1992 Land Use Plan Update Sketch Level-1992

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Town of Ahoskie
1992 Sketch Level Update
Coastal Area Management Act
Land Use Plan

TOWN OF AHOSKIE
1992 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Sketch Level
Local Adoption: October 13, 1992
CRC Certification: November 20, 1992
Prepared By
Mid -East Commission
P.O. Box 1787
Washington, NC 27889
919-946-8043
Robert J. Paciocco, Executive Director
Jane Daughtridge, Planner -in -charge
Linda Roberts, Secretary

Angela Early
TOWN OF AHOSIOE
1992 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
SKETCH IEVEL
PREPARED FOR: AHOSKIE TOWN COUNCIL
James W. Hutcherson, Mayor
Charles Hughes
Larry Joyner
Russell Overman, Town Manager
Edith Merritt, Clerk
UPDATE WORK GROUP: AHOSKIE PLANNING BOARD
M. W. (Andy) Jackson
Louis Mizelle, Jr.
Alvin Newsome, Chairman
Don Ferguson Karen Rowe
Dennis DeLoatch Vernon Baker
Dallas Taylor
Casey Jones
Henry Jones
Preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amendedwhich is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
L
INTRODUCTION
1
II.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
1
A. POPULATION
1
B. HOUSING
1
C. EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME
2
D. EXISTING LAND USE
2
E. CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
3
III.
CONSTRAINTS
4
A. LAND SUTTABII.ITY
4
(1) PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
4
(2) FRAGILE AREAS
4
(3) AREAS OF RESOURCE POTENTIAL
5
B. CARRYING CAPACITY ANALYSIS
5
(1) WATER SERVICE
5
(2) SEWER SERVICE
5
(3) PUBLIC SCHOOLS
5
(4) SOLID WASTE
5
(5) POLICE & FIRE PROTECTION
6
(6) TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
6
(7) PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
6
IV.
1987 POLICY ASSESSMENT
7
V.
1992 POLICY STATEMENTS
12
A. RESOURCE PROTECTION
12
B. RESOURCE PRODUCTION & MANAGEMENT
16
C. ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
18
D. CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
21
E. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER & EVACUATION PLANS
23
VI.
LAND CLASSIFICATION
25
A. PURPOSE
25
B. CLASSIFICATION SCHEME
25
(1) DEVELOPED
25
(2) URBAN TRANSITION
26
(3) LIMITED TRANSITION
26
(4) COMMUNITY
26
(5) RURAL
26
(6) RURAL WITH SERVICES
27
() CONSERVATION
27
VII.
RELATIONSHIP PF POLICIES & LAND CLASSIFICATION
27
VIII.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION & REVIEW
27

MAP 1:
MAP 2:
MAP. 3:
MAP 4:
MAP 5:
TABLE 1:
TABLE 2:
TABLE 3:
TABLE 3A:
TABLE 4:
TABLE 5:
TABLE 6:
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
MAPS
EXISTING LAND USE
LAND USE CONSTRAINTS
AHOSKIE AREA SOUS
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN: By -Pass of Ahoskie
LAND CLASSIFICATION .
�x�
Population Data (A., B., & C.)
Housing Data
Social Characteristics
Manufacturing Firms
Retail Sales Data
Soil Characteristics
Ahoskie Historic District Registered Properties
3f
6a
6c
6e
26a
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
6b
6d

TOWN OF AHOSKIE
1992 LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
I. INTRODUCTION
The Town of Ahoskie is the largest of six incorporated areas in Hertford County. From a small
crossroad community developed around a church, Ahoskie has become a regional commercial and
employment center. Originally called by the Indian name "Ahotskey," and referenced as early as 1719 in
relation to the area's native Ahoskian Indian residents, the name was changed in 1894 to its current spelling.
The Town was incorporated in 1893, and the railroad, which still runs through the center of Town, provided
the impetus for economic transition from a small farming community to the commercial and employment
center for Hertford County.
Although water resources did not play a major role in the development of Ahoskie, the community
is bounded on all sides by creeks and swampland. Ahoskie Creek flows along the Town's western and
southern borders, Horse Swamp bounds to the north and White Oak Swamp lies just beyond the Town's
eastern boundary.
Ahoskie has a number of large manufacturing firms and several commercial retail centers. Roanoke-
Chowan Hospital provides quality health care to a regional constituency. A variety of cultural and
recreational opportunities are offered locally. Additionally, the Town's proximity to the Tidewater area of
Virginia offers citizens expanded opportunities for work and recreation in a metropolitan environment while
residing in a more rural setting.
II. EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. Population
Ahoskie is one of six incorporated municipalities in Hertford County. It is the largest
community at 4,391* persons, but like all other towns in Hertford County, it has experienced
declines in population. over the past two decades while the unincorporated areas have increased
slightly. The age composition of the Town shows rapid growth in the segment of the population
age 65 and over. In the 1990 census there was also a slight increase in the age 14 years population,
which may hold promise for rebuilding the population base --- assuming these young people do not
migrate elsewhere over time. The Town also experienced growth in the 25-44 age group, or the
primary work force group. Table 1. "Population Data" shows these figures. The implications for
Ahoskie during the ten year. planning period, all else remaining equal, may be heavy demands for
elderly services, gradual increase in elementary school enrollment; and heightened sensitivity to the
need for job opportunities to employ the adult population. Particularly with regard to jobs, an
inability to meet these needs may result in a continuing decline in population through out -migration
or economic decay due to unemployment.
B. Housing
The total number of households in Ahoskie rose slightly between 1980 and 1990 from 1,756
to 1,769, but single person households increased from one quarter of all households to one third.
This is may be partially attributable to an elderly population living alone. Total housing units
decreased over the decennial period, as did single family units. Vacancy increased and renter
occupied units increased from 46% of the housing stock to 50%. These figures tend_ to reflect the
weak economic condition experienced in many areas of the country. By comparison, in the County
as a whole, vacancy increased less than 1% and the proportion of renter occupied units actually
decreased as a proportion of the housing stock Table 2. "Housing Data" shows these figures.
0 The Town challenged the final count and.a population adjustment was made, bringing the new total to 4,531 persons.

C. Employment and income
Employment and income data are included in Table 3. Being the largest town, Ahoskie also
provides a large proportion the county's job stock. Both the labor force and the total number of
persons employed has declined since 1980 and the unemployment rate has worsened over the past
10 years. Manufacturing employment has decreased and was overtaken by retail trade as the largest
employment sector. This change is also evidenced by a 69% increase in gross retail sales in Hertford
County between 1980 and 1990 (see Table 4).
Despite shifts in the employment sectors, income in Ahoskie has increased significantly.
Median family income was $21,532 in 1990 and per capita income was $10,129 for an 83% gain
over the 10 year period In constant dollars, the per capita increase was 5.96% over the inflation
rate between 1979 and 1989.
D. Existing Land Use
The City limits encompass an area of about 2.6 square miles and the planning jurisdiction
covers about 10 square miles. As shown on the Existing Land Use Map (Map 1) the town is
bisected into eastern and western halves by the North Carolina & Virginia Railroad A National
Register Historic District is located in the area of the Main Street and Railroad Street intersection.
It encompasses. several historic commercial buildings. A number of large old homes of local
significance are found on Catherine Creek Road just south of the eastern spur of the rail line.
Industrial uses cluster in the northern half of Town along the rail line. Bennett Box
Company, located at the southern end of Railroad Street, is the largest industrial concern in Town.
As part of its box fabricating operation, the company has a lumber yard and sawmill on site. South
of Bennett Box, also along Railroad Street are a number of other industrial and warehousing
operations. Industrial uses extend south to First Street then east along the rail spur to Catherine
Creek Road Just within the Town's eastern limit is the Southern States farm supply operation,
and Georgia Pacific has a large lumber operation in the eastern extraterritorial area along N.C. 561.
Two large industrial concerns are located near the rail line at its intersection with S.R. 1105 in the
southern half of the planning area Carolina Billets is just within the 1 mile jurisdiction and Kerr
Glass operates in the old West Point Pepperell plant across from Carolina Billets.
Ahoskie's commercial area originally developed along Main Street near the railroad and
between Church Street and First Street. Though- it experiences fluctuation, the central business
district still maintains a degree of vibrance. More recently, strip commercial areas have extended
along major thoroughfares. Two sizeable shopping centers are located along Highway 13 south.
Residential areas make up the majority of land uses within the Town Limits. The western
half of Town is primarily residential and institutional. The eastern half of Town also shows a large
residential land use mixing with the commercial and industrial areas. There have been no new
residential subdivisions developed since the 1987 update. Multi -family residential units are found
west of the grade school off Talmadge Street and in the southeast corner of town.
Development in the extraterritorial jurisdiction represents the bulk of development activity
during the past five years. Agricultural uses are especially prominent in the southern half of the
planning area Anticipated growth areas were uncertain in the 1987 update, Commercial
development was expected to continue along major highways. When planned improvements are
completed to the N.C. Highway 11 route through Hertford County into Virginia, the area northwest
of Ahoskie's jurisdiction may be expected to develop. Should that development occur, the western
sector of the planning area might also grow with residential or commercial uses. The southern
approach on N.C. Highway 13 near N.C. 42 may also be promising for future development of a
commercial or industrial nature.
2

