Land Use Plan Update-1981

DCM COPY
Please do not remove.
Division of Coastal Management Copy
---------------
TOWN OF A H O S K I E
L AND USE P L A N
U P D A T E
1981

THIS REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR THE RESIDENTS
OF
AHOSKIE, NORTH CAROLINA
TOWN BOARD
MERRILL EVANS, MAYOR
Donald C. Craft T. E. Ward
Henry R. Marsh Tommy Harrington
Merle Vaughan
Robert C. Elliott, City Manager
PLANNING BOARD
R. P. Martin, Chairman
Casey Jones Alvin Newsome
Vernon Baker Chester Rawls
M. C. Jones Elrod Sessoms
Henry Lee Jones G. Thomas Bazemore
Frank Rose, Jr.
Technical Assistance Provided By:
The Mid -East Commission
P. 0. Drawer 1787
Washington, NC 27889
PROJECT STAFF
Ricky McGhee, Project Planner
Kenneth Thompson, Project Planner
Emma S. Payne, Secretary
Barbara Dunn, Draftsman
The 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 amended, which
is administered by the Office of Coastal Zone Manage-
ment, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. INTRODUCTION............ ...... 1
II. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS .................................. 3
A. Present'Conditions ...................................... 4
1) Population and Economy ................................ 4
2) Existing Land Use ..........• ............. ..... 15
3) Current.Plans, Policies and Regulations ............... 18
B. Constraints: Land Suitability ................ .. ....... 24
1) Physical Limitations.. .............................. 24
2) Fragile Areas.. ....... 24
3) Areas of Resource Potential ........................... 25
C. Constraints: Capacity of Community Facilities............ 25
1) Exisitng Water and Sewer Analysis. .................... 25
2) Existing School System Analysis ............... 27
3) Existing Primary Road System Analysis ................. 29
4) Existing Solid Waste, Police and Fire Services........ 31
D. Estimated Demand .......................................... 33
1) Population and Economy... .............................. 33
2) Future Land Needs........... ........................ 36
3) Community Facilities Demand....... .................. 36
E. Summary of Data Collection and Analysis............... 38
F. Major Conclusions from Data Summary ....................... 39
III. POLICY STATEMENTS ............................................. 43
A. Resource Protection ....................................... 45
B. Resource Production and Management ....................... 49
C. Economic and Community Development ...... ......... ... 51
D. Continuing Public Participation .......................... 57
E. Other Issues..... .........59
F. Proposed Five -Year Work Program ........................... 61
IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION ........................................... 63
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Developed .................................................
Transition ................................................
Community........ ......... .........................
Rural .......... ...................................... ..
Conservation...... ..... ............. ...............
64
65
68
69
70

Page
V. RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION ................ 71
VI. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION ............... 74
VII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION..... ..................................... 77
VIII. APPENDIX .................... .. .............. .......... 7b
ILLUSTRATIONS
Table
1
Population Trends 1970 - 1980,...............................
5
Table
2
Population Trends Ahoskie and Ahoskie Township .............
6
Table
3
Residential Growth, Ahoskie Planning Area ..................
6
Table
4
New Building Permits Issued, Hertford County Townships.....
7
Table
5
Manufacturing Firms, Hertford County, 1980.................
10
Table
6
Gross Retail Sales Trends, Ahoskie and Hertford County.....
13
Table
7
Estimated Existing Land Use, Ahoskie 1981 ..................
14
Table
8
State Development Regulations.... .......................
20
Table
9
Federal Development Regulations....... ...................
22
Table
10
Public School Facilities, Hertford County............ ....
28
Table
11
Utilization of Primary Roads, Ahoskie......................
30
Table
12
Population Projections, Ahoskie............................
34
Table
13
Hertford County and Ahoskie Population Projections.........
35
Existing Land Use Map., ............................... In Map Pocket
Land Classification Map...............................In Map Pocket

I. INTRODUCTION
The Coastal Area Management Act of 1974.established a cooperative
program of land use planning between local governments in the coastal
area and the state. This act requires each of the twenty (20) coastal
counties and'many of their municipalities to update their land use plan
every five (5) years. Therefore, this document, has been prepared by
the Town of Ahoskie to comply with that requirement. It is written
in accordance with the Land Use Planning Guidelines effective as
of September 1, 1979.
According to the Land Use Planning Guidelines, the major purpose
of periodic updating of local land use plans is to identify and
analyze emerging community issues and problems.
The guidelines also stress the importance of policy and requires
each local plan to establish policies on:
(1) protection of local natural resources
(2) areas that are economically productive, such as farms,
forest, commercial and recreational fisheries, and tourist
areas,
(3) desired types of economic and community development, including
densities and locations for growth; and
(4) public participation in the planning process.
As the preceding policies reflect a refinement of the original 1976
LAMA Plan, then the original plan should also be utilized as a base for this
update. Therefore, the original and this update will serve as a "blueprint"
for future development in the Town of Ahoskie.
2

•II. DATA COLLECTION
AND ANALYSIS
3,

II. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
A. Present Conditions
1. Population and Economy
In producing any type of developmental plan the existing population
and economy of an area will need analysis. From this analysis population
and economic trends may give an indication of the ability of an area to
maintain and accommodate projected population increases. What follows
is an analysis of the existing population and -economy of the Ahoskie
area. .
In 1976 the estimated population of Ahoskie was 5,080. The 1980
population for Ahoskie is estimated to be 5,507, an increase of 427
people.
Traditionally, one way of examining conditions are by comparisons.
Therefore, by comparing Ahoskie's population to that of a larger area,
such as the county, we are better able to analyze the conditions effecting
population patterns. Table 1 indicates population trends for Ahoskie
and Hertford County. The 1970 Census figure indicates that Ahoskie con-
tained twenty-one percent (21%) of Hertford County's population. The
1980 projected population figure indicates that Ahoskie contained twenty-
two percent (22%) of the Hertford County population, a one percent (1%)
increase over the decade. Table 1 also suggest that from 1976 to 1979
a slow,but steady growth pattern occurred in Ahoskie.
4

Hertford County
Ahoskie
$ of County
Residing
1970
24,439
5,105
20.8
TABLE 1
POPULATION TRENDS
1976 1977
27,700 24,200
5,080 5,240
18.3 21.6
1978
24,200
5,260
21.7
Source: North Carolina Department of Administration
Division of State Budget and Management
1979 1980
25,000 24,903
5,530 5,507
22.1 22.1
The relationship between the town and the township is also relevant
when analyzing population trends. Therefore, by comparing Ahoskie's
town population to the Ahoskie Township we are better able to analyze.
the current trends that may impact on activities within the Town, thus,
creating stable or unstable conditions.
Table 2 reveals the.population trends between Ahoskie and the Ahoskie
Township. In 1970, as the table indicates, 59.8% of the township's
population lived in the Ahoskie town limits. The 1980 projected estimate
suggest that 58.3% of the township population lives within the Ahoskie
town limits. This indicates a 1.5% decrease in the percentage the town's
population is of the total township population.
A national study prepared by the U. S. Department of Agriculture
revealed that nationwide more.people are migrating away from towns into
unincorporated areas near towns. Therefore. -in Ahoskie's case, the 1.5%
decrease for the decade could indicate that people previously living in
the corporate limits could be relocating to the fringe areas close to town.
Yt may also indicate that most new development is occurring outside the
corporate limits.

TABLE 2
.POPULATION TRENDS
AHOSKIE AND AHOSKIE TOWNSHIP
1970 1976 1977 .1978 1979 1980
Ahoskie 5,105 5,080 5,240 5,260 5,530 5,507
Ahoskie
Township 8,535 8,635 8,905 8,939 9,399 9,438
$ of Township
Population
in Town 59.8 58.8 58.8 58.8 58.8 58.3
Source: Mid -East Commission Computations, 1980.
Table 3 examines residential growth in the Ahoskie Planning Area.
As this table indicates the majority of development centered around
single family construction. Multi -family development occurred at a
somewhat lesser rate, but when combining the two types of development
the growth trends appear to be stable.
TABLE 3
RESIDENTIAL GROWTH
AHOSKIE PLANNING AREA
Tpe
1976 1977
1978
1979 1980
Single Family
13 18
23
11 19
Multi -family*
3 0
7
4 1
Total
16 18
30
15 20
Source:
Building Inspector's
Office,
Town of Ahoskie Building
Permits Issued, 1980.
*NOTE:
One building permit is issued
for all multi -;.family
dwelling
corfiplexes.

