Bailey runs across the bottom of the site plan
May 2. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius Planning Department has recommended that the town planning board, which meets this coming Wednesday, deny a rezoning application for Cornelius Business Park, a four-building project which would be built on the north side of Bailey Road, east of Highway 115.
In their denial, the planners state that the proposal from Greenberg Gibbons is not consistent with the goals of the town’s land use plan nor with the town’s parks and greenways master plan.
Background
The vacant property, owned by Eugene Hunter, is currently zoned for rural preservation. Developer Drew Thigpen from Greenberg Gibbons has previously stated that the 36-acre parcel is not likely to remain in the rural preservation category of zoning because it will be sold at some point.
Drew Thigpen
Thigpen has already reduced the size of his original project from five to four buildings and added 4,600 feet of walking trails and sidewalks, all at no cost to the town.
Previous community meetings about the project have attracted hundreds of residents, most of whom were against the rezoning request. A big stumbling block for the proposal is Bailey Road traffic. The town recently received a comprehensive report which suggested there are no easy solutions.Whether that will—or should be—a factor in the rezoning decision remains to be seen.
What’s next
The planning board hearing will begin at 6 pm on Wednesday May 7 at Town Hall on Catawba Avenue. It will also be live streamed on the town web site: www.cornelius.org. Whatever their decision may be, it will then be sent to the Town Board for consideration at the required project public hearing.
I urge our town leadership to reconsider the denial of the Cornelius Business Park rezoning application. Our community’s need for economic development and infrastructure improvements is undeniable, and this project offers a rare opportunity to advance both goals at once.
If we are truly committed to supporting small businesses, we must recognize that widening Bailey Road and approving this development are interconnected priorities. Improved road infrastructure is essential for the success of local businesses and service providers, and it directly benefits families-especially those with children attending nearby schools. The persistent congestion on Bailey Road costs our entire community countless hours each year, affecting not just residents in the immediate area, but anyone who relies on timely school access and safe travel.
Despite repeated promises, progress on Bailey Road has stalled, and traffic studies confirm there are no easy fixes. Instead of using these challenges as a reason to reject new development, we should leverage the Cornelius Business Park proposal as a catalyst for meaningful improvements. The developer is offering substantial, privately funded upgrades-including a dedicated left-turn lane at Bailey Road and Highway 115 and improved sightline improvements that the town and NCDOT have not advanced on their own. These enhancements would deliver immediate, tangible relief for everyone who uses Bailey Road, not just future tenants.
Rejecting this proposal does not solve our traffic problems; it simply delays progress for all. Without new development, we forgo increased tax revenue, expanded services, and the creation of local jobs. Small businesses in Cornelius deserve modern, accessible facilities close to home, and our town needs the economic vitality they bring.
It is also worth noting that the developer has scaled back the project, adding community amenities such as 4,600 feet of walking trails and sidewalks, a dog park, and pickleball courts-all at no cost to the town. These are real benefits that enhance our quality of life.
True leadership means finding balanced solutions. By working with the developer to ensure traffic mitigation and thoughtful site planning, the town can address current infrastructure needs, while fostering sustainable growth. Let’s not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. With bold leadership and vision, we can widen Bailey Road, approve this development, and create a win-win for residents, businesses, and the future of Cornelius.
It’s time to prioritize action over delay. Let’s move forward, together.
Posted by Joe a vagnone | May 2, 2025, 12:29 pmGood one. If you click on your name, your website indicates you are a small business broker. You wouldn’t have any bias when it comes to a business park being built, would you? If you ever ever been on that side of town during school hours, you would know how awful the traffic gets. I’m guessing you don’t really care though.
I agree Bailey road needs to be widened. You also say that true leadership involves compromise. Maybe fix the traffic first then install a complex to house your potential clients?
BTW – You should know the left turn lane is required, not optional so don’t parrot the developer’s “community benefits” for him.
Posted by Jamie B. | May 2, 2025, 4:28 pmGreat response, Jamie B!
Posted by Anonymous | May 2, 2025, 7:41 pmNice sales pitch Joe. Please remember, Town Board Members are awarded their position by Cornelius residential votes. HUNDREDS of people are saying no to this project in this location, for good reason. This project belongs closer to the I-77 corridor, not in a residential neighborhood area with schools. I’ll be closely watching how each board member votes on this proposal.
Posted by Chakra Thermal | May 2, 2025, 1:24 pm