Average daily traffic (AD[) counts show no particular pattern of use. Between 1988 and
1990, no area has shown a steady increase in traffic. All points have fluctuated in their counts;
however, the heaviest ADT in 1990 was counted on Academy Street between Main Street and N.C.
561 (12,200 vehicles). Memorial Drive was also an area of heavy traffic (10,000 vehicles counted
near the railroad overpass).
Ahoskie has grown very slowly over the past five years. In the absence of significant
development pressure, .the town might reasonably expect to control new land uses through its zoning
and sub -division regulations.
E. Current Plans, Policies, and Reeulations
The following is a list of regulatory mechanisms controlling land use in the Ahoskie
planning area:
Housing Code, adopted 1972
Zoning Ordinance, updated 1989
Mobile Home Park (Zoning)
Floodplain (Zoning)
Sub -Division Regulations, adopted 1970's and revised 1982.
State Building Code
1987 CAMA Land Use Plan
Nuisance Ordinance
Septic tank regulations are enforced by the County for the ETJ
Other plans which may have an impact on development are:
Hertford County Disaster Relief and Assistance Plan
Ahoskie Thoroughfare Plan, mutually adopted by Town and D.O.T. 1995
N.C. Transportation Improvement Plan
Hertford County Water Conservation Districts Plan
Extension of Services Policy: The Town of Ahoskie participates in the County's utilities
extension policy which provides that the County will pay for the extension of local utilities and upon
completion of the extension, operation and management become the responsibility of the town.
3

TABLE 1
POPULATION DATA
% Chg.
% Chg.
A. REGIONAL
1960
1970
1980
1990
70-80
80-90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beaufort County
36,014
35,980
40,355
42,283
12.2%
4.8%
Bertie County
24,350
20,528
21,024
20,388
2.4%
-3.0%
HERTFORD COUNTY
22,718
23,529
23,368
22,523
-0.7%
-3.6%
Martin County
27,139
24,730
25,948
25,078
4.9%
-3.4%
Pitt County
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
69,942
73,900
83,651
107,924
13.2%
29.0%
Region
180,163
178,667
194,346
218,196
8.8%
12.3%
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State
4,556,155
5,082,059
5,881,766
6,628,637
15.7%
12.7%
% Chg.
% Chg.
8. COUNTY
1960
1970
1980
1990
70-80
80-90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AHOSKIE
4,583
5,105
4,887
4,391
-4.3%
-10.1%
Cofield
n/a
318
465
407
46.2%
-12.5%
Como
n/a
211
89
71
-57.8%
-a0.2%
Harrellsville
171
165
151
106
-8.5%
-29.8%
Murfreesboro
2,643
3,508
3,007
2,580
-14.3%
-14.2%
Winton
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
835
917
825
796
-10.0%
-3.5%
Unincorp. Area
14,486
13,305-
13,944
14,172
4.8%
1.6%
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Total County
22,718
23,529
23,368
22,523
-0.7%
-3.6%
1980
1990
1990
C: AGE STRUCTURE
..........................................................................................................
Number
%
Number
%
County %
State %
1-4 years
358
7.3%
336
7.7%
7.1%
6.9%
5-19 years
1,127
23.1%
897
20.4%
24.2%
20.7%
20-24 years
383
7.8%
252
5.7%
6.5%
8.4%
25-44 years
1,144
23.4%
1,179
26.9%
28.0%
32.5%
45-64 years
1,101
22.5%
894
20.4%
19.71%
19.4%
65 and over
774
15.8%
833
19.0%
14.6%
12.1%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
4,887
100.OX
4,391
100.OX
100.OX
100.OX
Source: Decennial Census, STF 1
3a

TABLE 2
HOUSING DATA
AHOSKIE
80-90
Characteristic Comparison
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1980
%
1990
%
change
Total Households
1,756
100.0%
1,769
100.0%
0.7%
Single -Person Hshlds
433
24.7%
576
32.6%
33.0%
Total Housing Units
1,840
100.0%
1,769
100.0%
-3.9%
Single Family Units
1,551
84.3%
1,327
75.0%
-14.4%
Vacant Units
83
4.5%
128
7.2%
54.2%
Renter Occupied
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
847
46.0%
889
50.3%
5.0%
Persons Per Hshld
2.7
-
2.4
-
-11.1%
Median Unit Value
$30,900
-
S57,867
-
87.3%
Median Rent
$105
-
$199
-
89.5%
County
80-90
Characteristic Comparison
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1980
%
1990
%
change
Total Households
7,499
100.0%
8,150
100.0%
8.7%
Single -Person Hshlds
1,518
20.2%
2,063
25.3%
35.9%
Total Housing Units
8,150
100.0%
8,850
100.0%
8.6%
Single Family Units
6,699
82.2%
6,042
68.3%
-9.8%
Vacant Units
651
8.0%
720
8.1%
10.6%
Renter Occupied
---------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,420
29.7%
2,561
28.9%
5.8%
Persons Per Hshld
3.1
-
2.7
-
-12.9%
Median Unit Value
$30,862
-
S44,900
-
45.5%
Median Rent
$90
-
$176
-
95.6%
Source: Decennial Census, STF 1
3b

Table 3.
1990 CENSUS
SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
SAMPLE DATA
1990
1990
1990
1980
1990
ACTUAL
PERCENT
HERTFORD
TOTAL
TOTAL
AHOSKIE
ANOSKIE
CHANGE
CHANGE
COUNTY
REGION 0
STATE
s:■satsss:asssssssaassesssas:aa:ss:ssaaasassasssaaaaasa■asssassssassaassssaaaassstasssssssss
POPULATION
4,887
4,391
-496
-10.1%
22,523
218,196
6,628,637
URBAN
4,887
4,391
.496
-10.1%
7,041
90,284
3,335,570
RURAL
0
0
0
0.0%
15,482
127,912
3,293,067
ED ATTAINMENT
PERSONS 25 L OVER
3,019
2,902
-117
-3.9%
14,105
133,275
4,253,494
<9TH GRADE
815
475
-340
-41.7%
2,610
20,794
539,974
9TH TO 12TH
549
608
59
10.7%
3,293
25,199
737,773
HS GRAD
691
756
65
9.4%
4,169
37,902
1,232,868
SOME COLLEGE
465
467
2
0.4%
1,788
20,392
713713
ASSOC DEGREE
NA
119
119
NA
729
8,222
290:117
BACH DEGREE
499
336
-163
-32.7%
1,024
13,581
510,003
HIGHER DEGREE
NA
141
141
NA
492
7,185
229 046
f0.0%
% HS GRAD OR MORE
54.8%
62.7%
7.9%
58.1%
65.5%
COMMUTE TO WORK
1,793
1,785
.8
-0.4%
9,284
100,144
3,300,481
TRAVEL TIME(MINS)
18.6
14.6
-4
-21.5%
20.4
20.1
19.8
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE
AGE 16+ IN LF
2,117
1,981.
.136
-6.4%
10,152
107,972
3,401,495
S EMPLOYED
2,015
1,826
-189
-9.4%
9,519
101,546
3,238,414
PERCENT UNEMPLOYED
4.8%
7.8%
3.0%
6.2%
6.0%
4.8%
EMPLOYMENT SECTORS
TOTAL EMPLOYED
2,015
1,826
-189
-9.4%
9,519
101,546
3,238,414
AG/FOREST/FISH
1.5%
1.6%
.1
0.1%
5.7%
5.3%
2.8%
MINING
ABOVE
0.0%
NA
NA
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
CONSTRUCTION
3.3%
4.4%
14
1.1%
6.4%
6.5%
7.0%
MFG.(NON-DURABLE)
13.6%
9.4%
-103
-4.2%
14.0%
15.6%
14.9%
MFG.(DURABLE)
14.2%
9.9%
.106
-4.3%
15.1%
10.6%
11.7%
TRANSPORTATION
1A%
4.3%
56
3.2%
3.6%
2.2%
3.8%
COMMUNIC L PUB.UTIL.
1.1%
1.8%
9
0.6%
1.6%
1.9%
2.6%
WHOLESALE TRADE
6.7X
2.5%
-91
-4.3%
2.9%
3.7%
4.2%
RETAIL TRADE
15.5%
23.7%
120
8.2%
16.7%
17.2%
16.1%
FINANCE/INS/R.EST.
2.2%
0.7%
-31
-1.5%
2.8%
3.5%
5.1%
BUS. L REPAIR SER.
0.6%
1.5%
15
0.9%
1.8%
2.9%
3.9%
PERSONAL SERVICE
6.7%
3.2%
.76
-3.5%
3.0%
2.7%
2.8%
ENT.L REC. SERV.
ABOVE
0.9%
NA
NA
0.4%
0.7%
1.0%
HEALTH SERVICES
10.3%
5.6%
-104
-4.6%
5.7%
7.8%
7.2%
ED. SERVICES
11.5%
10.5%
-40
-1.0%
11.7%
11.3%
8.0%
OTHER PROF. SERV.
5.1%
7.2%
28.
2.1%
4.1%
4.0%
5.1%
PUB. ADMIN.
6.5%
7.4%
5
0.9%
4.6%
3.4X
3.6%
INCOME
MEDIAN HSHLD
$12,792
518,396
$5,614
43.9%
$18,180
520,206
$26,647
MEDIAN FAMILY
515,750
521,532
$5,782
36.7%
521,696
524,907
531,548
- PER CAPITA
$5,535
$10,129
54,594
83.0%
59,016
$9,852
$12,885
AVG. INCOME BY TYPE
WAGE L SAL
$14,361
$22,040
57,679
53.5%
$23,912
$25,531
$32,098
SELF-EMP
59,337
$17,421
S8,D84
86.6%
515,220
$14,814
516,698
FARM:SELF-EMP
51,085
(51,532)
(52,617)
-241.2%
$13,098
$12,478
$9,171
SOC.SEC.
$3,875
$6,439
52,564
66.2%
56,140
56,016
$6,996
PUB. ASSIST
51,514
53,482
51,968
130.0%
$3,056
53,038
$3,143
RETIRE
NA
58,665
$8,665
NA
$7,336
57,570
58,828
" POVERTY STATUS (ALL)
23.3%
29.2%
123
5.9%
25.0%
23.0%
13.0%
FEMALE NSNLD
40.1%
39.0%
40
-1.1%
47.6%
44.4%
31.0%
65 AND OVER
34.7%
17.6X
-114
-17.1%
HOUSING UNITS
1,840
1,897
57
3.1%
3,870
89,973
2,818,193
NO PLUMBING
141
29
-112
-79.4%
521
3,108
42,962
PUBLIC H2O
1,818
1,889
71
3.9%
4,737
56,761
1,843,476
PUBLIC SEWER
1,823
1,874
51
2.8%
3,639
42,538
1,403,033
Source: US Census STF3
Files, 1980
and 1990.
`
3c