1
Table 4 looks at the new Building Permits issued for Hertford
County on a township basis.
TABLE 4
NEW BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED
HERTFORD COUNTY TOWNSHIPS
Maney's
Year
*Ahoskie
Murfreesboro St. Johns
Harrellsville
Neck
Winton
Total
1976
19
19
12
5
6
15
76
1977
18
31
7
6
4
4
71
1978
14
26
10
5
6
14
75
1979
8
23
9
5
6
13
64
1980
5
5
2
1
1
3
17
(Jan. -Apr.)
Total
64
104
40
22
23
50
303
Source:
Hertford County
Building
Inspector, 1980.
NOTE:
*Excludes the Ahoskie Planning Area Building Inspection Program.
7,

This table indicates that between 1976 and 1980, 55.40 of the County's
building permits were issued in the Townships of Ahoskie and Murfreesboro.
Ahoskie Township contained 21% of the permits issued but when compared
to Table 3 it can be seen that more development.occurred in the Ahoskie
Planning Area than the area outside of Ahoskie's planning jurisdiction
from 1976 to 1980. This fact clearly demonstrates the trends of most
new development occurring in and within close proximity of Ahoskie's
corporate limits.
Population trends of Ahoskie are assumed to follow the trends
currently found in Hertford County. It is estimated that Ahoskie, like
the. County has a declining school age population (ages 5-9) and an
increasing 45 and older age group. These estimated population changes
may have implications about the types of and amount.of services the
town may need for'future populations.
In summary, Ahoskie's population is estimated to have increased at
a slow but steady rate from 1976 until the present. It can be assumed
that like Hertford County there has been a decrease in the school age
population and an increase in the 45 and over population.
Unlike many other coastal towns, Ahoskie experiences no major seasonal
population fluctuation resulting from tourism or any other activity.
Based on the previous projections it would be reasonable to expect little
population increase in the future because of Ahoskie's close proximity
to the coast. The impacts this could have locally are: (1) an increase
in service related activities and, (2) increased demands made on selected
local governmental services such as solid waste disposal.
As mentioned earlier, the economic ability of an area will be a
determining factor in deciding land use. A change in the economy can
affect the land use demands of a community.. Thus, by analyzing the
economic.trends of a community we are better able to determine if the town
8. .

will.have the capacity to fund public service projects needed for
changes in population. What follows is an analysis of Ahoskie's
existing economy as it relates -to land use planning.
Table 5 shows the major manufacturing firms located in Hertford
County. Out of the 28 firms listed 14 are located in the Ahoskie area.
This seems to confirm the statement in the 1976 Plan (p. 82) that
suggested that Ahoskie is still the center of Hertford County's
industrial and commercial activity.
Analyzing these 14 firms closely one can see that thirty -six -
percent (36%) of the firms are involved in forestry related activities,
twenty-eight (28%) are related to agriculture and the remaining thirty-
six percent (36%) are diverse and related to activities ranging from
the manufacturing of ladies jeans to custom building of machine equipment.
This trend should continue until a more diversified number of firms
locate in Ahoskie.

TABLE 5
MANUFACTURING FIRMS
HERTFORD COUNTY,-1980
EMPLOYMENT
FIRMS
LOCATION
PRODUCT
RANGE
*Bennett Box and Pallett
Company, Incorporated
Ahoskie
Lumber, wood palletts,
logs
150
*Blue Bell, Incorporated
Ahoskie
Ladies jeans, piece
goods, mostly denium
140
CF Industries, Inc.
Tunis
Chemicals
130
*Columbian Peanut Co.
Ahoskie
Peanuts
20-49
*FCX Incorporated
Ahoskie
Fertilizers
10-19
*Franklin Concrete
Products Corp.
Ahoskie
Cement, Sand,
Gravel
5-9
*Georgia Pacific
Corporation
Ahoskie
Lumber Pine,
Pine Chips,
Pine Logs
50-99
*H. T. Jones
Lumber Co.
Ahoskie
Mouldings, ladder
stacks, siding
flooring
20-49
*Lucas Machine
and Welding Co.
Ahoskie
Custom built equip,
general machine and
welding
10-19
*Parker Brothers,
Incorporated
Ahoskie
Newspapers,
commercial printing
147
Perdue Incorporated
Cofield
Grain processing
10-19
*Pierce Printing
Company, Inc.
Ahoskie
Commercial printing
10-19
*Ramsey Lumber
Company, Inc.
Ahoskie
Lumber pine
Hardwood
40
10

EMPLOYMENT
FIRMS
LOCATION
PRODUCT
RANGE
*West Point
Pepperell
Ahoskie
Single knit fabrics,
yarn, machine parts
40
Wilkins Roger
Incorporated
Como
Corn meal, corn
5-9
Harrellsville Metal
Works
Harrellsville
Machine shop, truck
bodies
15
Facet Enterprise,
Incorporated
Murfreesboro
Auto parts assembly
wire, packaging
materials
45
Georgia Pacific
Corporation
Murfreesboro
Lumber, wirebound
crates, plastics,
paper
240
Howell Metal
Corporation
Murfreesboro
Industrial pipe,
machine items,
aluminum
10-19
Machine Shop
of Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro
General Machine
Shop
N/A
Revelle Agricultural
Products
Murfreesboro
Feeds, yellow corn,
soybeans
35
Revelle Builder
Murfreesboro
Prefabricated
building
17
Rollic, Inc.
Murfreesboro
Children playwear,
piece goods
235
*Fabico
Ahoskie -
Laminated plywood
over 25
Lowes Building Supply
Murfreesboro
Building Supplies
15
Easco Corp.
Carolina Alumium
Winton
Alumi.nan materials
468

EMPLOYMENT
FIRMS LOCATION PRODUCT RANGE•
HAPCO Harrellsville Apparels 81
*Freeman Metal Works Ahoskie Caskets
NOTE: * Indicates firms in the AMoskie Planning Area.
12 `

Another indicator of the economic condition of a town are the
retail sales figures. Table 6 shows the gross retail sales trends.in
Ahoskie and Hertford County from fiscal year 1974-1975 to fiscal year
.1979-1980. This analysis indicates the economic importance of
the Town in relationship to the County:
TABLE 6
GRASS RETAIL SALES TRENDS
AHOSKIE AND HERTFORD COUNTY, NC
1974-1975 1975-1976 1976-1977 1977-1978'
Ahoskie 41,140,205 48,353,238 55,948,510 58,196,021
Hertford
County 76,279,381 87,539,006 100,539,852 102,848,283
% of County
Sales 53.9 55.2 55.6 56.6
1978-1979 1979-1980
62,299,127 67,032,672
102,695,920 120,747,348
57.3 55.5
Source: State of North Carolina
Department of Revenue, 1980.

TABLE 7
ESTIMATED EXISTING LAND USE
AHOSKIE PLANNING AREA
1981
No. of
% of
Land Use
Acres
Total
Residential
575
19
Commercial
275
9
Industrial
200
6.6
Governmental
and Institutional
50
1.6
Cultural -
Recreation
25
.g
Undeveloped
1,900
63
Source: Mid -East Commission Windshield Survey, Examination of County
Tax Records.
14

Table 6 reveals that Ahoskie's percentage of all county retail sales
fluctuated during the various fiscal years, but was always over fifty
percent (50%) of the County's retail sales. For fiscal year 1979-1980
the gross retail sales for Ahoskie were $67,032,672. This gross retail
sales figure represented fifty-five point five percent (55.5%) of the
total county retail sales. This current percentage and the previous
trends strongly indicate that Ahoskie is still the center of retail
activity in Hertford County.
Existing Land Use Analysis
Patterns of land use discussed in the 1976 Plan have not changed
since that time. The existing land uses in the Ahoskie Planning Area
consist of residential, commercial, industrial, governmental and
institutional, cultural and recreational and undeveloped lands. Refer to
1981 Existing Land Use Map and also Table 7.
The pattern of residential settlement in the area is similar to
most of the areas of Eastern North Carolina. Most of the residential
development is in or within close proximity of the corporate limits of
Ahoskie. As Table 2 suggest, compared to the Ahoskie Township the
majority of the development is currently occurring in the Ahoskie Planning
Area. However, close attention shopld be payed to the Ahoskie Township
area because of the steady development patterns occurring. Therefore, if
these fluctuating patterns of development between these two areas con-
tinue, the need for urban type services will increase, especially concerning
water and sewer service.
Commercial land uses in the area still consist of businesses along
major thoroughfares and the Central Business District. These businesses
range from shopping center complexes to barber a4d beauty shops.
15

The central business district, (the major concentration of commercial land
use), still places emphasis upon large scale stores and specialized shops
serving a regional trading area.
Industrial land uses have not changed and are still small and
scattered. Industrial uses are still located along major radial highway
and railroad facilities as described in the 1976 Land Use Plan (p. 88).
The industrial land uses in the area inciude.feed storage and grinding
or farm -related firms as Table 5 denotes.
Government and institutional land uses have not changed since
the 1976 Plan was written. These land uses include medical services,
schools and governmental offices. Cultural, entertainment, and
recreational land uses have not altered. The sites described in the
original CAMA Plan (p. 89) are still current today.
Undeveloped lands are areas that are vacant within the
corporate limits and those lands outside the town- limits that are not
used for urban'purposes (forest and agricultural lands). Since 1976
undeveloped lands within the town limits have decreased, these lands have
been mostly converted into residential, commercial and industrial develop-
ments. The undeveloped land outside the town limits have not changed
substantially since 1976. (See Existing Land Use Map).
Problems associated with land.use compatibility have not presented
a serious problem since the 1976 Plan. As mentioned, the Ahoskie
Planning Area and the Ahoskie Township areas are experiencing residential
growth. However, increased use of septic tanks, poor soil associations
and high water tables could.impede this development thus retarding the
areas growth. Although the passage of a bond issue in 1976 for a
countywide water system was a step in the direction of removing these
16
,�

restrictions the Town of Ahoskie must implement their own proposals to
rectify these immediate problems.
Another land use compatibility problem in Ahoskie deals with vacant
commercial buildings in the CBD. Over the _past decade there have been
several commercial structures that have become vacant in the CBD. The
town is in the process of developing a dowrrtown revitalization plan, which
should help solve this problem.
Another potential land use problem concerns problems associated with
strip development along Highway 13. Problems associated with such develop-
ment include numerous curb cuts, sign clutter and mixing through and
turning traffic. However, the strict use and enforcement of the Ahoskie
Zoning Ordinance will eliminate such potential problems.
As mentioned earlier, new growth has occurred mostly in and within
close proximity of the present town limits. However, the area most
likely to experience major land use changes within the planning period is
an area along NC 561 North where the town is contemplating extending
water and sewer services.
Some people may not consider a town the size of Ahoskie to have
open space problems with the development of land. However, Ahoskie is one
of the most urbanized areas in Hertford County. It should be noted that
as land uses change from one category to another the relationship between
the previous and current use also change. While a hog operation is a
perfectly acceptable agricultural operation, its location next to or near
a new residential development will cause innumerable problem to the farmer,
the land developer, the homeowners and public officials. This is just an
example of a land compatibility problem and it is illustrative of the
types of decisions that must be made to prepare a plan that assures a quality
r living environment. The very fact that Ahoskie has had an active planning
program is a testament to the concern for the future that exist within the
17,

