Zoning Information - Future Development

 

As we’re all aware, there is significant development underway on Sharpsburg-McCollum Road at the intersection with I-85. Many of our members have questions and concerns, with good reason.  Last week, several Board members attended a Zoning Appeal meeting at which more information was provided, and we’d like to share it. There’s a lot of information, so we’re providing a summary first, followed by the details if you are interested.

We are aware of at least 4 projects that are underway or planned for the intersection:

1. Liquor Store.  The Arbor Beverage Center is being builton the south side of Elzie Johnson Road (the road that leads to the quarry).  Construction is expected to be completed in the near future.

2. Distribution Facility 1.  A large trucking facility is being built on the south side of Raymond Hill Road near the intersection with Hwy. 154.  Construction is nearly complete, and it appears that it will open soon.

3. Quik Trip Travel Center.  Between the liquor store and the existing Shell station, Quik Trip is building a “Travel Center.”  It will have two entrances on Hwy. 154, one of which will be shared with the liquor store.   Trucks will exit from the back of the station onto Elzie Johnson Rd.  They expect to break ground in early 2024.

4. Distribution Facility 2. Another tractor-trailer distribution facility is planned at the end of Elzie Johnson Road.  Although the site has been approved by the county, we do not have additional details on this building.

All of the parcels in question are zoned Commercial.  Each of these business types is permissible in a Commercial zone, and the county approved their construction long ago. The time when anyone could have spoken against these businesses passed long ago. 

1. Liquor Store.  The liquor store is one of three that were approved by Coweta County last year. The building will be at least 5,000 square feet.  There will be a large parking lot and two entrances onto Hwy. 154.  It is expected to be completed in the near future.

2. Distribution Facility.  A trucking facility is being built on the south side of Raymond Hill Road, about a quarter-mile from the intersection with Hwy. 154.  We do not have the design details, but we expect it will consist of one or two large warehouses with a long row of loading docks along each side.  Trucks will take one of the exits from I-85, turn south on Hwy. 154 to the turn lane at the light, then left onto Raymond Hill. The construction has been underway for some time, and it is expected to open very soon.

3. Quik Trip Travel Center.  Adjacent to the liquor store (between the liquor store and the existing Shell station), Quik Trip is building a large service station.  It will be a “Travel Center,” which is larger than the average Quik Trip,and is designed to service both automobiles and tractor trailers.  It will have around 70,000 gallons of diesel fuel storage. It will have two entrances on Hwy. 154, one of which will be shared with the liquor store, and one entrance on Elzie Johnson Rd.   Ground is expected to be broken in early 2024. 

a. Quik Trip will not allow overnight vehicle parking, and they will not have “trucker facilities” such as showers or sleeping areas. 

b. Although trucks from I-85 will enter the Quik Trip from Hwy. 154, they will be required to exit from the rear of the station, turning onto Elzie Johnson Road.This takes them to the new light that is being installed(see below).

4. Distribution Facility. Another distribution facility isplanned at the end of Elzie Johnson Road.  Although the site has been approved by the county, we do not have additional details on this construction.
There is no doubt that we will experience a significant increase in traffic at the intersection, particularly tractor-trailers.

 

 

Although each site will require simple turn lanes and other adjustments, no major road expansion is planned.  

 

• Traffic Light.  A new traffic light will be installed at the intersection of Elzie Johnson Road and Hwy. 154.  In addition, the mouth of the road will be widened to include a few traffic islands.  The County indicated that some of the detail around turn lanes and shoulders is still being worked out.  The light will, at the very least, reduce problems with trucks turning at the Elzie Road intersection.

• Highway 154 Widening.   GDOT has had planning meetings for years around the possible widening of Hwy. 154.  Unfortunately, it is still in the discussion stage, and any widening of the road is years off.  The situation is made much more complex by the railroad intersection, which acts as a “choke point” for traffic.  Neither Coweta County nor the State of Georgia has any control over the railroad crossing.  The land is owned by CSX Railroad, andchanges to the crossing are exclusively under the control of CSX and the US Department of Transportation.   Their approval and participation is a prerequisite for expanding Hwy. 154.

 

Thank you to board member 
Tom Johnson for compiling the information that we received Tuesday night on future development along Highway 154.