Straight Street Revolution Ministries, Inc. of Hall County wants to consolidate its operations and expand its outreach to include some rehabilitation homes for victims of sex trafficking, but neighbors near the proposed development say they are ready to fight the plan.
The Hall County Planning Commission will review a rezoning request from Straight Street at a November 21 meeting. Applicant Todd Robson, the founder of the non-profit, is asking to rezone a 50-acre tract of land at 4825 Weaver Road in the Chestnut Mountain area.
The application says the property in question would be used to expand the current faith-based outreach programs of Straight Street - BackPack Love, SS Impact and Beautiful Feet. In addition, the application states the property would be used to establish a residential campus to "provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment for victims of sex trafficking on their path to restoration."
The development would include up to 17 residences - described as restoration homes - along with an administration building, a barn for storage, a chapel, prayer gardens, an activity field and other features.
Some neighbors in the area have started a door-to-door and email campaign against the project, saying while they commend the charities supported by Straight Street Revolution Ministries, they believe the development is not suited for the area.
"While these charities are tremendously important for our communities, the very powerful, rich, influential backers are requesting our county commissioners to approve spot zoning which will significantly decrease our surrounding property values as well as put our families/children in danger with the type of traffic this will attract for rescue victims of sex trafficking and prostitution," said Weaver Road resident Laura Klukaszewski in an email to AccessWDUN.
Klukaszewski points out the close proximity of the proposed development to Myers Elementary School and the future site of Lanier Christian Academy.
The property in question is bordered on the north side by the Poplar Springs Acres subdivision. Other residences are located along Weaver Road.
The Hall County Planning Commission will hear from both the applicant and opponents at the 5:15 p.m. meeting on November 21 at the Hall County Government Center on Browns Bridge Road.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/11/469027/opposition-forming-against-plan-to-create-sanctuary-for-sex-trafficking-victims-in-chestnut-mountain-area