South Bibb neighbors react to a recently approved 7-Eleven proposal
South Bibb neighbors react to a recently approved 7-Eleven proposal
The country’s largest convenience store could soon set up shop on Sardis Church Road. Last month, the county’s planning and zoning committee approved development.
MACON, Ga. — Macon-Bibb County could soon welcome a new 7-Eleven convenience store and fueling station.
The chain, known for its Slurpee’s and grab-n-go’s and many are in business 24 hours a day. Charlie Fargason lives near Sardis Church Road, but said he used to live off Chambers Road in the 1970s’.
“I lived in an apartment complex off Chambers Road and there was a 7-Eleven there in 1979,” Fargason said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever drank a Slurpee or not. I like Coca-Cola, ice cold Coca-Cola.”
It has long since closed. He said he frequents the Quick Trip (QT) off of Sardis Church Road, as his go-to fuel stop.
A few miles down, a proposed 7-Eleven will sit on 5250 Sardis Church Road in South Bibb. Fargason says he doesn’t think it’ll be competition for Quick Trip. Instead, he said he thinks it’ll be competition for Love’s Travel Stop adjacent to the lot.
“It would be competition for the Loves,” Fargason said. “When you go in that truck stop, it’s busy. I’ve only been in there once. I didn’t wanna go back (because of) too many people, (and) too many trucks trying to get in and out.”
13WMAZ’s media partner The Macon Newsroom reported the proposed site was originally slated for a 6,755-square-foot travel center. However, people in the area argued it would garner more traffic. Those plans are now off the table and Fargason said he doesn’t believe the addition of 7-Eleven will create heavy traffic flow.
He said that, if anything, it’ll give people another option when stopping for gas and snacks, if they take an exit going I-75 Southbound.
A traffic study and negotiations are still underway and there’s space around the 5400- square -foot gas station for future businesses.
“No, it wouldn’t cause more traffic because they get off on that side of the interstate over there and go to Love’s and it’s simple,” Fargason said. “They ain’t gonna travel all the way here to go to QT when it’s right over there, whatever is convenient when you get off the interstate.”