Poised for growth

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: July 8, 2008

Wentworth, which bears the name of the second marquis of Rockingham, should be proud of its history and its recent progress. It should also prepare for growth.
The town, originally incorporated in 1799 and reactivated 10 years ago, has much going for it, including the county’s fine community college, future judicial complex and Mom’s Kitchen, one of the best places to eat in the county.
Wentworth, with a population of about 2,700, will also get a Town Hall, with construction expected to begin later this summer. The council currently meets in the armory.
In a story Friday, Mayor Dennis Paschal, who helped lead the effort to reincorporate, told us the town decided to reactive because it wanted “to control our growth and to maintain the rural character of the community.”
And officials have done just that, though the town, ironically, is poised for such growth—the college continues to expand to grow, and the McMichael Civic Center at N.C. 65 and County Home Road could yet become a reality. A new judicial complex will be built, but the historic courthouse will remain, and the number of people visiting the town each day will surely increase.
N.C. 65/87 is the major east-west route through Rockingham County, with gateways to Eden and, when it becomes N.C. 704 and N.C. 311, to western towns Madison and Mayodan. Settle Bridge Road off N.C. 65 takes you to Stoneville.
Which brings up an interesting point. To be a truly successful east-west connector, N.C. 65 should become four-lanes, especially if the civic center comes to fruition. And with the new judicial center, along with the college, further development, in the form of coffee shops and restaurants, would seem inevitable. The four-lane project probably won’t happen, at least in the foreseeable future.
Nevertheless, Wentworth, the county seat, may want to maintain it’s rural character, but it will be difficult, particularly if this county – as it should – continues to work toward bringing its six incorporated towns together.