Robbinsville – A new piece of land now belongs to the Town of Robbinsville.
Following a public hearing at its Sept. 1 meeting, the board unanimously approved annexing the land on which the now-closed Huddle House restaurant is located. The land was purchased by Hackney Petroleum, who plans to build a new gas station on it.
The new station will replace the current one located across the road from the property.
No community members spoke for or against the project during the public hearing, but a representative from Hackney Petroleum explained the company’s plans for the site. The company plans to start working on the site within the next few months.
“I think it’s a positive move for you guys and actually for the community,” said Alderman Debbie Beasley. “It’s a good place.”
The new site will allow the company to build a larger store branded as The Local Market. The planned store will have a larger capacity and more space for parking.
“I used to work for Hackney Petroleum,” said Mayor Steve Hooper. “I can say that Hackney always supported the public and they looked after their employees.”
Finance Officer Sonya Webster also reported that the town had received its American Rescue Plan funds, and had received a little more than expected.
“The town had anticipated that it might receive $95,000 – one payment this year and one payment next year – but instead we received $101,505,” Webster said. “I know we’ve talked about this several times, but that money has come from the federal government, through the state and to the town.”
Webster emphasized that the town would be audited and was restricted on how it could use the money. The town is slated to receive a second payment of the same amount in the next fiscal year.
“The board can vote on this today – or they can wait until 2024 to spend this money – but at 2024 we have to turn it back in,” Webster said.
She suggested using some of the funds to cover the town’s loss of revenue during the early days of the pandemic. She also said the money could be used for premium pay for town employees.
Additionally, the money could be put toward infrastructure.
“The state will approve it after you approve it,” Webster said. “I’m going to send them a proposal of what they plan to do. I don’t want to send what I recommend. I want to send what you recommend.”