Residents say Golders Green Townhome development is a quiet, peaceful community. But now, some complain, that's going to change with the opening of a new repair shop.

"This type of business -- there's no reason to have it in a smack dab in the middle of a residential area," Resident Raymond Sanchez said.

The area on the Apex Peakway just off Highway 55 is zoned to have businesses near homes. In December, the town council banned auto repair shops in that area due to noise complaints. But Town Manager Bruce Radford said an exception was made for AAA because its plan was submitted before the change.

"Last night, the council voted to grandfather in this particular garage," Radford said.

Sanchez said he has many concerns.

"The main concerns I have are the noise coming from the business, the environmental impact and the change in the landscape," Sanchez said.

AAA agreed to plant trees in the back of the building, but Sanchez says he's not certain those conditions will be followed in the long run.

On the other hand, Realtor Tom Colhoun, who also lives nearby, has an issue with the town changing the ordinance in the first place, not allowing any new auto repair businesses to be built in town.

"If we continue to change districts by not allowing certain uses than we're limiting the amount of businesses coming to Apex and it's hard enough to get them here during these are economic times," Colhoun said.

At this point, the decision by council stands, but Sanchez and Colhoun, although on opposite sides of the issue, said they will not stop fighting for what they believe is right for their town.

If you would like to know more about the issue click here.

Related Links

1. The Town of Apex