The Lake Dow Self-Storage Request Withdraws its Application

Map shows the location of Lake Dow Self-Storage, in relation to Merganser self-storage and Publix (Clayton Carte / MHF News map created with Datawrapper).
(Clayton Carte / MHF News map created with Datawrapper)

A proposed self-storage business off Lake Dow Road in McDonough has withdrawn their application. They can resubmit it in 2025. If so, then the zoning process would start over and be re-advertised.

Another self-storage business is coming soon in the area. It will be behind Chick-fil-A. Both applicants sought approval through a zoning code amendment the city passed in November 2023.

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Lake Dow Self-Storage Withdrawn

In spring 2024, Your Storage Units proposed a self-storage business on State Route 81 at Lake Dow Road. The site is across the street from the Publix shopping center. This is located inside McDonough city limits. Before they could build their new location, it first required a conditional use permit. This approval is up to the city council.

Since the spring, the request has been postponed several times. The city council most recently considered the case on September 16. At such time, the applicant’s engineer, Steve Moore of Moore Bass Consulting, indicated Your Storage Units was no longer pursuing the project. However, the land owner wishes to proceed forward on the application. They requested to return to the city’s planning commission. Moore expressed a desire to present the updated plans to the MPC. The council agreed to this request.

On November 18, the city council received a different update. City staff shared the application had been withdrawn. Staff did indicate, however, the city would re-advertise the project if the applicant resubmits their request.

Across the street, Merganser Self-Storage is coming soon. That project will be behind Chick-fil-A and Starbucks.

Retail & Restaurant Outparcels

In March 2023, the McDonough council approved revised plans for commercial outparcels. The property has had commercial zoning since 2005. At the time, Trinity McDonough, LLC presented plans for five outparcels:

Concept site plan showing new commercial space at SR 81 and Lake Dow Road (Trinity McDonough, LLC photo).
March 2023 Site Plan (Trinity McDonough, LLC photo)

A new road running between Lake Dow Road and SR 81 is now complete. This road will provide rear-access into the various lots. The original plan indicated a quick-service (fast-food) restaurant, oil change business, tire shop and car wash. Sources online shared Whataburger will start construction around April 2025 on one of the outparcels. This would be their third location within Henry County after Jodeco Road and East Lake Parkway.

The proposed self-storage business was considering a rear-parcel behind the access road. About ten acres is available for additional retail development above (north of) the access road.

It’s also reported a new Burger King has started construction off Travis Drive. They will occupy the outparcel behind Truist Bank. The site has been vacant since Publix at Lake Dow opened in 2001.

Featured image shows a map of Lake Dow self-storage in relation to Merganser Self-Storage and Publix. Clayton Carte / MHF News map created with Datawrapper.

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About Clayton 1708 Articles
Clayton Carte is the founder and owner of The Henry Reporter. He founded the site in 2017 to highlight transportation projects. Over time, he began covering other topics like new development so residents can best know what’s happening in our community.