Rocky Mount officials say a letter circulating on social media confirming a new Buc‑ee’s travel‑center is authentic. Mayor Pro‑Tem Jabaris Walker received the correspondence directly from the company, which states it is under contract to buy a 34‑acre parcel in the southwestern quadrant of Highway 4 (Halifax Road) near the I‑95 interchange, an area known locally as Gold Rock.
Rezoning request and public input
The letter reads, “We are working with the City of Rocky Mount to design an appealing and well‑thought‑out plan and are excited to share our vision with you.” Buc‑ee’s plans to present a rezoning application to the city’s planning board on November 10. The company hopes the change will allow a mega‑sized travel‑center that includes fuel, food, and convenience‑store services to serve motorists and families traveling the interstate corridor.
Community meeting scheduled
A neighborhood informational meeting is scheduled for October 22 at 6 p.m. in the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building, 331 S. Franklin Street. Residents are invited to hear details of the proposed development, ask questions, and provide feedback before the planning board’s vote.
Potential benefits for Rocky Mount
Supporters of the project point to the jobs and tax revenue a Buc‑ee’s location can generate. The chain’s travel‑centers typically employ dozens of local workers, from retail staff to maintenance crews, and the increased sales tax base can help fund city services that families rely on. The location’s proximity to I‑95 also promises to capture out‑of‑state travelers, boosting the local economy without burdening existing residents.
City officials’ stance
Mayor Pro‑Tem Walker confirmed the city is reviewing the proposal in accordance with standard planning procedures. He emphasized that the city will consider the impact on traffic, infrastructure, and surrounding neighborhoods, while also weighing the economic upside for the community.
What to watch
The planning board’s decision on the rezoning request will be a key step. If approved, Buc‑ee’s will move forward with site design, potentially breaking ground later this year. Residents should attend the Oct. 22 meeting to stay informed and voice any concerns about traffic patterns, noise, or land use.
For more information about the meeting or to submit comments, Rocky Mount citizens can contact the city planning department at (252) 555‑1234 or visit the municipal website.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
