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Huntersville homeowners concerned over Highway 73 widening project

A road project in Huntersville has neighbors concerned for their homes. Highway 73 is already close to the houses on Kelly Park Circle, a subdivision in Birkdale. But a widening project would bring the road 30 feet closer, prompting homeowners to come up with a drastic solution.

Homeowner Courtney Weaver says she and her neighbors have collectively offered to sell their properties to NCDOT.

“We want to protect our largest asset, which is our home,” Weaver said.

In February, Channel 9 asked NCDOT about the project and its potential impact on homeowners after neighbors raised concerns.

The latest plan shows road easements in Weaver’s and her neighbors’ backyards, escalating their concerns.

“It is the worst-case scenario of what they term as 'minimal impact,'” she said.

It’s also the reason Weaver and her group want to sell.

NCDOT officials say the project is still in the planning phase, and that it wouldn’t rule out acquiring homes. It has $86 million to do it.

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The town of Huntersville is weighing in on the project, as well.

Huntersville Mayor John Aneralla told Channel 9 that NCDOT likely won't buy homes.

“We are continuing to work with NCDOT to try to impact all of the homeowners and businesses as little as possible,” Aneralla said.

But Weaver says damage is already being done.

"We’ve already had homeowners that have lost contracts," she said.

Residents have until Nov. 2 to submit feedback on the widening project.

The final project design will be selected early next year.

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