Resident concern over RaceTrac Hwy 211/Thompson Mill in Braselton

Braselton area residents are familiar with congestion on Hwy 211, and now fear they may have to deal with a 20 pump, 5,500 sq ft. 24-hour convenience store in that residential area as well.

RaceTrac wants to build on the corner of Thompson Mill Road and Hwy 211, but needs a special conditional use permit granted by the Town of Braselton. The current code does not allow this type of business on that corridor because it is not within 1,000 feet of the interstate, as explained in article 13: [to preserve the areas viability, infrastructure demands, and to prevent blight, and decreased property values, the town believes that unique regulations may be warranted to address this area unlike those of other parts of the town...this area directly impacts the health, safety and well-being of this corridor].

RaceTrac engineers and executives held an open meeting at Chateau Elan attended by over 100 area families on Sunday, October 22. Residents in attendance expressed the following concerns:

• Traffic congestion on Hwy 211 at Thompson Mill road will not improve and may become worse with the gas station at the location.
• The gas station will increase the likelihood of pedestrians using the adjacent life path being struck.
• Convenience stores and gas stations open 24-hours increase the probability of crime, exposing the area to criminal flight issues.
• Concerns about light pollution to neighboring houses.
• Concerns it will bring home values down.
• Fear of environmental hazards such as fire or contamination to the creek existing on the parcel.
• Concerns the site has three retention ponds planned rather than underground drainage.
• Concerns about safety in the buffer area behind the gas station.

Representatives for RaceTrac, stated the gas station would not increase traffic or increase crime. Residents expressed a fear this isn’t true based on their own experience with the current traffic and the number of gas station armed robberies reported.

Braselton Residents started a petition titled “No RaceTrac at Hwy 211/Thompson Mill”. Both sides will now go before Braselton City Council on Monday, November 27, 7 PM. If you would like more information, contact city representatives listed on http://www.braselton.net/