Community raises traffic safety concerns over Shearers Road rezoning request

During the Planning Board meeting on February 25, 2025, in Mooresville, community concerns about traffic safety took center stage as residents voiced their apprehensions regarding a rezoning request for a new development. The proposed project, which includes 87 homes, is expected to significantly increase traffic on Shearers Road, a route already facing challenges due to its design and speed limits.

One resident highlighted that, conservatively estimating, the new homes could generate around 560 to 750 additional vehicle trips daily on Shearers Road. This figure considers that most households will have at least one and a half vehicles. The resident expressed concern that the existing road infrastructure, designed over 40 years ago, is ill-equipped to handle this influx of traffic, especially given the absence of sidewalks for pedestrians and the presence of numerous bus stops.

The discussion also touched on the implications for the Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. The resident questioned how the anticipated increase in traffic would align with this safety initiative, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to traffic management in the area.

In addition to traffic concerns, the meeting also saw a call for more attention to attainable housing. A resident noted that this critical issue was overlooked in previous discussions, urging the board to consider the community's needs for affordable housing options alongside new developments.

As Mooresville continues to grow, the Planning Board faces the challenge of balancing development with the safety and well-being of its residents. The discussions from this meeting underscore the importance of addressing traffic safety and housing affordability as the community evolves.