Town approves Long Creek retail/gas station plan despite staff concerns about future connectivity

The Huntersville Town Board approved Oct. 21 the conditional rezoning petition (R25‑11) for Long Creek Retail, a highway‑commercial proposal for a gas station and an additional retail building at the corner of Beattysville Road and Mount Holly‑Huntersville Road. The approval includes conditions staff requested to address outstanding site plan comments.

Why it matters: The site fills a long‑vacant corner in north Huntersville and includes developer commitments for infrastructure improvements the board viewed as beneficial to traffic flow in the area. Town staff repeatedly voiced concern that the steep topography and retaining walls on the site could complicate a future northward connection to an adjacent parcel and create obstacles to the multi‑parcel, integrated development pattern envisioned in the small‑area plan.

Key points from the hearing - Staff did not recommend approval when the packet was compiled because of unresolved connectivity and grading concerns; however, the planning board recommended approval 8‑0 with conditions that the applicant revisit grading and sidewalk bond/guarantee language tied to future development of the adjoining parcel. - The applicant committed to deed a connecting easement and to remove a retaining wall when the adjacent northern parcel redevelops, and to contribute approximately $1 million in road improvements at the intersection to improve traffic flow — commitments that helped persuade the board to approve the rezoning. - The applicant said three specimen trees would be saved and that the design adheres to required buffer and tree‑save provisions where feasible.

Board action and conditions - Rezoning petition R25‑11 was approved unanimously. The board included conditions requiring resolution of outstanding redlines and staff comments, and that the applicant address sidewalk/bonding and connectivity items in a manner approved by staff as the project proceeds.

Speakers (selected) - Jeff Mafly (applicant representative) — 1st reference: 10/21/2025 19:14:24 - Scott Barnett (public commenter in support) — 1st reference: 10/21/2025 21:20:20

Provenance - topicintro: {"block_id":"block_5382.9453","local_start":0,"local_end":30,"evidence_excerpt":"Thank you, and good evening. Please enter my staff report into the record. R25 11 Long Creek Retail. So just a quick refresher. This is a, highway commercial conditional district."} - topfinish: {"block_id":"block_6531.3003","local_start":0,"local_end":26,"evidence_excerpt":"All those in favor, please raise your hand. Any opposed? The motion carries unanimously."}