While council members Suetta Scarbrough and Wayne Smith attended the meeting, they declined comment on how they would vote.

Smith did ask the panel how the rezoning of land from B-4 Commercial-Entertainment Overlay District to I-2 heavy industrial might impact the potential sale of the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.

Ellen Heaton, whose real estate company is listing the former amphitheater site, said the rezoning could enhance the sale of the theater and believes the venue could be used for more than just entertainment.

She said she could envision the venue being used as a community center where companies could use it for conferences while still using it for entertainment purposes. “It has a lot more potential to be sold than marketing it in one direction.”

Heaton spoke earlier in the meeting, explaining why the outdoor venue eventually ceased operating. “At the beginning of 2008, a lot of things changed,” she said, referring to the real estate bust. “There were a lot of great plans, unfortunately things across the nation happened. It's not been used as an entertainment venue in a long time. I believe it's time for the city to step back and re-evaluate. I don't believe the highest and best is to have it as a venue for concerts.”

Instead, she said, the focus should be bringing jobs to the city and having a higher tax base. “It's next to I-95. It's easy for industries to get on and off.”

While there is no company actively being recruited to build on the site, the rezoning will help, Heaton said. “We'll be working in conjunction with economic development. This will be the first step. It's a great location.”

Cathy Scott, executive director of the Halifax County Economic Development Commission, said she was in favor of the rezoning.

She said the more than 80 acres of land would be suitable for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. “The city needs quality industrial sites. The city's population decline is a direct result of the loss of industrial jobs. We can use this to create jobs and investment. We will work with the city to help market this property. We all want higher wages and higher paying jobs.”

Planning board member Charles Landen made the motion the rezoning was consistent with the city's comprehensive land use plan and, with a second by Sherry Hux Mills, that portion passed unanimously.

Jim Miller cast the motion to approve the rezoning on a second by Landen and the rezoning was approved unanimously.