Hmm..."Deathstar". Seems I know who took issue @ my comment & had their friends flag it until it was removed. Tell LP I said hello. Careful though Oscar, since there seems to be a push against "personal attacks" again, you going after Leo personally instead of sticking to the topic at hand may get your hand slapped.

I welcome the "Deathstar". It was a much needed addition. I hate going to QT b/c ingress/egress is all screwed up & the location is always overcrowded. That has left me w/the small, run down Shell station on the corner of Campbell & the Chevron on the corner of Cobb Parkway that's always $0.05-$0.10 more expensive per gallon than anywhere else. It could have been placed a bit better in my opinion, but you have to go w/the property that's available to you at the time you want to buy, so it is where it is. & the end product is as nice looking as you can make a gas station/convenience store look. As for an abominable eye sore, you've got it all wrong. They removed that abomination to build the RaceTrac.

??? I'm assuming you are talking about the dumps that were there before the Race Trac store was built....I love QT, but the one on Spring Road is crowded and hard to get in and out of. It would be great to see some new develpment behind the Race Trac next....are we ever going to get a Trader Joes??? :)

This is frightening.
Smyrna is not the quiet little town we moved to years ago.
And I don't see this trend disappearing.
Thank you 30080 for bringing this to my attention.
I rarely watch TV for my news, but maybe I should start again.

I thought the old Sonny's Bar-B-Que was across the street from this store as well as the Lexus dealership....that's ok, mistakes in information happen. As for Trader Joe's and the demographics.....other then the traffic being a complete and total nightmare, the demographics in the Roswell Road area are not much different, so I am a little unclear as to why TJ would not come to Smyrna. By all means elaborate. :)

Actually Michelle, I work less than 5 minutes from the Sandy Springs TJ's and I can say without hesitation that the "demographics of the area" are very different.

By all means, please, sit in the parking lot of your beloved gas station and watch the people who patronize that establishment, then sit in the parking lot of Trader Joe's and do the same.

I think you'll see there's a much different "demographic" of people doing their shopping there as opposed to a RaceTrac in Smyrna.

And as far as the robbery, across the street, or 2 traffic lights down from the RaceTrac, which I do believe it most accurate, it's in very close proximity to the newest addition to the "Gateway to Smyrna."
Violent crimes, with multiple criminals using guns no less, should not be so easily dismissed, and certainly not when they're happening in what amounts to our backyards.
Or is it that since it's not in YOUR backyard it's not important?

Oscar, you are so sweet to answer for 30080. I love to see ppl. "helping" ppl. Unfortunately, there still seems to be a break down in communication, but that's ok. you are only trying to help. Since you addressed my question, allow me the pleasure to re-state my confusion of the association between a robbery, a new gas station and the demographics of an area that are very similar as another area where TJs operates. Since I lived off the st. directly located across from the mentioned TJs, I am pretty familiar w/the demographics and I can assure you they are not much diff. than Smyrna. Comparing who actually shops at a TJs vs a RT is a little difficult since each business provides a diff. service nor was that part of my comment, but we can try. As for RT being my "beloved", not so much...I prefer Kroger & QT but I am sure you made a hasty judgmt, I know that is easy to do. Finally, my "backyard"...well, there are many stories we could share regarding that reality but I have yet to assoc. the criminal activity that HAS occurred to a brand new gas station being built, but who knows maybe I missed something by not looking at it that way. I always thought criminal activity was fostered by individuals lacking resources to meet their nds - whether that is a nd for money, food, clothing or shelter or a nd for narcotics. You are right, any criminal activity should not be dismissed, just like the incidents that happen along Roswell Rd. As usual, I always enjoy our exchanges. :)

Michelle I do not appreciate your antagonistic tone.
Either add something of use, or save the sarcasm for your husband.

The point about TJ's and the demographics are that the same people who shop at that wretched RT would be the "expected" shoppers of a TJ's if it were to be placed in the plaza directly behind. And we both know that is not the same demographics as the people of SS. Smyrna is not the same, as so many posters here have loved pointing out time and time and time again.
If you've been living here for awhile, which given your commentary it is easy to read that you have, that means you haven't lived in SS for a long while either.
It has changed, evolved, and nowhere do I see any similarity to Smyrna in that part of town. Not even the traffic.
Since you do not live in Ward One, that robbery was not in your backyard.
There's no arguing that. I've grown quite tired of the NIMB mentality that has taken root with the regular posters to this site.

