Public Hearing Set for Cornelius Inn

Rendering of the Cornelius Inn

By Dave Vieser — The Cornelius Town Board will hold a public hearing Aug. 17 on a proposed hotel development that has drawn opposition primarily from nearby residents in Huntersville and Davidson.

The hearing begins at 6 p.m. at Town Hall on Catawba Avenue and will also be livestreamed on the town’s website.

Developer Jake Palillo is seeking to rezone 6.3 acres at the intersection of N.C. 73 and Mayes Road to build the Cornelius Inn, a 45,000-square-foot, 40-room hotel. The proposal also includes seven cottages and a 4,500-square-foot spa and clubhouse.

The project has generated debate, particularly among residents who live near the site.

In July, the town Planning Board voted 5-3 to recommend approval of the rezoning request after a hearing that drew substantial public comment. Several opponents said they planned to address the Town Board during the final public hearing.

Town planning staff recommended approval with conditions, saying the low-intensity commercial development would be appropriate for the site’s location and would provide a transition between nearby higher-intensity commercial uses and existing homes along Mayes Road.

Following the Town Board public hearing, commissioners may approve the rezoning, approve it with additional conditions, deny the request or continue the matter to a future meeting.