Town. The Town has sought to use land use regulatory devices to help resolve
problems and correct root causes of these problems, instead of making
reactionary and unplanned attempts to correct an issue.
In light of these facts the 1980 Plan provides a new level of emphasis.
This emphasis deals with the relationship of public policy to specific
problem resolution. In this plan the town is being asked to look at various
policies concerning land development and to produce positive strategies to
meet contingencies suggested by these policies. In turn, these strategies
will form the basis for meeting the problems of the Town. This is -,an
action plan with deliberate steps that will help the citizens of Ahoskie
control their future.
After reviewing the growth and type of growth experienced by
Ahoskie since 1976m it does not appear that any major change in the
predominant land use categories will occur. The 1976 patterns are still
current today and should continue,to be throughout this decade..
Ahoskie has one area. of enviornmental concern, the public trust waters.
The Ahoskie Creek has been designated as the town's only area of environ-
mental concern.
3. Current Plans, policies and Regulations
How land is developed is in part of plans, policies and regulations.
An analysis of these plans, policies and regulations assist in identifying
the policy formation.. Pages 90 through 95 in the 1976 Land Development
Plan for Ahoskie outline the previous and current documents relating to land
use. Since 1976, three (3) more plans have been developed for Ahoskie. They
are:
Addendum to the Ahoskie Land Development Plan (1978)
18

Prepared by the N. C. Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development,. the "Addendum" was a supplement to the 1976 CAMA Plan intended
to help the town maintain its eligibility to receive HUD planning
assistance funds.
An Initial Housing Element - Town of Ahoskie (1978)
.Prepared by the N. C. Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development, the document outlined the town's current and estimated
housing needs and was intended to help the town maintain its eligibility
to receive HUD -planning assistance funds.
Annexation Feasibility Study (1977)
Prepared by the-N. C. Department of Natural Resources and Community
Development, a study to determine the feasibility of annexing four (4)
areas adjacent to the present town limits.
State and Federal regulations also affect land use in the Town.
Tables 8 and 9 are a listing of such regulations.
'19 ,

TABLE 8
STATE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Department of Natural Resources and Community — Permits to discharge to surface waters
Development or operate wastewater treatment
plants or oil discharge permits;
NPDES Permits, (G. S. 143-215)
Division of Environmental Management
- Permits for septic tanks with a
capacity over 3,000 gallons/day
(G. S. 14-3-215.3).
- Permits for withdrawal of surface
or ground waters in capacity use
areas (G. S. 143-215.15).
- Permits for air pollution abatement
facilities and sources
(G. S. 143-215.108).
- Permits for construction of com-
plex sources; e. g. parking lots,
subdivisions, stadiums, etc.
(G. S. 143-215.109).
- Permits for construction of a well
over 100,000 gallons/day (G. S. 87-
88) .
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development - Permits to dredge and/or fill in
Office of Coastal Management estuarine waters, tidelands, etc.
(G. S. 113-229).
- Permits to undertake development
in Areas of Environmental Concern
(G. S. 113A-118).
NOTE: Minor development permits
are issued by the local
government.
1
20

TABLE 8 CONTINUED
Department of Natural Resources and
- Permits to alter or construct a
Community Development
dam (G. S. 143-215.66).
.Division of Earth Resources
- Permits to mine (G. S. 74-51)..
- Permits to drill an explanatory
oil or gas well (G. S. 113-381).
- Permits to conduct geographical
exploration (G. S. 113-391).
- Sedimentation erosion control
plans for any land disturbing
activity of over one contiguous
acre (G. S. 113A-54) .
Department of Natural Resources and
- Permits to construct an oil refinery
Community Development
Secretary of NRCD
Department of Administration
- Easements to fill where lands ait
proposed to be raised above the
!
normal high water mark of
*navigable waters by filling
(G. S. 146.6 (c).
Department of Human Resources
- Approval to operate a solid waste
disposal site or facility
(G. S. 130-166.16).
- Approval for construction of an%•
public water supply facility thit
furnishes water to ten or more
residences (G. S. 130-160.1).
21

TABLE 9
.FEDERAL -DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Army Corps of Engineers' - Permits required under Section 9
(Department of Defense) and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors
of 1899; permits to construct in
navigable waters.
- Permits required under Section 103
of the Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
- Permits required under Section 404
of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act of 1972; permits to
undertake dredging and/or filling
activities.
Coast Guard Permits for bridges, causeways,
(Department of Transportation) pipelines over navigable waters;
required under the General Bridge
Act of 1946 and the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899.
- Deep water port permits.
Geological Survey - Permits required for off -shore
Bureau of Land Management drilling.
(Department of Interior) - Approvals of OCS pipeline corridor
rights -of -way.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Licenses"for siting, construction
and operation of nuclear power
plants; required under the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 and Title II of
the Energy Reorganization Act of
1974.
22 "

TABLE 9 CONTINUED
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
and maintenance of interstate pipe-
lines facilities required under the
Natural Gas Act of 1938.
- Orders of interconnection of
electric transmission facilities
under Section 202 (b) of the
Federal Power Act.
- Permission required for abandon-
ment of natural gas pipeline and
associated facilities under
Section 7C (b) of the Natural
Gas Act of 1938.
23 ,�

B. Constraints — Land Suitability
In developing a land use plan it is important to analyze the general
suitability of lands for development. What follows is an analysis of
the physical limitations, fragile areas, and areas of resource potential
in the Ahoskie Planning Area.
1. .Physical Limitations - In the Ahoskie Planning Area there are
few man-made hazards. Currently, the only man-made hazards found in
the town are the storage areas for oil and petroleum and the railroad
line through the town.. These areas are well buffered for the publics safety.
The natural hazards that exist in Ahoskie are.the flood plain areas. The
Department of Housing and Urban Development Flood Insurance Program has
designated flood hazard areas within the town limits of Ahoskie. These
areas are generally situated in the East Hayes Street area, and the
Newsome Street area and are located in the Northeast portion of the town
limits. Also since the 1976 Plan, a complete soils survey report has been
prepared. This survey indicates what kinds of soils are in the area,
where they are located and how they can be used. According to the soils
survey, soils in the planning area pose no major constraint for development.
There are also no areas of excessive slope in the Ahoskie Planning Area.
Water supply for Ahoskie is derived from ground water supplies, currently no
water quality or supply problems exist.
2. Fragile Areas- Such areas in the Town of Ahoskie include (1)
public trust waters (2) and the wooded swamps. Public trust waters in
Ahoskie include Ahoskie Creek. Wooded swamps in the Planning Area include
Horse Swamp, Bear Swamp, White Oak Swamp, and Flat Swamp. •In
24
J

terms of historic sites the planning area contains three (3) structures of
architectural significance. These structures include the Farmers -Atlantic
Bank located on Main Street near junction with Mitchell Street, the Old
Mitchell Farm located near N. W. corner junction of S. R. 1105 and
S. R. 1101 and, a house located on the.northside of S. R. 1105, .5 miles
west of the junction west of S. R. 1101. Currently, there are no known
archaeological resources in the Ahoskie planning area, however, the town
should be concerned with identifying archeological resources that may'
be associated with the previously mentioned historical and architectural
sites.
3. Areas of Resource Potential
Areas of this type include the productive agricultural and forest
lands within the town's one -mile jurisdiction. To date, Ahoskie has no
known potentially valuable mineral sites or any publicly -owned forest,
parks, or fish and game lands in the Planning Area. -
II. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
C. Capacity of Community Facilities
1. Identification, design capacity and utilization of existing
water and sewer services
Water and sewer lines are very important for moderan development.
Present intense residential, commercial or industrial development depends
upon water and sewer services. Communities can direct to a certain extent
where development within urban densities takes place by providing or
denying water and sewer services. The CAMA Land Use Planning process
reinforces this concept by requiring a land -classification system which
shows the local governments intentions and commitment to providing services
25''

that will support intense development. What follows is an analysis of
the Town of Ahoskie's water and sewer system.
The Town's water system -is supplied by five -deep wells which have
a combined pumping capacity of 1600 gpm. Storage is provided by a
200,000 gallon and 500,000 gallon elevated storage tank. Ground tank
storage consist of 110,000 gallon clearwell. Total combined storage
capacity is 810,000 gallons. The water distribution system has 6, 8, and
12-inch diameter mains. The current water system is adequately supplying
the needs of the town.
The Town of.Ahoskie has a wastewater collection system and a
treatment facility located at the south end of town. The treatment plant
has a design capacity of 0.800 mgd. It is presently operating at
96% of capacity. According to water personnel at the NRCD Field Office
the Ahoskie Wastewater facility has been restricted to any additional
connections; other than business or residential hook-ups. This facility
is restricted because it is presently close to its design capacity and
the plant cannot meet the interim level required for biological oxygen
demand effluent stipulated by law. To help correct this condtion, the
town has prepared a 201 Wastewater Facilities Plan. However, a change
in surface water discharge requirements.by the State of North Carolina
and EPA now require that towns in the Chowan River Basin not
utilize surface water discharge as a means of disposal of treated waste-
water. Therefore, the town has changed their previously selected treat-
ment alternative from "treatment and discharge" to a receiving stream to
that of land application.
26 ,~

Education
Ahoskie school age residents still seek and education through the
Hertford County School System. There are four (4) schools located in
Ahoskie, Ahoskie Grade, R. L. Vann, Ahoskie Middle and Ahoskie High
School serving students from grades K-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12 respectively.
The State Department of Public Instruction has projected a steady
decrease in public school enrollment from a high in 1977-78 of
5,300 to a 1982-83 estimate of 4,600. The "Statistical Profile of the
State Board of Education provides the following information that pertains
to the Hertford County School System:
1) Per pupil expenditure rose from $744 in 1972 to $1,333 in
1978,
2) the teacher -pupil ratio is 20.4 in elementary schools and
16.8 in the secondary schools;
3) the estimated drop out rate is 8%;
4) 1978 competency test scores indicate that 13% failed the
reading portion of the test and 21% failed the.math section;
and over 60% of the 1978 graduates indicated that they would
like to attend an institution of higher learning.
Table 10 lists the present facilities capacity, enrollment, pupil
teacher ratio, grade taught and year erected plus addition.
27

