Residents Tell Paulding County Commissioners a Proposed Restaurant Would Hurt Quiet Neighborhood

Paulding County residents packed the podium at the June 9 Board of Commissioners meeting to oppose a rezoning request that would allow a 6,000‑square‑foot restaurant at the corner of Dallas Aworth Highway, Crossroads Drive and Old Dallas Aworth Road.

Joanne Bington, who said she has lived at 451 Old Dallas Aworth Road since 1980, told commissioners the proposed site is “so close” to her mailbox that she would feel as if she were “living in their parking lot.” She said late‑night music and deliveries already carry across the community and asked the board to impose traffic controls and operating limits, including closing one day a week. “I just cannot tell you how painful this is,” Bington said.

Bruce Bishop, speaking for several neighbors who submitted petitions and emails, framed the opposition as location‑based rather than personal. Bishop cited long tenures on the street and argued that a seven‑day, late‑night restaurant with an outdoor deck would increase noise, deliveries, trash and petty crime. “We’re the ones who are going to live with the consequences every day,” he said.

Other speakers presented mixed views. Pete Guy Jr. described the business as a family restaurant that provides community value. Don Williams, another resident, urged the board to consider mitigations the owner has proposed, noting the applicant intends to install a four‑season patio with windows that can be closed.

The rezoning application, filed by Jose Rodriguez (2026‑06‑Z), requested a change from R2 (suburban residential) to B1 (general business) on roughly 1.76 acres. Planning staff reported eight stipulations recommended by the Planning Commission. During the Board of Commissioners meeting a ninth stipulation was added: the owner and developer must restrict left‑turn vehicle movement from the site entrance onto Crossroads Drive, with the design subject to DOT approval during the plan review process.

The board approved the rezoning motion with the eight Planning Commission stipulations plus the new left‑turn restriction; the vote was taken by voice and recorded as unanimous.

Why it matters: The rezoning shifts the property from residential to commercial use and the stipulations determine how the restaurant may operate near long‑standing homes. Neighbors repeatedly asked the board to prioritize specific traffic controls (right‑turn-only movements to keep vehicles off Old Dallas Aworth Road), limits on outdoor patron areas and at least one weekly closure to reduce nighttime disturbance.

What’s next: The additional DOT plan review called for in the left‑turn restriction will be part of the site plan—if the developer proceeds, the county’s plan review and permitting process will evaluate access, signage and any traffic‑control measures required by DOT. The board’s approval carries the stipulations adopted on the record; enforcement and any future complaints will be handled through the county’s zoning and code enforcement processes.