The statement of consistency passed unanimously while the rezoning approval passed on a 4-1 vote with Carol Cowen voting against the measure.

“I looked into it further and decided it was a good move for the city,” Scarbrough said afterward.

Councilman Wayne Smith, who cast the second to both motions, said afterward, “I had the time to look at the property and had time to talk with (Planning and Development Director Kelly) Lasky.”

Cathy Scott, executive director of the Halifax County Economic Development Commission, said after the vote while there are no immediate prospects for the more than 80 acres of land off Wallace Fork Road, “ … We have opportunities. Roanoke Rapids needs a good industrial site. Hopefully we can help get that.”

Ellen Heaton, of Heaton Real Estate, which is listing the property for the owner, Gil Cunningham, said following the meeting, “I'm excited. I'm very thrilled Roanoke Rapids has the opportunity to attract industry which will provide jobs and tax base.”

Heaton said she and Scott “will be working as a team to market the property to the best of our abilities.”

Only one one person spoke at the public hearing on the matter, which sought comments on rezoning the property to I-2 heavy industrial and that was Terry Buffaloe, a member of the planning board which originally recommended city council approve the rezoning.

Buffaloe, who is also running against incumbent county Commissioner Rachel Hux, told council having the land rezoned could lead to more prospects. “In rezoning you could get more than one buyer. When we are stagnant like this, instead of having the theater as an elephant in the room, we're having another elephant in the room. All it's doing is blocking progress.”