Before the Mebane Planning Council voted no, Buc-ee’s was set to construct a new location in Mebane off of Interstate 40 on Trollingwood Hawfield Road.
According to the planning council, a representative from Buc-ee’s was hoping for approval on the proposed zoning area of 31.37 acres.
Buc-ee’s shared that their migration into North Carolina would increase economic prosperity, but opponents at the meeting expressed concern that Buc-ee’s new arrival will increase traffic.
After a four-hour meeting, the council voted 6-3 against the expansion.
Ashley Ramirez Martinez, a freshman at Elon and a native of Alamance county, said she likes the idea of a Buc-ee’s coming to the region.
Martinez said she feels most gas stations close early, so having a Buc-ee’s would make gas more accessible.
“I liked the idea of having one just because you know we need more gas stations that are open more often,” Martinez said.
Martinez also said while she thinks Buc-ee’s would bring more job opportunities for locals, she can understand why some people are opposed to the project.
“I have some friends who aren't open to ideas because they think it's taking away from like small shops,” Martinez said.
Though rejected by the Mebane Planning Council on Dec. 11, city council will have final say on the future of Buc-ee’s in Mebane during its next meeting Jan. 8.