Residents press Mooresville commissioners for speed humps, sidewalks and question 190-unit 'Park at the Lake' proposal

Several Mooresville residents used the July 7 public-comment period to press the Board of Commissioners on neighborhood safety, pedestrian access and an off-site development proposal.

South Academy Street — speed humps request: A resident speaking on behalf of neighbors on South Academy Street between McClellan and Wilson presented a petition to install speed humps. The speaker said the block has one existing speed hump but differs from other local streets with humps (Center Street and Terrace) because it carries higher traffic volumes and faster speeds. The resident said the street’s speed limit is already posted at 25 mph and that “it’s the speed of the traffic” that concerns neighbors after years of growth near Moore Park and downtown. The speaker said tractor-trailers use the street and that residents have lived there 36 years; they asked the town to explore more physical speed-calming measures. Mayor and staff noted they would connect the resident with Sergeant Dingler in traffic enforcement.

Park at the Lake / Park Place (proposed 190 townhomes) — HOA concerns: David Blattner, representing the Reserve at Morrison Plantation Homeowners Association, addressed a proposal identified by the developer as the “Park at the Lake.” Blattner said information learned from a developer meeting indicates the plan calls for 190 townhomes with 380 parking spaces, intended as rental units, and that the site is currently under contract and outside Mooresville town limits. Blattner said the development’s sole vehicular access would be Plantation Ridge, which he described as a two-lane road that is already “overtaxed.” He and other residents raised concerns about traffic impacts (he estimated more than 400 additional car trips), pressure on privately funded Morrison Plantation amenities, lack of a tree buffer along Kendra Street, and safety for children and pedestrians. The speakers urged commissioners to deny annexation unless the property were brought in with zoning consistent with the surrounding area (they said roughly 80%–86% of adjacent parcels are RLS or single-family in character).

Sidewalk gaps and student safety — Kistler Farm Road / Ashland Creek: Buzz Stepanek and other residents asked the board to complete an approximately 800-foot sidewalk segment on Kistler Farm Road that currently interrupts pedestrian access between Ashland Creek and multiple nearby neighborhoods, three schools and shopping (including Publix). Stepanek said NCDOT District 12 staff have reviewed the plats and indicated a willingness to maintain curb and gutter if the town installs an appropriate sidewalk and curb; the town’s staff confirmed DOT engagement on right-of-way and maintenance discussions. Residents said children are walking along road shoulders, often in low-light conditions, and asked the town to prioritize completing the connection for safety.

West Lowrance and speed enforcement: Sarah Aiken thanked Sergeant Dingler and staff for help getting the speed limit reduced on West Lowrance but said vehicles continue to speed downhill toward the golf course, putting mailboxes and pedestrians at risk. Aiken reiterated a preference for sidewalks where feasible.

What residents asked for and next steps: Petitioners asked for physical traffic-calming (speed humps or similar measures), expedited evaluation where sidewalks are incomplete, and closer coordination with traffic enforcement. For the proposed Park at the Lake, residents asked commissioners to consider denial of annexation absent a plan that matches surrounding single-family/RLS development standards. Town staff said they would connect concerned residents with traffic staff; any annexation request would require formal submittals and action by the board at a later meeting (Blattner said the developer indicated annexation would be requested). No formal petitions or land-use applications were approved during the public-comment period; the board’s actions on other agenda items did not resolve the specific requests raised by the speakers.

Why it matters: The requests concern pedestrian safety near schools, the connectivity of sidewalks across neighborhoods, and potential traffic and service impacts that would follow annexation of nearby properties. Residents emphasized child safety and the effect of incremental development on neighborhood infrastructure.

Ending: Town staff committed to follow up with traffic staff and to route residents to the correct departments; any annexation or zoning request for the Park at the Lake would require formal application and public hearing before the board.