Local

DeKalb residents against plans to open new liquor store

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga — A group of DeKalb County residents confronted a property owner who wants to bring in a new liquor store.

Homeowners in the Lindmoor Woods community say the liquor store would only add to what they call rampant crime around Lawrenceville Highway and Intersate 285.

"Over 50 percent of the crime that's happened in our community in the last six months has actually happened on this corner," said Janel Green.

Residents told Channel 2's Carl Willis that break-ins are being committed by people who visit the extended stay motels right across the street from the proposed liquor store.

"We've got enough problems with those people coming into our neighborhood and ransacking all of our homes," a resident said.

"If he opened up a restaurant, the people of concern would still frequent the restaurant," said property owner Matthew Miller.

Miller owner says the Florida developer who wants to buy in is a former undercover police officer who worked in Metro Atlanta.

"He will have an increase of police presence, an increase of patrol cars in this community, which will be beneficial to everyone in the community," said Miller.

Some residents disagreed.

"You're going to be robbed 10 ways from Sunday," a resident said.

Tuesday was the first pre-application meeting with the community. The next is scheduled for June 17.