Editor’s note: rrspin reached out to one of the owners of the subdivision who indicated that one of them may comment on the matter. Should they release a comment, it will be posted on the opinion page with a link to this article for reference.
For more than a decade, Canal Walk has been marketed and developed as a restricted residential subdivision intended to maintain consistent architectural standards, preserve neighborhood appearance, and protect long-term property values for homeowners.
Public records show that in June 2013, DRM Group, LLC executed and recorded an amendment to the Declaration of Covenants, Restrictions and Conditions for River’s Edge Subdivision in Book 2412, Page 671 of the Halifax County Registry.
Among other changes, the amendment officially renamed the subdivision Canal Walk.
The amended declaration established various restrictive covenants governing the design, construction, and upkeep of homes within the subdivision which were intended to help ensure homes within Canal Walk maintained similar quality and standards in order to preserve and enhance the value of the neighborhood and surrounding properties.
Since January 23, 2024, the annual report filings with the North Carolina Secretary of State lists the owners of DRM Group, LLC as:
John M. Rightmyer
Robbie B. Davis
Edward M. Rightmyer
Davis previously served as a Nash County Commissioner and was defeated in the 2026 primary election by Jerry Barnes, who received 60.88% of the vote compared to Davis’ 39.12%, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Public records indicate the owners of DRM Group, LLC reside outside of Roanoke Rapids, where the subdivision is located.
Over the last 12 to 18 months, concerns surrounding covenant enforcement and subdivision oversight have become a frequent topic of discussion among residents and community members familiar with the development. Multiple homeowners say the restrictive covenants played a significant role in their decision to purchase property within Canal Walk.
Some homeowners purchased their property due to the covenants in place with the understanding and expectation that they would be applied consistently and fairly to all property owners in order to maintain neighborhood appearance, protect property values, and ensure long-term consistency throughout the subdivision.
The situation we are in is disappointing. Had we known all this beforehand, we would not have purchased property in this subdivision and spent the time and money on a home we intended to
be in for the next 30-plus years. We invested in this subdivision with certain expectations due to the covenants in place and now we are just extremely disappointed.
According to Halifax County tax records, DRM Group, LLC has sold 21 lots within Canal Walk to National Home Corporation since May 30, 2025.
According to the company website and online listing platforms, it appears the company subsequently constructed homes utilizing only four template floor plans. Residents and community members are concerned that portions of the newer construction appear inconsistent with the original expectations and character of the subdivision envisioned when many of the original homeowners purchased their property.
Questions surrounding covenant enforcement intensified after multiple residents reportedly attempted to seek additional structure or oversight regarding enforcement issues within the subdivision.
At least one homeowner contacted one of the developers on multiple occasions expressing concerns regarding covenant violations and requested permission for homeowners to establish a homeowners association (HOA) capable of enforcing the covenants in a more structured and consistent manner.
The request to establish an HOA was declined and the homeowner was advised that residents could attempt to enforce the covenants independently.
Acting on that understanding, the homeowner with the help of several other residents reportedly attempted to address alleged violations directly with another property owner and later issued a formal written notice requesting corrective action within 60 days. No response or corrective action followed.
The same homeowner later contacted the developer again and expressed concerns that individual property owners lacked practical enforcement authority without an HOA structure in place. According to the source, the homeowner again requested consideration for the establishment of an HOA. The source stated the developer later informed the homeowner that DRM Group, LLC would not move forward with authorizing an HOA for the subdivision.
As of this date, multiple residents and community members continue to express concerns regarding covenant interpretation, application, and enforcement within Canal Walk.
After reviewing the restrictive covenants publicly available at www.rrcanalwalk.com and conducting a visual drive-through of the subdivision, there appear to be numerous instances that residents believe may conflict with portions of the recorded covenants.
Several residents identified what they believe are unresolved covenant-related concerns within the subdivision.
Concerns raised by residents have not been limited solely to covenant enforcement. During the summer and fall of 2025, several residents also expressed frustration regarding the maintenance of undeveloped land surrounding portions of the subdivision owned by DRM Group, LLC.
According to residents familiar with the issue, numerous complaints were made regarding grass and vegetation allegedly exceeding city maintenance standards. After numerous attempts to contact the developers regarding the issue by the residents and city employees, city leadership had to be notified regarding the issue. In at least one instance, residents stated portions of the vegetation reached almost four feet in height before being cut.
According to Roanoke Rapids Code of Ordinances, city code standards limit grass height to 10 inches.
Some homeowners stated they are forced to mow and maintain areas extending beyond their own property lines in order to prevent tall weeds and overgrowth from affecting their homes and landscaping.
At the center of the ongoing debate is a growing concern shared by some original property owners who say they relied heavily on the restrictive covenants and an expectation of consistent enforcement when making major long-term financial investments in Canal Walk.
The broader discussion surrounding Canal Walk among citizens appears to reflect increasing questions regarding development oversight, covenant enforcement, and the long-term expectations provided to property owners who invested in the subdivision over the last decade.
Some citizens also expressed concern about the precedent this sets for all future residential developments in the area.
Joseph Pair
Ryan Short
Colby Lyles
Roanoke Rapids