Citizens Sound Off Against New Dollar General
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Citizens Sound Off Against New Dollar General
Photo by Caleb Jeffers
Citizens gathered at the Oneida Municipal Building to discuss potential rezoning to make way for a new Dollar General Store on Coopertown Road. Opponents of the development expressed fears over increased taxes and an overabundance of stores from the corporation. If developed the store would be the sixth such business in Scott County.
By Caleb Jeffers
In a recent meeting regarding the rezoning of a property on Coopertown Road into a commercial-residential zone, the courtroom in the Oneida Municipal Services Building was completely packed, with some audience members having to stand outside the room to hear the proceedings. Though most in the meeting did not speak, the overwhelming majority of those who did were solidly against the rezoning, citing a number of concerns with the idea.
The rezoning would be done in order to accommodate a Dollar General being put on the property. Multiple residents stated that, should the rezoning go through, they would sell their property immediately, fearing higher property taxes. Others, such as Oneida resident Jack Perry, cited the over-abundance of Dollar Generals already present within the county. “We already have five Dollar General Stores in our county,” Perry said, clearly against the proposal. Resident Jody Morrow stated, “I don’t think changing this betters Oneida.” In total, ten individuals spoke out against the proposal, with only one who spoke in favor of the idea.
Proponents of the plan cite potential economic benefits to the county, as the store would create jobs and some amount of revenue. Nancy Smith, the lone voice from the public in favor of the proposal, stated that she didn’t want to have to go to “a big shopping center” for her basic needs. The only other person present at the meeting who seemed to be in favor of the idea was Remon Ferhart, a commercial developer working on behalf of Dollar General. Ferhart joined by video call, and was given time to speak to the crowd in regards to the matter. At one point he asked, “Is there anything we can do to make this site more reasonable to you?” Someone in the audience immediately said, “Stay away.” There were murmurs of agreement from the rest of the crowd in response.
When the board next meets, on February 20th, they will formally vote on the idea, deciding whether the property will be formally rezoned or not.
