The recent decision by the Forsyth County Planning Commission to clear the way for a 134-acre, mixed-use project on the southwest corner of Ga. 400 and McFarland Parkway is destined to do more harm than good.

My fellow South Forsyth residents and I see the already significant overcrowding — in our local schools, which require modular classrooms; in the traffic, which is already substantial around Exit 12 — and this development will only make it worse. Taxpayers also will foot the bill for greater roadway maintenance needs.

The proposed shopping center is located just five minutes south of The Collection and five minutes north of The Avalon, which will result in cannibalization of the businesses in those locations. If a shopping center is required, the commission would do better to consider a location in northern Forsyth.

An issue that involves everyone in the county is the waste of taxpayer dollars this project represents. None of us wants our money being wasted on bad ideas. Perhaps some of the funds could be directed toward the overcrowded schools.

At Lambert High School, where I am in 11th grade, there are plenty of ways taxpayer dollars could go to better use. I’m certain the same is true for all our local schools. That’s why it’s infuriating to see the county dedicate significant budget funds to develop this senseless project.

In plain English, this shopping center is a bad idea. The questionable location will cause more overpopulation and traffic, and it’s a colossal waste of hard-working taxpayer dollars. This matters to many residents, including me, because there are too many questions that need to be answered before we can start construction on a major new complex.

This project would be a better fit in an area that would benefit from an economic boost. Since construction has not started yet, it’s not too late to reconsider and put the money toward more urgent or important causes.

This shopping center is a well-developed plan, but the strategy behind its South Forsyth location is far from developed.

Amanda Merritt

Lambert High School student