Tucker, GA — Chick-fil-A’s plan to relocate to 4435 Hugh Howell Road is on hold until the city hears out Rosser Terrace residents.

The fast-food restaurant applied to the city for a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) and variances to convert the former Greater Good BBQ lot at Hugh Howell and Rosser Terrace into a 3-lane drive thru with outdoor seating in the rear of the building.

After uproar from the community, Tucker is taking a new approach. A public participation meeting regarding the closure of Rosser Terrance will be held in January 2022.

At the May 25 public participation meeting, residents of Rosser Terrace detailed a 2019 traffic study showing the street has 50% more traffic than its intended capacity, and sees speeds up to 51 mph in a 25 mph zone. Others report fleet vehicles using Rosser Terrace as a shortcut between High Howell and Tucker Industrial Road. The street lacks sidewalks forcing kids, dogs and pedestrians to use the street.

Resident Andy Wood has been working to petition DeKalb County for speed bumps, but the pandemic put a hold on his progress.

Tucker Planning Commission denied approval of the application on Sept. 16. City Council heard a first read on Oct. 12, then asked for a deferral to Dec. 13. Planning and Zoning Director Courtney Smith said on Nov. 8 that Chick-fil-A has been “listening to feedback from the community, the boards and commissions. They would like more time to study the site plan and the access to the property.”

Next, a public participation meeting on the possible closure of Rosser Terrace is scheduled for Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Smith said DeKalb County Fire Department has given plenary support to close the street with a gate and a turnaround.

Mayor Frank Auman said city staff and city council members wanted to hear from residents, business owners and general users of the road.

“We’re going to do a lot to get the word out to the community that this is under consideration and we want to hear from them before we proceed,” said Auman.

Chick-fil-A will restart the application process, in compliance with city code, and come before City Council for a first read on Jan. 24.

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