statistical Abstract,
N. C. Agricultural Statistics, Profile: N. C. Counties, etc.;
2) A county -wide survey conducted by the Planning Board;
+ 3) Small group discussions held county -wide;
4) Interviews;
5) Previous studies; and
6) Field studies.
Analysis of this data was conducted by staff and presented to the Planning
Board for their consideration.
' The following is a bibliography of material used.
Barick, Frank B. and T. Stuart Critcher. Wildlife and Land Use Planning With
Particular Reference to Coastal Counties, North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission, Raleigh, N. C., 1975.
Bertie County Board of Education. Bertie County, Schools, Proposals for School
Improvements, Windsor, N. C., 1974.
Bertie Soil and Water Conservation District, Outdoor Recreation Potential for
Bertie County, N. C., Windsor, N. C., 1972.
Carolina Population Center. County Population Trends, North Carolina 1790-1960,
University of North Carolina and Statistical Services Center, Department
of Administration, Raleigh, N. C., 1969.
Clark, John. Coastal Ecosystems, Ecological Considerations for Management of the
Coastal Zone, The Conservation Foundation, Washington, D. C., 1974.
Employment Security Commission. North Carolina Commuting Patterns, 1960-1970,
Raleigh, N. C., 1974.
Ferrell, Joseph S. County Government in North Carolina, Institute of Government/
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N. C., 1975.
109
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Land Policy Council. North Carolina Land Policy Council -A Land Policy Program
for North Carolina, Raleigh, N. C., 1976.
Mid -East Economic Development Commission. A Guide for Land Use And Development
In the Mid -East Region, "Regional Land Use Plan", Washington, N. C., 1975.
Mid -East Economic Development Commission. Planning for Open Space and Recreation
In the Mid -East Region, Washington, N. C., 1975.
Mid -East Economic Development Commission. Region Q Transportation Plan,
Washington, N. C., 1975.
Mid -East Economic Development Commission. Region Q Water Management Plan,
Washington, N. C. 1975.
N. C. Agricultural Extension Service, North Carolina Land Use Data, eds.
Enrique Ospina and Leon Danielson, Raleigh, N. C. 1973.
N. C. Department of Administration. Profile, North Carolina Counties., Raleigh,
N. C., 1975.
N. C. Department of Administration. North Carolina State Government Statistical
Abstract, Raleigh, N. C., 1975.
N. C, Coastal Resources Commission. State Guidelines For Local Planning In the
Coastal Area Under the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974, Raleigh, N. C.,
1975,
N. C. Department of Natural & Economic Resources. Preliminary List of Endangered
Plant and Animal Species in North Carolina, 1973.
Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Hall and MacDonald. North Carolina Inland Waterways,
New York, New York, 1954.
Rivers and Associates, Inc. Bertie County, Comprehensive Water and Sewer Study,
Greenville, N. C., 1968,
Sharpe, Bill. A New Geography of North Carolina, Edwards & Broughton, Raleigh,
N, C., 1966.
State Department of Public Instruction. Survey/Bertie County Schools, Raleigh,
N. C. , 1974.
U. S. Department of Commerce. U. S. Census of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
1962, 1972,
Virginia Electric and Power Company. Bertie County, North Carolina, An Economic_
Study, Williamston, N. C., 1965.
Welch, Robert L, and Herbert A, Knight.. Forest Statistics for the Northeast
Coastal Plains -of North Carolina, 1974, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Southeastern Forest Experimental Station, Asheville, N. C., 1974.
Wilson, Kenneth A. North Carolina Wetlands, Their Distribution and Management,
N. C, Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, N. C., 1962.
110

l J
B. APPLICATION OF DATA TO PLAN FORMULATION
r
Once data was assembled and analyzed, then it was presented to the
Planning Board, The Planning Board utilized the data by using it as (1)
a a catalyst to discussion of issues, (2) parameter to discussion, and (3).
documentation that problems and issues exist.

J
IX. TOWN -COUNTY PLAN RELATIMSHIP
112

While the county and towns in Bertie County are separate govern-
mental entities, their future is closely entertwined. Most of the develop-
•
mental problems discussed in this report are not limited to political
boundaries. The benefits that accrue fromimplementation of this plan will
cross political boundaries.
The Coastal Area Management Act places the primary planning responsibility
with the county. Towns are permitted to do their own planning if.they are
of a -certain size. Only Windsor, of all the towns in Bertie County, was
•
eligible to do its own planning. The County prepared "mini -plans" for the
remaining towns in the County.
The Windsor and Bertie County Plan Relationship can be defined as a
•
coordinated effort through effective land use planning to provide a balanced
growth that offers the best affordable working and living environment for
all Bertie residents. This relationship has been part of a continuous
process which has taken.two forms:
(1) Complementing goals and objectives, and
(2) A compatible county -town land classification system.
The Bertie County Plan utilizes the towns as growth centers. Develop -
men t will be encouraged to .locate in or near existing towns in order to
utilize: -existing services and minimize cost of future services. The
following town plans give a view of each incorporated town in the county
with the exception of Windsor, which has prepared its own plan.
•
113

CAMA
LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
ASKEWVILLE, N.C.
BERTIE COUNTY
November 23, 1975
114
•

•
•
Askewville is a small, rural community just east of U.S. Highway 13,
located near the center of Bertie County. The town has been known as "the
center of the county's tobacco belt." Today, Askewville remains rural -
residential in character.
POPULATION
Askewville's population is estimated at 260. The
town experienced a
33.3 percent population increase between 1960 and 1975
(Figure 1).
•
A look at Askewville's
population in 1970 shows that 25.1 percent of the
population is over 45 years
of age (Table 1). Over 40
percent of the
population is fietweefi 15 and
44•-years of age. This is
a disproportionate
number of younger people as
compared to county, state
and national averages..
The lower proportion of the
elderly population and the
higher proportion
•
of younger people indicates
that Askewville will most
likely increase in
population due to the higher proportion of the child bearing
population.
As of 1970, Askewville
had no Black population..
TABLE 1
POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX
ASKEWVILLE 1970
Percent of
Age Total
Male' Female
Total Population
•
Under 5 years 24
12 12
9.7;
5-14. 52
20 32
21.1
15-24 33
14 19
13.4
25-34 43
24 19
17.4
•
35-44 33
17 16
13.4
45-54 16
8 .8
6.5
55-64 26
14 12
10.5
65+ 20
7 13
. 8.1
•
TOTALS 247
116 131
100
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population, First Count Summary, 1970..
•
115
•

1200
1000
800
600
400
-200
1940
FIGURE 1
POPULATION TRENDS
ASKEWVILLE - 1940-1970
1950 1960 19/U 19/5
1
Estimate
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population, 1940--1970 and N. C. Dept, of Administration.
116
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
ECONOMY
Askewville is largely a residential community with residents commuting
•
to work to various industries in Bertie and neighboring:Hertford County.
As of 1965, the town has ho industrial tax base.
The only businesses in town are limited to service related businessess.
•
EXISTING LAND USE
The major lane use in Askewville is rural residential, Limited commercial
• uses are spotted along U. S.-Highway 13. There are no industrial land uses.
Since no district commercial and residential areas exist, the existing
low level commercial and residential activities do not pose a -problem
• of conflicting land uses.
CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT
Several factors act as constraints on development in any community.
These factors ate discussed as follows:
Soils
Askewville soils pose severe limitations for development. Generally
r
these limitations are -economically feasible to correct. The major limita-
tions are a result of severe flooding. These soils are not generally suited
for sanitary facilities or community development due to the severe flooding.
•
From an agricultural standpoint, the limitations are very severe due to not
only flooding but high water tables,and are not generally developed.
Water Supply
Askewville's water distribution system was recently constructed. The
new system is serving approximately 80 connections to date. It has been
recommended that the town construct a 150,000 gallon elevated water storage
tank to provide adequate fire protection for residents and businesses.
117

