Residents voice strong opposition to a proposed hotel in Cornelius, arguing it clashes with the area’s residential character and threatens local wildlife habitats.
CORNELIUS, N.C. — The debate over a proposed hotel in Cornelius is moving forward, but neighbors are pushing back, saying the project is too close to homes and does not fit the character of the area.
Residents gathered at Cornelius Town Hall on Monday to voice concerns about a proposal that would bring a hotel with rental cottages and a spa to Mayes Road.
“Honestly, I didn’t take it seriously because I thought there’s not enough industry here to warrant a hotel,” Mimi Krumhole, a Davidson resident, said.
The area along Mayes Road is largely residential, surrounded by homes and wooded land — a setting residents say could change significantly if the project moves forward.
“It sounds like a lovely project, it needs to go somewhere better, this doesn’t suit it, why take away all of our land lets keep us some land for the animals and people to enjoy that’s what we like don’t want to have to look out our windows and see a hotel,” one speaker said during public comment.
The proposal comes from developer Jake Palillo, who was also behind the Lagoona Bay project that was ultimately withdrawn after facing community opposition.
Some residents say that history is influencing how they view the new proposal.
“I don’t think it’s the best interest in the community, I would submit it’s in the interest of the gentlemen who owns the land and that in and of it’s self is a spacious argument,” said Krumhole adds.
“Yeah he got beat out on the Lagoona so now he’s going to take the piece he has on the other side,” Gary Maves added.
Town leaders are also expressing skepticism.
“I’m not feeling this one and I know the communities not feeling this one, I think we need to be careful what we put where,” said Cornelius Commissioner Colin Furcht.
There is currently no timeline for when the board will vote on the proposal, but discussions are ongoing as community members continue to weigh in.
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