1987 Land Use Plan-1987

DCM COPY
Please do not remove.
Division of Coastal Management Copy
TOWN OF AHOSKIE
1987 LAND USE PLAN

I
J
1
1
1
1
1
T O W N O F A H 0 S K I E
1 9 8 7 L A N D U S E P L A N
Adopted by the Ahoskie Town Council November 9, 1987
Certified by the Coastal Resources Commission December 4, 1987
Prepared for•
Ahoskie Town Council
Clarence Newsome
Angela Early
Chester Rawls
0. S. Suiter, Jr.
Charles Hughes
Mitchell S. McLean, Mayor,
Robert C. Elliott, Town Manager
Prepared by:
Ahoskie Planning Board
R. P. Martin
Alvin Newsome
G. Thomas Bazemore
Henry Bazemore`
Vernon Baker
Louis Mizelle, Jr.
Henry Jones
Casey Jones
Dennis Deloatch
Don Ferguson
Planning assistance provided by:
Mid -East Commission
1 Harding Square
Washington, NC 27889
[phone]
Robert J. Paciocco, Planner -in -Charge
Libby Anderson, Technical Assistant
Preparation financed in Part by:
A grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Manage-
ment Act of 19729 as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

11
II
tM
II
II
II
CONTENTS
I. BACKGROUND
TOWN OF AHOSKIE
1987 LAND USE PLAN
PAGE
A.
Population
2
'
B.
Housing.. .................................
5
C.
Economy ....................................
5
'
II. LAND USE
A.
Existing Conditions ........................
9
'
B.
Recent Development;. Future. G:owth..........
13
C.
Land Use Concerns.. .
15
D.
Development Controls .......................
16
'
E.
Development Constraints ....................
21
III. POLICY
OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION
'
A.
Resource Prbtection ........................
38
B.
Resource Production and Management.........
43
C.
Economic and Community Development.........
47
D.
Storm Hazards ..............................
52
'
E.
Public Participation..
$7
'
IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION
A.
Purpose..... ••••............ .............
59
B.
Classification Scheme
60
'
C.
Intergovernmental Coordination .............
63
Appendix
A - State and Federal Regulatory Devices
'
Appendix
B - Agencies Coordinating Storm Preparedness
Appendix
C - Ahoskie Land Use Planning Program;
Schedule of Meetings
Appendix
D - Media Releases
'
Bibliography

ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure
1 North Carolina Counties .................. 8.5
2 Hertford County Land Use 1986............ B.6
3 Regional Population 1960-1985............ 8.7
4 Population Age Structure ................. 8.8
5 Per Capita Income 1970-1984.............. 8.9
6 Unemployment Rate 1976-1986.............. 8.10
Map +
1 Existing Land Use .. .. .................37.3
2 Land Use Constraints .....................37.4
3 Ahoskie Area Soils .......................37.5
4 Land Classification ......................63.2

TABLES
1 Regional Population ....................... 8.1
2 County Population ......................... 8.1
3 Population Age Structure 1980............. 8.1
4 Housing Characteristics 1980.............. 8.2
5 Hertford County Employment 1980... :....... 8.2
6 County Labor Force ........................ 8.3
7 Retail. -Sales .............................. 8.3
8 Manufacturing Firms ....................... 8.4
9 Building Permits 1980-1986................37.1
10 Soil Characteristics ......................37.1
11 Future Regional Population... ...........37.2
12 County Population Age Structure 1985-1995.37.2
13 School Enrollment .........................37.2

TOWN OF AHOSKIE
LAND USE PLAN
1907
'
I. BACKGROUND
From a small crossroad community developed around a church,
Ahoskie has grown to become a regional commercial and employment
center. Ahoskie, originally known as Ahotskey, is now the
largest community in Hertford County. The Town's name is of
Indian origin, and the area's native residents, perhaps a
mix of the Cherokee and Tuscaroran tribes, were called
"Ahoskians."
References as early as 1719 have been found to the
'
Ahotskey area, however the name was not changed, to the current
"Ahoskie" until 1894.
The Town is young in comparison with other communities in
the region; many were incorporated in the eighteenth century.
Ahoskie incorporated
was not as a town until 1893, more than
'
one hundred years after the incorporation of the neighboring
towns of Murfreesboro and Winton. Both Murfreesboro and Winton
'
developed as port communities along navigable waterways.
Murfreesboro is located on the banks of the Meherrin River;
'
Winton on the banks of the Chowan. In contrast, Ahoskie de-
veloped around the railroad which still passes through the
center of the Town.
1
1

Although water resources did not play a major role in
i
the economic development of the Town, the community is bounded
'
on all sides by creeks and swampland. Ahoskie Creek flows
along the Town's western and southern boundaries. Horse Swamp
borders the Town on the north and White Oak Swamp lies just
'
beyond the Town's eastern boundary..
With construction of the railroad in the late 1800's,
'
Ahoskie grew from a small farming community to become the
commercial and employment center of the County. The Town has a
'
number of large manufacturing firms and several. commercial
retail centers. The Roanoke Chowan Hospital is located within
'
the Town's incorporated area. In addition, the Town offers a
variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. The com-munity
has two county clubs, a public recreation center, several
tmovie
theatres, and a cultural center.
A. Population
'
Ahoskie is one of seven incorporated areas in Hertford
County which occupies 362 square miles of northeastern North
'
Carolina,(Figure 1, pg. 8.5). The County is rural in nature.
Together, undeveloped forest and farmland account for over 93'% of
'
land in the County
all (Figure 2, pg. 8.6). Urban areas comprise
'
only 2% of all land while rural developed areas account for about
5'% .
1
1
2
1

II
In 1985, Hertford County had almost 24,000 residents,
ranking number four in population in the five county region
'
(Figure 3, pg. 8.7). The County has grown slightly since 1980,
increasing in population by just over 2% between 1980 and 1985
(Table 1, pg. 6.1). Recent growth compensates to some extent,
for the population decline noted during the period 1970-1980 when
1
the County lost about 1% of its 1970 population. In contrast,
during this same period, the region as a whole grew by 9% and the
population statewide increased almost 16%.
'
Ahoskie is the larg%st community in Hertford County
(Table 2, pg. 8.1). In 1985 the Town's population was reported
59000
at almost persons. The Town's population declined slightly
'
between 1970 and 1980. Since, 1980 however, local population
appears to have increased and today, one of every five persons
that lives in Hertford County lives within the Town of Ahoskie.
The population of Ahoskie is almost twice that of7Murfree5boro,
'
the second largest in
community the County.
'
Following the national trend, the population of the Town
is aging (Figure 4, pg. 8.8). In 1970, 11% of the local
'
population was 65 years and older (Table 3, pg. 8.1). By 19800
16% of all persons living in Ahoskie was over 65. Population
figures show that the Town has a greater share of the senior
population than found on the average for the County or state.
I
About 12% of all County residents are over 650 and for the state
3
i

as a whole, only about 10% of the population is over 65. At the
same time, the percentage of the population under 20 years is
declining. In 1980, about 30% of the population was 19 or
younger, down 10% from 1970.
More older persons and less young people means changing
needs in the areas of housing, education, and social services.
The senior population will demand alternative types of housing.
As seniors move to multifamily units and congregate settings,
many large., old single-family homes will become available. As
increasing numbers of seniors "age in place", the demand for
home services will also increase. Declining numbers of young
persons means declining school enrollment and a need for flexi-
bility in classroom scheduling and capital improvements.
In contrast to other areas of the state, the Town is not
subject to seasonal changes in population. At one time, migrant
workers in the area increased the local population during summer
months; The number of workers in the Ahoskie area was large
enough that the Town provided a summer recreation program for the
workers' children. Due to lack of demand, the program has been
discontinued and local officials believe few if any migrant
workers now visit the Ahoskie area. Tourists account for some
fluxuation in the daytime population. Hertford County as a whole
realized over three million dollars in tourist -related
expenditures in 1985. Most tourists in the area are day visitors
however and their impact on local service demand is minimal.
4

1
8. Housing
The Town's 1980 population was housed among about 1,800
dwelling units (Table 4, pg. 8.2). About 2.7 persons ,reside in
every household, a slightly lower figure than the average for the
County where 3.1 persons occupy every household.• One -in -four
households were single -person households -typically elderly
persons living alone. About 84% of all dwellings in the Town
are single-family units, about. average for the County. Almost
half of all dwelling units (46%) are rental units. In contrast,
countywide, only about 30% of all dwellings are rental units
and for the five -county 'region, about 32% of all units are
renter -occupied.
The Town has many large older single-family homes in its
downtown area. In general, the housing stock is in good condi-
tion; in. 1972 the Town adopted a housing code to ensure that
local residences meet minimum health and safety standards.
Although most residential dwellings in the area were built before
1950, some new construction has ocurred. Between 1980 and 1985,
85 building permits were issued for single-family dwellings and
92 permits were issued for multifamily units.
C. Economy
About one in four employed County
manufacturing enterprises (Table 5, pg. 8.2).
5
residents work in
Fifteen percent of.

Il
i
'
all employed persons work in wholesale and retail trade; 10% work
in educational services. Although agricultural operations
'
utilize over 25% of the County's land area, only 5% of the
County population reported employment in 1980 in agricultural,
'
forest, fishery, or mining enterprises.
'
County per capita income has risen continuously since
19709 through lagging the increase noted for the state as a
'
whole (Figure 5, pg. 8.9). In 1984, the per capita income of
County residents was $8,342. In contrast, statewide, per capita
'
income was $10,852.
The County labor force has grown slowly along with total
'
'Employment
population. growth has. lagged growth in the labor
force and so until recently, the County unemployment rate has
been increasing (Table 6, pg. 8.39 Figure 6, pg. 8.10). The
'
unemployment rate in 1986 was 7.8% in Hertford County and 5.3%
statewide, down from 9.1% and 6.7% in 1984 respectively.
Hertford County
ranked third in the five county region in
'
retail sales in 1986 (Table 79 pg. 8.3). Sales in Hertford
County were about 50'% that of sales in Beaufort County. Retail
sales in urbanizing Pitt County greatly exceededsales in
Hertford County and were two and one-half times greater than
'
sales in Beaufort County in 1985.
'
Manufacturing firms in'Ahoskie provide much of the County's
manufacturing employment noted in Table 5. Commercial enter-
'
1
6

1
'
prises in Ahoskie are responsible for a major portion of the
total sales in the County. There are fifteen manufacturing
'
firms located within Ahoskie (Table 8, pg. 8.4). Kerr Glass is
new to Ahoskie. When fully operational, the plant is expected to
'
employ about 250 persons, making it the largest employer in
Ahoskie. As of January 1987, about 50% of the plant's machinery
'
was in place and about 100 workers were employed at the facility.
'
Local officials view Kerr's location in the building formerly
occupied by West Point Pepperell as one of the Town's major
'
accomplishments in 1986. Kerr's decision to locate in Ahoskie
can be attributed in part to the efforts and cooperation of a
number of groups including the Town, the County, and the Indus-
trial Development Commission. Currently the communi.ty's largest
employers are Parker Brothers, a `printing firm; Bennett Box
'
Company; and Georgia Pacific. In addition, the Ahoskie Chamber
of Commerce lists over 170 organizations as members. Members.
'
include
retail operations, restaurants, and professional offices.
'
The Town is also home to the Regional Small Business
Incubator Facility. The facility, which opened in 1986, is
designed to provide low-cost rental and support services to new
or small businesses to help them survive the first two years of
' operation. Designed as a tool to promote economic growth and
development in the northeastern part of the state, the facility
will serve Bertie, Gates, Hertford, and Northhampton counties.
1
7

1
' Economic .development locally will be promoted by the Ahoskie
Industrial Development Committee. The committee, appointed in
' January 1987, will work in conjunction with the Hertford County
Industrial Development Commission to stimulate new industrial
' development in the Ahoskie area.
'
Implications
'
Although the Town has, experienced relatively little
change in population in recent years, the need for sound land
'
use planning is not diminished. Every new residential,.
commercial, and industrial development affects the land and the
quality of life irf the Town. Poorly planned or managed
development can have irreversible effects on the Town's natural
and cultural resources. The Town is the population and
'
employment center of the County and welcomes new development.
The Town is fortunate to have in place many of the tools typical-
ly to land
used guide development. The Town should use its
'
zoning and subdivision ordinances, its housing code, and its
utilities extension policy to.their full advantage. As the Town
'
grows, planners must be aware that industry, businesses, employ-
ers and employers alikeg appreciate the local amenities that stem
'
from proper land and services planning.
1
' 8

I
,Table 1
REGIONAL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
POPULATION
'County
% Change %
Change
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1960
1970
1980
1985
70-80
80-85
1Beaufort
Bertie
36,014
24,350
35,980
20,528
40,355
21,024
43,260
21,341
12.2%
2.4%
7.2%
1.5%
HERTFORD
22,718
23,529
23,368
23,924
-0.7%
2.4%
Martin
27,139
24,730
25,948
26,653
4.9%
2.7%
'Pitt--------------69_942
----
73,900
--------------------------------------------------
83,651
95,862
13.2%
14.6%
Region
180,163
178,667
194,346
211,040
6.8%
8.6%
-
3tate
-- -
4,556,155
5,082,059
5,881 766
6,253,951
15.7%
6.3%
'Source: U.S. Census; N.C. Office of State Budget and Management
Table 2
COUNTY POPULATION
_______________________________________i___-_-------------------------
•
Change
Change
-------------
4 583
5,105
4,887
4,936
4.3%
1.0% .
Cofield
n/a
318
465
534
46.2%
14.8%
tomo
:
n/a
211
89
92
-57.8%
3.4%
arrellsville
171
165
151
150
-8.5%
-0.7%
Murfreesboro
2,643
3;508
3,007
2,798
-14.3%
-7.0%
inton
-----835-----_-917-_------825--_----845
-10.0%
2.4%
---
Unincorp. area
14,486
13,305
13,944
-------------------
14,569
4.8%
4.5%
--------------------------------------------------------------------
otal County
22,718
23,529
23,368
23,924
-0.7%
2.4%
a/a= not available
11Source: Office of State Budget and Management .
able 3
OPULATION AGE STRUCTURE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1970
1980
County
State
--------------------No----------
--------No----------%---(1980)
0-4 years
377
7.4%
358
7.3%
----
.7 3%
-----
6 9%
19 years
1,617
31,7%
1,127
23.1%
27.8%
25.5%
0-24 years
275.
5.4%
383
7.8%
8.7%
9.8%
25-44 years
1,158
22.7%
1,144
23.4%
23.8%
28.0%
5-64 years
1,131
22.2%
11101
22.5%
20.3%
19.6%
5 and older
----- ------ ------------
547
-----------
10.7%
774
15.8%
12.1%
10.2%
Potal
lource:
51105
----------
100.0%
-----------
4,887
---------
100.0%
---------
100.0%
100.0%
U.S.
Census
8.1
1

Table 4
' HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS 1980
--------------------------------------------------------------
Ahoskie
County
Region
'
---------------------------------
Total Households 1,756
-
7,499
67,460
'Single -person Hshlds 433
Total Housing Units 1,840
24.7%
1,518
20.2%
14,083
20.9%
Single-family Units 1,551
84.3%
8,150
6,699
-
82.2%
73,810
57,853
78.4%
'V.9c:ant Units 83
Renter Occupied 847
4.5%
46.0%
651
2,420
8.0%
6,348
8. 6%
Condominium Units 35
-
40
29.7%
23,782
32.2%
Units w/out plumbing 88
--2.7------------------------
Persons/household
4.8%
220
0.5%
2.7%
412
7,722
0.6%
10.5.E
_
3.1
Median Value unit $30,900
- $30,862
-
3.0
-
' Median _Rent -. $105
-
$90
_
Source: U.S. Census
1
Table 5
HERTFORD COUNTY EMPLOYMENT 1980
' -----------------------------------
Employment Sector
Number of
Employees
%
Employment
Total
State
-------------------------------
%'
Manufacturing
& Retail Trade
-------------------------------
2,937
25.9%
32.0%
'Wholesale
Educational Services
1,712
1,155
15.1%
18.0%
Agriculture, Forestry,
599
10.2%
8.3%
Fisheries, Mining
5.3%
3.6%
' Construction
Health Services
594
5.2%
6.1%
Personal, Entertainment,
543
413
4.8%
6.0%
Recreational Services
3.6%
3.7%
Public Administration
359
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate,
301
3.2%
4.0%
Repair Services
2.6%
6.9%
,Business,
Transportation, Communications,
308
Other Public Utilities
2.7%
6.0%
Other Professional and
211
services
1.9%
3.2%
,:Related
Not reported
---------------------------- --------11,360----------------
2,228
19
Total
_
--
--
Lource:
100.0%
100 0%
N.C. Statistical Abstract, Fifth Edition,
1984
'
8.2

