HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — The developer of the controversial Lagoona Bay project was back in front of the public and Huntersville town leaders during a meeting Tuesday.
Project developer Jake Palillo and his company had 68 pages worth of proposed changes to the project. Among the changes: Accessibility improvements, revamped housing plans, roadway improvements to reduce traffic impact in the area, and the addition of 20 affordable housing units.
The massive $800 million project would turn an empty plot of land along Sam Furr Road into an almost 300-acre community with membership fees. The development would include a huge lagoon with water sports, dining and retail options, as well as a luxury hotel and convention center.
Lagoona Bay would also create hundreds of housing options.
Neighbors say they're still not sold on the plan, saying it would create a headache in an area that already has too much traffic. Palillo said the resort would invest $16 million into the local economy each year. He also previously said traffic is just part of the deal.
"Traffic is a part of life so you have to take that into account and be positive about it," Palillo previously said.
Lagoona Bay has received pushback from Huntersville residents since late April. Things got so contentious that Palillo filed a lawsuit against two women who have voiced their concerns about the development, telling WCNC Charlotte that they made "slanderous lies" about him and his family.
Noelle Burton and Violet Clarke admitted they complained about the development online and are upset about potential traffic problems, but they say Palillo's lawsuit over alleged slander was too far, claiming the developer made comments about the two women on social media.
Huntersville town leaders last held a meeting to discuss the project on June 5. Most residents who spoke during that meeting were against the project, but several who address the council welcomed Lagoona Bay and its economic boost.
The town's planning board is expected to vote on the project on June 27.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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