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The hugely popular travel center chain, Buc-ee’s, hopes to build a new location in Stafford County.
STAFFORD, Va. — Ahead of a critical Stafford County Planning Commission public hearing, the Texas-based travel center company Buc-ee’s will hold an informational meeting with community members.
Representatives from the company, known for its beaver mascot and wide variety of food, including BBQ, will discuss the project and answer questions from the public on Monday at the Colonial Forge High School on Courthouse Road from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Buc-ee’s has developed a cult-like following and recently opened a site near Harrisonburg over the summer. Despite the popularity, residents have expressed concerns since the proposed plan along Courthouse Road and Austin Ridge Drive was first revealed in 2024.
Among the concerns are traffic, noise, safety, impact on property values, and proximity to homes. Janice Diallo lives on Booth Court, a street right next to the proposed 74,000 square foot building on 36 acres of land.
“We love Buc-ee’s, but we want the Buc-ee’s to go somewhere else,” Diallo told WUSA9. “Not in our neighborhood because our neighborhood is very nice, peaceful. We don’t want the traffic.”
The plan includes 120 gas pumps, more than 800 parking spaces, and several Tesla charging stations. The company is expecting to bring in 200 jobs, which is more of a reason why Stafford native Shelda Anderson supports the project.
“There’s not much here other than the government, and we know how that’s going,” said Anderson. “I think job opportunities for people would be great.”
“I’d love to see something like that,” said Patricia Wise. “It’s a one-stop shop for it all.”
The pushback against the plans has only garnered more support, as online petitions exist to warn residents of the impact on the community.
Buc-ee’s hasn’t responded to a request for comment.
The Stafford County Planning Commission will hold an official public hearing on the proposed site on Oct. 29. The commission will make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, which will have the final say.
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