I
Table 4
' HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS 1980
1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ahoskie County Region
'Single
-----------------------------
Tot al Households
-person Hshlds
1,756
433
Total Housing Units
1,840
Single-family Units
1,551
Vacant Units
83
Renter Occupied
847
Condominium Units.
35
'Units
w/out plumbing
-----------------------------
88
Persons/household
2.7
Median Value unit
$30,900
'
Median -Rent
-------------$105-
' Source: U.S. Census
II
Table 5
HERTFORD COUNTY EMPLOYMENT 1980
------------------------------------------
-
7,499
-
67,460
24.7%
1,518
20.2%
14,083
20.9%
-
8,150
-
73,810
-
84.3%
6,699
82.2%
57,853
78.4%
4.5%
651
8.0%
6,348
8.6%
46.0%
2,420
29.7%
23,782
32.2%
-
40
0.5% t
412
0.6%
4.8%
2202_
------
--7%
7,722
10.5%
-
3.1
-
3.0
-
-
$30,862
-
-
-
------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
% Total
State
'
Employment Sector
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Employees
Employment
%
'
Manufacturing
Wholesale & Retail Trade
2,937
1,712
25.9%
15.1%
32.0%
18.0%
Educational Services
1,155
10.2%
6.3%
Agriculture, Forestry,
599
5.3%
3.6%
Fisheries, Mining
Construction
594
5.2%
6.1%
Health Services
543
4.8%
6.0%
Entertainment,
413
3.6%
3.7%
'Personal,
Recreational Services
Public Administration
359
3.2%
4.0%
Finance', Insurance, Real Estate,
301
2.6%
6.9%
Business, Repair Services
Transportation, Communications,
308
2.7%
6.0%
Other Public Utilities
Professional and
211
1.9%
3.2%
'Other
Related Services
Not reported
2,228
19.6%
2.3%
'
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total
11,360
100.0%
100.0%
Source: N.C. Statistical Abstract, Fifth Edition, 1984
1
8.2

Table 6
COUNTY LABOR FORCE
Labor
Total
Unemployment
Rate
Year
---------------------------------------------------------
Force
Employed
County .State
1976
11,360
10,690
5.9%..-
6.2%
1977
12,020
11,140
_ .73%• --
5.9%,',
1978
11,610
10,910
6.0%
4.3%
1979
11,850
11,010
7.1%
4.8%
1980
12,310
11,360
7.7%
6.5%
1981
11,770
10,850
7.8%
6.4%
1982
11,740
10,780
8.2%
9.0%
1983
11,700
10,610
9.3%
8.9%
1984
11,830
10,750
9.1%
6.7%
1985
9,750
9,020
7.5%
5.4%
1986
---------------------------------------------------------
9,670
8,920
7.8%
5.3%
Source: Office of State Budget and Management;
updated by Employment Security Commission
Table 7
RETAIL SALES ($,000's)
---------------------------------------------------------
County
Fiscal Year
Beaufort
Bertie
HERTFORD
Martin
Pitt
---------------------------------------------------------
1975
135,562
36,101
76,279
73,027
278,382
1976
159,530
40,880
87,539
82,899
318,493
1977
177,795
43,819
100,540
93,249
349,637
1978
191,566
46,491
102,648
93,359
372,759
1979
219,683
52,440
108,696
97,633
426,912
1980
223,745
50,996
120,747
103,241
462,937
1981
254,858
54,336
123,021
109,607
516,284
1982
258,037
57,818
133,807
114,041
542,045
1983
249,857
59,865
141,145
116,978
578,843
1984
277,511
61,667
162,367
123,998
694,144
1985
289,045
64,487
166,839
125,435
735,826
1986
314,513
62,199
169,259
137,241
831,083
---------------------------------------------
Chg. 75-85
113.2%
78.6%
90.6%
------------
71.8%
164.3%
Source: Office
of State Budget
and Management (1975-84)
and
N.C. Department
of
Revenue
(1985, 1986)
8.3

' Table 8
MANUFACTURING FIRMS as of 2/l/87
-----------------------------------------------------------
Firm . Product Employment Range
------------------------------------- `----------------------
Box Co.
Boxes
145-155
'Bennett
Brittenham Rebuilding
Rebuilt auto parts
5-10
Carolina Billets
Smelting aluminum
60-70
'
Commercial Ready Mix
Southern States
Concrete
Fertilizer
5-10
5-10
Fabco, Inc.
Paneling
50-100
Freeman Metal Works
Caskets
50-60
'
Georgia Pacific
Lumber products
90-100
Kerr Glass
Injection molding
245-255 (1)
H.T. Jones Co..
Lumber products
50-100
Lucas Machine & Welding
Metal products
5-10
'
Parker Brothers
Printing
140-150
Perdue, Inc.
Grain processing
10-20
'Pierce
Printing Co.
Ramsey Lumber
Printing
Lumber producIts
10-20
50-100
Rose Bro. Paving Co.
Paving products
10-20
------------------------------------------------------
(1) when fully operational
Source: "Hertford County Land Use Plan Update 1986",
Mid -East Commission, 1986, updated by the.
Ahoskie Planning Board
1
8.4

m
in
Figure 1
Source: Office of State Budget and Management

Figure 2
4
Herford County
Land Use 1986
Crop/posture
Urban (2.3 7)
Rural developed (4.5%)
Source: Office of State Budget and Management
-est

Figure 3
Regional Population
1960-1985
100
90
80
70
.. 60
N
V
C
ran 50
3
0
L
40
30
20
10
0
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980
Source: U.S. Census; Office of State Budget and Management
Pitt
Beaufort
Martin
HERTFORD
Be rti e
1985

Figure 4
m
CD
f�
- Population Age Structure.
Ahoskie
2:0
1.9
18
1.7
1,6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
0-4 years 5-19 years 20-24 years 25-44 years 45-64 years 65 and older
Source: U.S. Census

N
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
Figure. 5 _
Per Capita Income
1970-1984
10,852
9,8
8,655
8,342
7,10 491 7,737
,
5,777
4,860 5,898
4,241 4,824
4,125
3,461
1970 1972 1974 1976 1978
❑ Hertford County
Source: Office of State Budget and Management
1980 1982 1984
+ State

rigure 6
v
0
C
C
W
E
a
0
a
E
0
c
D
Unemployment Rate
1976-1986
1 U. V%
9.0%
8.0 %
7.0%
6.0%
5.0%
4.0%
3.0%
2.0%
1.0%
0.0%
County
State I
1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986
Year
Source: Office of State Budget and Management, and
Employment Security Commission

II. LAND USE
A. Existing Conditions
The Town limits encompasses an area of about 2.6 square
miles. Including the satellite annexation at,the intersection
of N. C. 561 and State Route 110E - the site oftheRamada Inn -
and the area within the one -mile extraterritorial jurisdiction,
the Ahoskie planning area covers about 10 square miles of
Hertford County. As shown on the Map of Existing Land Use (pg.
37.3), the Town is bisected into eastern and western halves by
the Seaboard Coast rail line% and into northern and southern
halves by N. C. 561 and Memorial Drive.
The Town developed around the railroad and most industrial
uses and the older commercial and residential areas are found
near the railroad. The Town's National Register Historic
District is located in the area of the Main Street/Railroad
Street intersection, and encompasses a number of historic
commercial buildings. Several large old homes of local signi-
ficance .are found on Catherine Creek Road just south of the
eastern spur of the rail line.
Industrial uses cluster'in the northern half of the Town
along the rail line. Bennett Box Company, located at the
southern end of Railroad Street, is the largest industrial
concern with the Town. As part of its box fabricating operation,
the company has a lumber yard and sawmill on -site. South
of Bennett Box along Railroad Street are a number of other
W

II
industrial and warehousing operations. Industrial uses extend
south along Railroad Street to First Street and then east along
the rail spur to Catherine Creek Road. At one time the railroad
continued east beyond the extraterritorial limits. An industrial
area developed here around the rail line at the eastern edge of
the Town and in the extraterritorial area to the east. Just
within the Town's eastern limit is the Southern States farm
supply operation, and. Georgia Pacific has a large lumber opera-
tion in the eastern extraterritorial area along N. C. 561.
Recent industrial development ,has occurred in the southern half
of the planning area. Two large industrial concerns have located
' near the rail line at its intersection with State Route (S. R.)
' 1105. Carolina Bullets has located just within the Town's
one -mile jurisdictional limit and Kerr Glass opened in the old
' West Point Pepperell plant across the road from Carolina Billets.
As S. R. 1105 is the extraterritorial boundary in that area,
' Kerr Glass is currently not within the Town's planning jurisdic-
tion.
The Town has eight railroad crossings within its city
limits. The railroad has historically been viewed as one of the
community's major assets and in general, the rail line presents
no major land use concerns. Maintenance of the rail crossings
has; at times; become a concern. Six of the crossings have been
reconstructed within the last two years and the Town has contact-
ed rail officials to request refurbishment of the remaining two.
10

II
aJ
' Most of the area within the Town limits has been develop-
ed and much of that development is residential in nature. At
' the same time, Ahoskie is the commercial center of Hertford
County so the Town has within its planning limits more commercial
' and industrial development than other communities in the area.
' The Town's first commercial area developed along Main Street near
the railroad, and ,the area along Main Street between Church
' Street and First Street continues to be commercial in nature.
Typical of communities nationwide, recent commerical development
' has occurred in areas outside,downtown. In Ahoskie, commercial
development has occurred along the Town's major thoroughfares and
much recent development is highway -related: drive-thru restau-
rants, gas stations, and convenience stores. U. S. 13, from its
intersection with N. C. 561 west to Peachtree Street, is lined
' with commercial uses. The Newmarket shopping plaza is located on
U. S. 13 just inside the Town limits on the east. Along N. C.
' 11/42 to the south, another commercial area has developed where
' the highway crosses Ahoskie Creek. Commercial uses here include
a feed and fertilizer distributor, a supermarket, a furniture
store, and a gas station. Scattered commercial uses are found
throughout the rest of the planning area. Several small commer-
cial areas are found in the northern half of the region along
' U. S. 13/N. C. 11 and S. R. 1415 to the north.
F
1
it
1

Residential uses developed along the railroad in conjunc-
tion with the commercial and industrial growth of the early
1900's. The western half of Town is primarily residential in
nature and a large residential area is also found in the north-
east portion of the Town. There are also several proposed
subdivisions in Town including Isaac Terrace and Vernon Place.
Residential development has occurred in the extraterritorial
area, primarily in strip fashion along existing roads, although
some subdivision has occurred. The two major areas of subdivi-
sion are along N. C. 561 - CoLonial Acres, and off N. C. 11/42 in
the southwest portion of the planning area - the Morris subdivi-
sion. Neither area is currently served with Town water or sewer.
The western half of Town also holds Ahoskie's major
institutional uses. Roanoke-Chowan Hospital is located at the
intersection of Memorial Drive and Academy Street. Ahoskie
Graded School and Ahoskie Middle School are located at the
western terminus of Main Street, and Ahoskie High School is
located on N. C. 561 just within the Town's western limit.
Just inside the extraterritorial limit in the southwest is a
regional office of the State Department of Transportation, and a
state highway patrol office is found off N. C. 11/42 on S. R.
1107.
Although over 80% of all residential units are single-
family dwellings, the Town has a number of multifamily develop-
12

1
'
ments including the Parkwood Apartments (located just west of
the grade school off Talmadge Street), and Peachtree Court
'
Apartments and Pierce Avenue Apartments, both located in the
southeast corner of the Town.
'
Most of the extraterritorial area remains undeveloped.
The major portion of this area has been cleared and much of it is
used for agricultural purposes. Agricultural uses are especially
'
prominent in the southern half of the planning area. Scattered
areas of woodland are found between cleared land.
B. Recent Development; Future Growth
1
The
Town's population has increased only slightly since
'
1980- growing by about 50 people between 1980 and 1985. Yet
considerable residential development has occurred over the past
'
six years., Between 1980 and 1986 over 175 building permits for
residential units were issued. Slightly more than half of these
I
for
permits were multifamily units, the remainder were for
'
single-family dwellings (Table 9, pg. 3). The apparent discre-
pancy between residential development and population growth can
be accounted for by noting that household size is decreasing. In
Ahoskie and elsewhere, families are smaller now that they were
'
ten years ago; percentage -wise there are more elderly people and
many of those persons live alone. As a result, more units are
now necessary to house even a population which has shown little
growth.
1
13

For the most: part, recent construction has been scatter-
ed throughout the planning area and no pattern to new development
is evident. Comparing residential uses in 1981 with those in
1987, the major change is found in the southwest corner of Town
off S. R. 1107 where the Morris subdivision has been expanded and
a new S. R. 1209 created. Another limited area of new resi-
dential development is noted in the area of Woodland Street in
the southwest corner of Town. New construction is also noted
along S. R. 1130 in the northwest region of the extraterritorial
area. Future residential development is likely to follow the
pattern established over the past decade: scattered development
throughout the planning area and expansion of existing
subdivisions.
Industrial development since 1981 has occurred in the
southern extraterritorial area along S. R. 1105. Carolina
Billets has constructed a new facility on S. R. 1105 across from
the former West Point Pepperell plant - now home of Kerr Glass.
Although no plans for additional industrial development in the
region have been announced, the area along S. R. 1105 can easily
accommodate new construction. In contrast to industrial areas
within Town, most of the area is undeveloped and is well away
from residential and commercial uses. The area is served by
railroad and is close to U. S. 13 and N. C. 42. Natural gas
service is available and the Town (with assistance from the
14

1
County), is currently extending water service to the Kerr Glass
'
facility. Undeveloped industrial land is also available along U.
'
S. 13/N. C. 42 in the eastern portion of the planning area.
Commercial development is likely to continue along major
highways, although the Town welcomes new commercial enterprises
into its downtown. A new 1059000 square foot shopping center is
currently being constructed on a 20-acre parcel on U. S. 13/N. C.
'
42 across from the Southern States operation.
No annexation has occurred in recent years as the capacity
of the Town's wastewater tre.Itment system prohibited new con-
nections. Construction of the new facility will begin in 1987
the Town is
and now contemplating annexation of several areas.
'
Most of the areas being considered are residential in nature -
the Colonial Acres subdivision on N. C. 561; the Morris subdivi-
sion on south N. C. 42; an area just outside Town on U. S. 13
north; and the Catherine Heights subdivision on S. R. 1415. The
'
only commercial area for is
under consideration annexation along
'
U. S. 13 south to Freeman Metal works, and along N. C. 561 to the
Georgia Pacific plant. Should all areas under consideration be
annexed, the Town's population would increase by about 500
persons.
C. Land Use Concerns
'
The current pattern of development in the Town presents
'
no major land use concerns and new development in the' next five
'
15
1

d
1
years should present no major land use problems. The area is
1
growing very slowly and the nature and location of new develop-
1 I
ment will be controlled by the Town's zoning and subdivision
regulations. Although residential areas adjoin industrial areas
1
the areas in which any new industrial development will occur.
The Town is fortunate that development has not occurred near
1
sensitive natural areas. The area between U. S. 13/N.C. 42
1
contains an extensive area of wetlands, but remains undeveloped.
Except where it crosses under U. S. 13/N. C. 42, no development
1
has occurred near Ahoskie Cregk, the Town's only Area of Environ-
mental Concern.
1
1
D. Development Controls
Land development in the Town is controlled by a variety
1
of local, state, and federal regulations. Plans and policies
enacted by the Town, the County, and various state agencies
1
influence local land use decisions as well.
1 1. Regulatory Mechanisms
1 Local ordinances controlling land use are described below.
State and federal regulations that control local land uses are
1 listed in Appendix A.
The Ahoskie Zoning Ordinance was most recently revised in
1 19B2.
Subdivision Regulations were first adopted in the early
1 1970's and revised in 1982.
1
16
1

