LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A contentious debate over Topgolf coming to Louisville went on for hours Monday evening.
The driving range plans to move into Oxmoor Center, near where the old Sears building is, but some Hurstbourne neighbors are concerned about noise, lights and traffic that may come with the development, and are fighting efforts to rezone the area.
The Louisville Metro Planning Commission held a hearing Monday evening, giving the public a chance to weigh in.
Hundreds of Louisville residents for and against the proposed entertainment complex packed U of L's ShelbyHurst Campus to listen to final plans for Topgolf.
Developers are requesting that the property be rezoned. Public meetings with developers and residents have been going on for months, but the Metro Planning Commission was at Monday's meeting, to either recommend the proposal be passed on to Metro Council, or be rejected.
Both sides had a chance to voice their opinions in front of the commission on Monday.
"We don't like the idea of Topgolf coming in there because of the traffic situation," said Solomon Kelman, who opposes the development. "They will be coming through our neighborhood at night from 8 p.m. to [sometime] in the morning, trying to get to Hurstbourne Lane.
Topgolf developers were also in attendance, in an attempt to assure those who oppose the development that they will be god neighbors.
"I can stand up here at the bottom of my heart and tell you that we will not have the impact as perceived by the people here. We will be good partners, [and] will be great community members," said Tanner McKelly, with Topgolf Residential Development.
Both sides showed passion about the future of what could be near their homes.
"As a business owner, I love to create jobs and Topgolf is looking to create 500 plus jobs for the area, so I think that is both huge for St. Matts and Louisville," said Will Brooks, who is in favor of Topgolf.
Some Hurstbourne neighbors say while Topgolf may be helpful to Oxmoor Center, they worry it won't help their neighborhood.
"Shopping centers all over the country are having problems. They just don't have the foot traffic anymore," Kelman said. "This will help them, the shopping center, but it's not going to help our neighborhoods."
There's still no word on when a recommendation will be made to Metro Council, who will have the final say later this fall.
Related stories:
- SUNDAY EDITION | Oxmoor or bust: Topgolf pitch for mall heads to 18th hole
- Topgolf won’t consider other Louisville sites besides Oxmoor, official says
- Public hearing scheduled for proposed Topgolf development at Oxmoor Center
- Topgolf revises plan for Louisville venue after hearing residents' concerns
- Hurstbourne residents rally in opposition to proposed Topgolf location at Oxmoor Center
- Topgolf addresses Hurstbourne residents' concerns about noise, lights and traffic
- Hurstbourne residents nervous for possible Topgolf location
- Souped-up driving range Topgolf to come to Louisville, bringing up to 500 employees
- Topgolf plans first Kentucky driving range at Oxmoor
- Topgolf officials say company is 'definitely interested' in bringing rapidly growing business to Kentucky
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