TABLE 3A. Manufacturing Firms, Ahoskie, 1990.
Firm
Product
Employees
Ahoskie Apparel
Contract Sewing
100-150
Ahoskie Fertilver
Blend Fertilizer
6 - 10
Ahoskie Yarn
Knit Fabrics/Yam
91
Bennett Box Co.
Boxes
145-155
Brittenham Rebuilding Services
Rebuild Car Parts
10 - 15
Carolina Billets (FASCO)
Smelting Aluminum
50 - 55
Commercial Ready Mix
Concrete
7
Golden Peanut Co.
Peanuts
20 - 50
Southern States
Fertilizer
7
R & D Laminaters
Laminated- Paneling
6
Freeman Metal Works
Caskets
101
Georgia-Pacific
Lumber
60
H. T. Jones Co.
Lumber _
25
Kerr Plastic
Injection Molding
100 250
Lucas Machine & Welding
Metal Work
11
Park Newspapers of Northeastern NC
Printing
75 - 7S
Pierce Printing Co.
Commercial Printing
20 - 25
Sew N Sew
Contract Sewing
10 - 19
Stitch Count
Embroidery
1-4
Total 19 Establishments
Source: Hertford County 1990 Land Use Plan and telephone conversations, February, 1992
114

TABLE 4
RETAIL SALES DATA
Gross Retail (S,000)
Region 0 County Comparison
.....................................................................................
Fiscal Year
Beaufort
Bertie
HERTFORD
Martin
Pitt
.....................................................................................
1980
$223.745
$50,996
$120,747
S103,241
5462,937
1981
$254,858
S54,336
$1230021
S109,607
$516,264
1982
S258,037
$57.818
S133,807
$114,041
$542,045
1983
S249,857
S59,865
S141,145
Sl16,978
S578,843
1984
S277,511
S61,667
S162,367
$123,998
$694,144
4985
$289,045
$64,487
S166,839
S125,435
$735,826
1986
S314,513
S62,199
S169,259
S137-241
$831,083
1987
S319,855
S63,184
S166,013
S139:765
S846,171
1988
$348,888
- $67,734
S182,622
S146,880
S910,275
1989
S344,279
S66,165.
S198,123
S159,204
$990,623
1990
S333,998
$62,792
S204,101
S157,937
S960,024
.......................................................................................
CHG 1980-1990
49.3%
23.1%
69.0%
53.0%
107.4%
Source: Office of State Budget and Management
Statistical Abstract, 1991
'I-

EXISTING-
AHOSKIE f�•
\\
NORTH CAROLINA
LAN DO
"USA
_
�� .....N" n.�
\ � \
MAP 1
a
. Zl�
— —_ - -- .:;�:I •
•\
Residential ``
. I �� i1d i'�"rfv 7 ride'=,
{ pp6iEEi • i:T• s=33:E•�.��{�u�/
:. p3E
,.
� .
sU a, A
� 7.'. ��
�*,��: F F
..�::
Commercial `
JT
Industrial ji
Institutional\♦._, ..._..''i;
ko�
:';:':
Undeveloped
The preparation Of this map Me. financed In
• part through a [rant provided by the North
- Carolina Coastal Management Program.
through funds provided by the Coastal Lone
Maea[eaent Act of 1972. as vended, uhlch
- i Is edminlatered by the Office of Ocean and
Coastal Resource Management. National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. .
• PAWA d M ANMM QQWA ltAAr►
W40*V % NC .AM 190P mwMed
jaw Inn
n
�r

III. CONSTRAINTS
A. Land Suitability
As a part of the planning process, local government should consider the general suitability
of undeveloped land within the planning area for future development. Within Ahoskie's corporate
limits, there are few factors constraining land development. The extraterritorial area experiences
more development limitations. Constraints can be classified into three categories: (1) physical
limitations, (2) fragile areas, and (3) areas of resource potential. Map 2 shows these constraints for
the planning area.
(1) Physical limitations are conditions which make development costly or which cause
undesirable consequences when developed They include hazard areas such. as flood prone areas,
airports, tank farms and nuclear power plants; soil conditions such as poorly drained, non -
compacting, shallow, or septic limiting soils; water supply sources such as groundwater recharge
areas, public water supply watershed, and wellfields; and areas with high erosion potential where the
predominant slope exceeds 12% where bulkheads may be built in the future.
There are low-lying flood prone areas along Ahoskie Creek and White Oak Swamp.
Ahoskie does participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, which requires regulation of
construction in such areas. There is also a manmade hazard located in the planning area
Flammable liquids are stored in bulk though the location is not a tank farm but rather a home
heating and gas supplier. It is located on Jernigan Swamp Road in the ETJ. The county airport
is another manmade hazard but is well outside the planning area
Being an urbanized area, soil factors do not play as great a role for development inside the
corporate limits; however, the extraterritorial jurisdiction will experience soil limitations (see Table
S and Map 3. Soil Map). A large area of Leaf loam soils found east of town on either side of
White Oak Swamp present severe limitations for development Nine of the other ten soils in the
area also have septic limitations. In the absence of access to municipal wastewater treatment,
development in these areas will experience problems.
Ahoskie obtains its drinking water from four public wells located in areas which are already
highly developed A well is located in each of the four quadrants of town. Both Kerr Plastics and
Carolina Billets have their own wells which they use to supplement their municipal use. The
groundwater supply is somewhat erratic in the planning area Volume may be plentiful, but quality
is often poor. A water table aquifer, which recharges underlying artesian units, 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. Neither the Town nor the county have chosen
to initiate local regulatory protection of groundwater recharge areas, and no major problems have
been encountered as a result of development
Steep slopes will not limit development in the Ahoskie planning area.
(2) Fragile areas are those which are easily damaged or destroyed by inappropriate or
poorly planned development These include coastal wetlands, outer banks sand dunes, ocean beaches
and shorelines, estuarine waters and shorelines, public trust areas, complex natural areas, areas that
sustain remnant species, areas containing unique geologic formations, registered natural landmarks,
wooded swamps, prime wildlife habitats, scenic and prominent high points, archaeologic and historic
sites, maritime forests, "4W wetlands, and others. Most of these fragile areas are located in the
outer coastal region. Historic sites, "4W wetlands, and estuarine and public trust areas are the
extent of potential fragile areas in Hertford County. Ahoskie Creek is considered a public trust
area, and the downtown Historic District is nationally registered There are 18 properties in the
district Brief descriptions of these may be found in Table 6. The State Department of Cultural
Resources has conducted an inventory of archaeological sites in Hertford County. No sites were
recorded in the Ahoskie planning area, but the Department believes there is a high probability that
the first and second terraces of Ahoskie Creek may yield archeological sites. The above represents
4

the only fragile areas within the planning area.
(3) Areas of resource potential are those such as prime farmland, valuable mineral sites,
publicly owned forests, parks, fish and gamelands, privately owned wildlife sanctuaries and other non -
intensive outdoor recreation lands. These lands might be considered for protection from
development which would alter or destroy they natural productive potential.
Much of the Ahoskie planning area outside the city limits is currently used for agriculture.
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 timber. Prime farmland is determined by its
soil characteristics and by its present use: Urban land cannot be classified as prime. The outlying
planning area contains several prime farmland soils, with one fairly extensive area in the western
portion of the ETJ. Though there has been very little development over the past five years, land
conversion does appear to be occurring in the open areas of. the ETJ more often than in the
incorporated area. The planning area contains no other areas of resource potential.
B. Carrying Capacity Analysis
As a part of the planning process, local government should consider its ability to provide
basic community services to meet anticipated demand, including any deficiencies which will need
future attention in order to accommodate growth. Basic community services are municipal (1) water,
(2) sewer, (3) schools, (4) solid waste (landfills), (5) police and fire protection, (6) streets and other
transportation system concerns, and (7) public administrative ability. Demand is estimated using
population projections in relation to current use and foreseeable social or economic change.
(1) Water Service - Ahoskie's 4 wells have a maximum daily capacity of 2.4 million gallons
per day (gpd). Water storage capacity is 800,000 gpd. Average demand is 820,000 gpd. This
represents a significant increase over the 550,000 gpd reported in the 1987 plan and can be
attributed to the addition of a large industrial user and a number of residential tap-ons . to existing
lines outside the city limits.
(2) Sewer Service - Ahoskie operates a wastewater treatment system of the land application
type with a design capacity of 901,000 gpd. This represents about a 15% increase in rapacity since
1989. The Town was under a court judgement decree for exceeding their capacity in recent years.
System improvements were completed in April of 1991. Average daily flow in 1989 was reported
----to be 920,000 gpd. An analysis of the infrastructure located several leaks which have also now been
repaired and flow is showing marked reductions. In the 1987 update, this figure was reported at
800,000 gpd. The average flow for 1991 is 819,000 gpd for a five year increase of just over 2%.
This also dramatically illustrates a 100,000 gpd improvement produced by repairs to the lines since
1989.
(3) Public Schools -In 1989 the school system was consolidated in Hertford County. Two
elementary schools are located in Ahoskie and the senior high school is also within the planning
jurisdiction Other county schools are located in Winton, and Murfreesboro. The total system
serves an enrollment of just over 4,200 students (1990). Post -secondary education is offered by
Roanoke-Chowan Community College, near the Ahoskie planning area, serving an average quarterly
enrollment of nearly 700 students (1990). In addition to these standard services, Shaw University
provides a degree program with classes held each evening at R. L Vann School.
(4) Solid Waste Disposal - Residential solid waste is collected twice weekly by the Town.
The commercial container truck operates six days per week and serves commercial operations as

