MONROE COUNTY, Ga. — What was once a small community is now a growing one, with more business on the way.
Monroe County commissioner John Ambrose says the proposed Buc-ee's will benefit the community in many different ways, if it becomes a reality.
“95% of people get off the interstate and go into Buc-ee's, gas up, get their nozzle and go to the restroom. They get right back on the freeway and leave,” Ambrose said.
An engineering company has applied for permission to build the 74,000 square foot travel stop in Monroe County. But, before the beaver nuggets and brisket comes the beaver beacon.
“A place that a lot of people want to come to,” Wesley Zellner said.
Developers need county permission to build their facility and a 125-foot high sign on the highway. Wesley Zellner who lives in the area says he thinks he needs to experience Buc-ee's at least once.
“I've heard a lot of good things about it. If we get one in Monroe County, I'd definitely go,” Zellner said.
Commissioner John Ambrose says they'll welcome Buc-ee's, but there's still some work to be done.
“If we can get some of the issues straightened out, like the exit ramp, traffic lights, widen the road a little bit out here,” Ambrose said.
The county's planning and zoning board will consider the building and signage requests at a Nov. 25 hearing. Then commissioners will hold a hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
“There's a lot worse things could be built on our exit here than a service taste or a data plant," Ambrose said. "We're really fortunate that the buck is coming here."
County Officials say the Buc-ee's would create 200 jobs. So far, the company has not said when the store will open.