Residents of Canton gathered for a government meeting to discuss a proposed rezoning project that has sparked significant community interest and concern. The meeting, chaired by a board member of Mecca, focused on the potential development of a site at Belmont Court, which has raised questions about traffic, environmental impact, and community needs.

The chair emphasized that there is currently no plan for a full-time school at the site, but acknowledged a community need for daycare services. The board is considering rezoning to accommodate future needs, should they arise. Concerns about traffic were echoed by several residents, with commitments made to work with city and county officials to address these issues.

Community members expressed a range of opinions. Some, like Jeff Mallett, voiced support for the project, arguing that it meets city requirements and reflects the ongoing development in Canton. Others, such as Laurie Kiroff, raised concerns about the loss of wildlife and the impact of a large building on their quality of life. Kiroff described her emotional distress over the potential loss of natural surroundings, highlighting the presence of local wildlife that residents cherish.

Opposition was also voiced by Mukesh Patel and Dave Barnett, who called for a delay in the decision until a traffic study could be conducted. They expressed fears that the project would negatively affect property values and exacerbate existing traffic issues.

Board members from Mecca reassured attendees that they are committed to addressing community concerns and have engaged engineers to ensure the project aligns with local regulations. They expressed a desire to maintain the area's natural beauty and accommodate the wishes of future neighbors.

As discussions continue, the community remains divided, with some advocating for progress and others urging caution to protect the character of their neighborhood. The outcome of this rezoning proposal will likely have lasting implications for the residents of Canton.