CAMDEN
Public water and sewer along U.S. 17 to the Virginia line, considered crucial to attracting a motel and other businesses, is a top priority for Phil Faison, who was elected chairman of the Camden County Board of Commissioners on Monday.
Commissioner Melvin Jeralds was elected vice chairman.
The Golden Leaf Foundation announced last month that industry-poor Camden County would receive a grant of up to $2 million toward a project chosen by a committee of local leaders and residents.
A library, a public pool and a community center have been among projects discussed. But Faison supports using the money for water and sewer systems, he said. Without the improvements, he said, new businesses would be unlikely: "We're not on anybody's long list right now."
Northern Camden County is only 30 minutes from port facilities in Hampton Roads. A new state park sits across from the visitor center near South Mills. A shopping mall would generate more sales and property tax revenue and could be the beginning of something larger, he said.
"You've got to start with a motel," he said.
Faison also hopes to get water and sewer along U.S. 158 to a business park in Belcross, he said.
Faison is one of three Republicans on the board, which also has two Democrats.
In Pasquotank County, Commissioner Marshall Stevenson was elected board chairman and Lloyd Griffin vice chairman.
Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com
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