Due to an abundance of ground water, water supply poses no constraints
on development.
Capacity of Community Facilities
Lack of community facilities or inadequate community facilities can
serve as a constraint on development. For instance, the density of develop-
ment within Askewville is limited as long as the town is dependent on septic
tanks. Other factors such as wafer systems, fire departments, etc, influence
both individuals and businessess in decisions on where to locate.
At the present time Askewville has no wastewater facilities and relies
total on on -site disposal methods. This, in effect, imposes a minimum lot
size due to the area needed for septic tank and drain field. This places a
constraint on development both from a density standpoint and from the stand-
point of the town being unable to accommodate any type of development which
cannot use septic tanks for wastewater disposal, In addition, soils of the
area do not lend themselves to on -site disposal methods.
The town has recently constructed a water system. The system is supplied
by two deep wells, each having a capacity of 100 gallons per minute. If the
recommended 150,000 gallon elevated water storage tank is constructed,
Askewville's water system will provide adequate service. However, if not,
the projected increase in water consumption could place additional demands
upon the existing water system.
ESTIMATED FUTURE DEMAND
Population `
Askewville is projected to increase in population, -Table 2 shows
population -projections for the town, township, and.county.
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TABLE 2
PROJECTED POPULATION
ASKEWVILLE, WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, BERTIE COUNTY
1970-2000
1970 1980 1990 2000
Askewville 247 270 .289 312
Windsor Township 6,141 6,730 7,190 7,770
Bertie County 20,528 20,880 21,110 21,700
SOURCE: Region Q Water Resources Management Plan; Township.projections by.
Department of Natural.& Economic Resources
Economy
There are slight indications that Askewville's economy will change. -.An
increase in the area's population possibility will increase the current level
of service. these increases are expected to be minor due to
:However,
projected population percent changes.
•
Future Land Needs
If Askewville's population projections are realized, the town should
concentrate on developing land within the existing service areas of the town.
This would allow the town to realize the greatest return on the recently
constrAdted water system. As a result, the cost of providing future services,
•
such/as sewer, would be minimized,
Community Facilities Demand
If..the community's population projections are realized, the present
water system will probably need up -grading, Reliance upon on -site disposal
of wastewater will cause problems for development. The"location of an '
industry in Askewville might require a wastewater treatment system.
LAND USE ISSUES
• In summary, the land use issues facing Askewville are:
1) Continuing population increase
2) Lack'of local -economic base
• 3) A high proportion of the childbearing population
119
•

•
IMPLEMENTATION
If Askewville is to retain the desirable characteristics of the community
and address the land use issues outlined above, it must:
1) Form a planning board to advise local officials on development
issues, and
2) Make a decision on whether the town will attempt to attract •
industry,
The town may wish to explore the possibility of continuing land use
planning and management services from local, regional, and state agencies. •
120
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•
•
•
•
•

THE TOWN OF AULANDER
The Town of Aulander. is located in northwest Bertie County, Historically,
the town has been a rural trading community, with industry locating in the
community recently., At one time Aulander..was_the "largest city in.the
world." -The incorporating act specified boundaries extending 1,000 miles in
each direction. The error was corrected.
Aulander is served'by a number of roads., N.C. 305 connects the town with
Windsor, 19 miles to the southeast. N.C.,ll connects Aulander to Lewiston.,_
8 miles to the southwest, and Ahoskie, 7.miles to the northeast. .Secondary
roads connect Aulander with surrounding rural areas. The town is served by
a railroad.
S
POPULATION
Aulander's population is estimated at 940 for 1974 The town has been
experiencing a decline in..population since 1950 (Figure 1). This pattern of
population lass has occurred at a slower rate than the county`s population
decline..
A look -at Aulander's population in 1970 (Table 1) shows a high percentage
of population in the 55 years old and above categories. This, coupled with a
relatively low percentage in 25 - 44 categories, indicates a pattern of
outmigration.
Generally, those who.migrate out.are the young, who having completed their
education, look elsewhere for greater opportunity. This appears to have
happened in Aulander.
122 _
0

•
FIGURE 1
POPULATION TRENDS
AULANDER 1940-1975
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
•
•
1940
1950
1960
.1970
19751
lEstimate
Source: U. S.
Census,of Population, 1940-1975
and N. C.
Dept. of
Administration.
TABLE 1
POPULATION BY AGE AND
SEX
AULANDER 1970
Percent of
Age
Total
Male
Female
Total.Population
#
Under 5 years
56
25
31
5.9
5-14
136
73
63
14.4
15-24
118
57
61
12.5
25-34
112
56
56
11.8
35-44
102
50
52
10.8
45-54
112
53
59
11.8
55-64
154
62
92
16.3
65+
157
63
94
16.6
TOTALS
947
439
508
100..
Source: U. S.
Census, First
Count Summary, 1970.
123
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The age_ distribution pattern in Aulander also has implications for
provisions of services by!local government. For instance, Aulander with a
• c
relatively high percentageof population in the 5 - 24 age categories
would want to provide active recreation for those young people.
1.Rlack's number 146, or 15.4 percent of the.total population of
Aulander.
ECONOMY
Aulander is a rural.trading community. The location-of'the`B1ue.Ridge
Shoe Corporation,with approximately..200 employees,and National Peanut
Corporation,with 90 employees,has given the town an industrial base..
In addition.to the industries located in Aulander, many residents
commute to work in surrounding counties or southeast Virginia.
GOVERNMENT
Aulander.has erecently adopted Manager -Mayor -Council form of government. .
The.town has a full-time town manager, clerk, and two policemen. A part-time
policeman -also Serves the community.'
The -town presently exercises no regulations which would..impact land
development patterns. The town has contracted to have zoning and subdivision
regulations and'an annexation study prepared during the coming year.
- EXISTING LAND USE
Most of the land in Aulander is vacant. Of the developed land, the .
overwhelming majority is residential. Commercial development is largely
confined to a well-defin6d central business district.
The residential and commercial areas of town are distinct. This is a
desirable feature which should'be preserved. The industrial land uses are
located on the periphery -of the 'residential areas. They create some con
:124
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•
flicting.land uses in regard to the housing immediately adjacent to the
industrial uses.. A number of local citizens have also expressed concern about
mobile homes moving into established neighborhoods.
•
Conceptually, land use in Aulander can be viewed as concentric rings with
the central business district forming the core, residential development forming
the next ring out and industrial development and agriculture forming the
outermost ring.
This concept,breaks-down.where N. C. 305 from Windsor and N. C. 250 from'
Ahoskie.lead into town. Residential.strip development has occurred along
•
these highways outside of the existing city limits. These are the primary
areas the town'will examine in its annexation study.
CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT
Several factors act as constraints on development in Aulander. These may
bebrokendown into.the broad categories of land potential --thee natural
-constraints placed,on development --and capacity of community facilities.,
Theseconstraints on development do not mean that development cannot -take
place in the affected areas, only that the development may not be economically
•
.,feasible.
Soils':
Most of the soils in Aulander have slight limitations for development.
•
The'soils"are well drained to moderately well drained with only slight limit-
ations for development and f.or agriculture. They are generally well adopted
for.septic tanks, sanitary landfills, but may have moderate problems with
sewage lagoons. As far, as building is concerned, shallow excavations would
only have slight limitations. Basements would be possible on high ground
-- in this area and in.general would have fair to good bearing strength.
•
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r]
In small areas of the town, largely to the southeast; the soils are not
suitable for development and therefore pose a constraint on development.
Water Supply
a
The Tqwn of Aulander utilized groundwater as its water source. A distri-
bution system.serves most of the towns residents.. The area south of
.Aulander, along N. C. 395, is served by the South Aulander Water Association.
The area north of Aulander, along N. C....350 is served by the Millennium Water
Association. `
Groundwater 'ig-plentiful in the Aulander area and.presents no constraints
on development, in regard -to supply. The distribution system would serve as
the.only constraint. 'The existence of the South Aulander and Millennium
Water Associations will aid the'town's efforts to annex these areas.
Capacity of Community Facilities
Lack of community'facilities or inadequate community.facilities.can serve
as a.constraint on development. For instance,''the town -served treatment
facilities might not bb adequate�to'handle the additional burden a new
industry could place on them. Therefore, that new industry could decide to
locate elsewhere.
The constraints of the water supply and distribution system were
discussed eariler. .It was concluded that water supply would not provide a
constraint on development.. The distribution system possibly could provide a
constraint.
The town has a wastewater collection and treatment system. The'treat-
ment facility, constructed in 1962,-has a design capacity of 0.08 million
gallons daily..,.The collection system serves about 650 people. Treated
effluent is discharged into Fort Branch, a tributary of Ahoskie Creek.
126

