Though plans for the proposed Family Dollar Store development were approved 3-1 by the Richmond Hill City Council at Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting, the developer still faces a challenge.

All four requests from TRC-Richmond Hill regarding the development, proposed to be located at the corner of Mulberry Drive and Highway 17, were approved 3-1 by the Richmond Hill City Council with the stipulation that the developer pay for  a traffic light to be installed. Council member John Fesperman cast the nay vote.

Mayor Harold Fowler said recent meetings with the Georgia Department of Transportation led to the conclusion the intersection met three of nine requirements needed for the installation of a traffic light.

Fowler said if the decision was left solely up to the DOT, it could take anywhere from three to five years for the light to be installed. If the city joined forces with the DOT, it could take about a year, he said.

Todd Dempsey spoke on behalf of TRC Richmond Hill and said requiring the developer to install a traffic light there would likely hinder the development.

Read more in the April 7 edition of the News.