Residents balk at plan for 161-acre development near Hillsborough

"It’s a rural residential area. We’re not an industrial zone," said Sarah Shore.

She's worried that the proposed development, called Research Triangle Logistics Park, will drive her to move.

"I feel like this proposal doesn’t take the community and our concerns into play," Shore said. "It's just 250 feet from my back deck to the mega warehouse."

The developer, Barrister Commercial Group, says the development would include scientific research and laboratories, logistics and warehouses, bringing jobs, investment and tax revenue to the area.

Locals believe it would cause more harm than good – to the environment, to the neighborhood character and to traffic.

"I am just two doors down from where the trucks would all be exiting. It would be a grave concern for me," said Myra Guin-Summers. "I don’t think I could live there."

She's been in her home for almost 35 years.

Residents have been vocal against the project, putting up signs and speaking out at county meetings.

"We are not against change," Shore said. "We are not against development. We want thoughtful development and a thoughtful process in this."

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will hear from them again in a public meeting about the proposal scheduled for Sept. 15. The chairman said he expects to call for a vote on the rezoning plan Oct. 6.

Residents are optimistic that their elected representatives will hear their concerns.

"I absolutely have faith that they are going to listen to the facts," Guin-Summers said.

WRAL News reached out to Barrister Commercial Group but did not get a reply.