MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Town leaders in Mooresville approved plans Thursday to bring in major retailers like Costco and Academy Sports after more than 100 neighbors signed a petition saying they don't want it.
The development is slated for the intersection of Brawley School Road and Talbert Road, currently a residential area being considered for commercial zoning. The project also includes room for six other retailers.
In a staff analysis, town officials described the property as "appealing to commercial development" based on its proximity to Interstate 77 and the interchange. The concept plan for the project has also been reviewed by Town Staff for compliance, which included a traffic impact study, among other regulations.
Carolyn Underwood stands among more than 100 Mooresville homeowners against the project, and fears the scale of the planned Costco at more than 155,000 square feet will overwhelm the now residential community.
"They could zone different levels of commercial," she said. "The one they're going for is the big box."
Underwood circulated a petition among her neighbors at the Meadows in Reed Creek, and collected 105 signatures.
"We're all for Costco coming in here," she said. "Just not in the particular area they're trying to rezone at the moment."
Neighbors Lynn Martin and Karen Lehew joined Underwood in voicing concern over the scale of the planned development, particularly an overflow in traffic headed to the retailer, and a lack of access points to support the additional traffic.
"It's a two-lane road that can't be expanded because we have townhomes, homes, and apartment complexes built so close to the road," Lehew said. "With the addition of this many cars on any given day, it gives a parent something to worry about."
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