Mobile Home Park Regulations
are included in the Town's
'
zoning ordinance.
Floodplain Regulations
are included in'the Zoning Ordinance.
'
The State Building Code
is enforced by the Town's Building
Inspector.
'
A Housing Code was adopted
in 1972.
Septic Tank Regulations
,are enforced in extraterritorial
'
area; over 99% of all
lots in -Town are serviced by public
sewer. The County
Health Department administers the
state's environmental
health code, Chapter 130A of the
'
General Statutes.
A Historic District
Ordinance was proposed in the early
1980's but not adopted.
'
A Nuisance Ordinance in
effect.
'
2. Development Plans
'
Local plans that control development decisions include
the Town's 1981 CAMA Land Use Plan Update and the Hertford
'
County Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan No transportation
projects are scheduled for the Ahoskie area according to the
State's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) (December
'
1986). Local recreation needs are addressed by the Town's
Recreation .Department in conjunction with Town's Recreation
'
Committee. The Town recently completed construction of a new
recreation center. According to local officials, the new
'
recreational facility and the two newly -lighted tennis courts and
ballfield next -door are well utilized by local residents.
The
Town is currently administering two Community Develop -
men Block Grants (CDBG> for community revitalization projects.
'
17

J
' The first grant has facilitated sidewalk and gutter improvements
on Main Street and housing improvements in the 'residential area
surrounding Main Street. The grant also contains money for
facade renovations in the downtown area. About $80,000 has been
' set aside to help property owners underwrite interest costs on
commercial loans used for facade improvements in the Town's
downtown commercial district. Local officials observe that this
' aspect of the CDBG program has generated little local intent.
The second grant contains money for housing rehabilitation and
' clearance in the North Catherine Street area, as well as for
two "local action projects" such as drainage and sidewalk
1
improvements. The County is currently administering a CDBG
'
grant for improvements in the Catherine Heights area. Plans
call for construction of a wastewater collection system, water
distribution system, and street and drainage improvements.
Although Ahoskie has not officially adopted a Capital
'
Improvement Program,
the Town has been planning for the new
'
sewage treatment facility for, a number of years. The Town has
been setting aside money for the facility for about ten years
'
and now plans to finance its share of the project costs with
these accumulated funds.
3. Development Policies
'
Hertford County has a utilities extension policy in which
'
the Town participates. Typically, the County will pay for
'
18

II
II
1
II
IV
II
II
II
II
II
extension of local utilities, and upon completion of the project,
operation and management become the responsibility of the Town.
In 1981 the Town adopted a number of policy objectives in
the areas of resource protection, resource production and
management, and economic and community development to guide land
development in the Ahoskie area for the next five years. As a
first step in updating the Town's 1981 land use plan, planners
evaluated how far the Town had come in achieving the goals set
in 1981. By evaluating the objectives and implementation
actions of the 1981 program,,. planners hoped to make the Town's
1987 land use plan a more effective document.
On a scale of A to F, planners rated the effectiveness of
the Town's 1981 plan an A-. Virtually all of the implementation
strategies outlined under each policy objective were acted -on.
The Town has, as specified in the 1981 plan, continued to
participate in the Federal Flood Insurance Program, reviewed
reports analyzing the condition of the area's groundwater supply,
and utilized its zoning and subdivision ordinances to control
land development. As recommended in the 1981 plan, the Town
applied for, and received, funds for housing rehabilitation,
street and sidewalk improvements, and downtown revitalization.
Many of the planning goals outlined in the Town's 1981 plan
have been incorporated in the 1987 update. Protecting fragile
natural areas, protection of groundwater supply, and protection
1 19
II

of agricultural land have all been made important policy goals
of the 1987 planning program, as they were in the 1981 plan.
Similarly, several of the implementation strategies outlined in
the 1981 plan have again been recommended for action in the
1987 plan. The Town will continue to apply for funding for
community development projects and to use its regulatory tools -
zoning, subdivision, and housing regulations - to guide develop-
ment in the area. The Town's 1987 plan has however outlined
several new action -items for local consideration, including
adoption of a historic district ordinance and development of a
farmer's market. A completing listing of the policy objectives
and implementation strategies the Town had adopted to guide
development in the Ahoskie area through 1992 is found in Chapter
III.
20

1 '
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
E. Development Constraints
1. Land Suitability
Within the Town's corporate limits, there are few factors
i
constraining land development; in the extraterritorial area,
development limitations are more numerous. Constraints can be
classified into one of three categories: physical limitations,
fragile areas, and areas of resource potential.
Physical Limitations for Development. A variety of factors
determine the suitability of land for development. ,These
include soil and subsoil conditions, topography, potential for
flooding, and existing land uses in the development area.
The Ahoskie area has several flood -prone areas. The
Federal Insurance Administration (FIA) has defined the Zone A
floodplain as those areas which have a 1% or greater chance of
flooding .in any year. In communities such as Ahoskie which
participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, the lowest
floor of residential buildings must be elevated at or above base
flood level as determined by FIA; non-residential structures can
be flood -proofed instead. As noted on the Map of Land Use
Constraints (pg. 37.4), most of the planning region's floodprone
areas are in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Only two small
areas of Zone A floodplain have been'identified within the Town.
These are found at the Town's eastern boundary in the Newsome
Street area. Outside of Town in the southern extraterritorial.
21

' jurisdiction, floodplain borders Ahoskie Creek, widening to form
a large flood -prone area east and west of S. R. 1001. To the',
' east of Town, a flood -prone area is found adjoining Whiteoak
Swamp; to the north,i a Zone -A floodplain has been delineated
' adjoining Horse Swamp.
The presence of poor soils and steep slopes also limit the
development of land resources. Soil conditions determine the
suitability of the land for in -ground sewage disposal systems.
Before land can be build -upon the stability, bearing capacity,
and erodibility of the soil must also be considered. The major
soils found in the Ahoskie region are listed in Table 10 (pg.
37.1). Within the Town, soil type CsA is most prevalent. This is
the Craven -Urban land complex. Much of the original soil in this
area has been cut, filled, graded, paved, or otherwise altered.
As shown on the Ahoskie Area Soils Map (pg. 37.5), soil types LF,
BB, and the Craven -type A and B soils are the common soils of the
extraterritorial area. A large area of Leaf loam soil (LF) is
found east of the Town on either side of the Whiteoak Swamp.
This soil has severe limitations for building and for the siting
of septic systems. As shown in Table 10, nine of the other ten
soils in the area also have severe limitations for in -ground
septic systems. As most new development in the extraterritorial
area wild be served .by in -ground systems, poor soils may prove to
be a major development limitation in many places in the planning
area.
22

II
II
Steep slopes will not limit development as they might in
other places in the County. The terrain varies from flat
' flood -prone areas to gently rolling hills. Similarly, no
man-made hazards that might limit future development have been
identified in the Ahoskie area.
The Town obtains its water from groundwater resources.
1 The extensive groundwater reservoirs of the state's Coastal
' Plain region were considered a relatively unlimited source of
water supply until recent years. Northeastern North Carolina
' and southeastern Virginia share an aquifer system. Studies
have documented that groundwater levels have been declining for
a number of years. The largest declines have been noted in the
groundwater layer serving a large portion of Hertford County and
are attributed to relatively large water withdrawals in southern
'
Virginia.
The area's
aquifer system can be divided in
three hydrogeo-
'
logic
units:
the: Cretaceaus aquifer system;
the Teritiary
'
aquifer system;
and the water -table aquifer.
The Cretaceaus
aquifer provides
Hertford County with much of its
groundwater and
is the aquifer
in which the largest water level
declines have
been noted. The
water -table aquifer recharges
the underlying
'
artesian aquifer
units. In the Ahoskie area,
this layer lies
'
close to the surface in many soils and is very
vulnerable to
pollution from
septic tanks, industrial and
municipal waste
'
disposal, landfills, and agricultural activities.
'
23

1
In an effort to protect public water supplies, many communi-
ties are now regulating development in the recharge area of
' public wells. In Ahoskie, the Town's four public wells are
located in areas which are already highly developed. The Town
has a well off McKinely Street just east of the rail line, and
another just east of the railroad south off Myers Street. A
' third well is located off Odom Street in the southeastern corner
' of Town, and the fourth well is in the western half of the
community on Pembroke Avenue.
' Fraoile Areas. The Ahoskie area is rich in both natural
and cultural resources. The extent and location. of these
' resources should be considered as development decisions are made.
' The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 (CAMA) established
the Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) and specified that the
' CRC identify and designate "areas of environmental concern" -
AECs. AECs are areas with natural or cultural resources which
1 are of statewide concern. Unregulated developing in AECs has a
' high probability of causing irreversible damage to public
health, property, and the natural environment. Thus, the CRC
' developed guidelines for development in AECs. Four categories
of AECs have been developeds the estuarine system; the ocean
hazard system; public water supplies; and natural and cultural
resource areas. According to the guidelines established by the
' CRC, most projects. -in AECs require a CAMA permit. "Minor"
' 24
1

. r
1
development permits (generally projects altering less than 20
acres or involving structures less than 60,000 square feet) are
' issued by a local permit officer. ."Major" development permits
are issued by the State Division of Coastal Management.
Ahoskie Creek is the planning region's only Area of Environ-
mental Concern. Ahoskie Creek is considered a public trust
area. Public trust -areas are defined as waters and submerged
' lands in the coastal region where the public has traditionally
had the right of use, including the right of navigation. Thus,
' all navigable waterways in Hertford County, including Ahoskie
Creek, are considered public trust AECs. Public trust areas are
' included in the category of estuarine system AECs. Other natural
. areas included in this category are: estuarine (brackish)
waters, estuarine shorelines,,and coastal wetlands.
Aside from Ahoskie Creek, no unique or sensitive natural
areas have been identified in the planning region. The North
Carolina
Natural Heritage Program has no record of any endangered
'
species or habitats, or rare geologic areas within the planning
area. The Town does however have several cultural features of
note including a National Register Historic District which
contains over fifteen historic commercial buildings.
'
The Town's
Historic District encompasses an area of about
'two
square blocks in downtown Ahoskie. The District includes
i
Gusiness properties fronting on two of the Town's earliest
25

commercial streets - Main Street and Railroad Street - as well
as properties fronting on Mitchell Street north of Railroad
Street. Ahoskie developed as a railroad town in the late 1800's
and the intersection of Main Street and the railroad became the
primary business location. Structures in the historic district
represent several periods of construction, from the early 1900s
to 1940, and are oriented to Main Street and the railroad at
their intersection. The modest one-, two-, and three-story
brick buildings provided facilities for retail trade, hotels,
banks, entertainment, and governmental services. Most of the
buildings are typical commercial buildings with brick facades
above storefronts, creating a cohesive streetscape, representing•
Ahoskie's major historical periods of development. A brief
description of the district's 18 historic properties follows.
Infdrmation on the Town's historic resources was compiled from a
1984 report by Philip Letsinger entitled, "Nomination to National
Register of Historic Places; Ahoskie, North Carolina".
(former) United States Post Office 201 W. Main Street.
The former Post Office, completed in 1940, is consider-
ed one of the "pivotal" (most significant) buildings
in the District. It is an important example of
contemporary federal' agency architectural design and
construction at the close of the depression period. The
Post Office was moved to its present location in 1975
and now functions as the Town Hall. Postal work areas
have been remodeled for offices and a council room.
Mitchell Hotel 131-135 W. Main Street. The Mitchell
Hotel, built in 1910, was Ahoskie's second "modern"
hostelry. It was a three-story brick building with
hotel rooms an the upper floors, the hotel lobby and
dining room on the west side of the first floor and
26

'
Mitchell's drugstore and
side of the first floor.
soda
By
fountain on
1915, the name
the east
had been
changed to Manhattan Hotel
and
then in the late 1920s
it was changed back to Mitchell
Hotel.
'
Mitchell Hotel Annex 127-129
W.
Main Street. A
1923 map
shows a one-story brick
building
divided
into two
' storefronts. The second floor was added in 1925 as an
annex to the adjacent Mitchell Hotel building.
' Commercial Building 123-125 W. Main Street. This one-story
brick commercial building was built some time between
19069 when a fire destroyed all the frame buildings in
this block, and 1923. The facade is divided into two
' storefronts by brick pilasters which extend above
the parapet.
Farmers - Atlantic Bank 119 W. Main Street - near junction
'
with Mitchell Street. This three-story brick building
in a classic temple form, is considered one of the most
important buildings in the District. The bank was
constructed in 1918 and was Ahoskie's most expensive
building up until that time. Two fluted brick columns
`rame the building's recessed entry.
Richard Theater 117 W. Main Street. Jesse Richard Garrett,
"The Builder of Ahoskie", had this theatre built in
'
1927. Ornate cast metal seat ends carry the initial
"R" in tribute to the builder, its namesake. The
ornate ticket booth originally was free-standing at the
face of the building with the entry doors just behind.
.
Ornate playbill cases, mirrors and light fixtures
completed the setting for the lobby of "Eastern North
Carolina's Finest." The Gallery Theater, Incorporated,
' has acquired owner3hip of the building for community
use.
'
Hotel Comfort 111-115 W. Main Street. The building was
constructed in 1906 after a fire destroyed the frame
building on this site which housed
the post office.
Shortly after the fire, Arnold Bazemore, postmaster at
the time, built this two-story brick
building with a
store and post office on the left
side, the hotel
lobby and dining room on the right,
and twelve hotel
rooms upstairs.
J. T. Parker and J. W. Powell Buildings
105 and 109 W.
Main Street. J. T. Parker and J. W. Powell built these
two adjoining two-story brick stores
about 1910. In•
27
1
.

I
1
1
L
1
1
1
1
Li
the 1920s, the J. N. Vann hardware store was located
in the former Parker store at number 109, and the.
Hertford Herald moved from their building on South
Railroad Street to the former Powell store at number
105.
I
R. J. Baker Building 101 W. Main Street. This two-story
brick commercial building was built about 1910. The
east storefront was'leased to the Post Office for ten
years beginning in 1912; the west storefront was used
as a barbershop. The second floor was used for both
living quarters and offices.
Hertford Herald Building 102-104.S. Railroad Street. The
building was started in 1910 and completed in 1915
when purchased by J. R. Parker and James Vinson. the
offices of the Herald was located here until the late
1920's. '
Commercial Buildings, 100 Block N. Railroad Street. A fire
in 1925 destroyed the frame warehouses and livery
stables in this portion of the block enabling the
various owners to rebuild the commercial buildings in
this simple but harmonious manner. The two earliest
storefronts are the simplest in design while the
remainder of the block has a slightly more ornate
design. These commercial buildings have served a
variety of retail, service, and office uses. One of
the earliest use was for a candy store called the Sugar
Bowl in the southernmost storefront. The original
storefronts generally had recessed center entries with
double doors flanked by large display windows and the
brick wall above gave indirect light to the interiors
of the store spaces. One prism glass transom is still
evident on the southernmost storefront. . Most of the
interiors still retain the original pressed metal_
ceilings and borders although ,some have been obscured
by new lowered ceilings.
W. D. Newsome Building 119 N. Railroad Street. This
building was built in 1905 following the fires of 1901
and 1902 which destroyed most of the earlier frame
structures. W. D. Newsome, the original owner of this
building was a black educator in Hertford County and
served in the North. Carolina House of Representatives
from 1870 to 1872. Jim Odom and Jim Hill had a store
in the building about 1910, and the Masons moved
upstairs for their lodge meetings at .that time. The
upstairs hall was also used for the first movie
theater in Ahoskie.
9M
1

Garrett Hotel W. Main Street and N. Railroad Street. J. R.
Garrett considered plans for a new hotel in 1920, but
his plans were delayed by the depression in the fall of
1920. In the early 1920s, Ahoskie was becoming a
regional trade center, and the Chamber of Commerce
mounted a campaign to have a new hotel built in
Ahoskie. In 1923, Garrett made plans for the hotel
which he then financed and constructed. The hotel was
leased to J. Haywood Dukes and the "leading hostelry of
all this Northeastern era" formally opened in July
' •1926. The three-story L-shaped building fronts on both
North Railroad Street and West Main Street, with the
hotel entrance on North Railroad Street. Except for
the hotel entry, the ground floor storefronts were
rented for other businesses. The North Railroad Street
section incorporates two earlier two-story brick
commercial buildings, one of which was the Fletcher
' .Powell Building reputed to be the first brick store in
Ahoskie (ca. 1901).&
' Bank of Ahoskie N. Railroad Street at Main Street. The
Bank of Ahoskie, the oldest bank in Ahoskie, had this
building constructed in 1925. It is considered one of
the most important buildings in the District. Part of
' the construction boom of the mid-1920s, the new Bank
of Ahoskie was the cornerstone of the newly built
business block on West Main and North Railroad Streets.
' The bank's main entrance, like that of the Garrett
Hotel, faces Railroad' Street which had become the
Town's center, rather than Main Street. The two-story
' building is designed in the Beaux-Arts style and faced
with cut limestone. The'main floor was double height
with a high ceiling banking room lighted by the five
round arched windows along Main Street. The bank's
' main entrance is recessed under the tall arched
opening facing North Railroad Street.
Sawyer-Brome Furniture Company 126 W. Main Street at N.
Mitchell Street. Constructed in 1924, this is also
considered` one of the District's pivotal buildings.
The Main Street facade incorporates decorative glazed
' terra cotta, the only example of its use in Ahoskie.
Fires in 1925 destroyed all the frame buildings in
this block, leaving only this new building and two
' earlier brick buildings on North Railroad Street.
E. L. Garrett Building 110-122 N. Mitchell Street. The
' first floor storefronts of this 1938 building have
been adapted to a variety of uses since the building
29
1

