The Town of Tyrone’s recent vote in favor of placing a gun shop and shooting range in the Publix shopping plaza in South Hampton next to a pizza parlor frequented by local families is an egregious example of local government ignoring the legitimate concerns of its citizenry.
Despite vehement opposition by a majority of residents at the meeting on March 1, the council voted 3 to 2 in favor of this controversial development.
At the heart of the opposition is the location of the gun shop/range. It will not only be in a shopping area, but most alarmingly backs up to the homes of citizens in the South Hampton subdivision.
To knowingly allow a business that has the potential to lower property values and threaten the welfare and safety of all in the area speaks to the council’s total disrespect of the residents.
The council members and mayor appear not to understand that they were elected to serve the best interest of ALL residents, not a select few.
This decision begs to be reconsidered. It is not just; it is not fair; it is prejudicial; it is not what many people who live in Tyrone want.
The mayor and council owe it to their constituency to send this issue back to the planning commission for an alternative site, one that is not in a residential area.
Beverly Clopton
Tyrone, Ga.
