Halifax Horizons Paves The Way For Industrial Site Revitalization

Halifax County Business Horizons, Inc., a nonprofit economic development organization, in collaboraton with the Halifax County Economic Development Commission, is pleased to announce the successful execution and conclusion of a Brownfields Agreement for the long-vacant former Westpoint Stevens property in Roanoke Rapids. This landmark achievement was made possible through collaborative efforts of Halifax Horizons as the prospective developer and the Halifax County Economic Development Commission, with the support of the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments, Darrin McClure of Mid-Atlantic Consultants, NCDEQ’s Brownfields Redevelopment Section, Environmental attorney Mary Katherine Stukes, along with the vision and commitment of Halifax County and the City of Roanoke Rapids for the reuse of this property.

Once a manufacturing hub for one of the world’s largest textiles empires, the 55-acre former West Point Stevens property also holds historical significance for the community. It was the South’s first major unionized textile and the site of a bitter union fight in the 1970s that inspired the award-winning movie, Norma Rae.

Scott Aman, President of Halifax Horizons, commented: “The seven-year process to a Brownfields Agreement for this site exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in driving successful and sustainable projects to fruition.” Aman added, “Working together works.”

A brownfields agreement provides for future uses of the property, protection to future owners from past environmental contamination, and tax incentives for improvements to brownfields property. The redevelopment of the Westpoint Stevens property is poised to bring new life to the local economy. As a heavy industrial site, the property will be a catalyst for future jobs and investment.