Planning commission unanimously recommends two Hancock properties for Appleton Ag & Forestry District

The Southampton County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that two Hancock properties be added to the Appleton Voluntary Agricultural and Forestry District and will forward both advisory recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

Planner Mr. Randolph told the commission the first application was submitted by Michael C. Hancock for Tax Parcel 34‑9 (about 100.57 acres) on the east side of Cottage Hill Road. After the Chair opened the public hearing and no one from the public spoke, a commissioner moved to approve. The Chair called the motion, and the commission adopted a favorable recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

At the second hearing Mr. Randolph introduced William Hancock’s application for a 64.08‑acre parcel. William Hancock briefly addressed the commission, saying there was nothing new beyond his prior submission and that he hoped “to keep the farm in the family and keep generation” on the land. Commissioners discussed an administrative detail — the $500 advertisement cost had been split between two applicants so each paid the $250 application fee — and then moved and voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board.

Mr. Randolph said applicants will be notified of the Board of Supervisors’ meeting at which the matters will be considered. The planning commission’s recommendations are advisory; the Board of Supervisors will hold the public hearings and take final action.