FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — Atlanta rapper Rick Ross told Channel 2 Action News he still plans to hold his car and bike show at his palatial estate -- despite the county denying him a permit.
He said he has come up with a plan to ease traffic gridlock and reduce the headaches neighbors complained about during last year’s show.
Ross told Channel 2′s Tom Jones he wants to do right by the community and he respects his neighbors who live along Highway 279 in Fayette County.
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Channel 2 Action News was out at Ross’ home and spotted him cutting his grass at his massive mansion in preparation for his huge event that is scheduled for June 3rd. Ross posted a video on Instagram, telling fans, “You better get your tickets right now.”
Ross says he is still having the event even though the county denied him a conditional use permit Tuesday.
“It’s not gonna affect the show. The show will go on,” his attorney, Leron Rogers, said.
Rogers said Fayette County approved Ross’ traffic and safety plan and was working with them. Then he said, all of a sudden, the county reversed course and denied the permit.
The reversal comes after Ross’ neighbors complained about gridlocked traffic during last year’s show at the mansion.
“It was traffic all up and down 279. You couldn’t move,” homeowner J.P. Beaty remembered about the event last year.
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But Ross said he wants to make things right.
“He heard them last year, and he said, ‘Leron, let’s fix it,’” Rogers explained.
Rogers said Ross has spent loads of money trying to make the event successful and safe. Jones rode in one of 63 luxury buses Ross plans to use to shuttle attendees from satellite parking lots to the event.
“So, this is going to alleviate surface street traffic (and the) strain on local police,” Rogers said.
Rogers told Channel 2 Action News that 35 officers will direct traffic and get people who live in the area to their homes. He also said neighbors will get passes that will help them avoid any traffic.
Beaty is still concerned.
“I’m not against anybody making money. Just take it to the place that’s set up to make money. Go down to the amphitheater. Not in our backyard,” he said.
Ross’ attorney said they will deal with the fallout of still holding this event without a permit later.
Jones asked the county does it have any recourse if the event is held without a permit. The County Manager would only say “The conditional use (permit) has been denied and that is our position.”
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