Town of Pinetops
Economic need
A town of 1,400, Pinetops is located in tier 1 Edgecombe County. One person in five in Pinetops lives in poverty, and the median household income is almost $10,000 below the state median. Pinetops also exceeds the state average for median age, single mothers and residents with disabilities. Education level is lower than the state average. Many of these conditions reflect the surrounding county, where the unemployment rate is 8 percent.
Pinetops suffered three economic blows in the 1990s. First, two businesses that each employed more than 100 people closed to consolidate operations elsewhere. Then, in 1999, Hurricane Floyd brought significant flooding and further economic loss. The town has lost population each year since 1999.
History
On the upside, Pinetops is a compact town of one square mile, where the library, drug store, post office, grocery and town hall are within easy walk of almost any house. The town leadership is stable and diverse, including notables in state and county governments. And the location—equidistant from Greenville, Rocky Mount and Wilson and only 11 miles from Tarboro—enables easy commuting.
Townspeople also have shown they can work together. The Pinetops Christmas Parade has a 32-year history and attracts 5,000 people. The Pinetops 300 is a nationally sanctioned tractor pull that has brought more than 3,000 people to town.
Vision/Goals/Expectations
A planning process revealed that townspeople like the small-town feel and want to preserve a quiet way of life while increasing job opportunities and amenities for residents. They see potential as a retirement community. Through STEP, they plan to pursue retirement-related development such as retirement homes, group homes and nursing care facilities.
Housing is the second major focus. The town hopes to develop more affordable housing for low- to moderate- income renters and homeowners. One possible solution being investigated is the renovation of the former Highland School for low-income housing.
Contact
Greg Bethea, Town Administrator
P.O. Drawer C
Pinetops, NC 27864
Phone: 252-827-4435
Fax: 252-827-2806
E-mail: Pinetops@earthlink.net
