HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Some Huntersville residents are pushing back against plans for an 18-bay car wash, lube shop and convenience store with four gas pumps along Statesville Road, next to The Hamptons neighborhood.
The developer, Jake Palillo, says the project would bring valuable services to the area, while neighbors say they are worried about noise, traffic, pollution and privacy.
People already live on the land proposed for development, raising questions about what would happen to their homes.
Channel 9’s Lauren Crawford spoke with several neighbors on the street that backs up to the property. Each person said they oppose turning it into a commercial site.
John and Kelsey Huffman expected the land behind their home to change, but not like this.
“I’ve spoken to 66 families in our neighborhood and even knocked and spoken to families that have been next to this lot for generations there’s unanimous rejection for this plan at this site,” said John Huffman.
“This is not at all consistent with what we expected when we bought this home,” said Kelsey Huffman.
The project would require changing the property’s zoning from residential to highway commercial.
“We just want to keep it residential,” said Kelsey Huffman. “It’s zoned for residential and we would really like the town of Huntersville to do the planning.”
Palillo declined an on-camera interview. In an email, he described plans for a small chain with Huntersville as its headquarters.
“This car wash project is a unique new concept that we will grow into a small chain with Huntersville being our home/ headquarters ... I’m bringing things that add value and services the area doesn’t have.”
He also said he will work with adjoining property owners to protect their daily lives, but John Huffman said there is a bigger question.
“Which part of the 2040 plan is consistent with this development?” he said. “Isn’t a large retaining wall and sound barrier a confession that this is the wrong site for this development?”
A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday night for questions and feedback, but there will not be a vote. Neighbors plan to ask about operating hours and noise protection.
A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 2, with a final board decision expected on Dec. 15.