Friendly City moratorium on convenience stores
TIFTON, Ga. – The City of Tifton is once again preparing to discuss a matter involving new convenience stores in the Friendly City. One that’s been put on hold for nearly four months.
We met with Tifton Communications Director, Stacey Greene about the original decision earlier this year about the moratorium on new convenience stores in the city.
“So, we started looking at any planned growth and new businesses coming in to our city limits. And, we just wanted to make sure, if it’s the historic district, maybe is it appropriate for a convenience store to be right there? Is it appropriate to have one right next to city hall? So, we’re really just trying to look at and get more of a long term development plan…” said Stacey Greene, Communications Director, City of Tifton.
The moratorium will expire on Monday, the 17th, just in time for the Tifton city council meeting, and city commissioners will have to decide if they want to open up to more local convenience stores, or potentially build a case to welcome a larger name one to the city.
“Of course we are excited when any new businesses join Tifton. It’s a great benefit for our city. It’s a great benefit for our residents. But, we want to make sure that we continue to have that top level kind of quality of life. Make sure, does someone in the historical district want a huge business next to them? Just like how there are rules in place for liquor stores or anything like that near schools,” said Greene.
And, of course, they will want to hear back from the Tifton community.
“We’ve had residents here voice concerns about what is in their neighborhood, what’s in their vicinity, and so we’re looking at all parts of Tifton as it relates to convenience store locations…”
As the city prepares to discuss the matter, they want to make sure that if they are going to approve more convenience stores, that they’re making the best possible financial decision for the Friendly City.
The Tifton city council meeting will take place Monday, June 17th at 5:30 p.m.
Brian Roche reporting.
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