A new Dollar General Fresh will be coming to Welcome in spite of vocal and strong opposition from neighbors.
The store’s location, which was proposed by Teramore Development out of Salisbury last year, will be on a now rezoned 1.42 acre parcel beside the former Kerley’s Barbecue on old Highway 52.
The new store will be larger than most existing Dollar General stored and will offer fresh produce (vegetables and fruit), and some residents worried that could have a negative impact on Food Lion, less than a mile away. They also said there are enough Dollar Generals, noting concerns over increased traffic and potential crime. One neighbor who lives across the street from the parcel presented the board with a petition with 167 signatures opposing the development.
Teresa Beck said she is concerned about the impact on traffic traveling either 45 or 55 mph having to accommodate a new entrance/exit on the roadway. She also pointed out that there are Dollar Generals less than a mile away in two different directions.
However, the developers have said there should be no increase in traffic because the store is not a “destination,” relying instead on existing traffic that is already passing the site. Teramore’s Director of Operations, Joe Strickland, also pointed out that the new store will offer “goods and services the community needs,” and said the proposal fits in with the county’s “designated growth corridor.” He said the road is already designed for commercial development.
In response, Commissioner Steve Shell explained that the commissioners felt compelled to approve the plan because it does comply with the county’s plans for developing the Welcome area, and denying the proposal could result in a suit against the county.
"I don't see any reason that we can disapprove it legally," he said.
However, the county’s Planning and Zoning Board, which initially approved the project 4-1, had changed their vote after learning that Teramore had not included a second 30-foot strip in their plans that were needed for their septic system. That board subsequently voted 3-2 in December to recommend the commissioners reject the project.
Nonetheless, the commissioners voted unanimously to permit construction to move ahead.
