Huntersville Greenway Plans Face Community Concerns
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County has announced plans for a greenway along South Prong Clarke Creek, extending from Concord to Huntersville. While many neighbors welcome the trail, concerns have arisen about a proposed 60-car trailhead parking lot along Ferrelltown Parkway, which sits near homes and a small farm.
Local residents, like Doug Kennerly, express that while they appreciate the greenway, the size of the parking lot is excessive. An online petition has surfaced opposing the large parking space, emphasizing that the community has no issue with the trail itself, merely with the parking plans.
Neighbor Suzanne Lambert noted, “Just give us the trailhead, we’re happy to have the trailhead but to surprise us with a 60 parking space parking lot we feel is excessive.”
Privacy and safety have also been major concerns. Shelle Young commented on the potential increase in traffic—both foot and noise—in a previously quiet neighborhood. Residents are urging officials to consider smaller parking alternatives or different locations entirely.
In response, the project is still in its planning phases, and community engagement is encouraged. A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the David B. Waymer Recreation and Senior Center on Holbrooks Rd. in Huntersville. The meeting aims to gather community input on various aspects of the project, including parking needs.
Typically, park and recreation projects feature between 40 to 60 parking spaces at greenway trailheads. The selected site is believed to minimize traffic impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
For more information on the South Prong Clarke Creek Greenway and the community meeting, visit the Park and Recreation’s project web page.
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