Oscar, sorry you feel that way about me. I am sure it can be frustrating. As for what I add, it is really not much different then you...an opinion, a perspective and personal experiences. Speaking of which, you are correct, I have not lived in SS for awhile, but that has not kept me from still visiting the area, shopping, dining and spending time with friends who live there and surprisingly not much has changed other than some new stores, buildings and A LOT more traffic. So nope...demographics have not changed in my opinion. However, if you want to use Population (2011 estimate), Median value of owner-occupied housing units and Merchant wholesaler and Retail sales...ABSOLUTELY...and that would justify a valid reason for the lack of interest for TJ, but not demographics. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13/1368516.html and http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13/1371492.html
I guess the incident this summer that took place 9 houses down from me involving a gun is not enough in my back yard....but I feel certain it was not a direct product of the new Kroger Gas Station opening nor the people who buy gas there which "may" shop at a TJ. As for the need to always bring my husband into this...can't figure that out, but if it works for you I don't mind sharing and your feeling tired of others mentality and comments, maybe stop reading the Patch, that might help. PS..careful about personal attacks and going off subject...."they" will delete you. :)

I doubt very seriously that you're sorry in the least. In fact, I'd dare say you delight in being antagonistic to anyone who doesn't share your POV. However...
I don't recall anyone equating the incident in your ward to the new Kroger, or even the old one. But the robbery in Ward 1 isn't your backyard, it is more recent, and it involves multiple criminals. This is something the neighborhood SHOULD be made aware of.
This "Citizen Vigilance" malarky that Mr. Smith is posting about is news to majority of Ward 1. Kinda makes me think of a Secret Police state. Or utter shenanigans.
I don't believe it ever happened. And writing it doesn't make it any more true.
With any business that deals with cash and/or merchandise, in the volume that a gas station does, and especially in this day and age, it would be pure foolishness to be anything less than vigilante, proactive, and aware. In this case, letting the good people of Ward 1 know that we have armed criminals in our midst is a good start.
I was never implying that the jewelery store was robbed BECAUSE of RT.
Nor do I believe that 30080 was either. But we need to realize that crime is a possibility here, apparently not a far fetched on either. And all these precious Campbell students being haralded for working there now find themselves in harms way. No thank you. I can't even imagine letting my kid work in a place like RT.

Oh Oscar, how wrong you are, but to impress upon you that reality will be my moment of surrender. I do feel a great deal of sympathy for any person who harbors such unhappiness & constantly displays it even when not provoked, but my compassionate spirit can overlook individuals who appear to have so much conflict in their soul. As for expecting someone to share my POV...NEVER...it would bore me if everyone felt & thought as I. Opposition in views can be moments of intellectual gain & teachable lessons which stimulate the mind, heart & soul & I embrace those moments & encourage them, even w/individuals like yourself. :) As for making aware of crimes in our community, I think it is IMPERATIVE for that to take place as it sends a msg to potential criminals that ppl are aware, care & intend to do something about it. As for any "malarkey" that you feel is present in efforts made regardless of how public or private they may be, I would think a person would embrace the idea & opportunity verses cast doubt & insinuation that the development or goal is non existent. It would appear to me that if you & your immediate neighbors are unaware of the efforts, maybe more volunteers are in need to help spread the word & to become involved. But you may operate in a different fashion. I do hope that works for you & your outcome is favorable. As for the more recent robbery...you may be on to something...we should close ALL gas stations in our area to rid us of crime. Problem solved. :)

I live off of Spring Road, just over 1/2 a mile away from the new RaceTrac. I was glad to hear it was coming, & I'm glad now that it is here. Of course traffic patterns changed. There is now a business there that people want/need, so people will be frequenting it. If you wanted peace & quiet, living in that area was not the right choice...even before the store was built. The attempt to tie-in the new store to this robbery is laughable. If I'm not mistaken, that jewelry store is in the strip mall near Applebees, so if a gas station caused this, it was the existing QT or Chevron. Of course, even if I'm wrong & it's closer to RaceTrac it still makes no sense b/c by that logic Cumberland Diamond Exchange would be getting robbed every other week b/c of it's proximity to QT. But I guess you need to find something to support your stance. You don't have to sit silently, but your screams will fall on deaf ears b/c no amount of vocalization will change the fact that it's here to stay & many people like it/benefit from its presence.

CL: Thank you. It is ALWAYS refreshing to read your comments.

