We, the undersigned residents of Stallings and surrounding communities, call on R.D. Harrell Company to immediately withdraw or relocate the proposed Whetstone Motel (PR25.10.01).

This project is planned directly next to Primrose School at Austin Village Preschool and established family neighborhoods full of young children. Many of us believe the least risk is no risk at all.

National data from the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Human Trafficking Hotline show that hotels and motels are frequent venues for sex trafficking and related crimes. Under North Carolina premises liability law, property owners and operators can be held responsible for foreseeable harm when reasonable security measures are not taken.

Placing transient lodging in this location creates a documented, foreseeable risk to children and families. We strongly urge R.D. Harrell Company to act responsibly and relocate this project to a more appropriate commercial site away from sensitive uses involving children.

We also urge the Stallings Town Council to:

•  Deny any request to abandon Whetstone Drive

•  Apply the strictest possible review of security, lighting, buffering, and site design standards if the project continues

Over 500 residents have already voiced their opposition. We support responsible economic development — but not when it unnecessarily endangers our children and neighborhoods.

Please join us in calling on the developer to do the right thing and relocate this project.

Full details can be found at: https://stopwhetstonemotel.com/