Rezoning request for Scuffle Grit site draws neighborhood opposition over traffic, hours and waste concerns

SugarBear Properties’ request to rezone and annex 1880 Scuffle Grit Road into the city and change its zoning from NRC (Neighborhood Retail Commercial) under Cobb County to CRC (Community Retail Commercial) in Marietta prompted extended public comment and questions from the Planning Commission on May 29.

Attorney Lisa Morshower, representing owner Mike Pinjuani and Magic Market operations, said the 11,327-square-foot building would be repurposed for a convenience store (approx. 4,884 sq ft) plus four retail units and about 1,003 sq ft of interior storage. Morshower told commissioners the owner has developed multiple convenience stores in Georgia and would update the building’s facade and add sidewalks, street trees and landscaping that match the city’s pedestrian standards.

Several residents objected. Christine Rosman, who lives in Villages of East Park near the intersection, said construction of roughly 200 new homes nearby will already increase traffic and that the intersection of Scuffle Grit and Sandy Plains is dangerous: “I cannot tell you how many times people ... they are going right through that intersection. I can’t believe that somebody hasn’t been killed.” Lucy Sutton, a resident who abuts the property, raised concerns about dumpster placement, potential rodent attraction from food waste and the hours of operation; she also asked whether nearby undeveloped parcels are part of the application and how annexation would affect taxes and services. Another neighbor said the site already has two gas stations within a short distance and questioned whether another convenience store and fueling operation is needed.

Supporters told the commission the location already contains commercial uses — a car wash and a public shopping center across the street — and argued that a renovated convenience store would be a neighborhood-serving amenity and would activate a currently vacant building. A supporter said pedestrian access to a nearby gas station is a convenience for local residents.

Staff noted the property’s prior rezoning to a drugstore under Cobb County and that existing county conditions had restricted use historically. Morshower and the applicant said the project team submitted a traffic study and revised site plan addressing planner comments and that the proposed CRC classification would permit convenience stores with fuel sales under city code (subject to CRC restrictions such as no vehicle repair).

At the close of the hearing segment in the provided transcript, staff said they were “not recommending denial.” The record in the excerpt ends before a final motion or vote by the commission was recorded in the transcript provided to this report.