Indian Trail planning board recommends denial of rezoning for 1830 Waxhaw Indian Trail Road after neighbors object

The Indian Trail Planning & Zoning Board recommended denial of a conditional rezoning request for 1830 Waxhaw Indian Trail Road after residents and board members raised concerns about sewer access, traffic and the proposed building’s fit in a long-standing residential area.

Staff introduced case CZ2025-80, describing the site as roughly 2.01 acres and saying the proposal would demolish the existing house and build a 7,000-square-foot multi-tenant commercial building with about 25 parking spaces. Staff noted water from Union County Public Works is accessible but sewer is not; the applicant said the project would use a private septic system sized to allow a future connection if county sanitary capacity became available. Staff also summarized draft conditions including UDO architectural standards, increased landscaping and a permanent tree-save easement in the rear.

Neighbors spoke at length during public comment. Jackie Parker, who said she has lived near the site about 70 years, argued the project “does not fit in the neighborhood,” and opposed development “past Carolina Concrete” where she said road frontage has historically been residential. Marcia Hambly asked whether the building would have rooftop signage and whether pole or in-window neon lighting would be allowed; staff and the applicant said rooftop signage is not allowed and that lighting must meet the UDO photometric requirements to prevent spillover. Several speakers, including Stacy Gould and Ron Saggio, pressed the board on septic risk (one resident said the land is higher than the nearby cul-de-sac and worried about drainage) and on whether a preserved 40-foot tree buffer could be required as a recorded condition.

The applicant, Kenneth Andrews, said the owner purchased the property intending to open an esthetics/esthetician location and that staff told them rezoning would be required if they wanted a commercial location. Andrews described design choices intended to reduce neighborhood impact — moving the building back, placing parking in the rear and preserving trees — and acknowledged the house may need to be demolished.

Board member Jennifer Moore moved to recommend denial of the conditional rezoning; a second was recorded and two board members verbally said "Aye." The transcript contains inconsistent phrasing around the result: some speakers then stated “The motion is denied,” while another speaker announced “The request has been denied.” Staff later told attendees the applicant may proceed to Town Council with the case and that notification of any council hearing will be provided.

Next steps: the planning board’s recommendation will be forwarded to Town Council, which has final authority on the rezoning request. Staff advised residents they will receive formal notice of any Town Council hearing and that town staff are available for questions.