LIBERTY, N.C. — Toyota's battery manufacturing plant is taking shape in the small town of Liberty. More than 5,000 people will work there. Yet the question is; Where will all these eat, shop, and live?
Some have already moved into a new development in nearby Pleasant Garden.
"Toyota's been a big part of it. I think we have five or six Toyota families and more to come," said Windsor Homes President, Tom Hall.
Windsor Homes is building the neighborhood called Rogers Farm. Eventually, nearly 70 homes will be part of the development. The location is just minutes from the battery plant.
"Mileage-wise it's seven-ish miles away, it's going to take you less than 15 minutes to get there and some of the people are electing to live further away," explained Hall.
Hall planned to build the neighborhood even before Toyota announced Liberty would be home to its manufacturing plant. Now he's benefiting from workers moving to the area.
"So, we got a little bit fortunate that Toyota came along, and it's been a big benefit to this neighborhood, and quite frankly to the whole area," Hall said.
Because of the high demand, Hall is now looking to expand the neighborhood to build even more homes.
Bella Mia Pizza is also growing. It'll soon open its second location in Liberty.
"I can't wait to open, it's been like three months that we've been working on it, but it's coming along pretty good," said owner, Luigi Merone.
The second location will be different than the original dine-in restaurant. The new business will cater to busy Toyota employees.
"It will be really easy for them to order, pick up the food, sit down, done deal," explained Merone.
As Toyota prepares to produce batteries, Triad business owners are charged to get on board.
