Local

Thousands sign petition to stop sale of caboose in Huntersville

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — For nearly 20 years, a red caboose has sat in one spot in downtown Huntersville. Someone wants to buy it and thousands of people are trying to stop the sale.

Historians said the caboose is from the ‘60s and ran along the southeast corridor.

Commissioners told Channel 9 that a Huntersville resident wants to purchase the caboose for $6,000.

The resident wants to refurbish, move and provide limited public access to it.

The caboose was given to the town in 1998 and thousands are trying to save it.

An online petition created by the Olde Huntersville Historic Society is asking the town to keep the caboose. It has more than 4,000 signatures.

The group said the caboose is part of the town's heritage and one of 20 in existence.

"Huntersville grew out of the railroad and textile industries," the petition says. "Huntersville was a small community that primarily consisted of farms, the mill and the railroad. It's a part of our heritage. Like it or not, it's who we were/are because believe it or not, if you look hard enough, you can still find natives living here."

Massive changes are coming to downtown Huntersville.

A veteran's park and memorial is set to be built at the site of the caboose.

In April, Channel 9 reported a developer purchased the old anchor mill site nearby.

"There's a significant change in what face is being put forward," business owner Gabriella Tebbens said.

Tebbens owns a business in downtown Huntersville and doesn't mind all of the changes.

"If the caboose moves to a place where it is loved and appreciated and something additionally represented fills its place, then it's a win-win scenario," she said.

No decision has been made yet. There will be a public comment hearing on Aug. 1.