Residents oppose proposed hotel development near Parkway Drive citing safety and community impact

Residents of Stephens County voiced strong concerns during the December 13, 2024, Board of Commissioners meeting regarding a proposed hotel development near residential areas. Local homeowners expressed fears that the project would exacerbate existing issues, including increased traffic, crime, and safety hazards.

One resident, who lives directly across from the proposed site, highlighted the dangers of the nearby intersection at Skyline Drive and Parkway, citing difficulty exiting her driveway due to poor visibility and heavy traffic. She argued that the hotel would attract more visitors and potentially increase crime, referencing the presence of homeless individuals in the area. "We have people who are walking up and down our streets who are homeless. Our crime rate has increased," she stated, urging the board to consider alternative locations for commercial development that would not disrupt the residential community.

Bishop Charles Wilson, another local resident, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for careful planning. He raised concerns about the adequacy of infrastructure to support the proposed hotel and additional housing, questioning whether the roads could handle the increased traffic. "Skyline Drive, where you want to put that entrance, will need to be widened," he noted, stressing the importance of addressing safety issues before moving forward with the project.

Byron McLean, a former planning commission member, also expressed his apprehensions, particularly about the dangerous curve on Skyline Drive. He suggested that state involvement might be necessary to improve traffic signals and safety measures in the area. "A business of that size needs to put a chain link fence around it," he proposed, to deter homeless individuals from encroaching on residential properties.

The discussions highlighted a community deeply invested in maintaining the character and safety of their neighborhood. Residents called for a thorough review of the development plans, urging the board to consider their concerns seriously before making any decisions. As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the future of the proposed hotel would require careful consideration of its impact on the surrounding community.