I
' was built. The second floor, faced with clinker brick
and roofed with a gable roof instead of the more
typical flat roof, housed a roller skating rink when
the building was initially opened.
M. H. Mitchell Furniture Company Annex North Mitchell
Street. M. H. Mitchell built this building in the
' late 1940s as an annex to his furniture store which
fronted on North Railroad Street. The Building's large
glass display windows, recessed entry, and plain
second story are typical of commercial structures
' built in the late 1940s.
E. J. Gerock Department Store 102 East Main Street. The
' Roanoke-Chowan Times noted in an October 1910 edition
that "Mr. E. J. Gerock is having a large brick store,
that, when completed, will be perhaps, the most
handsome in town." The Main Street facade of the
building, completed in 1910, is divided into three
sections with pilasters which extend above the front
parapet wall.
The State Department of Cultural Resources has conducted an
' inventory of archaeological sites in Hertford County. No
recorded sites have been found in the Ahoskie area but state
' officials believe that there is a high probability for encounter-
ing archaeological sites along the first and second terraces of
' Ahoskie Creek.
Areas of Resource Potential. Much of the planning area
outside the City limits is currently used for agricultural
' purposes. According to the U. S. Department of Agricultural,
some of that land is prime farmland. Agricultural officials
have observed that prime farmland will be of major importance in
providing the nation's short and long range needs for food and
30

1
timber. Thus, conservation of prime farmland has become a
1 national objective and is an important state agricultural goal
' as well.
Prime farmland -is defined by its current use (urban, or
1
built-up areas cannot be considered prime farmland) and by the
soils that
comprise it. In Ahoskie area the AtA; CaA, CaB, CrA,
1
CrB, GOA,
and NoA soils are considered prime farmland soils.
1
These soils
have properties that are favorable for the production
Of sustained high yields of crops. According to agricultural
1
officials,
these soils produge the highest yields with minimal
inputs of
energy and economic resources, and farming these soils
1
results in
the least damage to the environment. As shown on the
'
Ahoskie Area
Soils Map, the region contains a fairly extensive
area of the
Craven sails in the western extraterritorial area.
Areas
of resource potential also include state parks,
forest and
wildlife preserves; private game preserves; and areas
1
of valuable
mineral deposits. The Ahoskie planning area contains
no public or private natural resource areas and no known mineral
1
deposits.
2. Facility Limitations
1 As a community grows, service demands increase. More police
bnd3he protection may be needed; additional.classrooms or
1 schbb19 May be -necessary. Demand for public water and sewer
1
'
31
1
_.

1
1
service increases. Planning for future service demands helps
to avoid shortfalls in the provision of public services. Develop-
ment can be severely constrained when the demand for vital
services such as water and.sewer, exceeds supply.
Population growth in Ahoskie and throughout Hertford County
has been slow in recent years. Between 1970 and 1985, the
County grew by less than 2%. Most growth during this period
occurred in outlying areas outside of towns; during this same
period, Ahoskie lost about 3% of its population. Since 1980,
the Town has grown slightly* and in 1985 state officials esti-
mated the Town had just less than 59000 residents.
The Office of State Budget and Management forecasts slow
growth for the County as a whole. Between 1985 and 1990, the
population of the County is expected to increase by about 4%
(Table 119 pg. 37.2). Between 1990 and 1995, the population is
expected to increase 4y another 2%. Growth will be well -distri-
buted throughout the County. Should development follow the trend
noted over the past 15 years, the majority of new development
will occur in outlying areas outside of incorporated places.
As mentioned earlier in Section B, the Town is considering
annexation of several residential areas and one commercial area
as well. The population in all areas being considered totals
about 500 persons. Assuming these annexations are carried out
and assuming the existing population of the Town will increase by
32

1y. (the rate noted between 1980 and 1985), the Town will have a
population of about 6,000 persons in 1990. Unless a major new
'
industry locates in the area, it is unlikely the Town's popula-
tion will exceed 7,000 persons by 1995.
The trends in population change noted in the. past decade
i
will continue through the 1990's: 'percentage -wise, Ahoskie and
all Hertford County will have more older persons and less young
'
persons than it has in the past. In 1985, about 21% of the.
County's population was under nineteen years of age (Table 12,
'
pg. 37.2). That percentage.is expected to decline to about 28%
by t995. In contrast, the percentage of the population 65 and
older is expected to increase from 13.7% of the County's popula-
tion in 1985, to 16.4% by 1995.
Water Service. Almost all properties within the corporate
'
limits are serviced with public water. Water mains extend
outside of Town along N. C. 561 west. to the Ramada Inn; for a
'
distance Catherine Creek Road (S. R. 1415);
short north along
north along U. S. 13 to the Maola plant; and along U. S. 13
south to the Freeman Metal Works. The Town plans to extend a 16
'
inch water main to the Kerr Glass facility on S. R. 1105. System
extensions are being financed by state and County funds but are
'
being administered by local
officials.
'
Ahoskie is fortunate in that it is a water -rich community.
The Town's four wells have a capacity of between 1.e and 2
1
•
33

1
1
1
1
million gallons per day (gpd). Water demand now averages
550,000 gpd. Storage capacity is 800,000 gpd - almost a
two-day supply. As part of system improvements to serve Kerr
Glass, the Town plans to construct another deep -well. At some
future date, the Town's storage capacity may have to be in-
creased. Water supply however, should not limit growth in the
forseeable future.
Sewer Service. The avea serviced by the Town's municipal
waste treatment system is similar to that serviced by its water
system. Almost all properties within the corporate limits are
serviced by public sewer. Sewer lines extend outside of Town to
Ahoskie's satellite annexation at• the Ramada Inn; along U. S.
13 north to the Maola plant; and extend for a short distance
north along Catherine Creek road.
The Town currently operates a trickling filter treatment
system which discharges into Ahoskie Creek. The Town is in the
final stages of constructing a land application system to avoid
discharging municipal waste into the nutrient -sensitive Ahoskie
Creek. In December 1986, the Town purchased almost 470 acres
south of S. R. 1105 for use as spray fields.
The capacity of the .Town's current treatment plant is
800,000 gpd. The new system will be designed to handle 1.2
million gpd. Current demand on the system is 800,000 gpd
however the system has a problem with infiltration of water from
34

II
outside the system. Thus, system demand is somewhat weather -de-
pendent and in rainy periods, demand often exceeds plant capa-
city.
The Town has received grant assistance to help correct
infiltration problems. Officials hope that corrective actions
will reduce demand to about 600,000 gpd. Given system improve-
ments, the Town's treatment system should accommodate increased
demand from proposed annexation and projected population.
Should infiltration problems be remedied as anticipated, system
demand could almost double, and still be -accommodated by the
Town's new treatment system.,
Public Schools. The capacity of County schools will not
constrain development in the foreseeable future. As noted in
Table 13 (pg. 37.2), except for the Ahoskie Graded School, all
schools are currently being used well below capacity.
Consolidation of Ahoskie and Murfreesboro High Schools has
been proposed in the past. Proponents note that a large consoli-
dated school would increase the quality of education in the
County by offering an expanded curriculum and increasing social
and athletic opportunities. In May 19137 the County Board of
Education announced tentative plans to consolidate the County
High Schools and the Middle Schools. Officials plan to use
Ahoskie High School as the County's central high school and the
Murfreesboro High School as the consolidated middle school. The
35

1
1
1
1
1
1
1 '
1
1
1
1
current Ahoskie Middle School and a portion' of what is now
Murfreesboro Middle School will be closed. The plan will take
effect in the fall of, 1988.
Protective Services. The Town funds a 17-per5on police
department. With about one officer for every 300 residents, for
a town of its size, police protection in Ahoskie would appear
above -average. The police department maintains 12 vehicles.
Four full-time firemen and 28 volunteers provide the Town
with fire protection. The Town currently owns two pumpers and
has purchased a new 19250 gallon per minute pumper; delivery of
the new engine is scheduled for October 1987. 8y 19899 the Town
hopes to have constructed a new public service building to house
both its police and fire departments.
Recreation. In 1975 the Town opened a recreation center on
the west end of Main Street near the Middle School. The center
maintains a large inventory of excerise equipment, has a room
for arts and crafts, and a kitchen facility as well. Adjoining
the center is a large playground area, two lighted tennis courts
and a soccer field. The town maintains three ballfields in back
of the High School on land leased from the County School Depart-
ment; two of these fields are lighted. In addition, the Town
assists the County in maintaining four unlite tennis courts at
the High School.
Solid Waste. Residential waste is collected twice weekly.
The Town's commercial container truck operates six days per
36 -

1
1
week and services commercial
operations as needed. Refuse is
currently disposed at
the Hertford County landfill, located
'
about three miles from
Winton. The landfill is nearing capacity
and the County is currently
studying disposal alternatives.
'
Roads. Lack of service
by a major interstate highway is
'
often cited as one of
the major factors that has limited growth
in northeastern North
Carolina. It is unlikely that this
'
situation^ will change
in the foreseeable future given the
current lack of federal
funding.
'
No major state highway
.improvements are scheduled for the
'
Ahoskie area according
to the official state transportation
plans. Several bridges
are to be replaced in the surrounding
area however, on east N.
C. 561 over Ahoskie Creek; on S. R. 1425
between Ahoskie and Como
over Flat Swamp; and on S. R. 1427 over
'
the Wiccacon River.
'
Implications
Givgn the slow rate
of growth
anticipated in the next five
years, the capacity of the
local
public facilities will be
'
adequate to meet future
demands.
Water storage capacity is
likely to be the greatest
limitation
to future growth in the
1
long
run; for the; next
five years,
storage capacity appears
adequate to serve projected
demand.
J
37

Table'9
' BUILDING PERMITS 1980-1986
-------------
Single-
Year Family
1980
19
1981
22
1982
7
1983
9
1984
10
1985
15
1986
3
Total 85
-------------------
Multi- Commercial/
Family Industrial
0
17
60
19
2
12
8
9
6
23
14
10
2
--------------------
5
92
95
Source: Ahoslcie Building Inspector
Table 10
SOIL CHARACTe-RISITICS
'
Limitations for: ---
Sail
Buildings
w/o Septic
Runoff
Depth to High
'Code
-----------------
-- Type ---
--------
Slope
---------
Basements
------------------------------------------
Tanks
Potential
Water Table
(ft)
AtA t
Altavista fine sandy loam
0-2%
Severe:
Severe
Moderate
1.5
- 2.5
Bibb
OX
Severe
Severe
Moderate
0.5
-.1.5
'BB
BOB
Bonneau loamy sand
0-6%
Slight
Moderate
Low
3.5
- 5.0
CaA }
Caroline fine sandy loam
0-2%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
> 6.0
'
CaB a
Caroline fine sandy loam
2-6%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
> 6.0
COB }
Conetce loamy sand
0-52
Severe
Slight
Low
> 6.0
CrA t
Craven fine sandy loam
0-1%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0
- 3.0
'
CrB s
Craven fine sandy loam
1-4%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0
- 3.0
CsA
Craven -Urban land complex
0-2%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0
- 3.0
BOA f
Goldsboro fine sandy loam
0-2%
Moderate
Severe
Slight
2.0
- 3.0
'LF
.
Leaf loam
0%
Severe
Severe
High
' 0.5
- 1.5
Ln
Lenior loam
0%
Severe
Severe
High
1.0
- 2.5
Ly
Lynchburg fine sandy loaa
0:
Severe
Severe
Moderate
0:5
- 1.5
'NOA
t
Norfolk loamy fine sand
0-21
Slight
Moderate
Slight
4.0
- 6.0
Ro
Roanoke loan I
OS
Severe
Severe
High
0.0
- 1.0
RuA
Rumford loamy sand
0-3%
Slight
Slight
Slight
> 6.0
Se
Seabrook loamy sand
OI
Severe
Severe
Moderate
2.0
- 4.0
TaB
Tarboro sand
0-51
Severe
Severe
Low
( 6.0
Ud
Udorthents, sandy
OX
(l)
(l)
(l)
(D
WN
Wilbanks silty clay loam
01
Severe
Severe
High
0.0
- 1.0
f indicates prime farmland soil
(l) soil characteristics vary, on -site investigation needed
Source: Soil Survey of Hertford County, U.S.D.A., S.C.S., July 1484
s>.t

I
Table 11
FUTURE REGIONAL POPULATION
------------------------------------------------------------------
% Change %
Change
County
1985
1990
1995
85-90
90-95
'
-------- ----------------
Beaufort
43,260
---------- -----------
47,314
-----------o---------
50,702
9.4%
7.2%
Bertie
21,341
21,760
21,895
2.0%
0.6%
'
HERTFORD
Martin
23,924
26,653
24,833
26,463
25,280
26,406
3.8%
-0.7%
1.8%
-0.2%
Pitt
------------------------------------------------------------------
95,862
101,823
107,409
6.2%
5.5%
'
Region
222,193
----------
-------211,040
------------
--231,692--------5_3%-----4_3%
State
6,253,951
6,597,922
6,930,994
5.5%
5.0%
Source:
N.C. Office of
State Budget
and Management, 1986
'
Table 12
,
,COUNTY POPULATION AGE STRUCTURE 1985-1995
-----------------------------
1985
---------------------------------
1990 1995
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
0-4 years
1,728
7.2%
1,786
.7.2%
1,664
6.6%
5-19 years
5,784
24.2%
5,830
23.5%
5,530
21.9%
20-44 years
8,504
35.5%
8,660
34.9%
8834
34.9%
45-64 years
4,634
19.4%
4,705
18.9%
5,100
20.2%
65 and -older
3,274
13.7%
31852
15.5%
4,152
16.4%
------------------------
L--------------------------------------------------
Total
23,924
100.0%
24,833
100.0%
25,280
100.0%
Source: N.C. Office of State Budget and Management, 1986
Table 13
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
----------------------------------------------------
Grades
Enrollment
Capacity
:
Enrollmt as
---------------------------------------------------------
Taught
86-87
% Capacity
Ahoskie Graded
K-3
695
800
87%
R.-L. Vann
4-5
34.5
11100
31%
Ahoskie Middle
6-8
595
950
63%
Ahoskie High
---------------------------------------------------------
9-12
780
1,150
68%
Total
2,415
4,000
60%
Source: "Hertford County Land Use Plan Update 1987",
and Hertford County School officials
37.2

0 0 a n 7 a a X
O m 7 ry M M m
rpaOa rtfM
d0 a,4 a
p p o G F M
aaa" : >r&
9 u ry n m 0 r
a0 O O 0 Otk
C 40
-, O
M xmo �7
O b
O- crp O
>m.. Leo<a
9mrm 044 OM-0
r g n u& 0 n
W�° m tr a a a ro
4 t+O g 7 CO
ry 7 0 M
m 0 r
rzO0 L o-v7'p
O m a- m ry o n
7& 0 0
z u
O 7 N ry O O.
tl m r O m"
m [S 07 a.+r
N W7O- :r
a
x
0
EA
x
H
M
a
a
En
0
H
r
cn

Source:
N.C. Dept of
Cultural Resources;
U.S. Dept. of
Housing and Urban
Development, Flood
Hazard Boundry Maps
LAN D USE
CONSTRAINTS--
0 Historic;Distr
® AEC
Tloodplai I
t
D Public Well
© Archaelogical
AHOSKIE
NORTH CAROLINA
eM • -ilea of thlt u — tl.—. la
t `
wet w v11. W w nN
Careliu `nLw ulMu Pn
x..1a.a by `. asseaatal i.L
.—.—at Aat •e! its I. 1. u.neM, 1.-_1 Y a !. its O([la. e( Oc.0 a 37.4 PeaDared
98 by H1G-&aat COmmlaalen rt W-u-a Mm-wet. Mmen.l
Xaellln(lOn. NOrth Ca1011na I M.nla eM Alae.pMfla AOalaYvtealba.
Juva i9Nl