needed. Solid waste is currently disposed at the Hertford County landfill, located about three miles
from Winton. The landfill is at capacity and its mounding permit expires in 1993. The County
has been investigating development of a regional landfill alternative which has been seriously
considered over the past three years. At present, it is not certain whether this project will actually
develop. The County is also considering building a new facility of its own which will meet all of
the. new State and Federal requirements for landfills in Hertford County. Ahoskie has been paying
a tipping fee of $18.50 per ton to the County since July, 1990. Projections on future tipping fees
at some new facility are estimated at around $30 per ton.
(5) Police & Fire Protection - Ahoskie funds a 26-person police department, with 15
fulltime, 2 parttime, 4 dispatchers, and 1 records clerk for a police protection ratio of about 1
policeman for every 175 persons. This represents a very good protection ratio. The Town also
participates in the Roanoke-Chowan Narcotics Task Force, which is a multi -county law enforcement
team developed to help combat drug crime in the area.. Overall, the largest number of ,police calls
are for Breaking & Entering, Larceny, and Drug Crimes.
Five full-time firemen and an average of 30 volunteers provide fire protection. The Town
currently owns three pumpers and 1 equipment truck The department responded to 220 calls in
1990 and has already answered 190 calls as of November, 1991. The fire insurance rating is 7 on
a scale of 3-9 with 3 being highest.
(6) Transportation Network - The lack of a major Interstate highway in this area has been
cited as one of the factors limiting growth in northeastern North Carolina. A thoroughfare plan
was prepared and mutually adopted by the Town and the N.C. Department of Transportation in
1985. The only project winch might impact Ahoskie from the State's 1990-1996 Transportation
Improvement Plan is a proposed eastern by-pass for US 13 from NC 42 south of town to the
Winton By -Pass on the north side. This project is scheduled to begin by 1996 (see Map 4.
Transportation Improvement Plan 1990-96). The Town is responsible for regular street maintenance
on routes inside the corporate limits.
(7) Public Administration - Ahoskie operates a Council -Manager form of government. The
Town's . tax rate is $ .77 per $100 valuation. There are 4 municipal departments, including Fire,
Police, Public Works (Sanitation/Streets/Water & Sewer), and Recreation. The Town employees a
total of 65 people.
6

LAN D USE
CONSTRAINTS-
I..Historic;District
® A E C
Y4 S\4.
Flood lai I�
1� 1 I 1
-S • D Public Wf-11
Archaelogically, Se situ e. A
►MWe M Ud4%W Ca.Nr111.Mpn
*w*v % NC .Am tw. eMf/gd
AM TN2
AHOSKIE
t NORTH CAROLINA
NI 1_ 11__�IIM � NN el.
1111 IIN
.1�
MAP 2
The preparatloa of thl. up ... IS.—d In
part thro"h a great prevld.d by the North
C.rol loss Co..tal M........t Progress.
through funds provided br the C...tel 2...
h.a..eeent Act f 1972. ,.. aa..d.d. .h1oh
S..dalnt stered Ar the Crtio. of Do.— and
C. t.l Reeourc. K ..g.aent. National
Qoeassla and Ateo.pherlc Adalal.tratloa.
i
6a

Table 5 . SOIL CHARACTERISTICS
Limitations for.
Soil
Septic
Depth to
Code
Type
Slope
Bldgs.
Tanks
Runoff
Water Table (ft.)
ALA #
Altavista fine sandy loam
0-2%
Seine
Severe
Moderate
15-25
BB
Bibb
0%
Severe
Severe
Moderate
0S-1.5
BOB
Bonneau loamy sand
0-6%
Slight
Moderate
Low
35-5.0
CaA #
Caroline fine sandy loam
0-2%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
>6.0
CaB #
Caroline fine sandy loam
2-6%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
>6.0
CoB #
Conetoe loamy sand
0-5%
Severe
Slight
LOW
>6.0
CrA #
Craven fine sandy loam
0-1%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0-3.0
CrB #
Craven fine sandy loam
14%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0-3.0
CsA
Craven Urban Land Complex
0-2%
Moderate
Severe
Moderate
2.0-3.0
GoA #
Goldsboro fine sandy loam
0-2%
Moderate
Severe
Slight
2.0-3.0
LF
Leaf Loam
0170
Severe
Severe
High
0.5-15
Lie
Lenoir Loam
0176
Severe
Severe
High
1.0-25
Ly
Lynchburg fine sandy loam
0%
Severe
Severe
Moderate
0S-1.5
NoA #
Norfolk loamy fuze sand
0-296'
Slight
Moderate
Slight
4.0-6.0
• Ro
Roanoke loam
0%
Severe
Severe
High
0.0-1.0
RuA
Rumford loamy sand
0-3%
Slight
Slight
Slight
>6.0
Se
Seabrook kxuq sand
0%
Severe
Severe
Moderate
2.0.4.0
TaB
Tarboro sand
0-5%
Severe
Severe
Low
<6.0
Ud
Udorthents, sandy
0%
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
WN
Wilbanks silty day loam
0%
Severe
Severe
High
0.0-1.0
# indicates Prime Fans Soils
(1) soil characteristics vary; -on -site investigation needed.
Source
Soil Survey of Hertford County, USDA, SCS, July 1984.
6b

Map 4.
N
US 13 R-2205 * NC 42 TO THE WINTON BYPASS. (11.2 MILES) 30800 P
MULTI -LANE FACILITY WITH A BYPASS OF D
AHOSKIE ON NEW LOCATION. R(F ) 8000
C(F ) 6000
90 91 92 93 94 95 96
POST YEAR CONSTRUCTION-16800

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North Carolina July, 1984
i

i✓
TABLE 6 . Ahoskie Historic District Registered Properties.
FORMER UNITED STATES POST OFFICE 201 W. Main St.
The former post office , completed in 1940 is considered one of the 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 Town Hall. Postal work areas have been remodeled for offices and a council
room.
MITCHFLL HOTEL 131-135 W. Main St.
The Mitchell Hotel, built in 1910, was Ahoskie's second "modern" hostelry. It was a three story brick building with hotel rooms
on the upper floors, the lobby and dining room on the west side of the first floor and Mitchell's Drug Store and soda fountain on the east
side of the first floor. By 1915, the name had been changed to Manhattan Hotel and then in the late 1920's it was changed back to Mitchell
Hotel
MITCHELL HOTEL ANNEX 127-129 W. Main St.
A 1923 map shows a one story brick building divided into two storefronts. The 4econd floor was added in 1925 as an annex
to the adjacent Mitchell Hotel building.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING 123-125 W. Main St.
This one story brick commercial structure was built some time between 1906, 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 St. near Mitchell St.
This three story brick building in a classic temple form is considered to be 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. '[lino fluted brick columns frame the
recessed entry.
RICHARD THEATER 117 W. Main St.
Jesse Richard Garrett,'Me Builder of Ahoskie", had this theatre built in 1927. Ornate cast metal seat ends carry the initial
"R" in tribute to the builder. The ornate ticket booth originally was free-standing at the face of the building with the entry doors just
behind it. Ornate playbill cases, mirrors and light fixtures completed the setting for the lobby of "Eastern North Carolina's Finest." The
Gallery Theater, Inc., has acquired ownership of the building for community use.
HOTEL COMFORT 111-115 W. Main St.
The building was constructed in 1906 after a fire destroyed the frame building on this site which housed the post office. Shortly
after the blaze, 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 side, and twelve rooms upstairs.
J. T. PARKER AND J. W. POWFLL BUILDINGS 105 and 109 W. Main St.
J. T. Parker and J. W. Powell built these two adjoining two story brick stores in about 1910. In the 1920's, the J. N. Vann
hardware store was located in the former Parker store at 109, and the Hertford Herald moved from their building on South Railroad St.
to the former Powell store at 105.
R. J. BAKER BUILDING 101 W. Main St.
This two story brick commercial structure 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 St.
This building was started in 1910 and completed in 1915 when purchased by J. R. Parker and James Vinson. The offices of the
Herald were located hero until the late 1920's.
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS 100 block of N. Railroad St.
A fire in 1925 destroyed the frame warehouses and livery stables in this portion of the block, enabling 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 uses 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. One prism glass transom is still evident
on the southernmost storefront. Most of the interiors stale retain the original pressed metal ceilings and borders, although some have been
obscured by new lowered ceilings.
W. D. NEWSOME BUILDING 119 N. Railroad St.
This building was built in 1905 following fires in 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 around 19910, 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.
GARRE'IT HOTEL W. Main & Railroad Streets
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 1920's, Ahoskie was becoming a regional trade center, and the Chamber of COmmerce mounted a campaign to have a new hotel
built in town. 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 area" formally opened in July 1926. The three story L-shaped building fronts on
both North Railroad and West Main Streets, 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 at Main Street
The Bank of Ahoskie, the oldest bank in Town, 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-20's, 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 important 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 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 1940's 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 the commercial structures built in the late
1940"s.
E.J. GEROCK DEPARTMENT STORE 102 Fast Main Street
The Roanoke-Chowan Times noted in 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.