The North Carolina Division of Environmental Management has requested
that the present facility be replaced with a new one which will give a
tertiary degree of treatment. Disinfection also needs to be added to the.
,---,,,-,!,treatment process.
ESTIMATED FUTURE DEMAND
Population
Aulander is projected to lose population toa level of 834 in 1990.
After 1990'the town is projected to gain population to a level of 961 in
the year 2000. Annexation or location of new industry could influence the
future population trends.
The.population:projection presented below (Table 2) was computed by
the N.:C: Department of Natural and Economic Resources. A projection is
only a guess based on past performance.
TABLE 2
PROJECTED POPULATION
AULANDER AND BERTIE COUNTY, 1970 - 2000.
Area 1970 1980 1990 2000-
Aulander 947 923 834 961
Bertie County 20,528 20,880 21,110 21,700
Source: Computed by N.C. DNER based on OBERS county and township
projections.
Economy<
Aulander's proximity to Ahoskie,coupled with an existing water and'
.sewer system indicates that the town's economy could prosper in the future.
127
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Future Land Needs
Aulander has adequate land within its present boundaries to service any
anticipated..future land needs. The town could explore the possibility of
annexing the developed areas south of town along N. C. 305 and north of
town along N..C. 350.
Community Facilities Demand
The present water system is adequate for anticipated future needs.
The system could -be joined with -that of the.South Aulander Water Association
and the Millennium Water Associates, thereby strengthening all systems.
The present wastewater treatment facilities need to be upgraded.
LAND USE ISSUES
In summary;the land use issues facing Aulander are:
1) The need to upgrade the sewer treatment facility;
2) A need to -preserve the central business district;
3) Mobile homes appearing inestablished neighborhoods;
4) The issue of annexing adjoining -communities.;. and
5) Join the various water systems into a single system.
•

a
CAMA
LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
COLERAIN, N.C.
BERTIE..COUNTY

n
The Town of Colerain is located approximately one mile from the Chowan
River on North Carolina Highways 45 and 350'in Bertie County. Colerain was
incorporated in 1873..
Two noteworthy events can be cited from Colerain's early history. First;
in 1743, the herring fishing industry was established in Colerain by John
Campbell and Richard Browning. Also, at.Colerain is the Hardy Home, one
residence.of the.Hardy family who came to Bertie County about 1690.
Today Colerain is a quiet farming and fishing community. North Carolina
40
Highways 45and 350 provide connections with U. S. Highways 13 and 17. These
—transportation routes provide good.accessibility to surrounding rural areas.
POPULATION
Colerain's population was -estimated -at 380 in 1975. The town has
.experienced a slight increase in population since`1960 (Figure 1). This slight
increase (from.373 in 1960 to 380 in 1975) is significant when compared with
age group.populations (Table 1).
In.1970 over 40 percent of Colerain's population was over 45 years of age.
This is.a disporportinate number of older people.as.compared to county, state
and national averages. The higher proportion of older people indicates that
Colerain will.not be as likely to increase in population due to deaths.
exceeding.births: Any population increases or even maintaining existing
population levels,*wil1 require people moving into Colerain.
Other characteristics for the 1970 Colerain population -include:
14 percent Black and an average household size.of 3.6 people.
130

•
FIGURE 1
POPULATION TRENDS
COLERAIN -1940 - 1975
1200
1000
800
600
373
380
400
307
367 340
200
1940
1950 1960 1970
19751
1Estimate
♦
Source: U. S.
Census of Population, 1940-1970 and
N. C.
Dept. of.Administration.
TABLE 1
POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX
COLERAIN - 1970
Percent of
Age
Total Male Female
Total Population
Under years
35 19
16
9.4
•
5-14
51 26
25
13.7
15-24
54 29
25
14.5
25-34
37 18
19
9.9
•
35:44
36 17
19
9.7
45-54
61 27
34
16.4
55-64
50 18
32
13.4
•
65+
49 16
33
13.1
TOTALS
373 170 .203
100
•
Source: U. S. Census,,.First. Count Summary, 1970.
131 .

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ECONOMY
Colerain is largely a residential, farming and fishing community. There
is one industry in Colerain, a fish processing company.' It employs approx-
imately 200 (seasonal) workers.
Other.businesses in town are service.related, such as service stations,
general stores, grocery stores, etc. Colerain has a Local Development
Corporation.that is presently working toward economic development of the area.
It is hoped that increased economic opportunity will result from its-.
• efforts.
GOVERNMENT
Colerain is governed by a Mayor -Commissioner form of government. The '
•
town has one full-time employee.
Police protection -is provided by one town policeman and fire protection
is:provided by.25 volunteer firemen. The Fire Department has an insurance
•
rating of 9AA.
The sources of income to support Colerain's governmental services include
the following: (1). Ad Valorem Taxes 30%;.(2) Utilities 2.4%; (3) ABC'3%;
•
.(4) Privilege License 1%; and (5) other 42%.
EXISTING LAND USE
Most of the land in Colerain is.vacant or in agricultural production.
Of the developed -.land the overwhelming majority is residential. Commercial`
development has occurred in proximity to N. C. 45 and 350 intersections.
• Industrial activities.are located in and around the eastern portion of town
along the Chowan Diver. In all, no distinct land.use conflicts exist.
•

•
CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT
Land potential - the natural constraints placed on development - and
the capacity of community facilities are broad development factors. Colerain's
potential development is examined in view of these broad factors.
Soils
•Colerain soils have been identified as having severe limitations for •
development - severe limitations that are not generally economically feasible
to correct. The major limitation is severe flooding. These soils are not
generally suited for sanitary facilities or community development due to the •
severe flooding. However, small areas of higher ground that could be
included in the area might be suited.
From an agricultural standpoint the limitations are very severe due to
not only flooding, but high water tables, and are not generally developed.
However, certain small areas of higher ground may be used for these purposes.
Water Supply •
Colerain has a municipal water system which serves the residents of the
community. Ground water is abundant throughout the area, and availability
of water provides no constraints upon development
Historic Areas
Although not officially declared a historic site, the Hardy Home is of
historic significance to the Colerain community. The Hardy Home was once
the residence of one of the first families in Bertie County.
Colerain's fishery is surely noteworthy. Built by John Campbell in
1743, it remains the town's sole industry.
The Town of Colerain should take action to insure that future development
occurring in proximity to these sites is not detrimental to these local
landmarks. 0
133
•

•
CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The capacity of community facilities is important to the future
development of the Colerain community. The most important developmental
factors are the adequacy of water systems, sewer systems, etc. These factors
influence both individual and business decisions regarding.location.
•
The water system has a.maximum daily capacity of 35,000 gallons per
day (GPD).with a peak load to date of 17,500 GPD. Thus, the water system
appears adequate.for anticipated development. On the other hand, wastewater
40
treatment is.currently inadequate. Effluent is discharged into the Chowan
River. This places a constraint on development,both from an environmental
and economical (attracting industries) standpoint..
•
ESTIMATED FUTURE DEMAND
Population t
Colerain's population is projected to increase slightly over the next
•
years. As Table 24shows, by'the year 2000 the town will"have increased
by only'37 in number.
The population projection presented below was computed by the N.C.
Department of Natural and Economic Resources. Several population factors
were not included in this projection. Moreover, due to Colerain's size
(less than 2,500) much information needed for realistic projections does -not
exist. Nevertheless, the following does indicate the most probable
trend.
•
134

•
TABEL 2
PROJECTED
POPULATION
COLERAIN
TOWNSHIP,
COLERAIN, AND
BERTTE
COUNTY
1970
- 2020
1970
1980
1990
2000
Colerain
373
383.
388
400
Colerain Township
4,069
4,170
4,230
4,360 '
Bertie County
20,528
20,880
21,110
21,700
SOURCE: Region Q Water Resources Management Plan; Township projections by
N. C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources.
Economy
Colerain's service related economy does not appear to be changing. A
relative,slow growth rate will probably sustain the current level of service.
•
Colerain has one basic industry and has identified two sites for
industrial development.- Potential for industrial development does exist in
Colerain due to its proximity to the Chowan River, a natural transportation
•
route. Although outside the town's limits, other areas along the river have
potential for residential development.
Future Land Needs..
Being that Colerain does not expect rapid growth,.the town should
.concentrate on developing lands within the existing service areas of -the town.
This would provide greater and more efficient use of governmezital services.
�
If growth accelerates, then orderly growth by extension of.the town's
service.area can be provided, ,
Community Facilities Demand -
If current projections are realized, the present water system will
provide adequate service, Today the most pressing demand facing the
Colerain community is that of an adequate wastewater disposal system.
135

0
The town should remain cognizant of this fact and explore means of providing
adequate wastewater disposal.
LAND USE ISSUES
In summary, the land use issues facing Colerain are:
• 1) Slow population increase;
2) Lack of local economic base;
3) A high ( and increasing) proportion of elderly population;
4) A need to provide an adequate wastewater system;
5) A need to protect the'historic aspects of Colerain.
IMPLEMENTATION
rn
If Colerain is to retain the desirable characteristics of the community
and address the land use issues outlined above, it must:
1) Form a planning board to advise local officials on development-,
issues;
2) Make a decision on whether.the•towu will attempt.to attract
a
industry, or face a continuing slow population increase; and
3) Develop land use regulations to protect the historic aspects
and .the aesthetic qualities of the town.
Due to its small size it is questionable.whether Colerain would be able
to properly administer a set of land use regulations as proposed. The town
should explore the possibility of the county administering these regulations
for the town.
•
136
0