EXISTING AHOSKIE
�T
OA
-LAND \USE/ NORTH. as n. I ga
s ! �
i
\ 4
'�• \\ \I ./ �oaa..stw,��_7 7,d� � "'�'�f{if�T wS __
YYYY _ r
Residential .. _J x�IN
Commercial
® Industrial �I
I
P Institutional j\j �,.,..1--•—
lL.. I _ •�-
Undeveloped
Ths vr.wr.u.. or i.i.............. i.
' t tn'.. ..r.nt .rone.a er th. Worth
t rolln. ...41 N.n..-..nt Pro ,
tnrou.n food. 1-1. by tM Ceudl Zau
...e N..s.t n.e r nn.—hand ..ettn
l..e.tnt.ter.a e. the Mri...9 if tl and
Coastal Puoure. 14n...n.n0. Natl—.I
-t Z CC..nlo and 1t.Ph rin nentni.tr.tlon.
' J ssP....rea er Mid-e..t cc®l..l.n
Y Washington. North c.reun.
Jun. 19N1 "
1 - /

III. POLICY OBJECTIVES
A. Resource Protection
The Town is
located in
the
heart
of Hertford County.
The
360 square miles
of the County
is
rich in
natural resources.
The
Chowan River borders the County on the east. To the north, the
Meherrin River flows eastward to join the Chowan. Numerous
creeks, streams, and wetlands drain the County and provide food
and shelter for numerous fish and wildlife species. Ahoskie
Creek, a sensitive Area of Environmental Concern, flows through.
the -southern half of the planning area.
The Town acknowledges that the County's natural resources,
particularly its land and water resources, are the reason that
many people have chosen to live, work, and recreate in the County
and within Ahoskie itself. To a very.great extent, residential
and commercial development, in fact, the general quality of life
in the County and in Ahoskie depends on maintaining the quality
of the area's land and water resources. The Town supports all
local, state, and interstate efforts to preserve and enhance the
quality of the County's valuable water resources and its produc-
tive agricultural land.
Creeks, freshwater wetlands and swamps, and limited areas of
woodlands are the major natural areas found in the Ahoskie
planning region. The Town will not support development that
significantly degrades the quality of its surface waters and
38
0

wetlands or has adverse effects on their use as habitat for fish
'
and wildlife. Most of the region's creeks and wetlands are
'
floodplain areas. The Town will not support development in areas
with natural hazards unless such development fully complies with
'
all applicable development controls.
The Town encourages new development and welcomes new
'
industrial and commercial concerns. The Town supports all
'
development that protects natural areas and in turn, enhances
the quality of life for local residents. It is important that
'
natural and cultural resources be protected from the impacts of
development during construction.and over the long term.
identified being
Non -point pollution has been as a major
contributor to water quality degradation in the ,Albemarle
estuarine system. Both urban developed land and undeveloped
agricultural land contribute to the non -point problem. Run-off
I ' from urbanized areas often contains dirt, oil, grease and other
pollutants that may adversely effect water quality. Agricultural
' run-off may contribute sediments, fertilizers, and pesticides,
that have harmful effects on riverine and estuarine systems.
' The Town supports measures to control both urban and agricultural
run-off. The Town supports expansion of state programs, such as
' the Agricultural Cost Share Program, which will .help local
' governments and private landowners in addressing the non -point
problem. The Town will work with developers of large residential
' and industrial projects to insure that land development will not
' 39

have negative impacts on water quality. Innovative stormwater
control measures will be encouraged. The Town's zoning ordinance
will' ensure that high density development occurs in areas served
with municipal stormwater controls. The Town recently received
funding for improvements to its municipal stormwater system.
Groundwater resources supply Ahoskie residents with water.
Planners,and local officials have only recently begun 'to under-
stand the sensitivity of this valuable resource. Reports
indicate that in recent years there have been substantial
declines in the level of -underground reserves. Moreover,
environmental officials realize that groundwater resources across
the state are threatened by the more than 37,000 underground
storage tanks that are estimated to have leaks. New local
development should not have negative impacts on local groundwater
quantity and quality. The Town will not support development
locally and in other areas that may cause future shortfalls in
groundwater supply or pose severe risks to the quality of
underground waters.
Following is a listing of policy objectives the Town has
adopted to protect its natural resources. Included are strate-
gies that the Town. will attempt to implement over the next five
years in an effort to achieve these policy goals.
- preserve and protect local water resources and wetland areas
encourage developers to leave a 75 ft. open space
buffer between development and water or wetland;
consider requiring buffers in subdivision regulations.
Se]

encourage developers to design projects so that runoff
from project site is minimized; consider setting
maximum runoff standards in subdivision regulations.
support use of private package treatment plants only
if proponents demonstrate that connecting to municipal
sewer system is infeasible.
- classify land within 75 feet of creeks and swamps as
Conservation on the Land Classification Map; for
planning purposes, the Town will consider these Areas
'
of Environmental Concern. All development within the
Conservation zone should be for low density, low impact
uses. Passive recreational developments- paths, trails
or picnic areas, and Conservation -type uses such as
'
designated open space or wildlife areas, would be
appropriate uses for the 75 buffer area.
- preserve and protect Areas of Environmental Concern
- support development in AECs only if such development
meets the management objectives in 15 NCAC 7H.0203 and
'
the use standards in 15 NCAC 7H.0208.
- classify land adjoining Ahoskie Creek up to 75 feet
'
rrom its banks as Conservation on the Land Classifica-
tion map; water and sewer service will not be provided
in this area but may extend through this area to serve
'
development in the extraterritorial area.
- protect the Town's present and future water supply
'
- support strict enforcement of regulations controlling
underground storage tanks; in areas where the water
'
table is high, support projects which propose above-
ground storage; consider starting a local permit
program for location of underground tanks.
'
- support establishment of a state fund to assist
communities in removing leaking underground storage
tanks and in cleaning up affected water supplies.
oppose additional groundwater withdrawals by large
water consumers in Virginia; oppose proposals to
'
withdraw surface water from Lake Gaston for out-of-
state consumption.
- support state efforts to develop a groundwater manage-
ment program for northeastern North Carolina.
'
41

I
1
' - protect the Town's historic and cultural resources
reactivate the Ahoskie Preservation Commission; review
' and revise the inventory of the Town's historic
properties.
- adopt a Historic District Ordinance and include the
Town's historic commercial downtown buildings in a
'
Historic District; consider giving properties of
special importance a local historic property designa-
tion.
- do not support proposals that may have negative
impacts on historic or archaeologic resources; consider
'
amending subdivision regulations to require identifica-
tion of historic and archaeologic resources as part of
subdivision review.
- discourage development on land which is not physically suitable
for development
'
- continue participating in the Federal Flood Insurance
Program and enforce the Town's Floodplain Ordinance.
'
- support strict enforcement of the state's Environmental
Health Code regarding the siting of in -ground septic
.systems in unsewered areas.
'
- in areas experiencing septic failures outside of Town,
investigate the possibility of servicing with sewers.
1
1
1
42
1 .�

I
7,
II
t
I1
I 1
II
II
J
H. Resource Production and Management
Ahoskie is located in the center of Hertford County, in the
heart of rural northeastern North Carolina. Directly or in-
directly, 'many residents are involved in the development of the
County's natural resources. Crop and pastureland accounts for
26% of all land in the County. Woodland, much of which is
used as commercial forestland,
Hertford County.
accounts for 67% of all land in
Agricultural lands are one of County's prime resource areas.
Much of the County's farmland is considered prime farmland by
agricultural officials. In 1984, 47,300 acres of land was
harvested for crops, with the County ranking 34th in the state
for total harvested cropland. The County ranked.29th in the
state in the amount of corn bushel's sold in 1984, ranked fourth
in the poundage of peanuts produced.
Most of the land within Ahoskie's Town limits has been
developed for urban uses, however most of the land outside of
Town is used for agriculture. The Town encourages the use of
adjoining rural areas for agricultural production and will
support all efforts to ensure .the viability of the County's
agricultural economy. The Town is especially concerned with
preserving areas with prime farmland soils. At the same time,
agricultural uses should not have negative impacts on sensitive
areas such as Ahoskie Creek 'or on historic or archaeologic
43

' resources. The Town supports diversification of the local
agricultural economy. Produce and fruit farms, and retail
' operations that market these products - roadside stands and
farmers markets - are encouraged and will be supported.
The County has 151,700 acres of forestland. Much of this is
used for commercial forestry activities. The-Ahoskie area has
several lumber mills and wood/paper processing operations. The
' Town supports the presence of the lumbering industry in the area
and encourages expansion of commercial forestry and wood process-
ing operations if these will have no significant impacts on
residential areas and local natural resources. In all cases,
the Town desires that cleared areas be replanted as soon as
possible.
The streams and creeks in the Ahoskie area are not large
enough to support commercial fishing activities. Recreational
fishing does occur on a limited scale in the Ahoskie area. At
one time, commercial fishing was an important economic activity
in the County as a whole. The Town supports state and federal
efforts to improve the quality of the reg'ion's fisheries.
Improving both the recreational and commercial fisheries is
encouraged and will be supported.
There are currently no areas in or around Ahoskie where
mining or other mineral production activities are taking place.
The Town will support mining and quarrying activities only if
44

1
those activities can
be shown
to have no adverse impacts on the
'
Town's agricultural
and water
resources.
'
Following is
a listing
of policy objectives the Town has
adopted to protect
and manage
its productive natural resources.
Included are strategies
that
the Town will attempt to implement
over the next five
years in
an effort to achieve these policy
'
i
goals.
'
- protect and enhance agricultural uses in the Ahoskie area
- classify agricultural areas outside of Town as Rural on
the Town's Land Classification Map.
- to the extent feasiblev continue to design betterment
systems for public improvements that avoid imposition
of costs on agricultural property whose agricultural
use will not benefit from those improvements..
- consider starting a local farmers market in downtown
Ahoskieq work with other area towns to develop markets
in every community in which all County farmers could
participate.
- support educational efforts and state and federal
programs which encourage diversification of the
'
County's agricultural economy.
- encourage farmers owning parcels of 10 or more acres
to apply for use -value assessment.
- preserve areas of prime farmland
- adopt a policy to preserve prime agricultural land.
Submit proposals for public projects to the Soil
Conservation Service (SCS) for review. Do not under-
'
take projects which in the opinion of the SCSI will
have adverse impacts on important areas of prime
agricultural land.
'
- support development of a comprehensive state program
for farmland preservation. Support legislation that
proposes to study farmland preservation programs
'
existing in other areas and to develop appropriate
programs and techniques for use in North Carolina.
45 ,

II
II
II
II
1
II
U
II
II
II
I 1
II
II
II
II
ensure efficient, environmentally sound agricultural production
support use of Best Management Practices for agricul-
tural land use and production.
work with the SCS to encourage participation in the
state's Agricultural Cost Share Program.
support the Conservation Provisions of the 1985 Farm
Bill:
conservation reserve
conservation compliance
sodbuster
swampbuster
- provide for development that preserves the area's productive
natural resources
• support industrial proposals only. if project demon-
strates that prime agricultural lands and air and water
quality will be preserved.
work with proponents of new and expanding industrial
concerns to ensure that project is consistent the
objectives of the Town's Land Use Plan.
S7
II
A

1
1
1
1
1
C. Economic and Community Development
Ahoskie is the population and employment center of Hertford
County. More people live in Ahoskie than any other community in
the area. Since the end of 19th century, residents from all
parts of Hertford County and from adjoining counties, have come
to Ahoskie to work and to shop. The Town values its position
as leading the County in residential, commercial, and industrial
development, and intends to focus efforts on programs that
strengthen and enhance this position.
The Town supports expansion of existing industries and
welcomes new commercial and industrial concerns to the Ahoskie
area. However, new industrial development should not have
negative impacts on the natural environment or the area's
historic and cultural resources. New commercial and industrial
development should enhance the quality of life for local resi-
dents.
The Town encourages the location of "clean" non-polluting
industries, and those that provide both technical and profession-
al positions. Garment -fabricating operations, non -water consump-
tive food processing firms, textile milling plants, printing
firms, and electronic manufacturing or assembly plants would be
appropriate new industries for the Ahoskie area. The Town
supports the location of commercial enterprises - both large
retail operations, and small owner -operated commercial and
47

' service firms. New tourist -oriented operations would be viewed
as an asset to the area. The Town has a number of vacant
'
commercial and industrial buildings. The Town encourages
new or expanding firms to locate in existing structures, rather
than to invest in new construction. The Town is especially
concerned with revitalizing its commercial downtown area.
Land within the Town has been developed for urban uses,
'
primarily residential in nature. Outside of Town, the area is
rural; agricultural uses predominate. The Town appreciates this
pattern of development. Io that end and to provide for the
efficient delivery of public services, the Town will encourage
'
development demanding to locate the
new urban services within
city limits or in areas already provided with local services.
In general, outlying areas will be reserved for agricultural and
low density residential uses. When new development cannot be
accommodated within serviced areas, the Town will support
'
their development in appropriate locations outside of Town and
'
when feasible, will provide public services.
The Town will discourage the use of private package sewage
'
treatment facilities. Instead, new large residential develop-
ments and industrial concerns will be encouraged to locate
within the service area of the Town's sewage treatment plant.
Given scheduled improvements to the facility, there should
'
adequate capacity to accommodate new demand generated over the
'
next five to ten years.
'
48

The Town is committed to maintaining and enhancing the
i
quality of life in Ahoskie. The Town supports reuse of existing
structures and redevelopment in areas were reuse is not feasible.
The Town supports improving its existing housing,stock, as shown
by its current participation in the Community Development Block
Grant Program, and supports' new residential construction,
especially development that will serve the housing needs of the
elderly and of low and moderate income groups.
The Town values local natural resources such as Ahoskie
Creek, and regional resource% such as the Chowan River, for the
recreational and aesthetic amenities they supply. The Town
supports state and federal programs that will assist the Town in
attaining its objectives for protecting and managing these and
other resources, and for assisting in efforts for community
development. These include but are not limited to public access
programs, programs for conserving prime farmland and preserving
' water quality, highway improvement programs, economic and
community development programs, and programs which assist in
preserving historic and archaeologic resources.
Following is a listing of policy objectives the Town has
adopted to provide for community growth and•for the economic
development of the Town. Included are strategies that the Town
' will attempt to implement over the next five years in an effort
to achieve these policy goals.
1
49
I

' - support expansion of existing industry and recruitment of new
industrial and commercial enterprises
support the Ahoskie Industrial Development Advisory
' Committee and the Hertford County Industrial Develop-
ment Commission in their efforts to recruit industry
to the Ahoskie area.
' - support the Regional Small Business Incubator Facility
in Ahoskie; work with Facility tenants to find appro-
priate locations for tenants in Ahoskie when operations
move from incubator facility.
- work with developers to provide water and sewer
' service for projects in unserviced areas in accordance
with the Town's Land Classification Map.
- solicit technical assistance from groups such as the
'
Small Business Center at Roanoke-Chowan College, the
Mid -East Commission, and Northeast North Carolina
Tomorrow, which can provide information and staff
'
assistance for new and small businesses and economic
development projects. Promote these groups within the
business community.
provide for the orderly growth of areas within Ahoskie and
within the one -mile planning jurisdiction
'
- conduct an annexation feasibility study to determine
suitable areas in which to initiate annexation proceed-
ings. Give priority to developed areas already
provided with public services.
- on the Town's Land Classification Map, classify areas
within a one -mile radius of Ahoskie according to
the guidelines of 15 NCAC 7B.0200. Developed areas
within the Town will be classified Urban. Developed
areas outside of Town which are currently or are
expected to be served by water and/or sewer will be
classified Transition. Agricultural and forest land
will be classified Rural. Areas of Environmental
Concern and other sensitive natural or cultural
resource areas will be classified Conservation.
' - revise the Town's subdivision regulations.
preserve and enhance the quality of life in Ahoskie
' - support expansion of academic and cultural programs
at Roanoke-�:howan Technical College.
50

