Community Not Interested in New Jonesboro Road Car Wash

Community members spoke out against a proposed car wash during the February zoning board meeting. The proposed development is located at Jonesboro Road and Chambers Road.

The zoning board recommended denial of the new car wash. It must go before the county commissioners for a final decision.

Jonesboro Road Car Wash

KUNJ Atlanta, LLC of McDonough, GA is requesting to rezone 1.19 acres for the proposed car wash. The new business would be next to the existing Shell station — also owned by KUNJ Atlanta.

The property presently has a C-1 zoning (neighborhood commercial). To build the car wash, the applicant is seeking C-2 zoning (general commercial). In addition, they have applied to change the land use map from mixed use to commercial.

The applicant, Mr. Hasmukh Patel, shared with the zoning board he wants to build a business the community needs. He added there is not another car wash within four miles on the west side of I-75. When asked other possible uses for the property, he replied potentially a restaurant.

Following their review, planning staff are recommending denial of the applicant’s requests. The zoning board concurred with this recommendation. The board of commissioners will consider the request at a later date.

Community Opposition & Moratorium

Several nearby residents spoke against the proposed development. They emphasized there is already a car wash on the other side of I-75. ”This is not the place to put a car wash,” added one neighbor. “There are six car washes within a three-mile radius…three are brand new,” spoke another.

Recognizing an increase in the number of proposed car washes — often in close proximity — Henry County adopted a moratorium on new applications in October. Planning staff proposed the county adopt a buffer radius for new car washes. This would prohibit new locations within a set distance of existing washes. The board adopted a moratorium so it could continue discussion what distance, if any, is appropriate.

The county commissioners have not yet revisited the topic. The moratorium expires in April.

Featured image shows Jonesboro Road at Chambers Road intersection with proposed car wash sign. Henry County photo.