TABLE 10
HERTFORD COUNTY, NC
PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES
1979-80 SCHOOL YEAR
STUDENT
PUBLIC
YEAR
'
CAPACITY
TEACHER
TEACHER
GRADE
ERECTED,
SCHOOL
RANGE
ENROLLMENT
ALLOTMENT
RATIO
TAUGHT
ADDITION
Ahoskie Graded
School
700-800
807
41
19.6
K-3
1956, 159,
177
Ahoskie Middle
School
836-950-.
726
42
17.1
6-8
1916, 29,
40, 46,
49, 50, 59,
66
w Ahoskie High
' School
1,102-1,150
1,023.
53.5
19.1
9-12
1977
C. S. Brown
770-875
269
13
20.6
K-5
1910, 26,
41, 47, 48;
51, 54, 59
.Murfreesboro
Middle
School
594-675
420
30
14.0
6-8
1936; 40,
42, 51, 56,
59
Murfreesboro
High School
858-975
631
38
16.6
9-12
1977
R. L. Vann
968-1,100
436
25
17.4
4-5
1956, 59,
77
River View
638-725
621
37
16.7
K-5
1949, 52,
56, 59
Source:
Assistant
Superintendent, Hertford
County Schools,
1980.

3. Identification, Design Capacity and Utilization of Primary_
Roads
The Ahoskie Planning Area is served by five primary roads, U. S. 13,
Academy Street, Memorial Drive, Catherine Creek Road and Main Street.
The existing street pattern within the Planning Area has not changed as
described in the 1976 Plan (p. 97).
Table 11 indicates that U. S. 13 is surpassing the design capacity
intended for traffic flow, however, the Highway 11 Bypass has been
completed and traffic flow should decrease due -to this addition.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation in their
Transportation Improvement Program 1980 - 1986 identified four road
networks in the Ahoskie Planning Area, which are a part of the State's
responsibility within the Town. What follows are the four roads and
the proposed improvement:
1. Ahoskie - SR 1415.(CATHERINE CREEK ROAD), RHUE STREET, TO
CITY LIMITS, HERTFORD COUNTY widen existing two-lane road-
way to a multi -lane curb and gutter facility.
2. Ahoskie - U. S. 13 - N. C. 42 (MEMORIAL DRIVE), CATHERINE CREEK
ROAD TO N. C. 561, HERTFORD COUNTY - widen existing roadway to
five lanes.
3. Ahoskie - U. S. 13 - N. C. 11 and 561, HERTFORD COUNTY -
Resurface curb and gutter from Hayes Street to Church Street.
4. Ahoskie - SR 1416, HERTFORD COUNTY - Resurface from SR 1415
to school.
29

TABLE 11
PRIMARY ROADS
TOWN OF AHOSKIE - 1980
Design
Vehicles
Percent
Capacity
Per Day
Utilization
U. S. 13 10,920
11,50.0
105.3
Memorial
Drive 10,920
9,300
85.1
Academy
Street 10,920
91100
83.1
Catherine
Creek 10,920
9,250
84.7
Main Street 10,920
. 5, 420
49.6
Source: Department of Transportation, Traffic Survey,
1979.
Currently, there are no plans
to increase capacity of
these roads,
nor are there plans to serve the Ahoskie Planning Area with
any new
roads.
At the present, the town does
not have a public transportation
or
bike plan. Neither does the town have a contingency plan in
the event
that the DOT cannot complete planned road improvements.:
30
.

4. Identification, and Utilization of Solid Waste Disposal, Police
and Fire Services
The Ahoskie Planning Area is served by three (3) very important
service departments. These'departments include the Sanitation, Police and
Fire Departments. They are important to the community because they are
public services called upon daily to protect the health, safety and
welfare of the town residents. An analysis of these service departments
follows:,
The Sanitation Department provides garbage collection and trash
disposal within the town limits. Residential activities receive twice a
week service. This Particular service is provided to residents on the
western side of town on Mondays and Thursdays, and to residents on the
eastern side of town on Tuesdays and Fridays. Commercial and industrial
establishments receive daily service depending on the amount of waste
discharged. The trash collection service is regularly scheduled for
each Wednesday at the local citizens request. Presently the Sanitation
Department has ten (10) employees.
The Town request local citizens to use thirty (30) gallon garbage cans
with tightly fitting lids. This policy -is generally viewed as a good one
since such containers help prevent rodents and flies from nesting in the
waste. All of the town's solid waste is then taken to the County landfill
for proper disposal. At present, the current solid waste system is not
being utilized to full capacity. As a result, it.is felt that the current
system will be adequate until the end of the planning period.
Police services are provided by the Ahoskie Police Department located
at 301 West Main Street. The police force is made up of fifteen (15)
31.

full-time personnel including the Chief. The department provides around
the.clock protection to the town residents.
A radio dispatcher.is on -duty at all times. The town employs five
(5) radio dispatchers. Radio contact is available with the Hertford
County Sheriff's Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol. In
addition, cooperative and coordinated activities are also maintained
with the North Carolina Special Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the
Alcohol Control Board.
Law enforcement officers for the town have a variety of duties.
These duties include record keeping, traffic supervision, investigations
and all other phases of police functions. These are the only municipal
duties that the officers are responsible for.
Police officers work rotating shifts totalling forty-two (42) hours
per week. The department operates on a five day week for its employees,
all shifts manned by two (2) officers except one that is manned by
three (3) officers. Presently, the department has ten (10) patrol cars
and one (1) police scooter.
Fire protection for town residents is provided by the Ahoskie Fire
Department located in the same building as the Ahoskie Police Department
at 301 West Main Street. The department is manned by twenty-nine (29)
regular volunteers of which four (4) are paid employees.
The principle service area is bounded by the Town of Ahoskie
Corporate Limits. Inside this area are two -hundred and ten (210) fire
hydrants, while outside.this area there are three (3) fire hydrants
located in the industrial park.
In addition to the department's manpower capabilities, there are
32

formal mutual aid agreements with all of the neighboring municipal and
rural volunteer fire departments surrounding the town. These agreements
substantially increase the town'.s fire fighting ability.
Equally important with fire fighting capability is the prevention
measures which are prevalent. For example, all public facilities are
inspected on a semi-annual basis or more, depending upon the require-
ments of the State Insurance Office. Augmenting the inspection of public
facilities, the town imposes electrical code and building code enforce -
went to assure that proper development occurs within the town. Currently
the department operates three (3) fire tanker trucks.
Presently, both fire and police services are adequate. It is
anticipated that only equipment replacement will be needed during the
planning period.
Ih. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
D. Estimated Demand
1. Population and Economy
As can be seen from Table 1 in the present population section of this
document, the Town of Ahoskie has experienced steady growth since 1976.
According to the preliminary 1980 census count the Town of Ahoskie
has experienced a 5.5% population loss since the 1970 Census. This
preliminary figure suggest that Ahoskie's population is 4,833. Furthermore,
the preliminary census estimates indicate a 1.3% population increase in
the Ahoskie Township area from 8,535 (1970) to 8,649 (preliminary 1980).
33

If these preliminary figures are accurate, the town should expect
a decrease in service demands within the corporate limits and increased
service demands in the township area. These demands will probably take
the form of increased water and sewer services, solid waste disposal and
other services of this nature.
The anticipated service demands listed above are only tentative
assumptions and should not be considered until the Census Bureau publishes
their final findings. However, the local planning board suggest that
the town's population lies between the Census Bureau and the Department
of Administration's population projections. Therefore, the planning
board and town officials feel that the DOA estimates are more in line
with Ahoskie's population trends as of this writing.
According to the latest Department of Administration estimates,
Ahoskie had a population of 5,507 as of July 1, 1980.
Table 12 gives the projected 1980 1990 population for the Town
of Ahoskie.
TABLE 12
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
TOWN OF AHOSKIE
1980
5,507
1981
5, 5.30
1982
5,553
1983
5,576
1984
5,599
1985
5,622
1986
5,645
1987
5,668
1988
5,691
1989
5,714
1990
5,737
Source: Mid -East Commission, 1980.
.34

As Table 12 indicates, the town's population is expected to increase
by 230 persons from 1980 - 1990. The Ahoskie Planning Board and Town
Council feel that this 230 persons change is a reasonable projection and
feel that the town will attain this amount of growth.
Table 13 examines the county -town population changes that are
expected to occur during the next decade. From the projections it can be
seen that the town will continue to steadily increase in population as the
county experiences steady population decreases.
Hertford
County
Ahoskie
of County
Residing
TABLE 13
HERTFORD COUNTY AND AHOSKIE
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
1980 - 1990
24,903
24,005
23,912
23,827
23,747
23,663
23,586
23,506
23,426
23,343
5,507
5,530
5,553
5,576
5;599,
5,622
5,645
5,668
5,691
5,714
22.1
23
23.2
23.4
. 23.5
-23.7
23.9
24.1
24.2
24.4
Continued - 23,250
5,737
24.6
Source: Office of State Budget and Management, Mid --East Commission, 1980.
From 1980 to 1990 the Town is expected to have a decrease in the number
of school age children as mentioned earlier. Also expected is an increase.
in the 45 and over population age group. Tbus, these population shifts could
imply less attendance in schools and less needs for active types of recreation
and an increase in services to the aged.
Ahoskie'will continue to be the major retail center in the county.
Industrial diversity, agriculture and forestry Will still be important
economic activities through the next decade.
35

