Residents urge White County leaders to protect Mount Yonah views from proposed gas station

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Concern over a proposed gas station along the Helen Highway drew a crowd to the White County Board of Commissioners meeting Monday, where residents urged county leaders to protect one of the area’s most recognizable scenic corridors.

The public response comes just days after news that five new gas station and convenience store projects are proposed across White County. Most of those who attended Monday’s meeting were focused on one project planned along the Helen Highway, directly in front of Mount Yonah. About half a dozen residents spoke during public comment, asking commissioners to stop the development or take steps to better protect the area’s natural beauty.

Brooke Adams, like many who addressed the board, spoke about her family’s longstanding ties to the area and her concern that the project would permanently alter the landscape.

“Growth is not the enemy, but poor planning is,” Adams told commissioners.

John Ford, who lives north of the proposed site, said he travels the Helen Highway every day. While acknowledging that gas stations serve a purpose, he noted there are already several nearby options for motorists.

Ford said White County’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets and urged leaders to protect it.

“Let’s build up who we are and what we are and preserve and protect that,” he said.

County officials said their ability to stop the project may be limited.

Jessie Owensby, White County’s director of Community and Economic Development, said the property is already zoned for commercial use, and a gas station is a permitted use under that zoning designation.

Commission Chairman Travis Turner said after the meeting that he hopes residents’ concerns will influence future land-use decisions, even if existing proposals cannot be blocked.

“I hope my board heard from our community that it’s time to start moving forward on how best to set up these particular areas that are respectful, mindful of the views, respectful of the community that it’s located in, because no, we don’t want fluorescent lights, LED lights, blocking the views of our beautiful Mount Yonah. I don’t!”

Commissioners have previously acknowledged they may have little authority to prevent projects already permitted under existing zoning rules. However, they have indicated they are interested in exploring future changes that could better preserve scenic views while accommodating growth.