Dear Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners and Department of Planning & Development:

Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary strongly opposes the rezoning of 29.027 acres at 4417 and 4421 Stone Mountain Hwy (parcels R6064 020 and R6064 072) from C-2 and M-1 to R-IF for a 280-unit mixed residential community by Middleburg Communities, LLC. The site lies directly behind the Ag Pro John Deere dealer and borders Quick Slick diesel mechanic facility, where valuable tractors, inventories, and trucks are stored and maintained along the property line. Nearby Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary faces direct security threats. This proposal fails every Standard Governing the Exercise of the Zoning Power (Gwinnett UDO Rezoning Application form).

(A) Suitability: Residential use is entirely unsuitable. R-IF is intended only for missing-middle housing with convenient access to appropriate streets (UDO §210-80.1), not behind security-sensitive commercial/industrial sites or adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary. Spot zoning this residential area will burden all nearby established businesses with unnecessary costs for security without providing any clear benefits.

(B) Adverse effects: The influx of 280 households will severely harm adjacent properties. Increased foot traffic and opportunistic residents will heighten risks of crime, theft, and vandalism to John Deere tractors, equipment inventories, and Quick Slick truck fleets stored on the shared border. Residents will also trespass into Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, leading to animal harm, vandalism, human injuries, or dangerous encounters—directly impairing the sanctuary’s usability, safety, and mission.

(C) Reasonable economic use as currently zoned: The property retains full economic viability under existing C-2/M-1 zoning, which matches the surrounding commercial character and supports secured business operations.

(D) Burdensome use of infrastructure: 280 units with a single Highway 78 entrance will overload streets, utilities, and schools.

(E) Conformity with Unified Plan: It violates the 2045 Plan and UDO §200-10 purposes of public health, safety, and compatible development in the Highway 78 Corridor.

(F) Other conditions: Existing heavy commercial activity, secured inventories, and the adjacent sanctuary create compelling grounds for denial to prevent security breaches, trespassing, and land-use conflicts.

Approval would endanger public safety, commercial assets, wildlife, and the sanctuary. We urge DENIAL of this application.