2. Future Land Needs
The CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines directs that an estimate be
made of the need for residential structures and related.services. To do
this, the following model was developed: Ahoskie's projected persons
per household was calculated.. By 1990, Ahoskie is projected to have an
average household size of 2.611 persons. The Town is also projected
to have a population increase of 230 persons. By dividing the projected
household size by the estimated population it can be seen that
approximately 102 new families.will be formulated.
Currently, there are approximately 120 acres of land zoned for
residential use in the planning area. Similarly there are vast amounts
of low intensity use lands within :the planning area which could be
converted to residential use. Bearing this in mind;. it would appear
that Ahoskie has an ample amount of land to house the anticipated pop-
ulation growth at densities as low as one dwelling unit per hald acre.
Expected densities, however, are likely to be at least two (2) units
per acre thus providing a surplus of residential land but allowing for
a choice of locations.
There are currently approximately 230 acres of vacant commercially
zoned lands and 75 acres.of vacant industrial lands within the Ahoskie
planning area. These lands would seem to be adequate to accommodate the
expected commercial and industrial growth during the planning period.
3. Community Facilities Demand
The Town of Ahoskie will be able to absorb the projected population for
the most part, without need for extensive additions for existing facilities.
Ahoskie schools will be able to: handle the additional population increase
without an increase in facilities.
36

In terms of existing water supply, Ahoskie has an abundant supply of
ground water, and water supply should not provide any constraints to
future growth. However, the existing wastewater collection system is
operating at near capacity and will cause constraints to future growth
if necessary provisions are not taken.
Solid waste disposal, police and fire services are adequate in terms
of manpower, location, and equipment and should not provide any con-
straints to growth during this decade.
1This figure was extrapolated,by using•1970 - 1979 U. S. and N. C.
average house size estimates. '
,3 7

1
E. Summary of Data Collection and Analysis
Data for the land development plan was assembled by a variety of
means. Tnformation was obtained as follows:
The presentpopulation and economy data was obtained by examining
present trends in Ahoskie's population and economy since 1976.
Discussions were held with Department of Administration personnel
concerning the population estimates and conversations were held with
NRCD personnel and Hertford County. Economic Development personnel for
the present-day economic picture in the County.
Existing Land Use. Information was obtained by conversations,with Town
personnel, field surveys and also some on -site investigation.
Current Plans, Policies and Regulations. Information was obtained from
various sources such as North Carolina Department of Transportation,
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development personnel,
and the Town Manager.
Constraints, Land Suitability. This information was obtained from the 1976
Land Development Plan, on site investigation and new soils information.
Constraints - Capacity of Community Facilities. This information was
acquired,from the Division of Human Resources personnel, Department of
Natural Resources and Community Development Water Quality personnel,
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction personnel, the Hertford
County School Superintendent, and North Carolina Department of Transportation
personnel.
38

Estimated Demand Population and Economy - Population projections were
obtained from the Department of Administration, Mid -East Commission,
and also from consultation. with -the Ahoskie Planning Board and Town
Council. Economic information was obtained from the Ahoskie Chamber
of Commerce.
Future Land Needs - This information was developed by examining past
land development trends, and population projections. It also was
developed by conversation with town personnel, Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development personnel, and Coastal Resources
Commission personnel.
Community Facilities Demand - This information was obtained by examining
the present facilities and departments i. e., water supply wastewater
facilities, schools, roads, sanitation, police and fire departments as
compared to the projection increases by 1990.
F. Major Conclusion From Data -Summary
Listed below are the major conclusions found in the data collection
and analysis section of the plan.
Existing Population and Economy
(1) The Town of Ahoskie has experienced slow but steady population
change since 1976.
(2) In -migration of persons in outlining areas and natural increases
have accounted for some of Ahoskie's recent population growth.
(3) Annexation can also be said to account for some of Ahoskie's
growth.
39_

(4) Current population trends reflect a decrease in school age
population indicating a continued decrease in the school
age population.until 1990.
(5) Current population trends indicate an increase in the 45
and above age group and could imply a need for more services
for.the aged.
(6) Ahoskie's economy continues to be diverse with thirty-six
percent (36%) of the firms involved in forestry related
activities, twenty-eight percent (28%) of the firms involved
in agricultural related activities and thirty-six percent
(36%) being diverse and relating to activities ranging from
manufacturing to custom building of .machine equipment.
(7) Fifty percent (50%) of Hertford County's manufacturing firms
are located in the Ahoskie area.
Existing Land Use
(1) There. has been.very little change in overall land use patterns
since 1976.
(2) Residential growth accounted for most of the changes that have
occurred since 1976. Thisgrowth has occurred within the
planning area but for the mostpart, outside of the town limits.
(3) Ahoskie has no significant land use compatibility problems
except vacant commercial building in the CBD.
(4) The areas most likely to experience major land use change by
1990 are those areas adjacent to the town limits but within
the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the town, and the Central
Business District.
(5) The Ahoskie Planning Area has one area of environmental concern,
Ahoskie Creek.
40. , r

Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
Ahoskie has quite a.few,plans or policies that affect land development.
See page 90-95 in the 1976 Hertford County - Ahoskie Land Development Plan.
Constraints - Land Suitability
(1) Ahoskie has very few man-made or physical constraints. The
man-made constraints consist of the storage areas for oil
and petroleum and railroad lines and the physical constraints
of the flood prone areas.
(2) Ahoskie has two (2) types of fragile areas within its planning
area, the AEC public trust waters and the wooded swamps.
(3) The Ahoskie area has two (2) types of areas with resource
potential. These areas include the agricultural and forest
lands.
Constraints - Capacity of Community Facilities
(1) Groundwater supply in Ahoskie does not present a constraint
for development.
(2) The present wastewater facilities in Ahoskie are not capable of any
additional extensions anticipated by increased population and
will be a constraint for development in the next decade.
(3) The school.system will not be a constraint for development.
(4) Most of Ahoskie's present road system is not being used to
full design capacity, thus, it will not be a constraint for
development.
41 r

r
(5) The Ahoskie Bypass has -lessened traffic congestion in some
parts of Ahoskie.
(6) Solid waste disposal, police and fire services do not present
a constraint for development.
44

III. POLICY STATEMENTS
One important component of this.land use update concerns the
development of local policy statements. These policy statements guide
implementation activities conducted by the local officials. The CAMA
Guidelines direct as a_minimum that the town address land use issues
impacting resource protection, resource production and management,
economic and community development and continuing public participation.
Thus, what follows here are these issues defined, possible alternatives
for action, the selected alternatives and the means to implement the
town's chosen policy.
Town officials understand the importance of their selected
policies and the manner in which other agencies will view them.
Officials understand that federal and state agencies will consider the
growth policies of the local plan as they grant permits, create new
facilities and programs, and fund local activities. Bearing this in
mind, town officials feel that these periodic updates are helpful in
defining issues other than those prescribed by the CAMA Guidelines.
I
40

A. ISSUE - RESOURCE PROTECTION
The Coastal Resources Commission has designated certain areas containing
natural resources as being unique and of environmental concern. The only
Area of Environmental Concern within the Ahoskie Planning Area is the Public
Trust Waters. Public Trust Waters are defined as all navigable waters
within the town and its planning area. A complete description of these
waters .can be found on page 109 in Ahoskie's original CAMA Plan. The Town
Council and Town Manager feel that these waters should only be used for
recreational purposes. Activities such as fishing and boating in these waters
will be considered acceptable uses; but use as a drinking water supply
and culinary food -processing purposes will be prohibited.
As presented on the Land Classification Map, Ahoskie Creek is classified
as "Conservation". Consistent with this classification, the Town Council
adopted the Policy that public services be prohibited from being located.
within 75 feet from the centerline of Ahoskie Creek, or either side,
except for the spanning of the Creek (see page 48, amended). Permitting only
spanning will protect the area, while promoting the development of land between
the city limits and the extraterritorial boundary, reclassified as
"Transition" (see amended Land Classification Map),.
Other resources and their possible constraints include two (2) types
of physical constraints to development in the Ahoskie Planning Area. The
first are the man-made hazards in the form of oil storage areas and railroad
lines in the town. The use of the Ahoskie Zoning Ordinance has directed
development away from these storage areas. The continued use of this
ordinance to direct development away from these areas will help prevent
hazardous conditions and assure compatible land uses.
The second constraint is a natural hazard in.the form of the flood hazard
areas within the Town. These areas are generally situated in the East Hayes
Street, and the Newsome Street areas and are located in the northeast portion
of the town. The town's participation in the Department of Housing and Urban
Development's Flood Insurance Program has aided in providing financial
protection in these areas. This flood program has helped the town
identify flood hazard areas within the Town limits.
45

Presently, the soil associations in
the Ahoskie area do not present a constraint to development. However,
local officials should utilize the completed county Soil Survey reports
as a guide when making land use decisions.
The historic resources within the town are also in need of protection.
Presently, only three historic structures of architectural significance
have been identified within the town's planning jurisdiction. These
structures include the Farmers -Atlantic Bank located on Main Street
near junction with Mitchell Street, the Old Mitchell Farm located near
N. W. corner junction of S. R. 1105 and S. R. 1101 and, a house located
on the northside of S. R. 1105, .5 miles west of the junction west of
S. R. 1101. These historic structures were identified by the North
Carolina Department of Archives and History. The town with the
assistance of the'State should make provisions to identify other historical
and archeological resources located in the area to assure that they are
adequately protected.
The other natural resources found in the Ahoskie area include the
productive agricultural and forest lands. These resources are found
within the town's one -mile planning jurisdiction. Together these
resources occupy the major portion of land in the planning area and also
have an impact on the local economy, as the population and economy section
of this plan denotes. Therefore, the proper development and management
of these resources should be considered concerning any future development
in areas surrounding these resources.
Two issues of local concern under resource protection deals with
future groundwater supplies and water quality problems of the Chowan
River Basin. Currently, Ahoskie does.not have water supply problems; yet
local officials feel that water supply could become a problem in the
future and should be examined more closely by state and local officials.
46