- support social and cultural events/programs at the
Gallery Theatre in downtown Ahoskie.
review and revise sign provisions of the Town's zoning
' ordinance as local government authority in the area of
sign regulation changes; strictly enforce sign regula-
tions.
' - provide for adequate housing for all community residents
continue to apply for funding for local housing
' improvements under the Community Development Block
Grant Program.
' - support development of low and moderate income housing
in the Ahoskie area.
' - promote and enhance tourism and recreational opportunities
- reactive the Ahoskie Preservation Commission; develop a
walking tour of downtown Ahoskie focusing on the Town's
historic commercial buildings.
- participate in regional efforts to promote tourism in
northeastern North Carolina; encourage development of
tourist - related services such as "bed and breakfast"
establishments.
- support efforts to increase recreational access to
Ahoskie Creek. Seek assistance from the state Office
of Water Resources under their Civil Works Project
Program. Consider projects which serve multiple
-
purposes stream restoration, navigational improve-
ments, and recreational _uses.
[1
1
'
51
1

I
I
i
I
L
Il
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
11
II
II
II
II
D. Storm Hazards
North Carolina is well-known for the hurricanes and tropical
storms that batter its coastline and the tornados that ravage
inland areas. Typically, the bulk of hurricane storm damage
occurs in coastal areas however, hurricanes and tropical storms
have caused severe damage in inland areas in the past. Thus,
even inland counties and their local municipalities must effec-
tively, plan for storm hazards. This section summarizes the
actions Hertford County and the Town of Ahoskie have under-
taken to protect residents. and resources from the damaging
effects of hurricanes and other major storm events.
1. Hazard Areas
In the Ahoskie region, areas adjoining Ahoskie Creek and
areas subject to flooding in the northern and eastern portions
of the planning region are those areas most threatened by a major
storm event. As shown on the Map of Land Use Constraints,
Ahoskie Creek is an Area of Environmental Concern. This sensi-
tive area is severely threatened by damage due to flooding,
erosion, wave action, and high winds. The creek is the center
of a Zone A floodplain as defined by the Federal Insurance
Administration. Floodplain areas also border Whiteoak Swamp in
the eastern half of the planning area and Horse Swamp in the
northern extraterritorial area. Flood -prone areas are moderately
threatened by damaging forces .such as high winds and flooding,
and to a lesser extent, by erosion and wave action.
52
II

The Town is fortunate in that all areas in the community
severely threatened, by damage from storms are basically undeve-
loped. As shown on the Map of Existing Land Use, there has been
no development in the area of either Horse or>Whiteoak Swamps.
The major portion of the shoreline of Ahoskie Creek is also
undeveloped, although a small strip of commercial development
has occurred near the creek where• N. C. 11/42 crosses over the
streambed.
2. Evacuation and Reconstruction
In 1980, Hertford County adopted a plan to guide the
actions of various local officials in the event of a major storm
occurence in the County. Ahoskie is under the jurisdiction of
this plan, (the Hertford County Hurricane Evacuation and Shelter.
Plan,) which was revised in January of 1987. Two groups have
been formed to implement the plan. A Control Group exercises
overall direction and control of hurricane evacuation operations
and reconstruction activities immediately after the storm event.
This group is composed of the chairman of the Board of County
Commissioners, the mayors of all municipalities in the County
(including Ahoskie), and the County Emergency Management Coordi-
nator. A Support Group provides personnel and material resouces
for the actions requested by the Control Group. The Support
Group also provides direction to personnel engaged in operations
and provides data and recommendations to the Control Group. This
53

' group has 26 members including Ahoskie's Town Manager, the Chief
of Police, the Chief of the Ahoskie Fire Department, and the
' president of the Ahoskie Rescue Squad.
The Evacuation Plan details the duties and responsibilities
' of each member of the Control and Support Group as a storm event
' unfolds. Five levels of increasing preparedness (Conditions
4-0) are outlined; a "Reentry" stage constitutes a sixth. The
' plan identifies eight' "potential problem areas" - which would be
evacuated during Condition 1. The Edgewood Drive area of
' Ahoskie has been identified as an area where storm damage could
be especially severe. Residents of this area would be evacuated
Evacuees be
during Condition 1, early in the storm event. would
'
moved to either the Ahoskie Graded School on North Talmage
Avenue or to Ahoskie High School of N. C. 561.
'
Reentry into affected areas will be directed by the Control
Group. Upon reentry, the County Tax Assessor, a member of the
tSupport
Group, damage
will assemble personnel and conduct a
'
assessment. Should damage from a storm be especially severe, the
County has the authority to impose a temporary moratorium
'
on all development in the area. Such a measure would be used
only if damage to a particular area is very serious and if
'
redevelopment of the area in the same manner would residents
pose
'
with similar health and safety problems in the future.
After emergency operations to restore public health and
'
safety and initial damage assessment are completed, the Town
'
54

I
t Council will assume responsibility for ensuring orderly repair
and rebuilding in the Town. The Planning Board will act as an
' advisory group. CAMA permitting officers will be included in
redevelopment planning for areas where CAMA permits would be
' necessary. The Town advocates the following schedule for
staging and permitting repairs and construction in the Town:
1 first priority - replacement of essential services such as power,
' water, sewer, telephone, and roadways; second priority - minor
repairs; third priority - major repairs; fourth priority - new
development. All repairs and.new development will be in conform-
ance with applicable state and local development. controls
including the state building code and the Town's zoning ordinance
' - including local floodplain,regulations.
3. Coordinating Agencies
'
The state and federal agencies involved in coordinating
local storm hazard mitigation and
hurricane prepardness activi-
ties are listed in Appendix B.
'
4. Policy Objectives
The Town acknowledges that the
Ahoskie area is subject to
'
storms that threaten the health,
safety, and welfare of its
residents and the integrity of its
natural and cultural re-
sources. In an effort to plan for
such natural storm disasters
and to safeguard local residents,
resources, and property, the
Town has adopted the following storm
hazard policy objectives.
1
'
55
1

reduce the potential for storm damage
enforce the Town's floodplain ordinance.
enforce the state building code in all new
construction.
enforce the Town's housing code.
protect natural areas sensitive to storm hazards
classify AECs and flood -prone areas as Conserva-
tion on the Town's Land Classification Map.
increase public awareness of the need for hurricane
preparation
support the "preparedness" program the County
Office of Emergency Management conducts in local
'schools.
participate in. the storm evacuation exercise held
each year by the Office of Emergency Management.
56

E. Public Participation
The preparation of Ahoskie's Land Use Plan was the responsi-
bility of the Ahoskie Planning Board. A workshop session
introducing Board members to the planning process was held in
tNovember of 1986 and the group agreed to meet monthly to work on
the plan. Two meetings were held in June of 1987 as the Board
began finalizing important policy objectives. Appendix C notes
tmeeting dates and participants.
At their first meeting, the Planning Board agreed that
' soliciting public input would be an important goal of the
planning process. The Board considered conducting a public
survey. Ultimately the group agreed that since the Town was not
' facing any major development issues, their efforts would be
better spent in other actions. Instead of seeking public input
' through a survey, the Board decided to utilize the media to
encourage attendance at Planning Board meetings and to inform
' residents of the work the group was involved in. Notices of
' all Board meetings were submitted to a local radio station
(WBCG) for broadcast. Similarly, all meetings were advertised in
' the Hertford County News -Herald, and articles summarizing the
information and issues discussed at each Board meeting were
' submitted to the paper for publication. Copies of all radio
' public service announcements and articles submitted to, or
appearing in the News -Herald are included in Appendix D.
' 57
M1

The
Planning Board and Town
Council will be the primary
input
be the
groups through
which public will
accepted as
'
planning
program continues over
the next five years. The
Planning
Board will continue to
meet monthly to assist the
' Council in implementing the strategies for attaining policy
objectives on resource protection, production, and economic and
' community development proposed in the 1987 Land Use Plan.
' Following the example of the current planning program, soliciting
public input will be a primary goal of all future planning
' endeavors. A
The Planning Board and the Council recognize the importance
' of keeping the citizenry informed of current planning concerns
' and of receiving the comments and concerns of local residents.
Thus,.the Town has adopted the following policy objectives:
- solicit citizen input in all planning decisions
advertise all Council and Planning Board meetings
in the News -Herald: emphasize that citizens are
invited and encouraged to attend all meetings
dealing with planning issues.
' - apprise the public of planning issues as they develop
report important planning and community develop-
ment issues, decisions, and developments to the
News -Herald; propose feature articles for espe-
cially important issues.
' 58

IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION
A. Purpose
Ahoskie has adopted a system of land classification and an
official Land Classification Map to assist local officials in
attaining policy objectives in the areas of resource protection
and production, and economic and community development. Five
broad categories of land classification have been developed and
are delineated an the Town's Map of Land Classification (pg.
63.2). The map sets out a proposed development pattern for the
Ahoskie planning region. Based on this classification scheme,
the Town has designated areas it believes are appropriate to
accommodate additional growth and development, and, areas it
believes would be better left in their natural condition. The
classifications reflect proposed future land uses and attempt to
link land use, policy objectives, and implementation actions.
Exhibit I (pg. 63.1) highlights the relationship between the
Town's policy objectives 'in the areas of resource protection,
resource management, and economic and community development, and
the Town's land classification scheme., As shown, most of the
policies dealing with resource 'protection and management will
effect areas classified as Rural. The bulk of the impact of
economic and community development policy actions will be felt in
the Developed and Transition classes. At the same time, the
impact of some policy actions such as those dealing with growth
59

management issues will have an effect in all land classes. The
' Map of Land Classification is similar to that adopted by the Town
' in 1981, however several minor modifications have been made to
the 1981 classificiation scheme to reflect changes that have
' occurred over the past five years.
'
B. Classification Scheme
'
The Town's land classification scheme is based on the
guidelines for land classification outlined in the Coastal Area
Management Act's Land Use Plawning Guidelines.
1: Developed
The Developed classification encompasses all land within the
'
corporate limits of the Town. On the 1981 Land Classification
Map, both Transition and Developed areas were shown within the
'
corporate limits. In 1981, the classification pattern reflected
existing land uses: Transition areas within Town were open
land; areas development
undeveloped Developed were areas where of
'
some type (residential, commercial, or industrial) had occurred.
In its 1987 Land Use' Plan, the Town stated that it will
'
encourage new development to locate within the city limits
whenever possible. By applying the Developed classification to
'
all areas within Town, local to facili-
officials are attempting
tate this pattern of development. Similarly, the Developed
classification reflects the.existing pattern of service provis-
ion as all areas within the city limits are serviced by public
water and sewer.
1
.
60

1
2. Transition
'
Transition areas
adjoin
the Developed area and border the
'
major highways entering
the
community. Services extend in the
Transition area however
no
areas designated Transition are
'
serviced throughout by
either
public water or public sewer.
As shown on the
Map
i
of Land Classification, Transition
areas adjoin U. S. 13
as it
enters the Town from the east and as
it exits the Town on the north. In the western half of the
'
planning region, Transitiion areas are found along N. C. 42 and
'
N. C. 561. A small Transition area borders the Town limits on
S. R. 1101 and while a larger area•is found along S. R. 1415.
'
The Town's 1981 Classificiation map showed a small area
along U. S. 13 south, just within the extraterritorial boundary,
'
in the Community classification. This area along Highway 13 is
'
already fairly intensely developed. Most of this development
has been for industrial and commercial uses rather than resident-
ial uses, and local planners expect this type of strip commercial
develoment to continue over the next several years. Thus, to
reflect existing and future land uses, consistent with state
'
planning guidelines, the area along U. S. 13 east of Ahoskie has
been classified Transition. The Transition classification also
'
has been applied to Ahoskie's satellite annexation at thejunction
of N. C. 561 and N. C. 11.
61
1

'
3. Community
Two small areas outside of Town adjoining the one -mile
'
extraterritorial boundary are shown in the Community classifica-
tion. One small Community area is found along S. R. 1415 to the
'
north; another larger area is found at the junction of U. S..13
and S. R. 1130. These designations reflect the low to moderate
'
density residential development that has occurred in both these
'
areas. Some commercial development is found in the area along
U. S. 13. Neither area classified Community is served with
public water or sewer. The Town supports continued development
'
of these areas, however, it is unlikely that services will be
extended to these outlying areas in the next five years.
'
4. Rural
The Rural Classification encompasses most of the land
'
outside of Town. These are areas of scattered residential
development, farmland, and woodland. Agricultural uses predomi-
'
nate in the Rural area. The Town supports agricultural activi-
ties in outlying Rural areas and has outlined a number actions
that will be taken over the next five years to encourage and
'
enhance agricultural activity in the extraterritorial region.
5. Conservation
The Conservation Class
designates areas in the Ahoskie
'
planning region the Town believes should be kept in their natural
condition. These are unusually sensitive natural resources and
1
62

1
II
II
II
II
II
II
include Ahoskie Creek, an Area of Environmental Concern. As
I
shown on the Map of Land Classification, the Conservation class
encompasses Ahoskie Creek east of N. C. 42, and extends inland
75 feet from both its banks. The 1987 Classification Map also
notes several additional Conservation areas: the area of Ahoskie
Creek west of N. C. 42, and the land 75 feet along either side
of Whiteoak Swamp and Horse Swamp. The Town recognizes the
sensitivity of these natural areas and values them for their
importance as wetlands rather than for development. In an
effort to direct new development to other more appropriate areas
within the planning region, these water and wetland areas have
been designated Conservation.
C. Intergovernmental Coordination
The Town's Land Classification Map has been designed to
guide the actions of private developers and of public agencies at
all levels of government, in activities affecting land develop-
ment in the Ahoskie region. The plan was developed so that the
planning objectives set forth'in the Ahoskie Land Use Plan will
enhance. the land use goals of neighboring communities, the
County, and the coastal region as .a whole. The Town will work
with the various public groups noted in this plan to ensure that
the planning objectives and policy actions adopted as part of
this planning effort will be implemented as the Town develops
over the next five years.
63

EXHIBIT I
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLICY OBJECTIVES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
Land Classification
Policy Obiectives Developed Transition Community Rural Conservation
Resource Protection
protect water resources X X
preserve AECs X
protect water supply X X X
protect historic
resources X
provide for environ-
mentally sound develop-
ment X X X
Resource Production
protect agricultural uses
X
X
preserve prime farmland
X
X
ensure environmentally
sound agricultural
production
X
X
preserve productive
resources
X
X
Economic and Community
Development
support industrial
growth
X
X
provide for orderly
growth
X
X
X
X X
preserve quality of
life
X
X
X
provide for adequate
housing
X
X
X
promote tourism
X
X
X
X
63.1

CLAS
xe O'
6AOei4eW�x
Communi
■Rural
IIIIIIIIII
Conserva
63.2
Prepared by hie -East ca..taaan
uaantnecon. xprcn Car.IL.a
Jude 198i
MSKIE
RTH CAROLINA
nopr.v+r+sL.. of this se, • + ai..na.e is
p+ t chr.u
..n ..ra.t v —ld.a or the xvmh
'bra-ah.h funds ,..1 1.a by ane c.+.s.t ic.
Mn,..unt Act oy the O , woC.G. n ad
1.. r.a by en. .assess a«..n sae
cv..ui vas. x,n,aa.ne, x.uon,l
Po..n[e and A[.a.vn.ne ANlnlsrrttan.

