Restaurant's proposed location puts it inside school traffic zone

Editor:

The property on which Rhineharts Oyster Bar wants to build a restaurant is entirely between the overhead blinking lights for the school district of Bel Air Elementary. The Columbia County School Board voted no to allow a (waiver from the distance restrictions for a) liquor license because the property was too close to the school. Many had signed a petition, attended the School Board meeting and spoke out against a liquor-serving business being built so close to the school.

Rhineharts doesnt seem to get the message that their business is not wanted there. It has now come to my attention that Rhineharts is in the process of buying the barber shop that is next to Rhineharts proposed location so that they can meet the bare requirements of 200 yards from a school.

My question is, how could the police give me a speeding ticket between the blinking lights if the county commissioners grant Rhineharts a license to serve liquor on property completely between the blinking yellow lights of the school zone? When drivers pull out of Rhineharts (after drinking liquor), will they remember that they are in a school zone? They will not see a blinking light to remind them to slow down.

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Also, this is the intersection where Evans High School students will be walking to cross the street and will also be bogged with student drivers on football/basketball night games.

County commissioners, please make yourself familiar with this intersection before Rhineharts applies for the liquor license. Dont wait until a student is killed.

Florence Knight

Evans