CAMA
LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
i
RELFORD, N.C.
BERTiE COUNTY
November 23, 1976
137

11
! Kelford is located in northwest Bertie County, approximately two miles!
south of Roxobel and three miles from the Roanoke River. The town was laid
out in 1890 by Colonel S. A. Norf leet and incorporated in 1892. Kelford once
had a bank and considerable commerce. Today, Kelford is a small agricultural -
residential community.
n
POPULATION
KelforV s population to date is estimated at 290. The town has been,
• experiencing a decline in population since 1940 (Figure 1). Since 1940 to
present, Kelford has experienced a 36.4 percent population change. This
pattern of population loss is more rapid than the township's population
. - decline. As of 1970 over 50 percent of the population belonged to the 45
and over age groups (Table 1). This is a disproportionate number of older
people as compared to county, state and national averages. This higher
• proportion of older people indicates that Kelford will not be as likely to
increase in population due to deaths exceeding births. Any population
increases,or even maintaining existing population levels, will require people
moving into Kelford. The above is characteristic of several towns within
Bertie County.
As of 1970, other Kelford population characteristics included a 56.2
percent Black population and a 4.0 average household size.
138..
0

TABLE 1
POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX
Kelford 1970
Percent of
Age
Total
Male Female
Total Population
Under 5 yrs,
14
5 9
4.7
5-14
.56
33 23
19.0
•
15-24
.36
11 25
12.2
25-34
20
11 9
6.8
35-44
20
9 11
6.8
45-54
35
14 21
ll09
•
55-64
58
24 34
19.7
65+
.56
23 33
19.0
TOTALS
295
130 165
100
•
SOURCE: U.
S. Census
of Population, First Count Summary;
1970.
FIGURE 1
POPULATION TRENDS
.
KELFORD - 1940-1970
1200
•
1000
800
600
456 405. •
400 362 295
290
200
1940 1950 1960 1970 1975
1Estimate
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population, 1940-1970 and N: C. Department of
Administration •
139

ECONOMY
Kelford is a residential farming community. There is one industrial
operation in Kelford. Existing businesses are service related, such as
gasoline service stations, several general stores, etc.
Kelford does not have a local development corporation to work toward
economic development. In summary, Kelford lacks an extensive economic base.
EXISTING LAND.USE
Kelford's land use is primarily residential and vacant. There are
limited commercial activities spotted along N. C. 308. Due to the low level
of commercial activity, problems of conflicting land uses are limited.
CONSTRAINTS
Soils
Kelford has.good soils for development. The soils are moderately well
•
drained with-a.friable subsoil. These type soils are suitable.for septic
tanks. As such, they provide few constraints on development.
Water Supply .
•
Kelford obtained its municipal water system in 196�.. With present'arid .
projected population trends indicating population losses over the -next years,
water supply does not appear to pose -constraints. However, if population
•
trends should reverse and/or additional industry is introduced into
the area, the present water supply -would pose constraints on development.
Capacity of Community Facilities -
At present, Kelford's water system consists of one.75,000 gallon elevated
storage tank and one well which produces an average yield of 200 gpm. The
town has.an additional well, but no pump..
•
140
•

Residents depend on septic tanks and absorption fields for the disposal
of wastewater. Studies show that the soils are favorable, in that there are
only moderate limitations to the use of on -site disposal units. However,
this in effect Imposes a minimum lot size. due to the area needed for septic
tank and drain field. This places a constraint on development both from a
•
density standpoint and from the standpoint ofthe town being unable to
accommodate any type of development which cannot use septic tanks for 'waste-
water disposal.
•
ESTIMATED FUTURE DEMAND
Population
Kelford is projected to continue losing population. The town's past
e
unsuccessful efforts to attract new residents, a lack of any basic job
opportunities and a high percentage of people past the child bearing age tend
to bear this out.
•
Table 2 shows population projections for Kelford, Roxobel.Township,
and Bertie County,
TABLE 2
•
PROJECTED POPULATION
KELFORD, ROXOBEL TOWNSHIP AND BERTIE COUNTY
1970-2000
1970 1980 1990 2000
•
Kelford 295 302 295 292
Roxobel Township 1,871 1,830 1,790 1,770
Bertie County 20,528 20,880 21,110 21,700
SOURCE: Town and Township Projections by N. C. Department of Natural and
Economic Resources
•

•
Economy
There are no indications that Kelford's service.related economy will
change. A decline-in.the area's population possibly will curtail the
current level of service.
Kelford has no developed industrial sites. The probability of attracting
industry is,small.
Future Land Needs
If Kelford should be able td reverse its population loss, it should
concentrate on developing. land within the existing service areas of the town.
This would allow the town to realize the greatest return on the investment
already made in the water system and would minimize the cost of providing
•
future services, such as sewer.
This policy of containing growth within the existing town boundaries
and upgrading existing services within those areas has resulted in the town.*
being classified Transitional in the county land use plan.
Community Facilities Demand
If the community maintains its present population or declines in
population, the present water system and reliance upon on -site disposal of
wastewater is adequate. A gain in population or location of an industry in
Kelford might require a wastewater treatment system.
•
LAND USE ISSUES
In summary, the land use issues facing Kelford'are:
1) Continuing population loss;.
2) Lack of local economic base;
3) A high proportion of elderly population.
142

l I
IMPLEMENTATION
Tf Kelford is to retain the desirable characteristics of the community
and address the land use issues outlined above,. it must:
1) Form a planning board to advise local officials on development
issues; and
2) Make.a decision on whether the town will attempt to attract
industry, increase the tourist trade, or face a continuing loss
.of population.
Due to its small size, it is questionable whether Kelford would-be able
to properly administer planning activities. To this extent, the town should
explore the possibility of retaining local planning and management services
from area local, state, and federal agencies. •
•

CAMA
LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
a
LEWISTON-WOODVILL$, N.C.
BERTIE COUNTY
NOVEMBER 23, 1975

Lewiston and Woodville are Rertie County Fs twin,towns.although,they.were
separately incorporated. The twin towns.are located in the northwest corner.
of Bertie County on U. S. Highway 11,
POPULATION
Lewistonts and Woodville�s population is estimated at 430 and 240
•
respectively (Figures 1 and 2), Since 1940 to date Lewiston has increased
126 in number while Woodville has declined 186 in number.
The age characteristics of the twin towns show some similarities
•
(Tables 1 and 2). The 45 and over age group comprise the largest population
percentage - Lewiston, 44.6 percent and Woodville 39.0 percent. Approximately
w32
percent of the population in both towns belong to the 15-44 age groups.
The higher proportion of older people indicates that Woodville and Lewiston
will not be as likely to increase in population due to deaths exceeding .
births. However, an increase in births by the 15-44 age group could
.
stabilize the populations.
FIGURE.1
POPULATION TRENDS
Woodville - 1940-1975
1200
1000
40
_.800
600
426 387
400
344 253 240
200
1940 .1950 1960 1970 19751
lEstimate
SOURCE: U. S. census of Population,' 1940-1970 & N. C. Dept. of Administration.*
145
A

FIGURE 2
POPULATION TRENDS
Lewiston - 1940-1975
'
1200
1000
800
600
400
304
339
3§0 327
443 0
200
1940
1950
1960 1970
19751
1Estimate
w
SOURCE: U. S.
Census of Population, 1940-1970 & N. C.
Dept. of Administration
TABLE 1
POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX
•
LEWISTON-1970
Percent of
Age
Total
Male Female
Total Population
Under 5 yrs.
16
10 6
4.9
•
5-14
59
29 30
13,0
15-24
51
33 18
13.6
25-34
23
11 12
7.0
35-44
32
11 21
6.8
45-54
58
28 30
17.7
55-64
48
22 26
14.7
•
.65+
40
13 27
12,2
TOTALS
327
157 170
100
SOURCE: U. S.
Census of
Population, First Count Summary, 1970.
146
w

TABLE 2
POPULATION BY AGE AND SEX
WOODVILLE - 1970
Percent,of
Age Total Male Female
Total Population
Under 5 yrs. 24 11 13
9.4
5-14 50 22 28
19.7
15-24 36 17 19
14.2
25=34 20 8 12
7.9
35-44 24 10 14
9.4
45-54 34 19 15
13.4
55-64 38 16 22
15.0
TOTALS 253 118 135
100
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population, First Count Summary,
i970'.
ECONOMY
Lewiston is one of the most industrialized towns in
Bertie•County.
Harrington Manufacturing, the county's largest employer,
is located here,
Lewiston has two other industries who, along with Harrington
Manufacturer,
employ approximately.607 people (peak),
In addition, service -related activities add to the
towns economy.
4
These activities consist of service stations, banks,.grocery•stores,
etc.
While Lewiston has industries, Woodville does not.
Woodville.is largely
a residential community with an economy consisting mainly of.service-related
*
activities. Overall, the twin towns can be termed economically stable.