First, allow me to correct you.
No one "needed" that gas station.
Second, no one attempted to tie anything to another. However being informed of violent crimes in our neighborhood by multiple criminals using guns IS important for us to know about.
Third, the area was quiet, once upon a time, and only in the last 3 or so years has the noise become a real issue. I hardly think you're qualified to speak for all of Ward One about our "living choices."
Fourth, the only one "screaming" is you. And my concerns are not falling on deaf ears as you claim. Of course, the proof is in the pudding. And since I'm quite sure you will never see anyone else's POV, your attempts to silence my concerns are the only thing being ignored.
Claim as you will that "many people like it/benefit from its presence."
I can only counter with, just because the sheeple are "extra caffeinated" en mas today, doesn't mean that tomorrow they'll remain enamoured with this monstrocity.
People once thought slavery was a good idea..they too claimed that many people liked it and benefited from it's presence. And you see how that worked out.
(And no, I'm not comparing RT to slavery. Merely the idea that just because SOME people jumped on the bandwagon, doesn't mean that it's somehow a good idea for EVERYONE.)

It's so cute that you think everyone's trying to silence you. Too precious. & the slavery reference was a nice touch. I can't wait to hear how I'm like Hitler next. That ought to be a good for a few laughs.

Thank you for taking the time to "correct" me, Oscar. Clearly the congestion @ QT is imaginary, & between it, Shell & Chevron the gasoline needs of Spring Road motorists are adequately covered. Clearly the studies that RaceTrac did to determine if purchasing the property, razing the existing structures, & building/staffing the new facility were economically feasible were way off base. How could they have been correct b/c we clearly do not need it. Riiiiiiight.

Just b/c you & a small, but vocal minority, don't want the store, doesn't mean it's not needed. Gas stations don't get built unless there's a solid business case that can be made for their sustainability. Anyone that knows the area & is being honest knows this to be true b/c the existing stations were not servicing the demand adequately. RT recognized this need & capitalized on it. You quip that people are "enamored" by the store, but nobody's "enamored"...they're happy b/c the store fills a need & they will benefit from its presence. & yes, in this day and age, & in a metro as expansive as Atlanta, gas stations are as close to a "need" as there is. As a matter of fact, the estate of Abraham Maslow recently put out a press release that gas stations have been posthumously added to his famed hierarchy.

Sure, the location could have been a bit different, but it is where it is, & that's that. & while gas stations aren't going to win any architectural or landscaping awards, as far as gas stations go, this is a nice one. Will it stay all shiny & new? Of course not, but if you look @ other QTs & RTs in the metro that have been around a while, you'll know that they won't age like your typical mom & pop establishments. The bottom line is that it is not a "monstrosity" or an "eye sore"...you're just a NIMBY looking for yet another excuse to voice your dislike for the city & your council member.

You are right about one thing though. I'll concede that you didn't actually make the tie from the robbery to the RaceTrac opening, but 30080 did, & it fit your narrative. & given that you've previously said you've been following the Patch for a long time, you clearly know that one of the major points that detractors leveled against the project was that it would bring crime to the area. So you'll have to pardon my error. As for the noise issue, thank you for admitting that it predates the new store by at least 3 years (though I've been here 5 & I know it's been at least that long, but we'll just leave it @ 3). It's big of you to make that retraction. Though something tells me that even though you are so sensitive to being "silenced" that you'll be clamoring to get your friends to flag these posts for removal.

Oscar G, you need to check yourself. We lived in a little ranch house in this area for over 8 years & never had a robbery of any kind! Smyrna GA 30080 is AWESOME! Now we live in a gated country club neighborhood in the boonies & have had all kinds of crime, including a mentally ill "neighbor". As far as demographics, don't you mean blacks & illegals? Don't they spend money too??? We had black neighbors when we lived in Smyrna & they were the best! You really should get out more!
Romney/Ryan 2012

No Mr. Long, not everyone. Just you.
Broad sweeping generalizations are hardly fact, are they?
The congestion on Spring Rd will exist regardless of the number of gas stations. RT doesn't aleviate even one cars worth of it. So what was your point?
Oh and can you post a link to show we the readers the numerous studies RT did, determining that THIS spot was the best place for them to build?
And, why should anyone in Ward 1 care about Abraham Maslow?

And BTW, I have never had friends flag or whatever you're talking about.
I'm assuming you had something deleted, and rather than look at the possibility that it was all you, it's easier to blame the person who doesn't share your POV.
Well played, Sir. Deflect any personal responsibility!

