MACON, Ga. — A P&Z sign sits at the corner of Bethel Church Road and Fulton Mill Road , signaling where an empty storefront could soon be a new smoke shop .

The shop would sell E-liquids, vape devices, hookah tobacco, cigars, CBD products, and other smoking products and accessories to an adult customer base.

The application for the "conditional use" proposal say the shop owners do not anticipate any negative impact on surrounding properties and will actively contribute to the local economy through job creation and tax revenue.

While the proposal won't be considered by Planning & Zoning leaders until September, it's already drawn criticism from residents in Lizella who say the business could negatively impact the neighborhood’s safety and character.

Cris Gomez, who has lived in Lize

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