After twice requesting delays, Cobb District 4 Commissioner Lisa Cupid was unsuccessful Tuesday in persuading her fellow commissioners to deny a Family Dollar store in her district.
The matter passed 3-1.
Commissioner Bob Ott did not vote since he said a family member works for Family Dollar.
Attorney John Moore spoke on behalf of the owners Mason Wayne Miller and Mary K. Miller of Boos Development Group Inc. and the applicant Family Dollar, noting the nearly two acres on Brownsville Road at Pine Valley Road will be a less intensive use than a convenience store - another use allowed on that site.
Though there were no speakers during the last two meetings to oppose the project, this time there were eight opposed.
Also, Cupid asked permission of Commission Chairman Tim Lee to show a video of four more residents in opposition which he permitted.
However, Moore said he objected, after the video was shown, since those people could not be sworn in.
Those in person and on the video voiced concerns about commercial saturation, increased crime and traffic and foot traffic safety by children and teens who might walk to the store at night where there are no sidewalks and limited lighting.
Also on Brownsville Road at Pine Valley Road across from the cemetery and within sight of this property, there is a convenience store.
“Residents are very concerned that this board will not take their concerns to heart. It’s a sad day for this part of the county,” Cupid said.
Lee responded, “It is absolutely wrong that I am not taking the community’s concerns to heart. I agreed to delay twice, but I have not heard from the district commissioner (Cupid). We have to make decisions based on law and for the community at-large, not just a small group.”
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