As members of the Buice Lake community, we feel a profound responsibility to ensure our neighborhood remains a safe and peaceful place for our residents and children. The recent proposal to build a liquor store at the entrance of Buice Lake Parkway is deeply troubling and concerning, and we reject the proposal in its entirety. 

This proposed site is merely steps away from various apartment complexes, townhomes, and single family homes, making it not only a sore sight but also a danger to residents and their children. There's a school bus stop right outside this proposed location, where children gather every morning and return home every afternoon. Our Buice Lake community is full of children playing outside, riding bikes, and families walking through the neighborhood. It’s irresponsible and unjust to subject our children and residents to the increased risks associated with heightened traffic and potential crime that often accompany liquor stores.

Furthermore, the proposed liquor store location sits directly across the street from a recovery center for those battling addiction. This placement could hinder the progress of many individuals striving for recovery by presenting undue temptation right outside the center.

Our community is not against the sale of alcohol, but it's crucial to recognize there’s already a liquor store just two miles down the road. This proximity makes the proposed store redundant, and its anticipated negative impact on local safety and well-being can’t justify its construction. There are many other liquor stores in the area that are not right next to residences. They are in commercial areas and shopping centers where they belong, and that is where this proposed liquor store belongs as well. 

Also, a gas station/convenience store is going to be built on the other corner of Buice Lake Pkwy and Bells Ferry, which will bring increased traffic and will include alcohol sales. We do not need another establishment selling alcohol right next to the gas station. 

These points were raised on September 2nd at the public hearing in front of the Cherokee County Planning Commission, but only two members voted to reject the proposal, so disappointingly, it passed under the justification that "the community previously voted to approve a liquor store in this district and it's what the community wants." As the two dissenting members pointed out, the liquor store can be built in the district, but this Buice Lake Parkway location is NOT the right place for it.

We urge the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners to prioritize the well-being and safety of our community by rejecting this liquor store proposal as the prospective site is very dangerous and irresponsible. Let us preserve the peace and security of Buice Lake Parkway and prioritize the safety of our children and community members. 

Please join me in voicing our concerns and protecting the future of our neighborhood by signing this petition. Our collective voice is our strongest tool.