CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Huntersville's planning board voted 6-2 to recommend the denial of the Lagoona Bay project Tuesday.
The vote comes as neighbors continue to fight against the development from happening.
Jake Palillo, the developer behind the massive 300-acre project, proposed several changes during a public meeting last week. Those changes included revamped housing plans, road improvements and the addition of 20 affordable housing units.
Palillo told the planning board Tuesday night he will commit at least $3 million to road improvements. However, several members said the plan is too dense for the area and they couldn't support it in its planned location.
The $800 million project would turn an empty plot of land along Sam Furr Road into a gigantic community with membership fees, including a man-made lagoon with water sports, dining and retail options. The plans also call for a luxury hotel and convention center.
Some neighbors say they're still not sold on the project, saying they're worried about traffic headaches in an already crowded area. Palillo acknowledged those concerns but previously said that traffic is "part of life" while discussing the development's projected economic impact.
Palillo is also one of the developers behind the Symphony Park retirement community being built on Sam Furr Road. The development is projected to be ready by January 2024 and is very close to the proposed Lagoona Bay proposal.
A small neighborhood called Willowbrook sits between Symphony Park and the proposed Lagoona Bay.
"It's going to destroy the neighborhood feeling that I have," Willowbrook homeowner Scott Swafford told WCNC Charlotte.
Swafford's house is right next to the farmland where Lagoona Bay would be built. His street would become a connection between Sam Furr Road and one of the Lagoona Bay neighborhoods.
"Ultimately, I’ll leave," Swafford said. "I don’t want to live with a speedway in front of my house."
Not everyone is against Lagoona Bay. Willowbrook resident Mike Jocoy told WCNC Charlotte he thinks it'd be a nice addition to the growing town.
"I don’t think there's any reason not to do this," Jocoy said. "It's vacant land, it’s in a great area."
The planning board is recommending denial of the new plan, but Huntersville town commissioners will have the final say on Lagoona Bay's future. Town staff are also still working to analyze the latest version of the plan and said their report will be done no later than July 12.
The planning board chairman asked Palillo if he'd like to defer his application for more time, which would've delayed the board's recommendation.
"I'm done," Palillo replied.
Palillo added he respects the board's decision and wants to get the process over with after having such a contentious rezoning process.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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