The other local issue deals with the water quality problems the
Chowan River Basin is experiencing. Town officials are committed to do
what they can to help alleviate these problems.
Currently, the County prepares the hurricane and flood evacuation
plans which include the town. The need for such plans are apparent,
but the public should be better informed about evacuation procedures
concerning both plans. Thus, the issue of better publicizing both
plans may confront the town during the 5-10 year planning period
Policy Alternatives
(1) The Town could choose not to protect its natural resources.
This alternative should be unacceptable because of the
economic impact and future potential of some resources.
(2) The Town could allow no development in AEC. It is not
clear under this -alternative whether the town has the
statutory authority to allow no development at all in an
AEC.
(3) The Town could support all federal and state programs aimed
at protecting environmental areas. '
(4) The Town could plan facilities so that they will not impact
historically or archeological significant properties. The
Town could also make a comprehensive study to identify historically
significant properties.
(5) The Town could or could not request a study be done on
possible future water supply problems for Ahoskie.
(6) The Town could or could not oppose water withdrawals from
The Chowan River.
47

Page 48.
(7) The Town could or could not develop its own hurricane and flood
evacuation plans or continue to be a part of the County's plan.
Policy Choices
(1) The Town will discourage development that is found to be
non -compatible to the local soil characteristics.
(2) The Town will not support development that negatively
affects hazardous or fragile land areas such as the historic and
archeological properties, specifically those lands within
75 feet from the centerline of Ahoskie Creek, on either side.
Public services shall be allowed within this area only as required
to span the creek to reach future development between the Town Limits
and the boundary of the Town's zoning jurisdiction (See Land Classification
Map, amended).
(3) The Town will continue to be involved in the County's Hurricane
and Flood Evacuation Plan.
(4) The Town will request that a future ground water supply evaluation
study be done for the Ahoskie area.
(S) The Town of Ahoskie does not support water withdrawal from the
Chowan River because of possible negative impacts it may have
on water quality in the Chowan River Basin.
Description of the Proposed Implementation Procedures
(1) The Town Council and Manager will utilise the completed County
Soil Survey to help town personnel and developers make
land use related decisions by 1982.
(2) The Town will not provide services to projects that could
have a negative impact on fragile or hazardous environmental
areas. These services include solid waste disposal and
recreational facilities, water and sewer services.

(3) The Town will continue to participate in the HUD Flood
Insurance Program each year. The Town Administrator will
submit the reports necessary to HUD on a quarterly basis for
the town's continued participation in the program.
(4) The Town Manager will request that state officials look
into future water supply problems due to ground water
depletions in the Ahoskie Area by 1982.
(5) The Town will go on record as being opposed to water
withdrawals in the Chowan River Basin.
B. ISSUE - RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
The only natural resources in and within Ahoskie's one mile
jurisdiction are* included in the productive agricultural and forest
lands. Both forestry and agriculture supply food, fiber and employment
to residents of Ahoskie. A look at Table 5 in the population and
economy section of this plan indicates the importance of these
resources to the Town. Of the fourteen (14) firms located within the
Ahoskie planning jurisdiction, thirty-six percent (36%) are involved
in agricultural processing activities.. Together these two (2)
resources comprise sixty-four percent (64%) of the town's manufacturing
firms. Thus, improved forest and agricultural programs and proper
management could increase the economic benefit that the town presently -
experiences.
49

Policy Alternatives
(1) The Town could not be involved in any resource production
or management activities. This alternative should be
unacceptable because of the economic impact these resources
have on the town.
(2) The Town could support all federal and state programs dealing
with the management of commercial and recreational fisheries.
There is no commercial fishing occurring within the town,
however, there is a need to protect the little recreational
fishing that currently exist.
(3) The Town could support all federal and state programs that
deal with the management of agricultural lands in its
planning area.
(4) The Town could choose not to utilize the soil survey reports.
This should be unacceptable because the purpose of the
on -going soil survey is to help landowners make better
land decisions, thus bringing about better management of
one of the town's valuable resources (its soils).
Policy Choices
(1) The Town will use the soil survey because of the importance
in maintaining productive agricultural lands and providing
information for land use decisions.
(2) The Town will support all federal and state programs that
deal with the management of commercial forest and
agricultural lands. '
50 .

(3) The Town will support when feasible, all federal and state
programs dealing with the management of commercial fisheries
and recreational fishing.
.(4) The Town does not have any known mineral production areas
at the present time. However, if any are found, they will
be developed in a manner such that their production will
be consistent with all other resource protection and
production policies.
(5) The Town does not have a policy on off -road vehicles because
the issue does not concern Ahoskie.
Description of the Proposed Implementation Procedures
(1) The Town Manager and clerk will utilize the completed
County Soil Survey Report as a base for making land use
decisions by 1982.
(2) The Town Manager and clerk with the aid of county, state,
and federal agencies will provide information for proper
forest and agricultural management to local residents
by 1982.
(3) The Town will continue to utilize its adopted Zoning Ordinance,
Subdivision Regulations and other CAMA regulatory devices
to manage its land resources.
C.' ISSUE - ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The economic and community development issues are of importance
to Ahoskie officials and residents. The 1976 Plan.(p. 102) emphasized
51 .

the need for more economic development but not at the risk of harming the
community environment. Recent civic leader survey responses suggest that
the town's sentiment concerning this issue has not changed. What
follows here is a discussion of the economic and community development
issues that confront the town.
All types of development are encouraged within the Ahoskie Planning
Area, Recent civic leader survey results have indicated a need for
both economic and community development within or close to the town
limits. Town officials and survey responses indicate that the town
wishes to attract non-polluting (EPA approved) industries. Survey
responses and the town officials also suggest that the town wishes,to
continue current developmental patterns. Officials suggest that con-
tinued use of the Ahoskie zoning Ordinance will prevent incompatible
land uses.
Economic growth has been steady in the Ahoskie Planning Area. The
1976 CAMA Plan'and this update still characterize Ahoskie as being the
economic hub of Hertford County. Presently, the town is in the process
of developing a revitalization plan for the central business district.
To foster these efforts the town has received a HUD Planning Grant to
spearhead this study. The town officials and local merchants hope that
the renewed interest in this area will generate more economic activity.
Industrial growth has been steady in the Ahoskie Planning Area.
As mentioned earlier, the industrial activities have traditionally
centered around the processing of forestry or agricultural products.
However, new industrial prospects are visiting the town, and the town
wishes to encourage more diversification in industry. The most recent
of these prospects is the Freeman Metal Works Company, a casket
52

manufacturer. The town will continue to provide public services when
feasible to help commercial and industrial development near the town. After
reviewing Ahoskie's economic development issues we turn to the community
development issues that exist in the town.
The existing land use analysis section of this plan indicates that
Ahoskie's residential development has occurred within either the town
limits or the extraterritorial area. Steady development is occurring
in the Ahoskie Planning Area as Table 3 of the population and economy section
of this plan denotes. Most of this development has been.in the form of
residential single-family dwellings. The town has not experienced any problems
because of these development patterns. Town officials feel that the existence
and use of"the Ahoskie Zoning Ordinance has been instrumental in directing
these land uses within the Planning Area.
With thb above development patterns in mind, the town wishes to foster
a radial -cluster type development pattern. This means that the Town
desires most of its new development (residential, commercial, institutional,
and industrial) to occur within the Town limits (hence, cluster) or along
major transportation arteries (in a radial manner, hence "radial"), as shown
on the Land Classification Map (amended). By advocating such a development
pattern, the Town seeks to maximize investments already made for infrastrucutre
(roads, utilities, water and sewer services) and to complement, rather
than conflict with existing types of land use and densities. Thus, the
Town's ability to acquire funding for provision of public services may be
enhanced, while the cost of providing services and infrastructure lessened
by reducing duplication.
The constraints and capacity of community facilities section of
this plan suggest that the present wastewater facility will not be able
to accommodate an increased future population. A 201 Wastewater Facilities
Plan was developed for the Ahoskie-Aulander Planning Area to correct this
condition.
53

this condition. However,,a change in surface water discharge requirements'
by the State of North Carolina and EPA now require that towns in the
Chowan.River Basin not utilize surface water discharge as their means
of disposal of treated wastewater. Ahoskie has changed their previously
selected treatment alternative from "treatment and discharge" to
receiving stream to that of land application. Presently, three (3)
sites are under consideration by Ahoskie as land application spray
irrigation sites. Final site selection will be based on availability
of land, non -relocation of residence location, accessibility, and most
importantly soils characteristics. The development of the land
application wastewater system will enable Ahoskie to accommodate future
growth. Based upon the characteristics of the soils, the site size
may vary from 200-350 acres. The planned design flow is 1.2 MGD
providing a design life of 20 years. The continuous use of the facility,
however, is uncertain. Present land uses including agriculture will be
altered somewhat changing from the growing of corn, tobacco, peanuts,
and soybeans to the growing and harvesting of fescue, burmuda, and/or
rye grass.
Town officials and area residents are also concerned with
preserving the local housing ,stock. The town currently administers a
Community Development Block Grant Program. This program consist of
acquisition and clearance of substandard housing, removal of dilapidated
structures, relocation of affected homeowners and tenants, rehabilitation
of private homes and public improvements such as storm drainage, street
improvements, curb and gutter and water system improvements. The town
has continuously applied for and on two (2) occasions received these grant
monies. Therefore, the town is working on.the redevelopment of older
54, ,~

or distressed residential neighborhoods.
Ahoskie residents and town officials do not feel that the town's
location or proximity to other population centers provides a potential
for the sitting and development of energy facilities. The major concern
of the town is obtaining a reliable source of reasonably priced
electrical power.
Since Ahoskie is an inland community, no policy concerning tourism
has ever been developed, however, the town is always willing to.
accommodate tourist and visitors.
Another issue of local concern is annexation. The town of Ahoskie
is pro -growth and the town's.policy concerning annexing an area states
that "the town will not annex an area close to or adjacent to the
town limits unless they can comply with the provisions of G. S. 160A-36._"
This means the town will only annex when funds are available to help
reduce cost of service provisions.
Policy Alternatives
(1) Do not seek additional economic or community development in
the town. This alternative would be impractical since
development is needed in the town.
(2) To commit the town to such programs as Community Development
Block Grants and Highway Program.
(3) To encourage development and redevelopment in and within close
proximity of the town's corporate limits. This policy would
serve to lessen the cost of infra -structure extensions
(i. e., water and sewer)
(4) The Town could seek to attract those industries that will not
cause environmental degradation.
55 1