•
GOVERNMENT
Lewiston and Woodville are governed by separate Mayor -Commissioner forms
of government.
EXISTING LAND USE
Lewiston has a mixture of land uses. Commercial and industrial uses are
located along U. S. Highway 11, while agriculture and residential uses
dominate the town.
On the other hand, residential, agricultural and limited commercial
activities dominate land use in Woodville. The commercial and residential
land uses are less.distinct in Woodville. Yet, the low level of.commercial
activity poses no conflicting land uses.
CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT
Soils
The soils of the Lewiston -Woodville area pose limitations for development. -
The major limitation is severe flooding. However, there are small areas of
higher ground that may be used for development.
Water Supply
The twin towns jointly operate a municipal water system. The system
consists of two wells and an elevated storage tank. In addition, the water
system provides fire protection to both towns.
Historic Areas
Two early 19th century homes are located in Woodville. They are the
Pugh-Walton..Mizelle House and the Yellow House. These homes are presently
being used as residential dwellings.
148

Capacity of. Community Facilities
The water system's two wells yield a combined total'of 300 gallons
• per minute. A 100,000 gallon elevated storage tank is also part of the water
system. The distribution system includes fire hydrants.
Lewiston —Woodville wastewater collection and treatment system consists of
• a 0.070 million gallon per day secondary wastewater treatment plant. To date,
the treatment facility is.operating at approximately 60 percent capacity.
The water and wastewater treatment systems appear adequate to meet the
twin towns! anticipated demands.
ESTIMATED FUTURE -DEMAND
Lewiston and Woodville are projected to continue losing population. Table
r 3 shows population projections for both home. towns, the township; and county.
Due to the location of a Purdue chicken processing.plant nearby, the
projected decline in population is probably inaccurate. The towns should
maintain their current population and possibly increase population to a small
extent.
TABLE 3
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
LEWISTON,
WOODVILLE, WOODVILLE TOWNSHIPS,
& BERTIE
COUNTY
1970 .- 2000
1970 1980
1990
2000
Lewiston
327 308
289
274
Woodville
.253 250
235
223
Woodville Township
1,528 1,440
1;350
1,280 .
Bertie County
20,528 20,880
21,110
21,700
SOURCE: N.- C. Department of Natural and Economic Resources
s
149
0

11
Economy
There are indications that the economy of the Woodville -Lewiston area
will change.- The location of the Purdue plant near the towns will have a
definite impact on the local economy.
The area has basic industries and undeveloped industrial sites. The
probability of attracting further industry exists. However, this will
involve progressive local economic development capability.
Future Land Needs
If Lewiston and Woodville should be able to reverse their population
loss, they should concentrate on developing land within the existing service
areas of the towns. This would allow the towns to realize the greatest
returns on the investments already made in the water and sewer systems and
would minimize the cost of providing future services, such as sewer.
Community Facilities Demand
If the community maintains its present population.or declines in
population, the present water and sewer systems are adequate. A gain in
population or location of additional industry in the area will require
improvements in the existing wastewater treatment system These improvements
would depend on the amount of growth.
LAND USE ISSUES
In summary, the land use issues facing Woodville -Lewiston are:
1) Continuing population loss;
2) Lack of local economic base;
3) A high proportion of elderly population; and t
4) A need to protect the historic aspects of Woodville.
ISO
t
•

IMPLEMENTATION
If Lewiston and Woodville are to retain the desirable characteristics
of the communities and address the land use issues outlined above; they must-
1) Form a planning board to advise local officials on development
issues;
2) Make a decision on whether the towns will attempt to attract
industry, or face a continuing loss of .population; and
3) Develop land use regulations to protect the historic aspects
of the area.
Due to their small size, it is questionable whether Lewiston and
Woodville would be able to properly administer a set of land use regulations
as proposed. The towns should explore the possibility -of the county
Administering these regulations for the towns. In addition, the towns•may
wish to explore the possibility of retaining local planning and management
services from state or regional agencies.
151

POWELLSVILLE, N.C.
BERTIE COUNTY
November 23, 1976
152

"No Historical Data Available on Powellsville"
Powellsville is located in Bertie County on U. S. 13 and N. C. 350. The
town is rural -residential in character:
POPULATION
Today, Powellsville.has. an estimated population of 250. There have been
f
no significant population trends in Powellsville. Since 1940 the town has
experienced minimal population decreases and increases (Figure 1).
A look.at the town's population by age group shows that 20 percent of
the population is under 14; 40.percent belongs to the 15-44 age group; and
39 percent are 45 or above (Table 1). These population percentages suggest
that Powellsville will continue to lose population. Any population increases
I
as,a.result of the 40 percent child bearing age population will probably be
offset by deaths of the 39 percent above 45.
Powellsvilld's.racial mix is 34.4 percent Black and 65.5 percent
White.
TABLE 1
POPULATION BY 'AGE AND SEX
POWELLSVILLE, 1970
Percent of
Age Total* Male Female Totai? opulation
Under 5 yrs. 15 8 7 6.1
5-14 36 24 12 14.6
15-24 41 18 23 16.6
25-34 29 12 17 11.7
35-44 30 15 15 12.1
45-54 31 14 17 12.6
55-64 32 12 20 13.0
65+ 33 11 22 13.4
Totals 247 114 133 100
Source: U. S. Census of Population, First Count Summary, 1970.
153
•:-

FIGURE 1
POPULATION TRENDS
POWELLSVILLE - 1940-1975
1200
1000
800
�1
600
400 267
250 219 247 250
200
1940 1950 1960 1970 19751
1Estimate
I
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population, 1940-1970 & N. C. Dept. of Administration.
ECONOMY
Powellsville. is largely a residential community with residents commuting f
to work. There are no industries in Powellsville.
There are hmited.commercial activities along N. C. 350. These.
activities are services' -related.
One industrial site located at the town limits,.east of intersection
U. S. 13, State Highway 350, and State Road 1235•has been identified.
GOVERNMENT
Powellsville is governed by a Mayor -Commissioner form'of government.
The town has no full-time employees.
EXISTING LAND USE A
Most of the land in Powellsville is vacant, residential or -in agricul-
tural uses. Commercial development is spotted along Main Street and N. C.
Highway 350.
154

There are no distinct commercial and residential areas in Powellsville.
The existing..commercial activities are low level and do not -pose a problem
of conflicting -,land'uses.
CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT
Soils
Powellsville has soils limitation which are generally economically
feasible.to correct. From an agricultural standpoint, the limitations are
very severe due to not only flooding,but high water tables, and are not
generally developed. However, certain small areas of higher ground may be
used for these.purposes.
Water Supply .
The existing water system is insufficient. There is not enough storage
capacity; fire protection is not provided; distribution lines are too.smsll,-'
and there is not enough surplus capacity existing to attract any potential
industry. (For detailed analysis see Region Q Water Resource Management, -
1975)....
Capacity of Community Facilities
Lack of community facilities or inadequate community facilities can
serve as a constraint on development. For instance, the density of develop-
ment within Powellsville'is limited as long as the town is dependent on septic
tanks. Other factors such as water systems, fire departments, etc.
influence both individuals and businesses in decisions on where to locate.
At the present time Powellsville hos no wastewater facilities and
relies .totally on on -site disposal methods. This in effect imposes a
minimum lot size due to the area needed for septic tank and drain field. This
places a�constraint on development from a density standpoint and from the
155

•
standpoint of the town being unable to accommodate any type of development
which cannot use septic tanks for wastewater disposal.
The present water system is inadequate and poses constraints on develop- •
ment. The water system is composed of two ground wells, which have a
combined.yield of 115 gpm. The water is chlorinated and then stared in two
pneumatic tanks having a 1,000 gallon capacity each. This water.system does •
not lend itself to potential industrial development.
ESTIMATED FUTURE DEMAND
Population •'
Powellsville is projected to decline in population to year 1980 after
which the town will experience a slow growth period (Table 2)..
TABLE 2 . •
PROJECTED POPULATION
POWELLSVILLE,.BERTIE COUNTY
1970-2000
1970 1980 1990 2000
Powellsville 247 226 229 237
.Bertie County 20,528 20,880 21,110 21,700
SOURCE: N. C. Department of Natural & Economic Resources.
Economy
There are no indications that Powellsville`s service related economy •
will change. A decline in the area's population possibly".will curtail the
current level of service. >
Powellsville has no basic industries and no developed industrial sites. •
Even though one industrial site has been identified, the probability of
attracting an industry is minimal.
W-V
40

