Controversial shopping center approved for West Cobb

Attorney Parks Huff, representing developer Columbia Properties, Inc., said the new development will be a perfect compliment to The Avenue at West Cobb, which is a popular shopping destination right across Dallas Highway from the proposed development.

“What better place to put this than [across from] an already existing, already successful shopping center?” Huff said. “What we’re talking about is a reasonable, rational expansion of an activity center that already exists.”

They’re also talking about homeowners looking at increased traffic along already over-crowded roads, said resident Melissa O’Brien.

“We don’t want to look at the back of stores, their dumpsters and hear trucks coming and going,” said JoAnn Crimm, who lives across Casteel Road from the development.

Four nearby residents spoke in support of the development, saying the shopping is needed and that the development will increase property values.

Commissioner Weatherford, who represents the area, said he does not believe approval of the rezoning sets a precedent that would allow “unbridled growth” along Dallas Highway. Weatherford said he reached that conclusion after talking to the county attorney’s office.

“The land use plan is a guide and not cast in concrete and not binding for future decisions,” Weatherford said. “The legal opinion I received is that each rezoning is unique. There obviously is demand for additional retail.”