Amid divided community sentiment, the Greenwood Advisory Plan Commission voted July 13 to advance plans for Indiana’s first Buc-ee’s.
More than 100 people packed the room; about a dozen residents spoke against the proposal while four voiced their support for bringing the popular travel center chain to central Indiana.
During public comment, opponents cited concerns about declining property values, increased traffic congestion, public safety and potential environmental impacts.
“Every Buc-ee’s dead zone is a far cry from what the Greenwood community is supposed to be,” said Nick Hunter, 47, who lives less than a mile from the proposed development site on the southeast corner of Interstate 65 and Worthsville Road.
One resident held a “Vote No” sign throughout the more than 90-minute-long meeting.
The proposal calls for roughly 80 acres to be rezoned from Residential Large to a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The Buc-ee’s store would occupy about 37 acres and feature 120 gas pump and EV charging stations according to the proposal. Other parts of the development will include a roundabout, green spaces and sidewalks connecting to the Greenwood trail system.
Some in favor of the project said they preferred this to other alternatives.
“Would you rather have a data center taking up our water and energy?” a resident in support asked the crowd.
The proposal will next move to the Greenwood Common Council, which has final approval authority. The council, which meets on the first and third Mondays of each month, is expected to consider the request at a future meeting.
Grace Randolph is an Ida B. Wells investigative intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at GRandolph@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Greenwood Advisory Plan Commission votes in favor of proposed Buc-ee’s
Reporting by Grace Randolph, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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By Grace Randolph, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
