Preserving Tallapoosa’s Character: Why I Opposed the Dollar General Rezoning

One of the defining aspects of Tallapoosa is its small-town charm, close-knit community, and the pride we take in maintaining a balance between growth and preservation. However, last year, a proposal surfaced that threatened to disrupt this balance: a request to rezone a residential lot along Highway 100 to allow for the construction of a new Dollar General store.

A Proposal That Raised Concerns Over New Dollar General

The proposed location for this new Dollar General sat in the middle of a residential area, between Berlin Street and Bethany Street. This move required a zoning change from residential to commercial use—an adjustment that would have significant long-term implications for our community.

Many residents, myself included, immediately saw potential problems with this plan. The proposed rezoning sparked strong opposition, with concerned citizens voicing issues such as:

• Increased Traffic and Safety Risks: Converting a residential street into a commercial thoroughfare would have significantly increased traffic, raising concerns for families, pedestrians, and school children in the area.

• Impact on Property Values: Introducing a commercial development into a predominantly residential area could have led to a decrease in property values for homeowners nearby.

• Preserving Community Integrity: Tallapoosa has worked hard to maintain a sense of community and character. Allowing large corporations to dictate land use in residential neighborhoods would have set a dangerous precedent.

  
  

Standing with the Community

The response from Tallapoosa residents was clear. A petition titled “Protect Our Residential Area: Say No to Dollar General Market!” gained traction, with citizens urging the city to reject the rezoning request. Their message was simple: growth and development must be done in a way that benefits Tallapoosa as a whole, not just corporate interests.

I stood with the people of Tallapoosa in opposing this rezoning. Economic development is crucial, but it must be pursued responsibly. It is not about being anti-business; it is about ensuring that business expansion aligns with the needs and values of our community. A Dollar General in a residential area would not have added meaningful value, but rather, it would have disrupted the lives of those who call that neighborhood home.

A Vision for Responsible Growth

As I campaign for mayor of Tallapoosa, I remain committed to a vision of responsible, well-planned development. This means:

• Supporting local businesses and encouraging economic growth in appropriate commercial zones.

• Ensuring that new developments enhance rather than disrupt our community.

• Listening to residents and ensuring their voices are heard in all zoning and development decisions.

• Maintaining the character and integrity of Tallapoosa while allowing for thoughtful, sustainable progress.

Moving forward, I will continue to advocate for policies that promote smart growth while protecting the unique identity of our town. The fight against the proposed Dollar General rezoning was a testament to what we can achieve when we stand together as a community. Let’s continue working towards a future where Tallapoosa grows on its own terms, in ways that benefit all its residents.

If you share this vision for responsible growth and a stronger, more unified Tallapoosa, I invite you to join me in this campaign. Together, we can ensure that Tallapoosa remains a great place to live, work, and thrive.

Joe Glass - The Clear Choice for Responsible Family-Focused Growth