IV. 1987 POLICY ASSESSMENT
In the 1987 plan update, the Town adopted policy objectives in the areas of Resource Protection,
Resource Production and Management, Economic and Community Development, Storm Hazard mitigation,
and Public Participation. By evaluating the effectiveness of implementation actions over the past five years,
the Town can better determine which policies have achieved the Town's goals and which ones need to be
modified or re -prioritized in order to serve Ahoskie's development objectives over the next five years.
A total of fifty (50) implementation strategies were defined in the 1987 plan update. As a grading
method to assess the Town's performance, we have simply scored one point for each strategy which the
Town feels it carried out. The overall assessment score is 38 of 50, or 76% implementation.
RESOURCE PROTECTION
Policy: Preserve and protect local water resources and wetland areas.
Encourage 75' open space buffer between development and water or wetland; consider
requiring buffers in sub-regs.
design projects so that runoff is minimized; consider setting runoff standards in sub-regs.
support use of private package treatment plants only if connecting to municipal system is .
not feasible.
+ classify land within 75' of creeks and swamps as Conservation. All development will be low
density, low -impact uses.
SCORE: 1
There has been no development within 75' of the water areas in the Ahoskie planning area over
the past five years. No amendment of the Town's sub -division regulations has been carried out since 1981
As an on -going policy, the Town requires development which is in proximity to municipal services to tap
on. No requests for package treatment systems have been received. The Town did classify land within 75'
of these areas as "Conservation" in the 1987 Plan Update.
Policy: Preserve and protect Areas of Environmental Concern.
+ support development in AEC's only if acceptable under State standards.
+ classify 75' along Ahoskie Creek as Conservation. Water & sewer not provided in this area
but may go through in order to serve ETJ.
SCORE: 2
Again, there has been no development in AEC's over the past five years, but Ahoskie supports State
permitting standards. The 1987 plan update shows the 75' Conservation classification around Ahoskie
Creek. Water and sewer was run through the Ahoskie Creek area in order to serve the Kerr Plastics facility.
Policy. Protect the Town's present and future water supply.
1/2 support enforcement of regs controlling underground storage tanks; support above ground
tanks in areas where water table is high; consider a local permitting program for locating
underground storage tanks.
+ support establishment of a state fund to assist communities in removing leaking USTs and
cleaning up affected water supplies.
7

+ oppose additional groundwater withdrawals by large water consumers in VA; oppose
withdrawal from Lake Gaston for out-of-state use.
+ support State efforts to develop groundwater management program for NE North Carolina.
SCORE: 3.5
There have been several removals of underground storage tanks in the planning area, and the Town
supports these efforts, however, no local permitting program has been initiated. The State has enhanced
.its UST program in the past five years. The Town has consistently opposed groundwater nd Lake Gaston
withdrawals for Virginia consumers. It has also supported and continues to support development of a
groundwater management program in northeastern NC.
Policy: Protect the Town's historic & cultural resources.
reactivate the Ahoskie Historic Preservation Commission; review & revise the inventory of
the Town's historic properties.
adopt a Historic District ordinance ...
12 do not support proposals that may have negative impact on historic or archaeological
resources; consider amending sub-regs to require ID of historic or archaeological resources
as part of S/D review.
SCORE: OS
Not much activity has taken place in this category over the past five years. The Town does support
adaptive reuse of historic structures in the business district and would discourage projects which caused
damage to these buildings.
Policy: Discourage development on land which is not physically suitable for development
+ continue participation in National Flood Insurance program and enforce the Town's
Floodplain ordinance.
+ support strict enforcement of State's Environmental Health Code for siting of in -ground
septic systems in unsewered areas.
+ investigate possible sewer service in areas experiencing septic failure outside Town.
SCORE: 3
The Town has been downgraded from A to B flood zones for NFIP.. The Town does not let
permits for septic tanks, but it does support strict enforcement by Hertford County Health Department,
Division of Environmental Health, in the ETJ. ('Phis would not apply to the corporate limits.) An
annexation study in 1988 investigated the possibility of providing sewer service in certain problem areas
outside of Town. A CDBG project area outside of Town has also been provided with municipal service
because of septic problems.
RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Policy: Protect and enhance agricultural uses in the Ahoskie area.
+ classify agricultural areas outside of Town as Rural.
+ continue to design betterment systems for public improvements ...
8

I2 consider starting a local farmer's market in downtown; work with other area towns to
develop markets in every community which all County farmers could use.
+ support educational efforts and state and federal programs which encourage diversity in
agricultural economy.
+ encourage farmers owning parcels of 10 acres or more to apply for use -value assessment.
SCORE: 4.5
A Farmer's Market has been talked about but never initiated It is generally felt that a formal
Farmer's Market would not be successful since the area has many home gardens, and since farm crops are
geared to commodities rather than fruits and vegetables. Otherwise, all strategies have been supported.
Policy: Preserve areas of prime farmland.
adopt a policy to preserve prime farmland; submit proposals to SCS for review; do not
undertake projects which will have adverse impacts on important areas of prime agricultural
land
+ support comprehensive state program for farmland preservation; support legislation to study
farmland preservation programs in other areas and develop programs & techniques for use
in NC
SCORE: 1
The Town would not interfere with the conversion of Prime Farmland to other uses if the property
owner desired such a change and if it would result in economic gain for the community. If a good model
were to be developed at the State level for farmland preservation, the Town would support such a program.
Policy: Ensure efficient, environmentally sound. agricultural production.
+ support use of BMP's for agricultural land use and production.
work with SCS to encourage participation in the states Agricultural Cost Share Program
+ support the Conservation provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill (ins conservation reserve;
conservation compliance; sodbusters; swampbusters)
SCORE: 2
Ahoskie has not directly worked with SCS to encourage participation in the Cost Share Program
Otherwise, these strategies are routinely supported
Policy: Provide for development that preserves the area's productive natural resources.
support industrial proposals only if prime farmland and air and water quality will be
preserved
+ support new and expanding industrial concerns to ensure their proposals are consistent with
Town's LUP.
SCORE: 1
In the absence of gross offensiveness, no industrial proposal would be discouraged by the Town.
Water pollution would be a higher priority than farmland preservation or air quality concerns. The Town
does support new and expanding industrial concerns and attempts to ensure consistency with the land use
plan.
6

ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Policy: Support expansion of existing industry and recruitment of new industrial and
commercial enterprises.
+ support Ahoskie Industrial Development Advisory Committee and Hertford County IDC
in efforts to recruit.
+ support Regional Small Business Incubator Facility in Ahoskie, work with tenants to find
locations when they move from incubator.
+ work with developers to provide water & sewer for projects in unserved areas.
+ solicit technical assistance from Small Business Center at RCCC, Mid -East Commission,
and Northeast NC Tomorrow; promote these groups within the business community.
SCORE: 4
All of these strategies are on -going activities for Ahoskie.
Policy: Provide for the orderly growth of areas within Ahoskie and the ETJ.
+ conduct an annexation feasibility study, give priority to areas with services already provided
+ classify the jurisdiction according to CAMA guidelines.
revise Town's subdivision regulation.
SCORE: 2
An annexation study was completed in 1988, but civil rights objections have kept the Town from
moving forward with annexation to date. The jurisdiction was classified appropriately in 1987. No revision
of the Sub -division Regulations has taken place, but the Town has applied for and been awarded CAMA
Planning and Management funding to review and revise these regulations.
Policy: Preserve and enhance the quality of life in Ahoskie.
+ support expansion of academic and cultural programs at .RCCC.
+ support social and cultural events/programs at Gallery Theatre in downtown.
12 review and revise sign provisions of the Town's Zoning Ordinance, strictly enforce sign regs.
SCORE: 2.5
The Town is currently reviewing sign provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Policy: Provide for adequate housing for all community residents.
+ continue to apply.for local housing improvements under CDBG program.
+ support development of low and moderate income housing in the area.
SCORE: 2
These strategies have both been implemented over the past five years.
Policy. Promote and enhance tourism and recreational opportunities.
reactivate the Ahoskie Preservation Commission; develop a walking tour for downtown with
focus on commercial buildings.
10

+ participate in regional efforts to promote tourism in NE NC; encourage development of
"bed & Breakfast" or other tourist related services.
support efforts to increase recreational access to Ahoskie Creek Seek assistance from State
office of Water Resources under their Civil Works Project Program; consider projects such
as stream restoration, navigational improvements, and recreation uses.
SCORE: 1
Ahoskie is the youngest town in Hertford County, so promotion of historic tourism generally is
focused on other locations, even though the Town participates in such regional efforts. Also, Ahoskie Creek
is not suitable for recreation activities inside the corporate limits, but might be developed more fully outside
of town.
STORM HAZARDS
Policy: Reduce the potential for storm damage.
+ enforce the Floodplain Ordinance.
+ enforce the state building axle in all new construction.
+ enforce the Town's housing code.
SCORE: 3
The building and housing codes are enforced by the county building inspector.
Policy: Protect natural areas sensitive to storm hazards.
+ classify AECs and flood -prone areas as Conservation.
SCORE: 1
This was done.
Policy: 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 OEM.
SCORE: 2
The Town consistently supports these activities, although Hertford County is considered a safe place
in the event of coastal storms, and other locations could be evacuated from the east to Hertford County.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Policy. Solicit citizen input in all planning decisions.
+ advertise all Council and Planning Board meetings in the News -Herald; emphasize that
citizens are invited . .
SCORE: 1
11

