Pawn Shop Request Moves Forward

USA Money Services moved a step closer to realizing its goal of opening a pawn shop near Hamilton Mill after the Gwinnett County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval for company's special use permit request. The case will now go before the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners for a final vote.

USA Money Services purchased a gold buying business at 2590 Hamilton Mill Road, suite 107, with the intent of converting the 1,658-square-foot store to a pawn shop.

According to applicant Mitch Peevy, the business owners intend to focus on jewelry and electronics.

“Being this close to the Hamilton Mill community, they’re going to try to open up more of a jewelry type facility,” he said.

District 3 planning commission appointee Teresa Cantrell said she did not see the need to open a pawn shop near Hamilton Mill given the character of the area.

Peevy replied by saying there were “lots of homes being foreclosed in Hamilton Mill.”

By a 7-2 vote, the planning commission recommended approval of the request with conditions including:

• Hours of operation shall be limited to between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• No outdoor sales, storage or displays will be allowed.
• Neon, LED or blinking window or wall signs will be prohibited.
• No banners, streamers or roping decorated with flags, tinsel or other similar material shall be displayed, hung or strung on the site.

Cantrell and Planning Commission Chairman Chuck Warbington (District 3 appointee) voted against the request.