Future Land Needs
If Powellsville should be able to reverse its population loss, it should.
• comcentrate on developing land within the existing service areas of the town.
This would.allow the town to realize thegreatest return on the investment
already made in the water system.and wouldprovide the most cost effective
• means.of administering governmental services.
This policy, of containing -growth within the existing town boundaries
and:upgrading.existing services within those areas has resulted in the town
being_classified.Transitional in the county land.use plan.
Community Facilities Demand
If the community maintains its present.population or declines in popula--
• tion, the present water system and reliance upon on -site disposal of waste-
water is adequate. A gain in population or_location of an industry in
Powellsville will require a wastewater treatment system and a new water system.
LAND USE ISSUES
In summary, the land use issues facing Powellsville are:
1) Continuing population loss; and
2) Lack of local economic base.
IMPLEMENTATION
If Powellsville is to retain the desirable characteristics of the
•
community.and address the land use -issues outlined'above, it must:
1) Form a planning board to advise local officials on development.
issues; and
2) Make a decision on whether the town will attempt to attract
industry, or face a continuing loss of population.
Powellsvillemay wish to explore the possibility of receiving local
planning and management servicesfromcounty, state, or regional agencies.
157
0

ROXOBEL, N. C.
BERTIE COUNTY
November 23, 1975
158

Roxobel is located in Bertie County on N. C. Highway 308. Roxobel's
history dates back to 1750 and was originally named Cottone's Cross Roads.
Since 1750 the town has changed names three times: (1) Granberry's Cross
Roads, (2) Britton`.s Cross Roads, (3) and finally,in 1849,to present Roxobel.
As with other towns in close proximity to rivers, Roxobel's early history
• and business centered around river transportation. The town is approximately
four.miles_from the Roanoke River. At one time three banks operated in
Roxobel and nearby Kelford.
• Today, Roxobel is a quiet farming community with limited activities
centered -around farm products, feed mills and lumbering.
POPULATION
Roxobel's 1974 population was estimated at 340. The town has been
declining in population since 1960.(Figure 1). From 1960 to date Roxobel
has.experienced a negative 25 percentpopulationchange.
Similar to other towns throughout eastern North Carolina, Table 1 shows
that Roxobel is experiencing rapid growth in the over 45 years of age group
(42 percent of the population is over.45 years of age). The higher proportion
•
of.older people indicates that Roxobel will not be as likely to increase in
population due to deaths exceeding births and out -migration. Population
increases,or even maintaining existing -population levels, will require
attracting more people to live in Roxobel.
•

•
FIGURE 1
PnPTTT.ATTnN TRF.NT1t4
12C
10C
8C
60
40
20
•
1Estimate •'
SOURCE: U. S. Census of Population, 1940-1970 and N. C. Department of
Administration
TABLE 1
POPULATION BY AGE AND
SEX
ROXOBEL - 1970
Percent of
Age
Total
Male Female
Total Population
Under 5
yrs. 22
10
12
6.3
5-14
62
30
32
.17.9
15-24
66
27
39
19.0
25-34
20
9
11
5.8
35-44
32
14
18
9.2
45-54
58
23
35
16.7
55-64
44
19
25
12.7
.65+
43
14
29
12.4
TOTALS 347
146
201
100
SOURCE:
U. S. Census of
Population, First Count
Summary,
1970.
160-
•
•
•
•

►J
Soils
The Roxobel area soil is made up of well -drained to moderately well -drained
r soils with slight limitations for development and for agriculture. They are
well adapted for -septic tanks but may have moderate problems with sewage
lagoons. As such, they provide limited constraints on development..
Flood Hazard
Roxobel has an elevation of 88 feet and is not subject to frequent
flooding.
Water Supply
Roxobel has a municipal water system consisting of two deep wells. The
system was installed in 1964 and appears adequate for future needs since
• present and projected population trends indicate Roxobel will experience a
loss of population in the next years.
Historic Areas
Roxobel has two historic dwellings presently in use. These dwellings are
(1) Norfleet House and (2) Tyler House, built in 1810 and 1825, respectively.
Development occurring in proximity to these homes should not be such that.
• would destroy theirhistorical status.
Capacity of Community Facilities
Lack of community facilities or inadequate community facilities can serve
• as a constraint_ on.development. Water and sewer facilities are two of the most
important facilities affecting constraints on development.
At present Roxobel's water system consists of two deep wells which
• supply a combined yield of 300 gallons per minute (GPM). Also, there is a
75,000 gallon -elevated storage tank and a distribution network with fire
hydrants.
•
161
J

The water system is adequate to meet Roxobelfs anticipated demands. It
poses no constraints on development.
Presently, Roxobel utilizes individual on -site disposal systems for
wastewater disposal. Soils in this area are generally suitable for the use of
spetic tanks and absorption fields. With the present and future population
declining, the town should continue to utilize septic tanks until population
trends reverse or industrial development warrant otherwise.
ESTIMATED FUTURE DEMAND
Population
Roxobel is projected to continue losing population. As Table 2 shows, the
town will experience a 14 percent population change between 1970 and 2000.
However, one must remain aware of the fact that projections are only predictions
based on many variables. A change in the economy of the area.would affect the
projections in Table 2.
TABLE 2
PROJECTED POPULATION
ROXOBEL TOWNSHIP, ROXOBEL, AND BERTIE COUNTY
1970-2000
1970 1980 1990 2000
Roxobel 347 309 302 299
Roxobel Township .1871 1830 1790 1770
Bertie County 20,528 20,880 21,110 21,T00
SOURCE: Region Q, Water.Resources Management Plan; Township projections by
N. C. Department of'Natural and Economic Resources,

As of 1970, Roxobel has a Black population of 31.1 percent and an
average household size of 3.5 people,
40 ECONOMY
Roxobel is largely a residential community with residents commuting to
work. There is one industry in Roxobel which has an employment range of S0.=99.
The only businesses in town are service -related such as general stores,
service stations, a bank, grocery stores, etc. Future economic development
is essential to the area to reverse past trends of out -migration.
GOVERNMENT
Roxobel is governed by a Mayor -Commissioner form of government. The town. o
has no full-time employees. Police protection is provided by one part-time
policeman and fire protection provided by 21 volunteers.
EXISTING LAND USE
Roxobel is primarily an agricultural -residential community. Commercial
development is spotted along N. C. Highway 308. These supporting services are
characterized as low density activities, and pose no problem of conflicting
land uses.
CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT
Constraints on development usually fall within the broad categories of
land potential and capacity of community facilities. The constraints listed
* should be reviewed in terms of economic feasibility since modern technology
places constraints on money rather than land..
ECONOMY
There are no.indications that Roxobel's service related economy will
change. A decline in the area's population possibly will curtail the current
level of.service:`
Roxobel has one industry. An additional industrial site has been
identified. It is in close proximity to N, C. 308 and Seaboard Coast Line.
163

•
However, this is not to assume that development will occur, but rather the
limited industrial incentive does exist in Roxobel.
Future Land Needs
If Roxobel were able to reverse its population loss, it should
concentrate on developing land within the existing service areas of the town.
Such action would allow the town to realize the greatest return on the invest-
•
ment already made in the water system and would minimize the cost of providing
future services.
This policy of continuing growth within the existing town boundaries has
resulted in the town being classified Transitional in the county land use plan.
Community Facilities Demand
If the community maintains its present population or declines in popula-
tion, the present water system and reliance upon'on-site disposal of waste-
water is adequate. However, in the event of industrial development and/or.,
population increase Roxobel will probably require a wastewater treatment
4
system
LAND USE ISSUES
In summary, the land use issues facing Roxobel are:
1) Continuing population loss;
2) Lack of a strong economic base;
3) A high proportion of elderly population.

IMPLEMENTATION
If Roxobel is to retain the desirable characteristics of the community
and address the land use issues outlined above, it must:
1) form a planning board to advise local officials on
development issues;
2) Make a decision on whether the town will attempt to attract
industry, or face a continuing loss of population; and
3) Develop an economic ,development program.
The town's local development association should coordinate their efforts
with county and regional agencies in order to explore all possible means of
economic development.