This is done on an on -going basis.
Policy: Apprise the public of planning issues as they develop.
+ report important planning and community development issues, decisions, and developments
to the paper, propose feature articles for especially important issues.
SCORE: 1
This is done on an on -going basis.
V. 1992 POLICY OBJECTIVES
A. Resource Protection .
The Town is located in the heart of Hertford County. Ahoskie Creek, an Area of Environmental
Concern, flows through the southern half of the planning area. White Oak Swamp, a floodprone area, lies .
in the eastern portion of the jurisdiction.
Tt. Mb ' po«.. l i' tale' A •"Mtaie �U � w preserve and enhance the .quality of the
i iw a �in11 Su i i w n ai �W aiiu tiu� i
County's valuable water resources and its productive agricultural land.
Creeks, freshwater wetlands; 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 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.
These areas are currently zoned R-20 Residential -Agricultural, which is the lowest density district
designation. There are two small areas in the central Ahoskie creek area which are zoned Light Industrial;
one being the Carolina Billets property and the other, the old wastewater treatment plant facility.
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.
The Town will work with developers of large residential and industrial projects to insure that land
development will not 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.
Groundwater resources supply Ahoskie residents with water. Planners and local officials have only
recently begun to understand 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 strategies that the Town will attempt to implement over the next five years in an effort to
achieve these policy goals.
12

(1) Constraints to Development
a. SOIL SUITABILITY - The Town's extraterritorial jurisdiction contains areas
with weaknesses in soil suitability for development. It shall be AhosWs policy to
discourage inappropriate development in areas with these weaknesses. In order to
accomplish this, the Planning Board will ask the County Soil Conservation Service
representative to review the zoning scheme in its ETJ to assure that the types and
densities of development currently allowed are not inconsistent with existing soil
types. If inconsistencies are discovered, the Planning Board will develop a
recommendation to the Town Council for rezoning those areas with special
problems, in the absence of municipal services or other acceptable alternatives which
adequately address the particular soil weaknesses.
b. SEPTIC TANK USE - Since Ahoskie does provide municipal wastewater
treatment services, septic tanks are only used for new development in the
extraterritorial jurisdiction. As stated above, there are areas in the ETJ which have
soil limitations for septic tanks. Especially in the east and northeast sector of the
ETJ and along Ahoskie Creek in the southern sector, Leaf and Bibb soils are
present in large areas. This has been a limiting factor for development in these
areas over time. It shall be the .policy of the Town of Ahoskie to generally
discourage development in areas not served by municipal wastewater treatment
service. In order to accomplish this, the Town will support decisions of the County
Health Department, Environmental Health Division, in its issuance or denial of
septic tank permits in its jurisdiction The Town Manager will request notification
from Hertford County Health Department of all septic tank permits issued within
its planning area If the number of permits in a given area warrant attention, the
Planning Board may request that wastewater services be extended from the town.
Economic Development grants for extension of services might also be pursued for
any industrial development outside the Town's service area.
(2) Loral resource development issues relative to Areas of Environmental Concern (AFC's)
a. LAND USES AND DEVELOPMENT DENSITIES IN PROXIMITY TO
OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS (ORW s) - The only area of
environmental concern in the planning area is Ahoskie Creek. There are no ORW s
within the Ahoskie Planning area This issue does not apply.
(3) Other hazardous or fragile land areas
a. FRESHWATER SWAMPS AND MARSHES - White Oak Swamp is a
floodprone area but not considered a specific fragile area and no marshes are in
the area. This issue does not apply.
b. MARITIME FORESTS - There are no maritime forests in the.Ahoskie
Planning area This issue does not apply.
G POCOSINS AND 404 WETLANDS - There are no pocosins in Ahoskie's
planning area Several areas may be considered 404 wetlands by the current
delineation scheme of the Army Corps of Engineers. -At the time of this writing,
new guidelines for delineation of wetlands are under consideration by the federal
government which could change the status of some areas. It shall be the policy of
the Town of Ahoskie to consider support for federal decisions with regard to 404
.13

wetlands in its jurisdiction (depending on the final outcome of Federal delineation
revisions), and the Town will rely on federal and state regulations to adequately
protect these lands.
d. OUTSTANDING RESOURCE WATERS (ORW areas) - There are no
ORW s within the planning area This issue does not apply.
e. SHELLFISHING WATERS - There are no shellfishing waters in the
planning area. This issue does not apply.
f. WATER SUPPLY AREA AND OTHER WATERS WITH SPECIAL
VALUES - The Town does not utilize surface water as a water supply and there
are no other surface waters with special values. This issue does not apply.
g. CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES - Ahoskie is one of the
"youngest" incorporated areas in Hertford County, so its historic resources are not
as significant as other localities in the county. Nevertheless, the Town takes pride
in its historic commercial district. It shall be the policy of the Town of Ahoslde
to encourage preservation of significant historic structures in its planning area The
Town supports adaptive reuse of these structures. The Planning Board will consider
adopting an historic district overlay zone in the commercial district, which will cause
owners of significant properties to consult with the Town prior to modifications of
these structures.
h. MANMADE HAZARDS - The only manmade hazard in the planning area
is bulk storage of flammable substances in the form of home heating fuel. This
is located at Eastern Fuels on Highway 42. A former airstrip on Jernigan Swamp
Road near the ETJ is no longer in use. The county as a whole experiences frequent
fly-overs from military activities originating in the Tidewater Virginia area. Ahoskie
is not significantly affected by this activity. The Town's policy is to allow bulk fuel
storage as a conditional use only in areas zoned for heavy industrial use, and it
assures through its zoning regulations that adequate buffers or other safeguards are
established to protect the public. Airstrips would also be allowed only in areas
zoned for heavy industrial use. With regard to military operating area, the Town
is not affected at this time so this issue does not apply.
(4) Hurricane and flood evacuation needs and plans
Hertford County is considered to be a safe place in hurricanes and has traditionally
been thought of . as a destination point for residents evacuating counties to the east
or northeast. The lessons of Hurricane Hugo in 1990 have impressed upon coastal
counties that storms do not always follow predictable paths. Flooding in the
Ahoskie planning area is also expected to be limited It shall be the policy of the
Town of Ahoslde to support and rely upon the County's Emergency Management
plans for all evacuation needs.
14

(5) Means of protection of potable water supper
The Town's potable water supply is taken entirely from groundwater. Four wells
supply the Town's needs. There is not great consistency in the ability to locate high
quality groundwater wells. Because the experience in this area is erratic, it is
difficult to protect particular areas based on their potential as well sites. However,
protection of potable water supply is an extremely important aspect of future growth
potential. It shall be the Town's policy to continue to pursue suitable well sites for
future water supplies. As suitable sites are found, the Town will discourage high
density or noxious development in the surrounding area
(6) Use of package treatment plants for sewage disposal
There have been no requests for package treatment plants in the jurisdiction over
the past five years. The Town's policy is to support the use of these plants in
locations where soils do not support septic tanks only if extension of existing
municipal service is not feasible. If package treatment plants are allowed, the Town
supports enforcement of DEM requirements for such plants.
(7) Stormwater runoff and its impact on coastal wetlands, surface waters or other fragile
areas
Stormwater runoff from municipalities often has a significant impact on water
quality. The Town of Ahoskie maintains storm sewers which drain to Ahoskie
Creek- and White Oak Swamp . There are no coastal wetlands to impact in
Hertford County, and the only surface waters nearby would be in Ahoskie Creek,
which is periodically dry. White Oak Swamp would be included in the natural
drainage pattern in the planning area and would be affected by local stormwater
runoff. It shall be the Town's policy to seek better ways of handling stormwater
runt Toward this end, the Town will work with a qualified engineering firm to
study alternative methods.
(8) Marina and floating home development and dly stack storage facilities for boats
There are no marinas or dry stack facilities in the planning area This issue does
not apply.
(9) Industrial impact on fragile areas
Industrial development in Ahoskie is located near Ahoskie Creek, but its impact
is minimal since the Town provides water and sewer service and the types of
industries are not noxious polluters. It is the Town's policy to help industry develop
without imposing negative impacts on fragile areas. Primarily, this is accomplished
through provision of municipal services to the industry where feasible. The Town
would not support development of any new industry which might impose severe
health risks on the public.
15

(10) Development of sound and estuarine system islands
There are no sound or estuarine islands in the planning area. This issue does not
apply.
(11) Restriction of development within areas up to 5 feet above mean high water that
might be susceptible to sea level rise and wetland loss
This issue does not apply.
(12) Upland excavation for marina basins
Ahoskie Creek is not suitable for marina development. This issue does not apply.
(13) Damaging of existing marshes by bulkhead installation
The only possible area where this might be construed to apply would be in the
southernmost portion of the jurisdiction along Ahoskie Creek. If indeed such
development were feasible, the Towels policy is to .discourage installation of
bulkheads along Ahoslde Creek if areas of marshes are found to exist.
B. Resource Production and Mana eg ment
Ahoskie is located in the center of Hertford County, in the heart of rural northeastern North
Carolina. Directly or indirectly, many residents are involved in the development of the County's natural
resources. Crop and pastureland amounts for 26% of all land in the County. Woodland, much of which
is used as commercial forestland, amounts for 67% of all land in Hertford County.
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 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 resources. The Town supports diversification of the local agricultural economy.
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
processing 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
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 those activities can
be shown to have no adverse impacts on the Town's agricultural and water resources.
16

