A new Tesla dealership could soon be coming to the Capital Region—but not without sparking community controversy.

The Colonie Town Board will review plans Tuesday evening for a proposed 30,000-square-foot Tesla showroom and service center at 1979 Central Avenue, the site of a former BOCES educational facility. The property, located at the intersection of Central and Culver Avenues, is already zoned for commercial auto sales.

The proposal includes 277 parking spaces, 24 service bays, and capacity for up to 40 employees. Developers say the site will be emission-free, quiet, and free of traditional auto shop elements like fuel tanks and motor oil.

But while some see the project as a sign of economic growth, others in the community are speaking out.

A group of local residents is rallying against Tesla, not necessarily because of the vehicles themselves, but because of concerns about the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, and its broader corporate influence.

“Electric vehicles are important, but we have other companies meeting that need,” one organizer said. “This is about who we’re giving a platform to in our own backyard.”

The opposition comes just days after a growing “Tesla Takedown” movement, encouraging shareholders and vehicle owners to divest from the company. It also comes amid a tough quarter for Tesla: the company reported a 13% drop in deliveries compared to last year and is facing increased global competition, particularly from Chinese EV makers like BYD.

Tesla is scheduled to release its Q1 financial report on April 22, which could offer more insight into how the Colonie location fits into its retail strategy.

Ahead of the Town Board meeting, which begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Operations Center in Latham, a public rally will take place at 5:15 p.m. outside Colonie Town Hall on Route 9. Assemblymember Patricia Fahy is expected to speak.

The proposal remains under review, and Colonie officials say more community input will be gathered in the coming weeks before any final decisions are made.