This -report was.. financed in part by the National
Oceanic. -and- Atrmspheric :Administration and the
State of North -Carolina,. and meets the requirements
of the -North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act
of 1974.

6�
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o
EXISTING
LAND USE MAP
1976
LEGEND:
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Government &
Institutional
010
Cultural,
Entertainment,
& Recreation
Agriculture
Forestland
Water
LAN
o
e2
RYMOUM �P
.o...,"
I
n /Ix
O
z BERTIE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
O
(• 0 7 J . AWFS
Z os i M�F
SCALE FOR ENLARGEMENTS
m

EXISTING LAND USE
EXISTING
LAND USE MAP
1976
LEGEND
Residential
Commercial
Government &
Institutional
Cultural,
Entertp' -went,
& Rec ation
Agriculti
Forestland
Water
LAN
COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE
A,Mlg
.. 0 03 1 MAP
L
SCALE FOR ENLARGEMENTS
ITY
The Land Use Map shows how land is presently being used in
Bertie County. Let's look at the statistics on this. Bertie County
has a total area of 464,576 acres. Of this total, 23,986 acres are
water. Of the remaining land, forestry occupies the biggest area
(309,083 acres or 66.5%). Following forestry are croplands with
94,234 acres (20.3%); other lands in farms, such as feed lots,
road, etc. 17,970 acres (3.9%); urban and built-up lands, 13,277
acres (2.9%); and pasture 6,116 acres (1.3%).
Notice how development is grouped around the towns. A
trend has emerged over the past few years of development
centering around the towns. The grouping of development is the
northwest section of the county around Lewiston, Woodville,
Roxobel, and Kelford is likely to grow in the future with the
location of the Purdue plant in that area.
Prepared by the
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
and the
CITIZENS
of Bertie County
With Assistance From
The Local Planning and
Management Services Section
Department of Natural and
Economic Resources
1976
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
C.H. Edwards, Chairman
W.J. Barnacasel T.E. Brown
Robert Spivey B.F. Bazemore
John Whitehurst, County Manager
PLANNING BOARD
C.B. Griffin, Jr., Chairman
Kelly Bishop J.L. Hofler
Ben Weaver Phillip White
Kenneth Bryant George Jennings
J.L. Parker, Jr. John Whitehurst
Henry Spruil Bill Hill
PROJECT STAFF:
John W. Shore, III, Community Planner
Marian Alligood, Secretary
Mary Noe, Secretary
Linda Hobgood, Secretary
Mike Yount, Draftsman
Danny Smith, Draftsman
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The accompanying map classifies the land in Bertie County
into five classes. The land classification will be used as a policy
to guide your commissioners in their decisions regarding the
future development of Bertie County.
The five classes are:
1) The developed class includes existing urban areas which
are currently supplied with a full range of public services
including water and sewer facilities.
2) The transition class identifies those areas with land good
for urban development which will be supplied with public
services to accommodate future population and economic
growth.
3) The community class includes existing clustered rural
residential and commercial areas such as crossroads devel-
opment which will be supplied with public services to ac-
comodate future population and economic growth.
4) The rural class identifies those lands good for agriculture,
forestry, mining, and other land uses such as rural housing
depending on private wells and septic tanks.
5) The conservation class identifies those areas, which due to
their significant, limited, or irreplaceable natural, recrea-
tional, or scenic resources, need to be protected.
As can be seen from the map, the growth policy of the
county is to concentrate future development into and around
existing towns. This should result in a more desirable develop-
ment pattern at a lower cost to the taxpayer since existing
services can be utilized to their fullest.

