That doesn't mean, however, the organization is through fighting the issue, David Harvey, its president, said following tonight's work session of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners. He said it means the organization will concentrate its efforts more in Roanoke Rapids.
Harvey's comments about backing off its original proposal came during the second public hearing tonight on an incentive package to lure a manufacturing firm to the Enfield area.
County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott told the board a $4.8 million grant package would provide site preparation and develop a rail spur for the company, which is in the wood industry.
The company will bring 350 jobs to the area with an average wage of $16 an hour, Scott said.
During the public hearing, Harvey admitted his previous opposition to the plan. “I did that because of the concern for the education issue.”
He said, however, “We know we are an economically stressed county,” and that the organization knows the importance of the county's efforts to bring jobs to blacks, who make up 57 percent of the county's population. “We are not going to oppose this opportunity. We're going to work with the county to bring this opportunity to the county.”
There was a however in his address and that was to continue looking at civil rights issues and that includes what he said were the racially drawn school boundary lines in Roanoke Rapids.
Harvey said following the meeting there would be major news developing soon about the issues. Asked if there could be the threat of economic sanctions against the city, he said, “We'll have to see what happens.”
Harvey said the original decision to oppose economic development projects in the county until the school issue was discussed was a decision by the board of the county's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, as was the decision to back off that stance.
Rick Gilstrap, chair of the county economic development commission also spoke during the public hearing. “Next to church, one of the most important things we can do is have jobs.”
Ronnie Locke of Enfield told the board, “We need these jobs in Enfield.”
Roanoke Rapids Mayor Emery Doughtie told the board, “I've seen a lot of what has taken place with the demise of the textile industry.”
Doughtie said the jobs the company is offering pay more than what some college graduates can expect to make upon entering the workforce. “Jobs help families deal with with troubles in finances which affect education. It's certainly going to help you … and help the tax base. It's a win-win for everybody.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the incentive package.
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