Indiana's first Buc-ee's moves forward amid pushback
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Greenwood is set to become home to Indiana's first Buc-ee's despite concerns about congestion, public safety and the environment.
Why it matters: The popular travel center's arrival could change how drivers navigate the I-65 corridor while setting the tone for what gets built in the area next.
Driving the news: The Greenwood Common Council voted 7-2 Monday night to rezone about 80 acres at I-65 and Worthsville Road for Buc-ee's, clearing the biggest local zoning hurdle for the project.
- Dissenting council member Ezra Hill cited Buc-ee's history of copyright lawsuits against small businesses in his decision, saying "Buc-ee's does not appear to be the type of business I want to welcome to Greenwood" to loud applause from meeting attendees.
Zoom in: The biggest community concern was traffic. Clark-Pleasant school board president Kimberly Crawford said the district isn't opposed to Buc-ee's, but warned the updated traffic study shows growing delays at intersections used by students, buses and families.
- Superintendent Timothy Edsell asked for stronger communication and additional mitigation if Buc-ee's affects bus schedules or student pickup and drop-off.
- Opponents also argued the project conflicts with Greenwood's long-term vision, with Whiteland resident Nick Hunter calling the planned 120-pump center a "poison pill" for the area's future.
The other side: The developer says it will spend $13-$14 million on roadway improvements in the area, including a new roundabout, turn lanes and longer I-65 ramp storage.
- The proposed store would be about 74,000 square feet, employ 175-225 people and represent roughly $50 million in investment.
What's next: The project still has to move through the city's development and construction process, with Buc-ee's committed to completing its promised traffic improvements before opening.