ATLANTA — The former RaceTrac near Georgia State University may be on track for new ownership.
The company shut the Piedmont Avenue location down on Feb. 26, citing "safety" concerns following numerous shootings near the gas station.
A business owner by the name of Baktari Lakhari applied for a new business alcohol license two weeks ago. The application lists it as a gas station, meaning that the location will continue to be a gas station. The decision on licensing has been deferred to the next Atlanta Neighborhood Planning Unit meeting on Aug. 26.
Some students told 11Alive that the old RaceTrac was the center of rowdiness and crime. A few were advocating for it to be shut down. Since then, Junior Ella Crawley said she's noticed the difference.
"It has been a lot quieter," Crawley said, "It is summer. So, there are less students, but I will say there has been less activity."
Atlanta Police crime index shows there were at least four simple assaults and one aggravated assault in 2023. There has only been one so far this year.
GSU Police Chief Anthony Coleman said he's also noticed less problems. He sent this statement to us:
"Crime has significantly dropped after the gas station closed. We would like for a business to move into space that would be more compatible with underage students, such as food or retail.
Because gas stations are open 24 hours, especially those selling alcohol, encourage loitering, and that is what we are trying to avoid in this area. Safety for our students is paramount for us at Georgia State University."
Crawley said she doesn't live far from the location.
"There has been quite a bit of violence, I would say, connected to the gas station," Crawley said. "Hopefully, it turns into something a little more peaceful so that it stays this quiet."
Senior Jordan Madden has also been privy to the crowds at the gas station. He said it's mostly nonstudents causing the issues due to events spreading on social media.
"It can be, sometimes, very dangerous. Like, I've driven through here where it's like, I can't even park my car," Madden said.
Madden said he doesn't believe elevated security will even help.
"A lot of times, the security that's been here--present--has been actively participating in these things. They are calling out to some of the women students on campus," Madden said.
Madden said because GSU's blue line will run through that area on both sides, it may deter large presences.
However, Madden said students are banding together to write a letter to demand that the Atlanta City Council stop the new applicant from moving forward, as he feels students' voices aren't being considered.
"I'm hoping that the city can see some of these concerns, work with Georgia State to voice these concerns, and some of these permits are not approved," Madden said.
Councilwoman Liliana Bakhtiari, who's over this district, also met with GSU leaders on Wednesday.