Bailey runs across the bottom of the site plan

May 30. By Dave Vieser. Will the second time be the charm for the Cornelius Business Park re-zoning proposal on Bailey Road? We may know Monday evening after the Cornelius Town Board conducts the required public hearing in Town Hall on Catawba Avenue.

Greenberg Gibbons is seeking Town Board approval for a four-building complex on the north side of Bailey Road just east of Hwy. 115. The proposal had met opposition previously, particularly over traffic issues, but at their May 7 hearing, a recommendation for approval was passed by the planning board with a 7-1 margin. Opposition to the project had centered on traffic issues.

Greenberg Gibbons had proposed a larger project at the same site two years ago, which generated more opposition. However, before the town board ever voted on it, they withdrew the rezoning application,

A smaller number of opponents attended the May 7 planning board meeting, and it remains to be seen how strong the opposition will be at the June 2 meeting. Speakers at the May 7 planning board session represented a range of ages and opinions, for and against the project.

The traffic problem 

Bailey Road is a challenge when Bailey Middle and Hough High students are arriving and departing; a number of new residential neighborhoods, including Bailey’s Glen, are farther east, as well as access to River Run in Davidson and a new Publix shopping center on Hwy. 73.

Thigpen’s four-building plan includes a new left-hand turn lane from Bailey Road heading west to Hwy. 115 south, where the back-ups are routinely dozens of cars deep.

At the June 2 meeting, the town commissioners, all of whom may be up for re-election this fall, can approve or deny the rezoning. They could also reserve decision to a future meeting.

The meeting will begin at 6 pm in Town Hall. It will also be live streamed on the town web site: www.cornelius.org.