Appendix A
STATE REGULATORY DEVICES
------------9---Y----------------=------------------------------
Agency Licenses and Permits
----------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Natural Resources - Permits to discharge to
and Community Development surface waters or operate
Division of Environmental wastewater treatment
Management plants or oil discharge
permits; NPDES Permits,
(G. S. 143-215).
Permits for septic tanks
to be used for industrial
purposes (G. S. 143-215.
3).
- Permits for, withdrawal
'
of surface or ground
waters in capacity use
areas (G. S. 143-215.15).
1
- Permits for air pollution
abatement facilities and
sources (G. S. 143-215.)
t
108).
'
- Permits for construction
of complex sources; e. g.
parking lots, subdivis-
ions, stadiums, etc.
'
(G.S. 143-215.109).
- Permits for construction
of a well over 100,000
'
gallons/day (G. S.
87-88).
-------------------------------I-----------------------------------
Department of
Natural Resources
- Permits to dredge and/or
and Community
Development
fill in.estuarine waters,
Division of Parks and Recreation
tidelands, etc. (G. S.
113-229).
'
------------^-------------------------------------------------------
Department of
Natural Resources
- Permits to undertake
and Community
Development
development in Areas of
Division of Coastal Management
Environmental Concern
'
(G. S. 113A-118).
1

----------------------- L ---------------------------------
Agency Licenses and Permits
.Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
Division of Land Resources
Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development
Department of Administration -
---------------------------------------
Department of Human Resources
NOTE: Minor development
permits are issued by
local government.
Permits to alter or to
construct a dam (G. S.
143-215.66).
Permits to mine (G. S.
74-51).
Permits to drill an
explanatory oil or gas
well (G. S. 113-391).
Permits to conduct
geographical exploration
(G. S. 113-391).
Sedimentation erosion
control plans for any
land disturbing activity
of over one contiguous
acre (G. S. 113A-54).
Permits to construct an
oil refinery.
-------------------------
Easements to fill where
lands are proposed to be
raised above the normal
high water mark of
navigable waters by
filling (G. S. 146.6
(c)).
------------------------
Approval to operate a
solid waste disposal
site or facility (G. S.
130-166.16).
Approval for construction
of any public water
facility that furnishes
water to ten or more
residences (G. S.
130-160.1)
a

I
LJ
F
FEDERAL REGULATORY DEVICES
---------------------- -------------------------
Agency Licenses and Permits
----------- ----------------------------------------------------
Army Corps of Engineers: - Permits required under
(Department of Defense)) Section 9 and 10 of the
Rivers and Harbors of 1899;
permits to construct in
navigable waters.
Permits required under
Section 103 of the Marine
Protection, Research and
Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
Permits required under
Section 404 of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act
. of 1972; permits to undertake
dredging and/or filling
activities.
'
-------------------------------------------------------9---------
Coast Guard
Permits for bridges, cause -
(Department of
ways, pipelines over navigable
Transportation)
waters; required under the
'
General Bridge Act of 1946
and the Rivers and Harbors
Act of 1899.
Geological Survey L
Permits required for off -shore
Bureau of Land Management
drilling.
(Department of Interior) -
Approvals of OCS pipeline
corridor rights -of -ways.,
------------------------------------------------------------------
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Licenses for siting, construc-
tion and operation of nuclear
power plants; required under
the Atomic Energy Act of 1954
and Title II of the Energy
Reorganization Act of 1974.
'
--------------------------------
-- ----------------
Federal Energy Regulatory -
Permits for construction,
Commission
operation and maintenance of
interstate pipeline facilities
t
required under the Natural
Gas Act of 1938.
i
.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Agency
Licenses and Permits
-----------------------------------------------------
Federal Energy Regulatory.
--------------
- Orders of Interconnection of
Commission
electric transmission facili-
ties under Section 202 (b) of
the Federal Power Act.
- Permission required for
abandonment of natural gas
pipeline and associated
facilities under Section 7C
(b) of the Natural Gas Act of
1938.
a
9
C

Appendix B
AGENCIES COORDINATING STORM PREPAREDNESS
N. C. Division of Coastal Management
State Office: Division of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources
Community Development
P. 0. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
[phone]
Field Office: Division of Coastal Management
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
108 South Water Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
[phone]
N. C. Division of Emergency Management
(now includes National Flood Insurance Program Information)
State Office: Division of Emergency Management
Department of Crime Control and Public
Safety
116 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27611
[phone]
Regional Office: Area Emergency Management Coordinator
N. C. Division of Emergency Management
Beaufort County Courthouse
Washington, NC 27889
[phone]
Federal Emergency Management Agency
and
National Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, S. W.
Washington, D. C. 20472
Public Information - [phone]
Publications - [phone]
1

Regional Office: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Region IV
1375 Peachtree Street, N. E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Public Information - [phone]
Disaster Assistance
Program - (404) BB1-3641
Flood Insurance
Program - [phone]

Appendix C
AHOSKIE LAND USE PLANNING PROGRAM
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
November
19, 1986
Planning
Board Introductory Workshop
January
15, 1987
Planning
Board
February
19, 1987
Planning
Board
March 26,
1987
Planning
Board
April 16,
1987
Planning
Board
May 219
1987
Planning
Board
June 9,
1987
Planning
Board
June 189
1987
Planning
Board
July 14,
1987
Planning
Board and Town Council.
Approval
of Preliminary Plan.
October
22, 1987
Planning
Board
November
10, 1987
Town Council Public Hearing and adoption
of final
plan.

I�I
l_
1
Appendix D
MEDIA -RELEASES
Planning Commission Begins Update of Land Use Plan
' The Ahoskie Planning Commission met on Thursday, October 23
to begin work on updating the town's Land Use Plan. The Plan
was originally prepared 10 years ago and updated in 1981 in
accordance with the requirements of the Coastal Area Management
Act. The time has now come to update the document once again.
Bob Paciocco, Executive Director of the Mid -East Commission
and Planner -in -Charge of the 4project, met with the Planning
Commission to introduce the members to the planning process.
Paciocco impressed upon them the purpose of the. Plan and the
' importance of their role in the process.
Ruth Leggett, Coastal Land Use Planner for the Coastal
' Management Division of the N. C. Dept. of Natural Resources and
Community Development, discussed the history of the plans and
the new emphases that this Plan will address. The new sections
will deal with water quality and storm hazard mitigation. Ms.
Leggett also explained the general outline for the Plan and what
it will include.
' Special emphasis was placed on the importance of public
participation throughout the update process. Notices will be
placed in the NEWS HERALD so the public will know 'when meetings
will be held and what will be discussed during the meetings.
' All meetings will be open to the public and citizens will have
an opportunity to comment on the issues being considered.
Regular Planning Commission meetings will be held on the
third Thursday of each month beginning in December. The meeting
for November has been rescheduled for Monday, December 1 at 7:00
' pm in the Town Hall.
1 :.

i
1
L
I
i
1
1
i
1
1
1
I
LJ
1
i
i
1
1
THE NEWS HERALD
WEDNESDAY, DECE4BER 10, 1986
AHOSKIE, NORTH CAROLINA
Land Use Plan -update
underway
in Ahoskie
AH01= " The Planning Com•
` reatplanningprogram s
.mission of the Mid -East Commission
. The updated Land. Use Plan win;
Is wor.on A as *update. of the
. serve as &'guide to difect growth and
TownClsb Plan terAhoskle. •,
development In tip tgwq over a five.
,so iae `• of the ,mijdr':'tasks.
year period. The 009UW plan was
established as priorities at Dec-&'1
prepared acooMln` to the guidelines
meeting, are the coaflrmatlon of
set forth 1rt RA-Mate's C"stal Area•
AhoskieCreek'sstatusasauAre of
Management ActSCAMA)..j:r::;
.Environmental Concern, p6ducing
. ' •CAMA speclHea'Uwt each of the
a current Inventory of historic stri
stated 20 coastal ==ties prepare
tiro and ,reviewing current pro-
land use plans and that thaw plans
grams for downtownreviWlration.
be updated every five years.
.At the meeting, the commission
:., MuNMpalltfes,'such as Ahoskls,
also assessed development policies
have the opfli qj, if; preparing such
contained in :the town's current
'plans. Staff toe?} the Mid -East Com.
(1981) Land Use Plan. This was the
mission win prov)ddPlanning Cora
second meeting li -f. series that win
h"ori ; memberi. with. technical
be held to update..the plan.fa ao•'.:
assistanceinthe update process.-
cordancewith state guldd)nea,:a •
`v The next Planning:Commission
With the assistance of Bob Pactm-
' mecdn¢ win bet eM At 7 pas. JML U
'co, executive director of the Mid.'
'in the;tovko-NaB:•-At this'meettng,
East Commisslon." the Planning
..• Canmfaslen members' will. review
Commission reviewed the policies
Fu mt statisticson local population
on land development in the 1991
.and,e.ec6mmy •,and discuss . their
Plan. determined U these planning
rekisuicetolocalland use planning.
objectives had been achieved and
'• Town ,,officials ,encourage the
discussed their relevance to the cur•
public to attend the mating.
1

U
I 1
II
II
II
1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Libby Anderson 946-BO44
PLANNING COMMISSION ASSESSES LOCAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
AHOSKIE - Confirming Ahoskie Creek's status as an Area of
r
Environmental Concern, producing a current inventory of historic
structures, and reviewing current programs for'downtown revital-
ization will be some of the major tasks facing the Planning
Commission as it updates the Town's Land Use Plan.
The Planning Commission met on Monday, December 1 to assess
development policies contained in the Town's current (1981) Land
Use Plan. The meeting was the second in a series of meetings
that will be held to update the Plan in accordance with State
Guidelines. With the assistance of Mr. Bob Paciocco, Executive
Director of the Mid -East Commission, the Planning Commission
reviewed the policies on land development in the 1981 Plan,
determined if these planning objectives had been achieved and
discussed their relevance to the current planning program. The
Commission concluded that three items in the 19BI Plan needed
particular attention: Ahoskie Creek's status as an Area of
Environmental Concern, the inventory of local historic buildings,
and the policy on downtown revitalization.
The updated Land Use Plan will serve as a guide to direct
growth.and development in the Town over the five years. The
original plan was prepared according to the guidelines set forth
in the State's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). CAMA speci-
fies that each of the State's 20 coastal counties prepare land

-z-
use plans and that these plans be updated every five years.
Municipalities such as Ahoskie, have the option of preparing
such plans. Staff from the Mid -East Commission will provide
Planning Commission members with technical assistance in the
update process.
The next Planning Commission meeting will be. held on
Thursday, January 159 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. At this
meeting, Commission members will review current statistics on
a
local population and economy,• and discuss their relevance to
local land use planning. The public is encouraged to attend.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
FOR IMMEDIAhE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Libby Anderson - 946-8043
The Ahoskie Planning Board will meet on Thursday, January
15 to continue its work in updating the Town's Land Use Plan.
The Agenda for Thursday's meeting will involve !a review of
current socioeconomic conditions in the Town. The meeting will
be held at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. The public is invited and
encouraged to attend.

thee- Owns-.5tratd
For Hartford County ant(The Roanoke•Chowen Ann,
Wednesday. January 1,L UP
Socioeconomic statistics
to be discussed in Ahoskie
AHOSKIE — The Ahoskie Plann• part of the state's Coastal Area
ing Board will meet Jan.' IS to Management Act (CAMA). The
discuss current socioeconomic con- town's CAMA Land Use Plan when
ditions In the town. Population, hous• completed, will be used to guide
ing and economic data will be growth and development in Ahoskle
reviewed, over the next five years.
The meeting Is the second la a Thursday's meeting will be held In
series of meetings that will be held the Town Hall at T p.m. This and all
In 1987 to revise the town's current'. other meetings to be held as part of
plan prepared over five years ago. the planning process are open to the
The plan will be updated ac. public. All Interested citizens are en•
cording to the guidelines set out as couraged to attend.

Planning aboard told' gro
wth needed
RI
r
c
m
o
L
U
—
o
�T1
C
C
¢'
s
't
Asi,
V
'Co
'7
c
o
a
o
c
3
X
S
o
u.
to keep youth here
AHOSKIF. — Members of the
Ahoskle Planning Board were told
last week that new jobs are needed
so young people growing up In the
town can remain and find employ-
ment.
Libby Anderson of the Mid -East
Commission spoke to the board of
this and a number of other Issues
regarding population and employ-
ment growth In the area at the first
of three meetings scheduled to up-
date the Land Use Plan for the town.
Board members noted that
senior population than found on the
average for the county or state;'
Anderson said. "About 12 percent of
all county residents are oer 65, and
the state as a whole, only about 10
percent of the population is over 65."
On the other end of the spectrum,
Anderson pointed out that the
percentage of the population under
20 years of age is declining. In 1980,
about 30 percent of the population
was 19 or younger, down 10 percent
from 1970.
The town, she noted, Is not subject
to seasonal changes'In population.
"Although some migrant farm
workers find employment In the
area, their Impact on service de-
mand and the local economy Is
minimal," she said.
She did say that tourists account
for some fluxuatlon In the daytime
population. Anderson said the coun-
ty, as a whole, realized over three
million dollars in tourist -related ex-
penditures In 1985.
As far as the economy Is concern-
ed, Anderson said about one in every
four residents work in manufacluing
enterprises, 15 percent work in
wholesale and retail trade and 10
although Hertford County is fourth
In terms of total population in the
five -county region of Beaufort; Ber-
Ue, Hertford, Martin and Pitt Coun-
ties, It Is second In term- popula-
tion density — persc z per square
mile — exceeded only by Pitt Coun-
ty.
At the same time, Ahoskle Is the
largest community in the county. In
1985, according to Anderson, the
town's population was reported at
- 5,000. The 1980 census showed a
decline from 1970.
percent In educational services.
"Athough agricultural oper6Uons
utilize over 25 percent of the coun-
ly's land area, only five percent of
the county population reported
employment in 19M in agricultural,
forest, fishery and mining enter.
prises; 'she said.
Hertford County ranked third In
the five -county Mid -East region In
retail sales for 1985. Sales of $166,839
during 1985 put Hertford County In
third place. In 1975, retail sales In
the county were $76.279. This would
Indicate an Increase of 90.6 percent
over the 10-year period. Commercial
enterprises, she said, are responsi-
ble for a major portion of the sales In
the county.
Anderson told board members
there are 17 manufacturing firms
located within Ahoskle which
employ between Wo and 1,110 per.
sons.
Specific companies she named In-
cluded Parker Brothers, Bennett
Box Company and Georgia-Pacific.'
When she mentioned tha: Blue Bell
had recently been purchased by
Vanity Fair and company officials
had said there would be no change,
"Since 1980 however, local popula-
tion appears to have Increased and
today, one of every five persons that
lives In the county lives within the
town of Ahoskle," Anderson said.
She pointed out that, following the
national trend, the population of the
town is aging. In 1970, 11 percent of
the local population was 65 years
and older. By 1980, 16 percent of all
persons living In Ahoskle was over
65.
'Population figures show that the
town has a greater share of the
the board members quickly pointed
out to her the company had announc-
ed Its plans to close the Ahoskle
plant, putting about I50 people out of
work. .
She also mentioned the Regional
Small Business Incubator Facility,
which opened In 1986, and explained
Its purpose. The facility, she noted,
will serve BerUe; Gates, Hertford
and Northampton counties and "Is
designed as a tool for economic
growth and development In the nor-
theastern part of the state."
At Newsome, chairman of the
planning board, told Anderson,
"!hiring the 1980s, we have lost plant
after plant and many of our people
have to commute to work. I have to
drive 60 miles to my job."
Newsome also said that while he
was not being critical of the county
Industrial developer department, "I
haven't seen anything come out of
that office In several years."
Anderson remarked, "The Impor-
tant thing you have to remember is
that Hertford County is not the first
one this had happened to. Things will
(See PLANNING, Page12A)

Planning.b
' rd.told
(From Page IA)
r
.change again and the next' time we
�eultural�resourcea. �As:the.town
Tbe'LandUsePlanforalltownsini
meet. j. hope to talk about proper
grows, planners must be aware that
, the county Is being updated In ac-1
-,-land use.",. '. . .
buslnesses;-, employers and
,cordance with the guidelines of the
"state's
. Although the town has"experienc-
`employees &like.. appreciate the
Coastal Area Management:.
ed relatively little change in popula-
local amenities that stem from pro-
' Act. The next meeting, which Is also .
tion In recent, years, the need for ,
per land and services planning," she
open to the public, will be held at 7 '
. sound land use planning, is rot
'concluded
p.m. Feb.19. _ ". •.
. . diminished. Every new residential.
:—Commercial and Industrial develop-
ment affects the land and the 9ualit
pf life in the town," she said. ! .
' "Poorly' � planned or nv6aged '.
ifevelopment can have irreversible
effects on the town's naturdl and

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Libby Anderson - 946-8043
The Ahoskie Planning Board will meet on Thursday, February 19,
to continue its work in updating the Town's Land Use Plan. The agenda
for Thursday's meeting will include a review of current land uses in the
Town. The meeting will be held at 7 pm in the Town Hall. The public
is invited and encouraged to attend.
i

the. Petss.1era16
For Hartford County and The Roanoke•Chowen Area
Monday, February 16,1987
Local land uses
to be reviewed
AHOSKIE — A review of current
land uses In the town and a discus-
alon of land use concerns will be
some of Lbe-items Included on the
Planning board's February 19 agen-
da.
The board will meet at 7 p.m. In
the town hall to continue its work In
updating the town's Land Use Plan
The town's current plant was
Prepared in 1981 and Is now being
revised by the board according to
the guidelines of the state's Coastal
Area Management Act ICAMAI.
At the board's January meeting,
statistics on population, housing,
and economy were reviewed. This
month the board will discuss current
land uses In Ahoskie, giving par
titular attention to changes that
have occurred since 1981, and to
Identifying conflicts in existing or
future land use.
Thursday's meeting Is open to the
.public and all interested persona are
invited to attend.