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 goals.
(1) Productive agricultural lands
Prime farmland soils are present in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. It shall be the
policy of the Town of Ahoskie to discourage conversion of prime farmland to other
uses to the extent reasonable for property owners. The Town does not wish to
impose additional restrictions, but will support State and Federal programs which
discourage conversion of prime farmland.
(2) Commercial forest lands
Commercial forest lands are not highly prevalent in the planning area, but the
industry has a significant impact on employment in the area It is the Town's policy
to support commercial forestry and to maintain it as a viable employer for its
citizens. The Town supports programs to re -seed cleared land, and it enforces
zoning which allows lumber operations in specified areas.
(3) Existing and potential mineral production areas
There are no existing mineral production areas, and no potential areas are known
to exist. This issue does not apply.
(4) Commercial and recreational fisheries
There are no nursery or habitat areas, no outstanding resource waters and no
trawling activities which apply to this jurisdiction. No policy has been developed.
(5) Off Road Vehicles
Off road vehicles are sometimes a nuisance within Ahoskie's jurisdiction, but they
do not currently pose a threat to resources. This issue does not apply.
(6) Development impacts on any resources
Development over the past five years has not imposed negative impacts on the
town's resources. Limited wastewater capacity caused a development moratorium
of sorts. to be in effect until improvements to the system were made. This was not
a burden since there has been very little new development over the planning period
For future consideration, it shall be the policy of the Town of Ahoskie to monitor
development as it relates to municipal service capacity. This will be accomplished
by calculating a "cost" to the system in terms of resource usage of a proposal. The
"cost analysis" will be included with all requests for building permits for substantial
expansions or new development.
17

(7) Peat or phosphate mininjes impacts on any resource
There are no such operations or potential operations in the planning area. This
issue does not apply.
C. Economic & 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 residents.
The Town encourages the location of "clean" non-polluting industries, and those that provide both
technical and. professional positions. Garment -fabricating operations, non -water consumptive 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 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 keeping its commercial downtown
area vibrant.
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. To that end and to provide for the efficient delivery of public services, the Town will
encourage new development demanding urban services to locate within the city limits or in areas already
provided with local services. In general, outlying areas will be reserved for agricultural and low density
residential toes. 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 developments and industrial concerns will be encouraged to locate within the service area of the
Town's sewage treatment plant. There should be adequate capacity to accommodate new demand generated
over the next five to ten years.
The Town is committed to maintaining and enhancing the .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 resources 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
18

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) TW and locations of industries desired
Ahoskie would provide the most positive support for non-polluting industries which
provide technical and professional staff. Based on past trends, the town expects to
attract industries such as garment fabricating operations, textile milling, printing
firms, and assembly operations. It shall be the policy of the 'Down to support
expansion of existing industry or Location of new industry within the planning
jurisdiction. Ahoskie will continue to support an Industrial Development Advisory
Committee and to work in cooperation with Hertford County's Industrial
Development Commission in efforts to recruit industry to the Ahoskie area The
Town will primarily rely on its Zoning Ordinance and Official Zoning Map to assure
appropriate location of such industries.
(2) Local commitment to providing services to development
Ahoskie and Hertford County have a longstanding partnership arrangement with
regard to policies on extension of services. Generally, the County fronts the cost
for extending lines and the Town then assumes responsibility for service and
maintenance. To the extent feasible where excess capacity exists, it shall be the
policy of the Town of Ahoskie to work with all developers to provide water and
sewer service in areas currently unserved. The Town Council will hear proposals
for such extensions and, if feasible, will approve such requests.
(3) IyM of urban growth patterns desired
Ahoskie has established its desired patterns of urban growth through its zoning
ordinance and map. The ordinance was updated in 1989 and the map has been
under revision for about a year. Rezoning requests have most frequently been
associated with commercial or office and institutional proposals and are considered
on a case by case basis. It shall be the Town's policy to support the adopted zoning
ordinance and map and to update these planning tools as necessary. This shall be
accomplished by strict enforcement of the zoning regulations; by allowing only those
rezoning actions which do not unduly disrupt the Town's established plan for growth
patterns; and by ongoing assessment of the adequacy of current documents. The
Town Manager, the Planning Board and the Town Council all participate in this
strategy. Sustainable development away from the existing urban cluster will not be
discouraged
(4) Redevelopment of developed areas
To the extent that this issue applies to fragile coastal areas threatened by erosion
or storm damage, this issue does not apply.
(5) Commitment to State and Federal programs
The Town of Ahoslae supports, participates in, and benefits from several State and
Federal programs. Highway improvements, Federal Flood Insurance Program,
CDBG community revitalization, Small Business Association loan programs and
19-

small business incubator, Soil Conservation Service, FHA financing, Cooperative
(ag) Extension programs, and others. The issues of dredging, port facilities, and
military facilities do not apply here. Since Ahoskie Creek is intermittently dry, the
public access issue has no real significance, either.
(6) Assistance to channel maintenance and beach nourishment pmjects
This issue does not apply
(7) Energy facility siting and development
The Town of Ahoskie's electricity needs are served by N.C. Power, and no
generating plants . are sited locally. It will be the Town's policy to consider any
proposal for siting of electric generating plants within the planning area If such
a facility can be located in the ETJ in areas of sparse development and low
development potential, it is likely that the Town would approve the request.
Because the Town is far removed from the OCS exploration issue, no policy has
been established with regard to this. Hertford County hosts . a natural gas pipeline
at this time, but it -is located outside Ahoskie's jurisdiction.
(8) Tourism
As mentioned earlier, Ahoskie is one of the youngest towns in Hertford County.
It serves as a residential, commercial and industrial center, but it does not consider
itself a "tourist town" in the sense that there are no seasonal population impacts
and no scenic or natural resources which would be "promotable" for tourist
purposes, beyond the old commercial district in the downtown area. Nevertheless,_
the Town participates in regional efforts to encourage tourism in Hertford County
and welcomes . area visitors to take advantage of the amenities offered by the Town
It shall be the Town's policy to continue the present level of support for tourist
activities which may prove benefiaal to the Town.
(9) Coastal and estuarine water beach access
Ahoskie Creek is considered a public trust area, but the only portion of the
planning area where public access makes sense might be the extreme southeast
sector. The "urban waterfront" has not been developed as an asset since the Creek
does not have constant flow. No public access projects have: been pursued by the
Town in the past, and none are anticipated during the next five years.
(10) densities location of anticipated residential development and requisite services
Residential development in Ahoskie consists of single family and multi -family
dwellings. Current density is about 730 housing units per square mile (inside the
corporate limits). Residential areas are scattered throughout the planning area, with
heavy concentrations in the western half of town. This trend is expected to
continue, and the Town will most strongly support residential development in areas
can=tly served by water and sewer. However, all residential development which
will enhance living standards for Ahoskie residents will be favorable to the Town.
Extension of services into areas not currently serviced will be under scrutiny over
time. The Land Classification map reflects expectations. Hertford County provides
landfill facilities for the Town, so this issue is not under the control of municipal
20

government; however, the town is currently paying a tipping fee to the county, and
this is anticipated to continue.
D. Continuing Public Participation
The preparation of Ahoskie's Land Use Plan was the responsibility of the Ahoskie Planning Board.
A workshop session introducing Board members to the planning process was held in October, 1991 by the
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of Coastal Management, and the
group agreed to meet monthly to work on the plan. The planning consultant began meeting with the Board
in November, 1991.
At their first meeting, the Planning Board agreed that soliciting public input would be an important
goal of the planning process. The Town Council had adopted a public participation plan which included
development and administration of a survey which would ask citizens to rank the importance of several land
use issues. These surveys were distributed to civic clubs, and were kept on hand at the Town Hall so that
people paying water bills, conducting official business, or simply stopping by were able to express their
opinions in an anonymous manner from the end of December until the end of February. The Board also
utilized the media to encourage attendance at Planning Board meetings and to inform residents of the work
the group was involved in. A list of meeting dates and tentative topics for discussion was posted in the
Town Hall in January and meetings were reported in the Hertford County News -Herald, summarizing the
information and issues discussed at each Board meeting.
The .Planning Board and Town Council will be the primary groups through which public input will be
accepted as the 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 1992 Land Use Plan.
Following the example of the current planning program, soliciting public input will be a primary goal of all
future planning endeavors. During the update period, public attendance at Planning Board meetings was
tied to specific zoning situations as they arose. At one or two meetings there were as many as 15 persons
present to speak for or against individual agenda items. No one came to comment on the land use plan
or to hear the discussions.
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:
(1) Means for public education on planning Wives
In a small town such as Ahoskie, ."word-of-mouth" is often the most utilized means
of informing and educating the public on planning issues. The News -Herald
newspaper has been, and continues to be, very cooperative in reporting on planning
issues. Often, the Town utilizes the services of professional. planners from the
Region Q Lead Regional. Organization for large projects related to land use
planning. Other professionals are also called upon to educate and inform both
the public and -the public servants during the course of specialized projects. The
Town has found this to be adequate, and no - further means of planning education
are envisioned at this time.
(2) Means for continuing public participation in planning
As evidenced by the public turnout at public hearings on controversial planning
actions or proposals, the citizens of Ahoskie are quite willing to make their feelings
known when the issue has personal meaning to them. The Town will continue to
21

conform to the requirements for holding public hearings on planning issues and to
exceed those requirements if the situation warrants. Individuals, as well as civic and
social groups have easy access to the Town Manager, Town Council members, and
Planning Board members, who are all willing to hear general suggestions. No
additional activities are planned for soliciting public participation over the next five
years.
(3) Means for obtaining citizen input for LUP policy statements
The Town Council adopted a formal Citizen Participation Plan on December 11,
1991, which described the ways in which the Town would solicit public input for
its land use plan update. A copy of this resolution is included in Appendix A at
the end of this document. The major component for acquiring input was the
opinion survey.
PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
The surveys were tallied for all of the rating responses per issue. Each rating response was given
a weighted value and an overall total value for each issue was calculated For example, issue 1. received
90 ratings of 1, 7 ratings of 2, and 1 rating of 3. At 4 points per response for 1's, 3 points per response
for 2's, and 2 points for 3's, the total value was 360 + 21 + 2 or 390. This tally represents 100 responses
from about 200 copies printed Ratings and Point Values:
1=High priority 2=Mcdium Priority, 3=Law Priority, 4=Unimportant Now
(4 points) (3 points) (2 points) (1 point)
RAC{
SCORE
1
Safe and adequate city water supply.
390
2
Recruitment and expansion of industry.
378
3
Improve solid waste management/recycling efforts.
361
4
Attract non-polluting industries.
356
5
Upgrade and expand Town streets.
344
6
Promote services and facilities for the elderly.
334
7
Pollution due to inadequate storm drainage.
328
8
Expansion of cultural and recreational facilities.
327
9
Increase downtown development.
323
10
Protection of forestry resources.
312
11
Protection of prime farmland.
307
22