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Bertie County is in competition with other communities for
economic development. If an industry cannot find adequate
water and sewer services for its facilities, and good schools,
shopping areas and housing for its employees, then it will not
locate in Bertie County. If the County is going to successfully
compete for industries, then these services must be available;
but your tax dollars will be paying for it.
All of the above constraints, when taken together, determine
the ability of the land and the community to sustain develop-
ment. This ability, called "carrying capacity," provides a natural
limit to growth. If the capacity of an area to sustain develop-
ment is exceeded, then the result will be overcrowding, conges-
tion, pollution, etc. The amount of growth called for by this
plan is within the carrying capacity of the land in Bertie County.
IT'S OUR CHOICE
Now that we have an understanding of some of the
pressures for development pushing in on Bertie County, and
some of the constraints on development, we should ask the
question, "What do the people of Bertie want their county to be
like?" The County Commissioners and their advisory body, the
County Planning Board, went to great lengths to find out. They
started as early as June, 1974, with talks before groups in the
county explaining the Coastal Area Management Act. These
talks continued up until the plan was adopted. During the past
year, the Planning Board has held public meetings in different
sections of the county to list needs, and set priorities. A
questionnaire was sent out to 2,500 families asking people's
opinion about the county's needs, environmental issues and
how the county was spending its money. As a culmination of all
these efforts to educate and involve people, the Planning Board
drew up goals for the future growth of Bertie County.
Before the plan was finally adopted in May 1975, the Planning
Board and County Commissioners held public hearings on the
plan.
What did the people say in these meetings and in response to
the questionnaire? The following goals accurately reflect the
people of Bertie County's desires for its future growth and
development.
GOALS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Goals provide an ideal, or target, to aim for. The following
goals and objectives were established for Bertie County. The
goal is a broad, general area, or issue, such as growth. The
objectives, ` rider the goals, describe specifics such as the
rate of groV.Lll .,sired by the county. Taken together, these
goals and objectives draw a map that can guide your elected
officials when they consider matters relating to the future
growth and development of Bertie County. The goals and
objectives for Bertie County are:
Goal I.: Economic Development
Using almost any indicator; per capita income, family in-
come, etc., Bertie County is shown to be an economically
underdeveloped area. Sixty-three percent of the County's resi-
dents responding: to a questionnaire, felt that unemploy-
ment was a moderate or severe problem. The need for more
economic development was cited in every public meeting
held by the Planning Board.
Economic development was therefore assigned the number
one priority. In an effort to achieve more economic de-
velopment, the following objectives should be pursued:
— To maintain or increase the present County efforts to
attract industry.
— To upgrade the skills of the unemployed to enable them
to qualify for available jobs.
— To assemble information on loans, grants, market analy-
sis, etc., to be used by individuals or corporations in-
terested in establishing a business in Bertie County.
— To assist local communities in upgrading their water and
sewer systems in order to enable them to become more
competitive in attracting industry.
To encourage the development and utilization of the
natural resources in Bertie County.
To attempt to stop the County population loss by provid-
ing job opportunities.
Goal II: Natural Resources
Bertie County has an abundant supply of natural resources.
Forestry and agriculture are major factors in the local econ-
omy and the dominant land uses in the County. These re-
sources, properly utilized and managed, can continue to
pump dollars into the economy, provide recreation, safe-
guard the environment and ensure the retention of the
rural quality of life in Bertie County.
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In order to utilize and manage the natural resources of
Bertie County, the following objectives should be pursued:
— To seek a detailed soils map of the entire County.
— To support programs which assist agricultural develop-
ment within the County.
— To encourage proper forest management by providing
information on benefits.
— To address the constraints on development, outlined in
Part One, and Areas of Environmental Concern, outlined
in Part Two, when preparing County regulations and
policies.
Goal III: Quality of Life
The goal regarding quality of life covers a broad area. In-
cluded under it are such things as recreation, community
spirit, communications, shelter, shopping opportunities,
church life, and many other factors which contribute to our
community and the way we feel about it.
Most County residents, when asked "what do you like best
about Bertie County?" generally list items, such as "the rural
atmosphere," "good neighbors," "no pollution," "the hunting
and fishing in the area," "a sense of community" and other
similar qualities. In seeking changes such as economic de-
velopment, it is important not to lose these qualities. If we
do, we may raise our standard of living, but our lives will be
less meaningful and enjoyable. The following objectives are
proposed:
— To retain the rural lifestyle of Bertie County.
— To retain the environmental quality and protect the
natural resources of Bertie County.
— To develop recreational facilities with programs to utilize
those facilities.
— To provide recreation for all age groups.
— To support programs which assist the elderly in main-
taining their independence.
— To seek improvement in the transportation system in
Bertie County.
— To su^-^,+ community pride by encouraging local control
of pr_ such as recreation, fire and rescue depart-
ments.
— To facilitate communication by supporting the concept of
a county -wide telephone system.
— To encourage the development of safe and adequate
housi 1 to upgrade existing housing.
— To sur,,r-., greater cultural opportunity.
— To encourage the development of shopping opportunities.
— To establish boat ramps on the County's waterways.
— To initiate a junk car removal program.
Goal IV: Land Development
One might not expect a county such as Bertie, which is losing
population, to be faced with land development problems.
Yet, citizens around the County have cited such concerns as
inadequate lot size, malfunctioning septic tanks, improper
mobile home sites and others. If Bertie County succeeds in
attracting development it will face an increasing number of
these problems. In order to cope with them and avoid any in
the future, the following objectives will be pursued.
— To obtain a detailed soils map of the County.
— To inform the public of the soil types that are un-
suitable for septic tanks.
— To adopt subdivision regulations to ensure the orderly
subdivision of land.
— To adopt zoning regulations in rapidly developing areas
to avoid conflicting land uses.
— To encourage the development of housing within the
County.
— To establish building code enforcement to ensure stand-
ard construction.
— To adopt a mobile home park ordinance to ensure the
orderly development of mobile homes in Bertie County.
— To address the constraints placed on development by
areas of environmental concern in local regulations and
policies.
Goal V: Local Government
Every citizen has a stake in how well his local government
operates. Inefficient government wastes taxpayers' money
and is ineffective at solving problems. The objectives, set
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forth here, seek to ensure effective local government, to
enable representatives to deal with day-to-day problems, and
to strive for long-term goals such as those expressed in this
document. The keys to implementing this plan are: first, a
desire of the local community to implement it; and second,
the ability of local government to apply it. The following
objectives are suggested:
— To develop a management system capable of imple-
menting this plan.
— To increase efficiency of local government by coordinat-
ing programs and departments.
— To increase Black involvement in decision making.
— To foster cooperation among communities within the
County.
— To better communicate the purpose and operation of
County programs to the public.
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
The Coastal Area Management Act requires that the Coastal
Resources Commission designate Areas of Environmental Con-
cern. These areas are important not only at a local level, but
also at the State and National level. The Coastal Resources
Commission is presently undertaking a thorough study of each
Area of Environmental Concern category. Before this is com-
pleted, and the final areas are designated, a public hearing will
be held in each county to get your reaction. After designation,
any development taking place in an AEC will require a permit.
To give you an idea of what those areas might be in Bertie
County, a listing of proposed Areas of Environmental Concern
and possible permitted uses are listed below. Please take time to
study them so you can give your views at the hearing.
Category: Historic Places
Historic places are defined as places and properties owned,
managed, or assisted by the State of North Carolina pursuant to
G.S. 121; and properties or areas that have been designated by
the Secretary of the Interior as National Historic Landmarks.
Specific,-11­ 0--se sites in Bertie County wing House,
recently m4 the Hope Plantation, and F, intation, at
end of S.R. 1114, N. E. of Windsor.
Adjacent development should be in keeping with the charac-
ter of the historic place. Local government can ensure this by
historic zoning establishing a historic prop,-+iP-, commission
and carefu ng of facilities.
Category: Estuarine Waters and Public Trust Areas
In essence, this consists of all natural bodies of water in Bertie
County. Highest priority shall be given to the conservation of
estuarine waters and protection of public trust rights. The
development of navigation channels, the use of bulkheads to
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prevent erosion, and the building of piers or wharfs are ex-
amples of appropriate land use, provided such land uses will not
be detrimental to the biological and physical estuarine function
and public trust waters. Projects which would directly or
indirectly block or impair existing navigation channels, increase
shoreline erosion, deposit spoils below mean high tide, or cause
degradation of shellfish waters are generally considered incom-
patible with the management of estuarine waters and public
trust areas.
Control over development occurring in estuarine water or
public trust areas is presently exercised by State or Federal
government. Local government can assist in managing these
areas by controlling development adjacent to them with regula-
tory devices. These could include setback lines, minimum lot
sizes, septic tank ordinances, flood plain ordinances and sedi-
mentation control.
Category: Complex Natural Areas
Complex natural areas are defined as lands that support
native plant and animal communities and provide habitat con-
ditions or characteristics that have remained essentially un-
changed by human activity. Such areas are surrounded by land-
scapes that have been modified, but that do not drastically alter
the conditions within the natural areas, or their scientific or
educational value.
Areas that might be considered as Complex Natural Areas
include the hardwood swamp along the I a, and the
Roqueist Pocosin.
Appropriate land uses shall largely consist of forestry prac-
ticed in a manner consistent with good forest and wildlife
management practices.
Category: Estuarine and River Erodible Area
Estuarine and river erodible areas are defined as the lands
above ordinary high water where there is a high probability of
excessive erosion. In delineating the landward extent of this
area, a 75-foot recession line shall be used.
The erodible areas in Bertie County are located along the
Chowan River and Albemarle Sound.
No development activity shall take place within these areas
determined to be vulnerable to erosion, unless measures are
taken to prevent the erosion. These measures must have been
proven effective in similar situations, and must not threaten to
accelerate erosion on adjoining property. The 75-foot recession
line for the river and sound shall be used in determining
setbacks in all ordinances such as subdivision regulations and
health regulations.
IMPLEMENTATION
So, we have some goals to strive for, an idea of where we
want to go. How do we get there? There are four basic ways
which government can affect the use of land. These are: 1) pur-
chasing land, 2) providing services and programs, 3) taxation
and 4) regulations.
A good example of how government purchasing land affects
land use can be provided by a State Park. The State purchases
the site to protect a unique area, in addition to providing
recreation. The key facility will act as a magnet in attracting
people and development. It poses both opportunities and
problems. This example also applies to other government land
purchases such as national forests and county parks.
A second tool government has that can affect land use is the
provision of services and programs. Modern development is
often dependent on services provided by government. These in-
clude water and sewer lines, schools, hospital, fire departments,
roads, etc. If Bertie County wants to discourage growth in a
certain area, it should not provide water lines, build a hospital
nearby, or recruit an industry into that area. The county should
select those areas that are best suited for growth and focus its
resources on that area. This "sweetens the pot" so that develop-
ment is encouraged in a pattern that is in the best interest of all
of Berite County.
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How property is taxed has an impact on how it will be used. If
you own farmland outside of Windsor that is valued at$3,000 an
acre for housing, you could be taxed to the point of not being
able to continue farming that land. The North Carolina General
Assembly has taken steps to give people interested in farming a
tax break. The General Assembly is presently studying how the
taxes you pay on your land affect the way you use it. Taxation
will become a more useful tool in guiding land use in the future.
The final tool that government uses in effecting land use is
regulations. This will be the most visible tool and the one caus-
ing the greatest debate. There are numerous regulations that
Bertie County could use to help implement this plan. They
include zoning, subdivision regulations, building codes and
others. Subdivision regulations will likely be adopted to insure
that land in the county is subdivided in an orderly manner. This
regulation will set minimum standards for roads, lot sizes and
other features which are designated to protect the new property
or home owner.
A zoning ordinance defines districts for certain land uses such
as public, industrial, residential, and commercial areas. These
uses, which could conflict if situated in one area, are separated.
This protects property values and leads to more desirable neigh-
borhoods. Zoning in Bertie County will probably be in, and
around, municipalities. The municipalities themselves will do
the zoning.
Other regulations, such as permits for development in Areas
of Environmental Concern, will be required by the State and
Federal Governments.
The county has responsibility for planning and guiding growth
in all areas of the county except inside the jurisdiction of the
towns. Windsor has drawn up its own plan for future develop-
ment. The Windsor plan is consistent with the county plan. It is
important that future actions by all units of local government in
the county affecting development be coordinated so that
conflicts are avoided.
Your county government is faced with the task of constantly
evaluating their decisions to try and determine if they are
working toward the goals that have been set. This requires a
competent and increasingly sophisticated management system
at the local level. Bertie County has made the first steps towards
establishing such a system by hiring a coiinty manager. The
management capability of the county wi ire continual
upgrading to meet the challenges of the future.
This plan is not something carved in stone, meant for all time.
Rather, it is a flexible guide to be used by your elected officials.
This plan can be amended at any time and is required by law to
undergo a thorough review every five years.
The real goal of this plan, with its man and of' your
elected officials is to make better decision, -_,ions that will
benefit citizens of Bertie County both today and for future
generations.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Growth in a community costs money. As the population
increases, the local government must provide services to those
people. That means classrooms must be built, additional teach-
ers hired, the police force expanded, trash collection efforts
increased, water and sewer systems expanded, etc. and the
money to do all of this comes from you, the taxpayer.
Bertie County's population is projected to increase from
20,528 in 1970 to 20,880 in 1980, to 21,220 in 1990 and to 21,700
in the year 2000. Your community leaders, however, would like
to see the population increase more rapidly than this.
With this modest increase, the cost of growth to Bertie
County should be minimal. The County's school system, roads,
etc. are adequate to accommodate this level of growth.