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After heated debate, commissioners approve $1.95M purchase of land adjacent to Nash Community College
Summary
The board voted to buy 39.84 acres next to Nash Community College for $1,950,000. Supporters called it strategic for program growth; opponents questioned appraisals, environmental constraints and process. The contract includes a due-diligence/inspection period and a 45-day contingency window.
The Nash County Board of Commissioners voted Aug. 3 to approve a $1,950,000 contract to acquire 39.84 acres at 3538 Eastern Avenue in Rocky Mount adjacent to Nash Community College after more than two hours of discussion.
Dr. Honeycutt, the college president, told commissioners enrollment has rebounded and the campus needs expansion space for workforce and health sciences programs. "The college continues to grow... the last full year the college served 23,860 students," Dr. Honeycutt said, adding the parcel is the last contiguous tract that would allow expansion of electric-line training and other programs. Advocates argued buying the tract preserves long-term educational capacity and avoids more expensive satellite or vertical solutions later.
Opponents cited prior appraisals and environmental constraints that limit usable acreage. Commissioner Davis noted multiple appraisals showed significantly lower valuations for residential use and that roughly 30 of the 39.84 acres are usable after streams and buffer areas are accounted for; he said paying $1.95M appears inconsistent with recent appraisals. The county attorney and staff told commissioners the purchase agreement includes a due-diligence period (four to five days to inspect upon contract and a 45-day due-diligence window) and that the contract is contingent on board approval. After attempts to table the item failed, the majority voted to accept the contract and proceed with the purchase and specified due diligence.
The approved purchase directs staff to perform the inspections and move forward under the contract contingencies. The board recorded concerns about transparency and process from several members but proceeded with the acquisition as presented.