12
Promote residential development inside city limits.
_W
13
Support development of shopping centers.
28
14
Recruitment of small specialty shops.
287
15
Conservation of wetlands/areas of environmental concern.
269
16
Historic Preservation.
242
17
OTHERS (Write In):Better Highwa 5; More recreational and educational opportunities for
ogung_VMple• County wide sewer service,• Expand sewer capacity for expansion
of industry;
Repair the parking lot across from Wachovia• Improve education - especially
in the arts;
We need industry to provide jobs; Support shopping centers and
cultural/recreational
immediately attractiveness/cleanliness needs attention (2); uniform appearance
of street
sins; no more chew ugly undesirable shops -enhance commercial image; recreation facilities
for young instead of parkingand leaving town; supervise: town employees. Renovate
_lots
the infrastructure (sewer, stormwaterwater,streets).
E. Storm Hazards: Mitigation Post Disaster Recovery and Evacuation Plans
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 effectively plan for storm hazards. This section
summarizes the actions Hertford County and the Town of Ahoskie have undertaken 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
(Map 2), Ahoskie Creek is an -Area of Environmental Concern. This sensitive
area may be threatened by damage due to flooding or wind, but not likely by erosion
or wave action. The creek is the center of a Zone B floodplain as defined by the
Federal Insurance Administration. Floodplain areas also border White Oak 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.
The Town is fortunate in that all areas in the community seriously threatened by
damage from storms are basically undeveloped. As shown on the Map of Existing
Land Use, there has been no development in the area of either Horse or White Oak
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 stream bed.
23

(2) Storm Hazard Mitigation
a. The Town of Ahoskie is subject to North Carolina building codes for structures
and enforces zoning restrictions for development, but does not impose greater
rwtP.:'t.0 for the p'-Tr `= of h.. —--gat:on. The arm subject to hamards in
the planning area does not warrant extensive policy effort since little development
exists in those areas, and the land is not well suited for future development.
b. It shall be the ToWs policy to continue discouraging high density development
along Ahoskie Creek and in the flood prone arras of the ED. This .may be
accomplished by restricting the extension of services in these areas. The Town also
supports Federal disincentives with regard to withholding of financing in flood prone
areas.
c. There is no local policy for public acquisition of land in hazard areas. The
current local budget would not support this strategy.
d. It shall be the policy of the Town of Ahoskie to participate in and remain
subject to the Hertford County evacuation plan. For the most part, Hertford
County is considered safe haven in the event of coastal storms. Nevertheless, in
1980, Hertford County adopted a plan to guide the actions of various local officials
in the event of a major storm occurrence 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. In Ahoskie, the number of people likely to require evacuation
is minimal. 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 Coordinator. A Support Group provides
personnel and material resources 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 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 severe.. Residents of this area would .be
evacuated during Condition 1, early in the storm event. Evacuees would be moved
to either the Ahoskie Graded School on North Talmage Avenue or to Hertford
County High School off N. C. 561.
(3) Post Disaster Reconstruction
a. Reentry into affected areas will be directed by the Control Group. Upon reentry,
the County Tax Assessor, a member of the Support Group, will assemble personnel
and conduct a damage 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 pose residents with similar health and safety problems in the future.
24

b. After emergency operations to restore public health and safety and initial damage
assessment are completed, the Town Council will assume responsibility for ensuring
orderly repair and rebuilding in the Town.
c. The Planning Board will act as an advisory group to the Town Council to form
the primary -task force for reconstruction. CAMA permitting officers would be
included in redevelopment planning for any areas where CAMA permits would be
necessary. The state and federal agencies involved in coordinating local storm hazard
mitigation and hurricane preparedness activities are listed in Appendix B.
d. The Town advocates the following schedule for staging and permitting repairs
and construction in the Town: 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 conformance with applicable state and local development
controls including the state building code and the Town's zoning ordinance -
including local floodplain regulations.
e. The repair or replacement of public infrastructure would be a major issue for
Ahoskie in the event of catastrophe. The recovery task force would make a
determination regarding relocation to less hazardous locations of infrastructure
which was substantially destroyed. Cost and benefit analysis would be the guiding
principle for all repair and replacement proposals.
VI. 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. Seven broad categories of land classification have been developed by CAMA
for use by local governments in delineating maps of Land Classification. The Town of Ahoskie's 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. The
map of Land Classification (Map 5) is the same as that adopted by the Town in 1987, however several
minor terminology modifications have been made to reflect changes in CAMA guidelines 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 Planning Guidelines.
(1) Develo
In the Developed Classification, land uses are urban in character, densely developed, and provided
with municipal services including water and sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police, and fire
protection.
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 its 1987 Land Use Plan, the Town stated that it will encourage new development to locate within
25

the city limits whenever possible. By applying the Developed classification to all areas within Town, local
officials are attempting to facilitate this pattern of development. Similarly, the Developed classification
reflects the existing pattern of service provision as all areas within the city limits are serviced by public
water and sewer. For the 1992 update, the Town still intends to encourage development inside the
corporate limits, and this classification is valid as delineated in 1987.
(2) Urban Transition
Urban transition is a new classification since the 1987 update. This class is a hybrid of the old
Transition class. Generally, urban transition areas are anticipated to resemble the Developed Class within
the next 5 to 10 years and to which services will be provided during that period. These are areas which
might be considered for annexation in the near future.
In 1987, Transition areas adjoined the Developed area and bordered the major highways entering
the community. Services did extend into the Transition area; however, no areas designated Transition were
completely serviced.
As shown on the Map of Land Classification, the 1992 Urban 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, Transition 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 Classification 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
residential uses, and local planners expect this type of strip commercial development 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 was classified Transition in 1987 and will be classified Urban
Transition for 1992. The Urban Transition classification also has been applied to Ahoskie's satellite
annexation at the junction of N. C. 561 and N. C. 11.
(3) Limited Transition
Areas meeting the intent of this classification are predominantly residential, less dense development
or less intense use, although some service may be offered. Normally these areas encompass developing land
which is not suitable for traditional high density development Ahoskie has not chosen to use this
classification in describing lands within its planning area
(4) Community
The Community Classification is suitable for areas with low density mixed use development in a
rural landscape which relies on septic tanks. Municipal sewer is not to be provided as a catalyst for growth.
Two small areas outside of Town adjoining the one -mile extraterritorial boundary are shown in the
Community classification. 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.
(5) Rural
The intent of the Rural Classification is to describe very low density development used for
agriculture, forestry, mineral extraction, or other uses which may be hazardous or noxious and require
isolation from population centers.
26

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26a

The Rural Classification encompasses most of the land outside of Town. These are areas of
scattered residential development, farmland, and woodland. A subdivided area adjacent to the existing
corporate limns in the north -central section of the jurisdiction is wooded land platted by heirs many years
ago and not currently developing nor anticipated to develop within the planning period. Agricultural uses
predominate in the Rural area. The Town supports agricultural activities in outlying Rural areas.
(6) Rural with Services
The intent of this new classification is to identify rural areas which are served by rural water systems
in order to avert water quality problems.
No areas have been classified under this classification in the Ahoskie Planning Area
(7) 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 include Ahoskie
Creek, which is an Area of Environmental Concern. As 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.
VII. RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES & LAND CLASSIFICATION
Realty very few of the required CAMA issues significantly apply in the Ahoskie planning area Soil
suitability concerns, wetlands, potable water supplies, and prime farm soils make up the bulk of resource
issues addressed The policies are basically pro -development and outline a desire to encourage in -fill
development in order to take advantage of existing municipal services inside the corporate limits whenever
possible. Recognizing soil limitations for septic tanks in some areas prompted a policy proposal which
would assess ETJ soils in relation to current zoning in an effort to better manage development. These areas
fall under the Rural and Community classifications. Economic and Community Development policies will
effect the Developed and Urban Transition Classifications. At the same time, the impact of some policy
actions such as those dealing with growth management issues will have an effect in all land classes.
VIII. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION & REVIEW
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 development 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.
Already the Town has a longstanding "partnership" with the County regarding extension of services policies
and collective issuance of building permits. Ahoskie hopes to work with the County Sanitarian and the Soil
Conservation Service in an effort to determine the consistency of present zoning designations and existing
soil limitations in areas not served by municipal sewer service. Ahoskie also relies heavily on the regulatory
expertise of State and Federal agencies to protect local resources. The Town will work with public groups
noted in this plan, or others which present themselves, 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.
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