GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County commissioners unanimously rejected a Murphy USA proposal to build a gas station on Jimmy Carter Boulevard last week, following passionate opposition from residents who said their community already has too many gas stations.
The company wanted to replace a pawn shop at the corner of Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Rock Bridge Road with a 2,800-square-foot store with six gas pumps.
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Murphy USA representatives promised high-tech security improvements, including up to 20 surveillance cameras.
However, neighbors came armed with statistics that may have swayed commissioners.
LoyLene Jefferson-Shaw told the board there are already 25 gas stations within a two-and-a-half-mile radius of the proposed location.
Former police officer Dr. Jeff Fauntleroy raised safety concerns about gas stations in residential areas.
“These gas station food marts have become a hub for criminal activity,” Fauntleroy told commissioners.
He cited 838 violent crimes reported at Georgia gas stations in 2021.
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Residents are also worried about the community impact beyond crime and traffic.
Murphy USA representative Stephen Oliver defended the project as a beneficial community development.
“We are proposing redevelopment of a 30-year-old, rundown pawn shop that’s there now,” Oliver said. “I think we’d be an addition to the community.”
The Arkansas-based company operates 1,800 stores in 27 states.
State Representative Marvin Lim (D-Norcross) supported the community opposition, submitting a petition with 130 signatures from nearby residents.
The planning commission had previously recommended denial of the special use permit.
Murphy USA has not indicated whether it will appeal the decision.
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