MEBANE, N.C. — Buc-ee's mission to build its first North Carolina location hit a bump in the road Monday night, but this isn't the end.
For months, Buc-ee's has been the talk of the town, if approved the move would further transform the once quiet city into a tourist attraction.
"At one point, it wasn't anything around here. Now it's just like you don't have to really go out of town to shop or do anything and I like that," Mebane resident, Nate Mebane said.
While some want to experience all the perks that come with brisket, clean bathrooms, and jerky. The Bu-cee's proposal was already denied up I-40 in Efland close to where Laura Wessell lives.
Wessell said she would visit a Mebane-based Buc-ee's if it opens but would also continue to support gas stations in the area as well.
"You have to think about local people and how it affects their daily lives and routine, and traffic and make sure you plan for that in addition to just it's this great place that has all these options and food and fun," Wessell explained.
The famous country store and gas chain is now trying to open up further down I-40 near Trollingwood-Hawfields Road Mebane's planning board heard their proposal and voted against re-zoning the area Monday night.
"I think the sentiment of the neighbors and traffic is the big thing. I think there were some are worried about neighboring businesses," Mebane Mayor, Ed Hooks recalled.
Yet just because it was denied by the board doesn't mean Buc-ee's is off the table. The proposal will still be heard by the city council.
Mayor Hooks said the council could still approve the plan if the developer makes favorable tweaks.
"While I can't comment on what I would like to see from them, I can comment on if they do the things that are necessary and prove these four points, it's going to be difficult to turn it down," Mayor Hooks said.
Mayor Hooks said for the rezoning to be approved the developer must prove these four things:
- The establishment won't endanger public safety
- It won't impact property value
- It won't be a target for crime
- It will be consistent with development plans
Mayor Hooks said the city council has approved plans that the planning board has rejected in the past, but each situation is different.
The council will hear the company's proposal at their special use hearing on Jan. 8.