I
1
1
�
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
Ole Nei .leralb
For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area
Monday, February23,1987
No current /arid use problems
AHOSKIE — Ahoskle planners
the vicinity of Carolina Billets and
have concurred that there are cur-
Kerr Glass.
rently no major land use problems In
Current land use concerns were
the Town and looking ahead, agree
also addressed, and planners agreed
that development in the next five •
. that the Town has grown in an order -
years is likely to present no major
ly fashion. No major problems In ex -
land use concerns.
!sting uses were noted or anticipated
The Board's observations were
as a result of future growth. .
made at Its meeting last week, the
Future growth in Ahoskle will be
third in a series the. group will hold
Influenced by various local and state
as It updates the Town's land use
regulations that control land use.
plan. ..
The Board reviewed a listing of local
The focus of Thursday's meeting
land use regulations which included
was a review of current land uses.
the Town's zoning ordinance and
Special emphasis was' given to
subdivision regulations. Board
noting changes In land use since 1981
when the Town's current land use
plan was completed.
The Board compared a 1981 land
use map withthe 'results of a field
survey 'done last week. • Several
areas* were Identified where
development had occurred since
1981 Including the Carolina Billets
'
plant on S.R. 1105. and expansion of
;the Morris subdivision in the
,southwest portion of the •extrater•
ritorial area.
The Board also discussed areas
where development In the next five
years might occur, noting especially
the shopping plaza proposed for a
parcel on U.S. 13 south across from
the Southern States plant. Although
no plans for new Industrial develop.
ment have been announced, plan,
ners agreed that industrial growth
could easily be accommodated in the
southern extraterritorial areas in
members observed that although the
Town has a National Register
Historic District. no local historic
district ordinance has been adopted.
Planners will consider recommen-
ding that the Town develop such an
ordinance at a later meeting.
The Planning Board will continue
Its work on Ahoskie's Land Use Plan
at Its next meeting March 19.
Meetings are held at 7 p.m: In the
Town Hall. All meetings are open to
the public and the board members
encourage Interested citizens to at-
tend.
1

I
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1 '
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Zhe Vewt-lieralb
For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area
Friday, April3,1987
Ahoskie land use'
problems identified
— The major physical factor
'limiting future land development in
the Ahoskie area is poor soils.
This was determined by the
Ahoskie Planning Board' at its
March meeting. It was pointed out
that many soils found in and around
Ahoskie have severe limitations for
building construction and the siting
of septic systems.
As most of Ahoskie's extrater-
ritorial area is unsewered. finding
areas that will accommodate in.
ground treatment systems is likely
to be one of the greatest challenges
developers. face, a Mid -East study
shows.
The March meeting was the fourth
In a series the board has held to up-
date the Town's Land Use Plan, in
accordance with the guidelines of
the State's Coastal Area Manage-
ment Act (CAMA). State guidelines
specify , that. constraints to land
development be identified.
In addition to poor soils, planners
noted that flood -prone areas adjoin-
Ing Ahoskie Creek and Whiteoak and
Hoses Swamps might limit develop-
ment in these areas. Also, Ahoskie
Creek is considered an Area of En.
vironmental Concern by the state,
according to Mid -East officials...
Planners also reviewed the town's
inventory of historic buildings,
noting that future development In
the Historic District should be com-
patible with the architectural
character of existing buildings.
These include the following:
Former U.S. ' Post Office.., circa
1940: Commercial Buildings, 123-125
Main Street, 1915; Farmers -Atlantic
Bank, 1918: Richard Theatre (now
the Gallery Theatre), 1927; Hertford
Herald Building, 1915; Commercial
Buildings, too block Rialroad St.;
Newsome Bulding, 1905: Sawyer-
Brome Furniture Company, 1924:
Gerock Department Store. 1910;
Mitchell Hotel, 1910: Mitchell Hotel
Annex, 1920's: Hotel Comfort, 1936:
Parker and Powell Buildings, 1910:
Baker Building, 1910; Garrett Hotel,
1926; Bank of Ahoskie. 1925; Garrett
Building, 1938; and Mitchell Fur-
niture Company Annex, late 1940's.
1

1
•
Mid -East Commission
1
P. O. Box 1787
Washington. NC 27889
1
1
FORIMMEDIATE:RELEASE
1
FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043
1
PUBLIC SERVICE,ANNOUNCEMF,NT
The Ahoskie Planning Board will meet on Thursday, April 16 to
continue its work i1i updating the Town's land use plan. The Planning
1
Board meets at 7:00 pm in the Ahosgie Town Hall. All interested
persons are invited to attend•.
1
1
1
i,
1
1
1
1
_
1

For Hertford County and,The Roanoke-Chowan Area
"Wednesday, April15,1997
Planning Board
sets meeting
• AHOSKIE — The Ahoskie Planning
Board will meet April 16 to continue
,its work on the town's land use
Rlan.
On the Agenda will be a discussion
of facility constraints to local land
development. The Planning Board is
currently updating Ahoskie's 1981
' land use plan according to the
guidelines of the State's Coastal
Area ManagementAct(CAMA).
<The Planning Board meets at 7
p.m. in the Town Hall. All
interested persons are encouraged to
attend.
1 '

I
1
1
J
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
Zhie News—"Bleralb
For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area.
Wednesday, April 29.1987
Populatioh
forecasted
to grow slowly
AHOSKIE = Local public services
should easily be able to meet new
service demands in the next five-10
years Ahoskie planners concurred at
their meeting Thursday.
The town's population Is forecast
to grow slowly between now and 1995
and the capacity of necessary ser-
vices: such as water, sewer and
schools shduld be adequate to pro-
vide for increased demand.
Ahoskle planners are updating the
town's land use plan. Thursday's
meeting focused on a review of
public facilities capacity in light of
projected population growth.
Planners noted that the town grew
about l percent between 1980 and
1985 and it Is likely that the popula-
tion will Increase another 1 percent
by 1990. In addition, the town is con-
sidering annexation of several
residential areas which would add
an additional 500 persons to the local
population.
By 1990, Ahoskle is projected to
have slightly more than 6,000
residents, and by 1995, somewhat
less than 7,000 persons should be liv-
ing In the town.
The town Is in good shape in terms
of public services, planners noted.
Water demand Is currently well
below estimated supply. Once im-
provements in the wastewater treat-
ment system are completed, de-
mand on the system could almost
double' and be accommodated
without further system Im-
provements. .
Current enrollment in ail local
schools is below school capacity and
it Is likely that enrollment will
decline slightly over the next
decade.
. The Planning Board will continue
its work on the land use plan at its
next meeting May 21. Meetings are
held at 7 p.m. In the Town Hall. All
Interested citizens are welcome to
attend.
1

Mid -East Commission
P. 0. Box 1787
Washington, NC 27889
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Ahoskie Planning Board will meet on Thursday, March 26 to continue
its work in updating the Town's land use plan. Included on Thursday's
agenda will be a review of constraints to local land development.
Thursday's meeting will be held in the Town Nall at 7:00 pm. All
interested citizens are encouraged to attend.

VtIte �V'Q cs— Qpalb
For Hertford County and The Roanoke•Chowan Area
Monday, March23.`7887
Development
constraints .
to be reviewed
AHOSKIE — The Aboskie.Plannlog
Board will meet March 26 to continue
its wort to updating the town's land
use plan.
Thunday's ageoda'will include a
review of physical limitations to
local developmeot.` Planners will
discuss how poor soils, the presence
of floodplains and areas of
environmental concern will constrain
development in some'places In the
community. "
This will be thi fourth in a series
of meetings the Board will hold dds
year as it upraG the town's (led use
plan in accordidee' 'with. ths•
guidelines of the' I tate's Could Area
Management Act (CAMA)
Planning Board atatings are betd
at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. All
Meetings are open to the public.

The Noz.-3leratb
For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowen Area
Monday, May 18,1987
Ahoskle, Winton
Planning Boards
set meetings
The Ahoskie Pluming Board will
meet at 7 p.m. May 21 and the
Winton Planning Board will meet
at 7 p.m. May 19 in sheir
respective town halls to continue
formulating policy objectives for
their land use plans.

Mid -East Commission
P. O. Drawer 1787
Washington, NC 27889
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043
Public Service Announcement
The Ahoskie Planning Board will meet on Tuesday, June 9 to
continue its work in updating the, Town's land use plan. The
Board will begin to formulate policies on resource protection,
production, and economic and community development. Tuesday's
meeting will be held in the Town Hall at 7:00 pm. All inte-
rested citizens are encouraged to attend.

- ;Zn a Nevis- eratb
For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area
Monday, June 8,1987
Ahoskie Planners
to meet
AHOSKIE -- The Ahoskie
Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m.
June 9 at the town Hall to continue
its work in updating the Town's
land use plan.
Planners will begin formulating
policy statements on resource
protection, production, and
economic `and community
development.
I

I
1
1
1
Ii
I
1
1
1
1
L
11
[1
1
i
i
1
For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowan Area
Wednesday, June 17,1987
Ahoskie Planning Board
recommends objectives
AHOSKIE — The Ahoskle Plann-
ing Board has finished drafting plan-
ning objectives for inclusion In the
Town's 1987 Land Use Plan.
The Board has been working since
December to update the Towp's 1981
Land Use Plan In accordance with
the guidelines of the state's Coastal
Area Management Act (CAMA).
The Board recommended that the
Town adopt four policy objectives In
the area of resource management:
to protect and enhance agricultural
uses in the Ahoskie area; to
preserve areas of prime farmland:
to ensure efficient, environmentally
sound agricultural production; and
to provide for development that
preserves the area's productive
naturalresources.
The group suggested that the
.Town contact Agricultural Exten-
sion Service agents and discuss the
possibility of starting a farmers
market in Ahoskie.
Planners emphasized'that both
home -gardeners and large farming
operations would be welcome to sell
farm products at the market which
would serve local residents and
those who work and shop In the
Ahoskle area.
Five policies objectives in the area
of economic and community
development were proposed. To pro.
vide for the orderly growth of the
Ahoskie area, planners suggested
that the Town's subdivision regula-
(long be revised.
To enhance the quality of life in
Ahoskle, planners recommended
that the sign provisions of the zoning
ordinance be reviewed and that the.
Town restrict the placement of
billboards within the corporate
limits and In the extraterritorial
area.
Other policy objectives proposed
were: to support industrial growth:
to provide for adequate housing; and
to promote and enhance tourism and
recreational opportunities.
The Board will meet again June 18
to continue its work on the land use
plan. The Board meets at 7 p.m. in
the Town Hall.
1

Mid -East Commissin
P. O. Box 2787
Washington, NC 27889
June 129 1987
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043
Public Service Announcement
The Ahoskie Planning Board will meet on Thursday, June 18
to complete its work on the Town's Land Use Plan. The Board
meets at 7e00 pm in the Town Hall. All interested persons are
encouraged to attend.

Mid -East Commission
P. O. Box 1787
Washington, NC 27889
June 12, 1987
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043
Ahoskie Planners to Finalize Land Use Plan
Ahoskie - The Ahoskie Planning Board will meet on Thursday, June
18 to complete its work on the Town's Land Use Plan. The Board
has been working since December to update the Town's 1981 Land
Use Plan in accordance with the guidelines of the state's
Coastal Area Management Act.
At Thursday's meeting, planners will review policies on public
participation and storm hazard mitigation. The group will also
review the current Land Classification Map and discuss what
changes, if any, should be made in light of information the
group has learned over the last six months.
The Board meets at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. All interested
citizens are encouraged to attend.
r

the Neics—Serald
For Hertford County and The Roanoke-Chowen Area
Monday, June 29,1997 1
'
Planners. complete land,
classification plan map
AHOSKIE — Ahoskie planner planners finalized the policy objec•
recommended that the preliminary
ended seven months of work when tives that set out the Town's plan-
plan be submitted to the Town Coun:
tpey proposed a new Land Ing goals for the next five years. The
cil for approval. Subsequent to Coun-
'
441issifications Map for the Town at Land Classification map Is designed
cil approval, the preliminary plan
their meeting June 18. to assist the Town in achieving these
will then be submitted to several
Developing a land classification policy objectives.
state agencies for their review and
mep for Ahoskie was the final step The map will serve as a guide for
comment. A public hearing on the
'
necessary. to complete the Town's land development In the Ahoskle
plan and final adoption of the revis-
IN7 Land Use Plan. area. It is hoped that both public and
ed draft Is expected in early fall.
The Board has been working since private agencies involved in
The Town's 1887 Peliminary Land
November to update Ahoskte's Land development activities will utilize
Use Plan will be presented to the
'
Use Plan in accordance with the . the map In making important deci•
Council at the July 14 meeting. All
guidelines of the State's Coastal slons in the area of land develop-
interested persons are encouraged
Area Management Act (CAMA). menL
to attend the meeting which begins
At a meeting earlier this month, At Thursday's meeting, the Board
at 10 a.m. in the Ahoskie Town Hall.
1

Mid -East Commission
P. O. Box 1787
Washington, NC 27889
July 6, 1987
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043
Public Service Announcement
The Ahoskie Town Council will meet Tuesday, July 14 to review
the Town's preliminary Land Use Plan. All interested persons
are encouraged to attend the Council meeting which begins at
10:00 am in the Ahoskie Town Hall.

n
L
' Mid -East Commission
P. 0. Box 1787
Washington, NC 27889
' July 6, 1987
' FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION - Libby Anderson - 946-8043
' Ahoskie Council to Review Land Use Plan
The Ahoskie Town, Council will meet on Tuesday, July 14, to
review the Town's preliminary Land Use Plan. The Ahoskie
' Planning Board has been working since December to update the
Town's comprehensive Land Use Plan in accordance with the
guidelines of the state's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA).
' The plan sets out a number of policy objectives in the areas of
resource protection, production, and economic and community
development, and outlines a. land classification scheme for
Ahoskie and the surrounding area. The Planning Board will ask
' for Council approval of the preliminary plan at Tuesday's
meeting. The draft plan will then be sent to various state
agencies for their review and comment. All interested persons
are encouraged to attend Tuesday's meeting which begins at 10:00
am in the Ahoskie Town Hall.
IA

The News -Herald Friday, October 9, 1987
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TOWN OF AMOSKIE CITIZENS
The Town W ^hnkle will racalw
pabllc comment M Me Tawn's fast
CAMA Land Use Plan Update an
TUnday. Nave~ 10, at 10:00 a.m.
In the Ahaskio Town Nall. The PIM
guflinn policles.on low ttas and
""IOpment Met file TOM, WIII
fall" over the neat Into years and
Clanifin land In the Town and its
extraterritorial 1wisdilln and K.
terdittp ro the guidelines W the
state's Coastal- Area Manawment
Act ICAMA). Copies W me plan are
available for rwie" of the Alwskie
Town Hail baiween 0:00 a.m, and
4:00 P.M. Monday tbroupn Friday
The Honorable MITCHELL
MCLEAN. Mayor. Townul A
4
9

I
1
1
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ahoskie Area Chamber of Commerce, "Commuity Information Ahoskie."
' Ahoskie Area Chamber of Commerce, "Whence Came the Name Ahoskie."
' Hertford County Office of Emergency Management,"'Hertford County
Hurricane Evacuation and Shelter Plan:" Winton, January
1987.
' Letsinger, Philip S. Nomination to National Register of Historic
Places. Ahoskie Historic Direct, Ahoskie, North Carolina.
Raleigh, June 1984.
' News -Herald, "Entertainment+ New Industry Highlight 1986." 31
December 1986.
' News Herald, "Officials Look at Past, Future." 2 January 1987.
North Carolina Department of Commerce, 1985-86 Directory Manufac-
' turino Firms. Raleigh, 1984.
North Carolina Department• of Commerce, Division of Travel and
' Tourism, "1985 North Carolina Travel Study." Raleigh, May
1986.
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Division of
' Archives and History, Correspondence, 28 January 1987.
North Carolina Departmentof Natural Resources and Community
' Development, Division of Parks and Recreation, Correspond-
ence, 1 December 1986.
North Carolina Department of Transportation, Transportation
Improvement Program. December 1986.
Office of State Budget and Management, Profile North Carolina
' Counties. Raleigh, Seventh Edition 1986.
Office of State Budget and Management, Profile North Carolina
Counties. Raleigh, Sixth Edition 1981.
Office of State Budget and Management, "North Carolina Municipal
Population 1985." Raleigh, September 1986.
Office of State Budget and Management, Statistical Abstract North
Carolina State Government. Raleigh, Fifth Edition 1984.
1

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Soil
Survey of Hertford County North Carolina. July 1984.
U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census
of Population. Washington, D. C. Government Printing
Office, March 1983.
U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census
of Population. Washington, D. C. Government Printing
Office, October 1983.
•