The Paulding County Planning Commission will be holding a hearing to rezone the empty lot in front of the Trace Ridge subdivision from B1 (general business) to B2 (highway business). If this is allowed, the plan is to build a self-storage facility that includes outside vehicle storage. In addition to the obvious aesthetic reasons to oppose such a development, there are many safety issues that come along with these types of facilities. The most concerning revolving around drugs and crime.  

Storage facilities are notorious for attracting criminal activity that spreads throughout the area. These places are often used as hubs for conducting illegal activities and storing stolen merchandise. This would put the residents of the adjacent subdivision as well as all neighboring subdivisions at a greater risk of falling victim to crime. This would also pose a threat to the daycare directly next door. 

The unsightly development and many safety issues will make the area less desirable, which will directly affect property values. This is not good for our small town.