Page S6
(5) To continue redevelopment efforts in the Central Business
District (CBD) and in older deteriorated parts of town.
(6) The Town could or could not develop policies on energy facilities
setting.
(7) The Town could or could not develop a policy on tourism.
(8) The.Town could continue to utilize its Zoning Ordiwnce, Subdivision
Regulations and other regulations to effectuate its custom
development pattern.
Proposed Policy Choices
(1) The Town will seek to attract only those industries that.
will not cause environmental degradation. The Town will also
work with the Hertford County Industrial Development Commission in
its efforts to attract industry to the town.
(2) The Town will be committed to state and federal programs mentioned
in the policy alternatives. This commitment will be shown by inviting
the appropriate state and federal officials to educate the 'own
about such programs.
(3) The Town will encourage development and redevelopment in a radial -
cluster pattern (as shown on the Land Classification Map) in or
within close proximity of the Town's corporate limits.
(4) The Town will continue to apply for state and federal funds for the
Town's community development needs.
(5) The Town will continue to support the revitalization efforts in
the Ahoskie CBD.
(6)• The Town council welcomes visitors and supports tourism in the
Ahoskie Area.
(7) The Town will seek to attract only those industries that will cause
minimum environmental degradation.
11

Page 57
(8) The Town will continue to utilize its land use regulations
to effectuate its desired growth pattern.
Description of the Proposed Implementation Procedures
(1) The Town will utilize its Zoning Ordinance to direct prospective
industries development in its planning area.
(2) The Town will continue to participate in state and federal
programs by applying for both state and federal community
development funds by 1982.
(3) The Ahoskie Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations will
continue to be used to direct development and redevelopment
in;and within close proximity to the corporate limits.
(4) The Town will utilize service provision as a means of implementing
a radial -cluster development pattern by 1982.
(5) The Town Council and Manager will seek grants for the
provision of technical assistance to downtown merchants
in their downtown revitalization efforts.
D. ISSUE - CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Public participation is an important element of the planning process.
Through public participation goals and objectives can be identified, thus,
giving the town council a gauge as to what implementation procedures are
needed. The Ahoskie Town Council has set up a mechanism for continuous
public participation through its planning board. This board being an extension
of the governing body is reponsible for all planning matters concerning the town.

Policy Alternatives
(1) The only alternative to one of public participation is one
of non -participation by the public. This alternative is
totally against the foundation of our Democratic idealogy.
(2) The Town could continue to expand public participation
mechanisms to educate and inform its residents. This
alternative would be the ideal choice. It calls for
thedevelopment of mechanisms to get more people involved
in the planning process. By doing this a broader
perspective can be obtained and translated into policy
by the governing body.
Policy Choice
The Ahoskie Planning Board has recommended to the Town Council to
implement, improve and expand its public participation efforts in
reference to land use issues.
Description of Proposed Implementation Methods
(1) The Ahoskie Planning Board will develop a questionnaire
that will be administered every five (5) years to gauge citizen
opinion about land use issues.
(2) Announcements of all planning board meetings will be placed
on radio as a public service announcement.
.58

(3) The Clerk to the Planning Board will work with local news
media personnel in developing relevant news items concerning
planning board meetings as a means of public education.
E. OTHER SPECIFIED LOCAL ISSUES
The Coastal Resources Commission has specified that certain issues
be addressed in the Ahoskie Land Use Update. These issues include
Downtown Revitalization and Annexation. Both of these issues were
addressed in preceding sections of this plan but will be mentioned
again.
(1). Downtown Revitalization
The original 1976 CAMA Plan for Ahoskie (p. 100) indicated that the
town was studying methods of improving the downtown shopping area.
Presently, efforts by the town to revitalize the Ahoskie Central
Business District still exist. Most recently, the. town applied for
and received a HUD 701 planning grant to conduct a comprehensive
revitalization study of the CBD. With the aid of this grant and
NRCD personnel the town has established goals and objectives to direct
these efforts. The town also received valuable assistance from the
Ahoskie Downtown Revitalization Committee. This committee is composed
of local merchants therefore, their input concerning this issue has
been instrumental.
With revitalizing the CBD in mind the town has made initial
statements as to the areas, that could be targeted for improvement.
These.areas are as follows:
59,

(A) Parking improvements
(B) Sidewalk and facade improvements
(C) Downtown traffic circulation improvements and,
(D) Modification of the Ahoskie Thoroughfare Plan.
It will be the town's policy to continue to apply for funds to
further study ways to improve the downtown area. The Town Council
and Manager will also continue to give what assistance.they can to
organized groups interested in refurbishing the CBD.
(2) Annexatioh
As mentioned in the economic and community development section of
this plan the Town of Ahoskie is pro -growth. However, the Town
Council and Manager have indicated that before any area is annexed an
annexation feasibility study will be conducted. The Town feels that
the use of such a study will be instrumental in determining whether
or not the town meets state statutes concerning provision for services.
However, the town's policy concerning this issue is to annex areas
within close proximity of the present town limits according to
G.-S. 160A-36. This annexation policy is contingent upon the town
receiving fundsao defray the cost of the service provision. The town
will also consider satellite annexations if in the opinion of the
town council the benefits out weighs the cost of providing services for
the proposed area.
60
.

F. PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR WORK. PROGRAM
The purpose of this proposed work program is to monitor and update
the progress being made toward achieving the goals and objectives outlined
in this document. This evaluation procedure has been developed to
measure progress toward achieving a proposed five-year work program.
It is recommended that the Ahoskie Planning Board make progress reports
at the end of each fiscal year; and forward all recommendations to
the Ahoskie Town Council. The major evaluation goal concerns attaining
those stated objectives within a five-year time period. To do this,
it may be necessary to list objectives by priority; in some cases;
implementation,of the stated objectives may be ahead or behind
schedule. What follows here is Ahoskie's proposed five-year work
program. (See evaluation form in the Appendix)
FY 1981 - 82
1) Begin utilizing the completed Soil Survey to make land
use decisions
2) The Town Manager and Clerk with the aid of County, State,
and Federal agencies will provide information for proper
forest and agricultural management to local residents
3) The Town will continue to participate in State and Federal
programs by applying for both State and Federal Community
Development Funds.
4) The Town will .utilize service provision as a means of
implementing cluster development patterns.
61

5) The Town will make the needed revisions to the Ahoskie Zoning
ordinance
6) The Town will -make the needed revisions to the Ahoskie
Subdivision Regulations.
FY 1982 - 83
1) The Town will continue to participate in the HUD Flood
Insurance Program -
2) The Town Manager will request that State officials look into
future water supply problems due to growth water depletions.
FY 1983 - 84
1) The Town will continue to apply for Community Development
Funds
2) The Town will not provide services to projects that could
have a negative impact on fragile or hazardous environmental
areas.
FY 1984 - 85
1) Continue to apply for Community Development Funds
2) The Town will conduct an annexation feasibility study
FY 1985 - 86
1) Update the Land Use Plan
2) Develop a Citizen Opinion Survey and distribute to general
public.
6,2

.F

IV. LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The Coastal Resources Commission has developed a Land Classification
System to help implement towns adopted policies. By designating these
land classes on a map, town officials and citizens can identify those
areas where certain policies (local, state, federal) will apply. This
system also allows the local government to apply policies on the
location and density of growth and to conserve the town's resources by
guiding growth. Therefore, this system (including the land classification
map) should be used as a tool to better coordinate the numerous policies,
standards, regulations and other governmental activities at the local,
state and federal level.
The following is a description of the Town of Ahoskie's Land
Classification System. The Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) has
developed five (5) land classes; they include the developed, transition,
community, rural and conservation. Presently,'all of these land classes
concern Ahoskie.
(A) Developed
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the developed class is to provide
for continued intensive development and redevelopment
of existing cities.
(2) Description. Areas to be classified developed include lands
currently developed for urban purposes at or approaching a
density of 500 dwellings per square mile that are
provided with usual municipal or public services
64

including at least public water, sewer, recreational.
facilities, police and fire protection.
3. Discussion. Town officials anticipate that most of
Ahoskie's future high density development will occur
inside the town's corporate limits. The future land needs
section of this plan indicated that Ahoskie had enough
vacant areas residentially zoned to accommodate an
additional 102 new families. This indicates that the
town has enough vacant land to accommodate a projected
population increase of 230 people by 1990. Therefore,
it appears that Ahoskie will have sufficient land within
the planning jurisdiction to accommodate the expected
increase. Lands classified as developed then are within the
town limits.
(8) Transition
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the transition class is to
provide for future intensive urban development within the
ensuing ten (10) years on lands that are most suitable
and that will be scheduled for provision of necessary public
utilities and services. The transition lands also provide
for additional growth when additional lands in the developed
-
class are not available or when they are severely limited
for development.
(2) Description
(a) Lands to be classified transition may include:
(1) lands currently having urban services, and
65

(2) other lands necessary to accoirmodate the urban
population and economic growth anticipated within
the planning jurisdiction over the ensuing ten
(10) year period.
(b) Lands classified transition to help meet the demand
for anticipated population and economic growth must:
(1) be served or be:readily served by public water,
sewer, and other urban services including public
streets, and (2) be generally free of severe
physical limitations for urban development. In
addition, the transition class should not include
(1) lands of high potential for agriculture, forestry,,
or mineral extraction, or land falling within extensive
rural areas being managed commercially for these uses,
when other lands are available; (2) lands where urban
development might result in major or irreversible
damage to important environmental, scientific, or
scenic values; or (3) land where urban development might
result in damage to natural systems or processes of
more than local concern. Lands where development will
result in undue risk to life or property from natural
hazards (including inlet hazards areas and ocean erodible
areas as defined in 15 NCAC 7H.) or existing land uses
shall not be classified transition.
(c) If any designated area of environmental concern is
classified transition,.an explanation shall be included
stating why the area is felt to be appropriate for
high density development.
66 . _ .

