Panel votes down facility for sex-trafficking victims

Those opposed to a rezoning request by Straight Street Revolution Ministries raised their hands Monday. (Credit: The Gainesville Times)

Those opposed to a rezoning request by Straight Street Revolution Ministries raised their hands Monday. (Credit: The Gainesville Times)

The Hall County Planning Commission has voted down a ministry’s plans for a facility that would house victims of sex trafficking, according to a media report.

“I commend Mr. (Todd) Robson for his ministries and all the people who support it,” Planning Commissioner Bo Brooks said during a meeting Monday night. “But at this time, I do not feel that this is the correct location for this ministry.”

Straight Street Revolution Ministries’ proposal still will go the county Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and final vote in December, the Gainesville Times reported.

The nonprofit organization wants to build the campus on 50 acres off Weaver Road in southeast Hall County, according to the report. Residents would be women over 18 who are referred to the ministry.

“I praise Jesus for people like (Straight Street) who want to love even when no one else will,” said supporter Chase Thomas, who lives two miles from the proposed site.

However, a resident who opposes the facility cited security concerns.

“Sirs, a gate will not stop someone from entering this facility when they can walk straight through the woods or straight through a pasture onto the facility,” Sherry Evans said. “A gate will only stop a car … but not a person.”