Good morning, readers.
Living next to the largest convenience store on the planet would not actually be very convenient, say residents facing the prospect of a 75,000 square-foot, 120-pump Buc-ee’s location in Mebane.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition opposing the proposed gas and retail complex, citing concerns about water depletion and stormwater runoff, destruction of sacred indigenous sites, traffic congestion, the presence of an employer that does not “offer the jobs the community deserves,” and a blatant dilution of Mebane’s motto, “positively charming.”
“Buc-ee’s location and model will not draw visitors downtown” to small businesses, the petition reads. “Rather they will spend their money on Buc-ee’s branded trinkets and fast food options before heading back onto the highway.”
This is Buc-ee’s second attempt at a North Carolina expansion. The Texas-based chain got heat in 2021 for a plan to build a branch in Efland that, due to its scale, design, and geography, would have basically funneled gasoline into the Eno River.
Buc-ee’s ultimately withdrew that application from the Orange County Board of Commissioners, stating that the county was not a “suitable fit,” though the company’s pending Mebane proposal is close to the Efland site, right on the other side of the Orange-Alamance line.
Opponents will deliver their petition to Mebane City Hall and hold a press conference at noon today. The city council couldl vote to approve or deny Buc-ee’s’ proposal at its meeting on Monday.
Have a good day, everyone.
-Lena
Durham
A surgery to transplant arteries and valves into a child’s heart has been successful one year on, Duke doctors announced.
Wake
Raleigh’s city council on Tuesday approved the deal to buy and redevelop the old NC DMV headquarters located on New Bern Avenue.
Wake County Animal Center will no longer accept surrendered pets from pet owners following two years of overcrowding and an outbreak of canine influenza.
Several state office buildings in downtown Raleigh will be demolished, newly built, or renovated to make space for a new education campus, a park, and other state amenities. State workers are being shuffled around to accommodate the changes.
Orange
Beloved Franklin Street institution Linda’s Bar and Grill announced it will close its doors for good on Friday after 47 years in business.
North Carolina
North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby removed Justice Donna Stroud from her position as chief of the state Court of Appeals without explanation.
Here are some of the new laws taking effect in North Carolina this week.
Today’s weather
Sunny with a high of 54 degrees.
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