Oscar, perhaps it was my sarcasm that threw you, but please point out for all of us where I said that gas stations alleviate traffic congestion. The point I was making is that the demand for gasoline was not being met by the existing stores. As for RT's studies, those are standard feasibility studies that any company does before expanding. But hey, we'll just go w/your theory that they did not conduct their due diligence & just arbitrarily chose to purchase the property, razing the existing structures, & build/staff the new facility. Yeah, that makes sense. As for Maslow, you're the one talking about needs, so you should care about him. But again, perhaps it was my sarcasm that threw you. I tell you what, why don't we meet up @ RT & I'll buy you an extra caffeinated coffee & pastry of your choice, & you can tell me all about your concerns.

How did we get from a new Racetrac opening to slavery? Oscar G, you are a little over the top, Michelle, I am imagining you are hot, and Chris Long, I went to college with a guy named Chris Long, he was cool.

Hmm...Bright, Orange banner at the top of this page while I type..
"Breaking - Armed Robbery at BP Gas Station"
Umm Hmm. Keep telling yourselves that it won't happen in YOUR backyard.
Keep telling yourselves that one has nothing to do with the other.
Nothing bad can happen at or because of RT! Oh no!
Umm hmm. Keep telling yourselves.

Oscar, you're clearly on to something. The presence of RT led to BP being robbed. & the presence of BP and other gas stations obviously must have been the cause of all previous crime. In fact, if we follow your reasoning out to its logical conclusion, we can wipe out crime in our lifetime if we just outlaw gas stations! Man, life leading up to the 20th century must have been so serene.

The bottom line is that it wasn't a new factory, & it's not breaking ground on JV or Belmont, but it's a new business that satisfies a need, & no matter how much you dislike it, or your council member, it's here to stay.

PS - w/regard to your remarks below, it's "antagonism" when someone holds you accountable for the things you say? Very telling. Thanks again for yet another revealing admission.

Lissa, your comments strike me as full of ignorant, racist undertones if not blatent remarks. And I find them offensive.

REV, yum! Our fave!

Romney/Ryan 2012

Just FYI, Race Trac is about as local as it gets, Georgia based, and Smyrna HQ just a half mile from this location. Hence the reason for this test/model store at this location.

Hey Leo...next time I run into you at REV...your coffee of choice is on me. ;)

Citizen Vigilance has been part of the solution reducing crime pre Racetrac. (the Jewelry Store by the Hotels has not been our concern) One thing we did in this more residential area was encourage the Police to put in cameras (caught a graffiti "tagger"), request occasional plain clothes officers to visit places, and reported loiterers hanging in parking lots for no apparent reasons. The extra eyes worked. Now with 24 hours of extra lights, eyes, and new cameras installed by Racetrac, this area should be even safer. Bottom line, more people there for the right reasons, reduces the number of people there for the wrong reasons.

There are a number of ways concerned citizens can contribute to the safety of their community. Creating a neighborhood watch is one, and informally one can join forces with others to cooperate with Smyrna Police officials, our Councilwoman, and local businesses to make a difference. When we participate, the "we" we seek to know will be ourselves. Anyone who'd like to participate can contact me offline at leo_smith@me.com. Or, start something that makes a difference on your own! Let's turn our passion into action.

Mr. Smith, you still haven't answered my questions directly.
Yes, we could "create" a neighborhood watch, however, what I'm curious about is the Citizen Vigilance program you specifically referenced in regards to THIS new business.
You stated "we encouraged police to..." and that your group, on behalf of Ward 1, had had success.
Random, arbitrary citizens don't get the police to do anything of the sort.
So again I ask, where did this program come from, who and how has it been implemented, and if this really is about doing what's best for ALL of Ward 1,
how is it that a large part of the ward, pretty close to this RT in fact, weren't a part
of your program?

I'm sorry..would this be the same SCOTUS that deemed Corporations the equivalent to"people", opening up the way for our elections to be bought and sold to the wealthiest SuperPac?
I do not have any respect for them, as they've been sold off to the highest bidder.

Do you honestly expect anyone here to believe you're doing ANYTHING other than attempting to call me out about something? Trying to use something I said earlier as a weapon against me? Give me a break.

Again with the antagonism Michelle. I'm going to give you the same advice..

Stay classy.

No need to call anyone out nor am I to concerned about what others think; just seeking clarification on your comment because I know I immediately was confused by your reference to the rules and previous posts. So if we should follow the "rules" in our exchange of dialogue, then we should return to the subject of what this article was originally written about by the very kind Mr. Leo Smith. But since you made the suggestion Oscar, I will be more than happy to stay classy (I think that's great advice) as I know you will too. :)