(d)' In determining the amount of additional transition lands
necessary to meet the projected urban population and
economic growth, the town may utilize estimates of
average future urban population density that are based
upon local land policy, existing patterns and trends of
urban development within the town, and densities
specified in local zoning, if any; and estimate of
additional transition class lands should be based
upon a guideline density of 2,000 persons or 500
dwellings per square mile.
(3) Discussion. The 1981 Ahoskie Land Classification Map
designates the'town's transitional areas. Ahoskie's
transitional lands have changed since 1976. Transitional
areas'in the Ahoskie area include an area beginning at
the town limits in the northeastern portion of the
planning area along U. S. 13 south, and an area along
N. C. 561 east to Harrellsville. Another transitional area
is located in the southeastern portion of the planning area
beginning at the town limits running south along
Catherine Creek Road. An area in the southwestern portion
of the planning area is also transitional. This area begins
at the town limits and extends south along Highway 11 and
extends to the end of SR 1107. In the northwestern portion
of the planning area land designated as transitional begins
at the town limits and continues north along Highway 561 until
the town one -mile planning area is reached. An area
beginning at the town limits in the northwestern portion
67

Page 68
of the planning area is also designated as transitional.
This area follows Highway 11 to Winton and abutts an area
designated as community. Another transitional area is located at
the town limits and runs north along Catherine Creek Road until
it abutts an area designated as community.- Another transition area
may be found on the southwestern side of town running generally from
the town limits to the intersection of the railroad and the
extraterritorial limit (see Land Classification Map, amended).
Another transition zone may be found in an area northwest of the point
at which the railroad (north) meets the city limit. This area is
now zoned as I-H. Other transitional lands may be found within
the town limits where there are vacant land areas.
(C) Community
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the community class is to provide for
clustered land development to help meet housing, shopping, employment,
and public service needs within the rural areas of the town.
(2) Description. Lands to be classified community are those
areas within the rural areas of planning jurisdictions characterized
by a small grouping of mixed land uses, (residences, general store,
church, school, etc.), and which are suitable and appropriate for
small clusters of rural development not requiring municipal sewer
service.
(3) Discussion. Areas of this type concerning Ahoskie are located
within the town's one -mile planning area. It should also be noted
that all areas designated as community abutt areas designated as
transitional in Ahoskie. Community areas in Ahoskie include an area
along U.S. 13 South to Powellsville.

Page 69
A community area is also found along Highway it North to
Winton in the northwestern portion of the planning area. The last
of the areas designated as community is located in the northern
portion of the planning area. This community area runs North
along Catherine Creek Road (See Land Classification Map)..
(D) Rural.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the rural class is to provide for
agriculture, forest management, mineral extraction and other low
intensity uses. Residences may be, located within "rural" areas
where urban services are not required and where natural resources
will not be permanently impaired.
(2) Description. Lands that can be identified as appropriate
for resource management and allied uses include lands with high
potential foragriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction; lands
with one or more limitations that would make development costly
and hazardous' and lands containing irreplaceable, limited, or.
significant natural, recreational, or scenic resources not otherwise
classified.
(3) Discussion. In 1981, a significant amount of Ahoskie's land
still falls under this classification, as was shown on the 1976
Land Classification Map. Anticipated growth in this area is reflected
only in the change of a portion on the southwest side of town from
"rural" to "transition" along the existing railroad. Funds have been
applied for to accommodate development in that area. Services such
as public water and sewer needed to support high density development
will, however, be exempted from the remaining area designated
as "rural" (see Land Classification Map, amended).

(E) Conservation
(1) Purpose. The prupose of the conservation class is
to provide for effective long-term management of
significant limited or irreplaceable areas. This
management may be needed because of its: natural, cultural,
recreational, productive or scenic values. These areas
should not be identified as transition lands in the
future.
(2) Description. The conservation class should be
applied to lands that contain: major wetlands,
essentially undeveloped shorelands that are unique,
fragile, hazardous for development; historical and
cultural resources, which include historical and
archeological sites; necessary wildlife habitat or areas
that have a high probability for providing for
necessary habitat conditions; publicly owned water
supply watersheds and acquifers; and forest lands
that are undeveloped and will remain undeveloped for
commercial purposes.
(3) Discussion. Ahoskie Creek.is the only area
designated conservation in the Ahoskie Planning Area.
70

V. RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES
AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
71 "

V. RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES
AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
This section will discuss the manner in which the policies
developed apply .to each land class. The CAMA guidelines also direct
the local governments to describe the type of land uses which are
appropriate in each class. What follows is Ahoskie's effort to
adhere to this requirement.
A. Developed and Transitional Classes
The policy statement section of this plan indicated that the
town desired most.of its new development'(residential, commercial,
institutional and industrial) to occur in or within close proximity
of the town limits. Town officials favor this type of cluster
development where urban services can be easily provided. This is noted
on the land classification map. Developed and Transition Land Classes
are designated to accommodate all types of high density future urban
land uses. This includes residential single-family and multi -family
development, commercial and industrial development, utilities, community
facilities and transportation facilities. These land uses will also
conform and be consistent to the Ahoskie Zoning Ordinance and
Subdivision Regulations.
B. Community Class
The CAMA Guidelines indicate that the community land classification
provides for clustered land uses to meet housing, shopping, employment,
72

and public service needs within rural areas. Some of these areas have
community water systems but do not require public wastewater facilities.
This area is expected to.accommodate a small amount of residential
growth. Therefore, the town does not anticipate extending public
services (i. e., water) to areas in this class unless the service will
alleviate a serious public health problem.
C. Rural Class
The rural class is designated to provide for agriculture, forest
management, mineral extraction and other low intensity uses. As
noted earlier, a significant portion of Ahoskie's land is classified
as Rural. Some large development may be encouraged in this Rural
Class if there is a possible threat to the urban populace and if the
Developed and Transition Land Classes are not suited for such
development. These large developments may include airports, power
plants, and hazardous materials storage. Development in the Rural
Land Classification will continue to conform to the Ahoskie Zoning
Ordinance.
D. Conservation Class
The Conservation Class is designated to provide for effective
long-term management of significant limited or irreplaceable areas.
This management is needed because of the natural, cultural, recreational,
productive or scenic values that the areas may possess. The resource
protection and resource production and management section of this update
has examined Ahoskie's valuable resources and determined that this land
class only applies to Ahoskie Creek, which is also an AEC.
73 `

VI. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
AND IMPLEMENTATION
74

VI. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATIO14
The Coastal Resources Commission wishes to encourage a broad based
intergovernmental coordination role to help solve common problems. The
establishment of such coordination seems logical since certain problems
discussed within this plan are common to other municipalities within
hertford County. Thus,,coordination may be described in three (3)
ways:
1. The policy discussion and the land classification map
encourage coordination and consistency between local
land use policies and the state and federal governments.
The local land use plan is the principal policy guide
for governmental decisions and activities which affect
land uses in Ahoskie.
2. The local land use plan provides a framework for budgeting,
planning and for the provision and expansion of community
facilities such as water and sewer systems, schools and
roads.
3. The local land use plans will aid in better coordination of
regulatory policies and decisions by describing the local
land use policies and designating specific areas for certain
types of activities.
Specifically, the Town of Ahoskie has and will continue to foster
intergovernmental coordination by the following means:
75
"

1. The Town has expressed a desire to work with the Extension
Service, North Carolina Forest Service, ASCS, Soil
Conservation Service and other federal and state agencies in
cooperative agreements to implement specific policies
outlined earlier.
2. The Town of Ahoskie is a member of local municipal and
county administrators organization. (a group set up
by the Mid -East Commission to better coordinate activities
of local government administrators in Region Q.) Monthly
meetings are held in which common problems and solutions
are discussed by members.
3. The Town has developed a five-year work program that will
be revised in 1986. The development of such a plan
illustrates the town's commitment to implement and
coordinate the land development plan.
4. The Town will begin working more closely with the
N. C. Department of Cultural Resources in protecting and
enhancing its cultural, historical and archeological
resources.
5. The Town will continue a working relationship with
Hertford County to insure consistency with all plans and
policies that may affect both units of government.
76

r

VII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Ahoskie officials realize how important public participation is
concerning the planning process. With this in mind the town has
employed a variety of public participation techniques to assure broad
involvement in the planning process.
The Ahoskie Planning Board was delegated with the responsibility
for developing this update and acquiring the local citizens input.
This Board, with the exception of a few, is the same board delegated
the responsibility during the 1976 Plan. Thus, the planning board
has some understanding as to what is needed to get citizen input.
Below are the techniques used to obtain citizen input during
this update process:
(1) A questionnaire was developed and administered to civic
leaders to get their input on land issues facing the town.
(2) The same questionnaire was sent to the Planning Board
members to get their input on land issues facing the
town.
(3) Each planning board meeting was open to the general public.
(4) Public notices were placed in the local paper of public
hearings.
The planning board will continue to solicit citizen input on
community issues. As -stated in the proposed five-year work program,
this board will develop and distribute a questionnaire every five -years tc
educate and solicit citizen views on planning related issues. The
monthly planning board meetings will also continue to be open to the
general public.-
78

LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
ANNUAL EVALUATION FORM
A. OBJECTIVE ATTAINMENT YEAR FY to
8. OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
.C. PROGRESS MADE TOWARD IMPLEMENTING OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
D. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN MEETING OBJECTIVES, IF ANY
2.
3. .
4.
5.
E. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. -
2. ;
3.
4.