Dollar General considering Leasburg location
There are mixed feelings in Leasburg about the possibility of a new Dollar General location coming to the area. Dollar General is currently considering a couple potential locations in Leasburg, and plan on making their decision final sometime later this year.
The proposed lots under consideration are located along U.S. Highway 158 East. They are adjacent to not only the Old Leasburg Cemetery, but also the historic Hambrick House, a Federal-style building that dates back almost two centuries. There was also a historic post office in the area in the 1700s. Leasburg, as an unincorporated community, dates all the way back to 1750.
According to a local website (http://sites.rootsweb.com/~ncccha/memoranda/leasburgarchitecture.html), the Hambrick House was built around 1820. It is a federal-style one-and-one-half-story frame structure with replacement chimneys, unusual Flemish bond brick foundation, and an entrance with delicate reeded pilasters and transom surround. The interior has flat-paneled wainscot and a sunburst mantel. There have been some Greek Revival and later Victorian alterations. Although the building is currently uninhabited and the exterior looks to be in disrepair, many longtime Leasburg residents are disappointed at the possibility that such a historic old dwelling could soon be gone forever.
Some residents in Leasburg and surrounding communities are concerned not only about the potential property devaluation that a Dollar General would bring to nearby homes, but also the increased congestion that such a facility would bring. There are currently eight to ten homes in the immediate area, which would all be affected. U.S. Highway 158 is a busy thoroughfare that connects Yanceyville to Roxboro, and often is crammed with logging trucks and other tractor-trailers.
Another local neighbor, Amar Patel of Leasburg Grocery, is concerned that a new Dollar General less than a mile from his convenience store and service station could put him out of business.
Due to zoning currently in place in the unincorporated Leasburg community, the area near the proposed Dollar General sites are declared “rural residential.” Despite the historic nature of the Hambrick House, it is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Therefore, the nearly 200-year-old building would be subject to demolition if the lot sale goes through to Dollar General.
While many in the nearby area are upset at such a prospect, other Leasburg neighbors express happiness that a Dollar General could be coming. Residents currently have to make their way into Person County to Roxboro’s Dollar General, or make their way down to Prospect Hill or Semora in order to get what they need from the popular low-price chain.
Some of the logistical/environmental concerns arising from the current potential sites is that the Dollar General would have to be on well water and a septic tank. There are also questions as to whether or not that area might potentially be in a flood plane. In addition, locals are concerned about how a new Dollar General in the area might affect the small one-lane road that currently allows guests to access the Old Leasburg Cemetery from U.S. Highway 158.
(The Caswell Messenger, 1/29/19)