The Gwinnett County Planning Commission heard arguments last week for and against an automobile sales and service business at 5800 Lawrenceville Highway/U.S. 29 and the intersection with Kenvilla Drive in Lilburn. The applicant, Omran “Sam” Habib had requested a special use permit to build a two-story, 15,000 square foot building with 287 parking spaces on a currently vacant 4.16 acre lot adjacent to Lilburn Alliance Church.
Lilburn Mayor Johnny Crist spoke in opposition to the project on behalf of the Lilburn city council. According to Crist, the city “has no desire for more auto lots along Highway 29.” Noting other projects already approved within Lilburn city limits, Crist stated the city is working to “clean up the area” and has plans for this stretch of Lawrenceville Highway to become fully retail.
Based on recommendations by the county’s staff and feedback from the public hearing, the Gwinnett planning commission voted 8-0 to deny the special use permit request.
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