Dollar General store for White Cross

[keith]

I am writing to oppose rezoning of the lot at White Cross Rd/Hwy54 for Local Commercial and Neighborhood Commercial designation. Its intended use for a Dollar General Store is not consistent with the community of the area and will serve little overall benefit to the county. The area already has small businesses operating including service stations, a restaurant and a small grocery store. Addition of a Dollar General would likely negatively impact them. Further, it would likely bring additional vehicle traffic from outside the community and increase already dangerous traffic conditions. I have witnessed numerous high-speed accidents along Hwy 54 over my years of living here. Vehicles slowing or stopping to exit Hwy 54, where drivers regularly exceed the posted 55 mph limit, is a continuing problem. Another stop light on Hwy 54, while perhaps providing some increased safety, is also not desirable given the importance of the route for commuters to Chapel Hill and elsewhere from their homes in more affordable areas. Finally, a Dollar General would be among the least desirable businesses we should be seeking to attract as a county. Jobs are few and very low wage. Indeed, other Dollar General Stores currently struggle to find employees. Much of the sales dollars will go to corporate Dollar General outside the county. There are also existing Dollar General stores along Hwy 54 as well as in Hillsborough. There is no community need for more!

 

Additionally, I would like to point out that communication about the proposed rezoning for this property was less than ideal. Although I have lived with two miles of the property for many years, I only found out about the proposal through a Nextdoor online group messages. Orange County should be capable of better informing the citizens about such proposals. Thank you for your consideration of these comments.

 

Keith Houck

White Cross

 

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