News 12 at 6 O'Clock, October 26, 2009

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.---North Augusta is a fireworks haven. You can't get explosive fireworks in Georgia, so many people cross the border into South Carolina to get their fix.

Drive about a mile off of I-20 and you'll see three different stands. Two of them are closed during the off-peak season.

But another stand is coming. If it's approved by the City of North Augusta, it will be built on land right across from another store, Fireworks Giant. But on that property, a group of signs indicate people want it to stop.

The signs were put up property owners from a nearby neighborhood ,Savannah Barony. Those neighbors are trying to convince the zoning board to vote against the business during a public hearing next week. They're upset that their property values may decline, but they also don't want to see another fireworks stand near them.

In the zoning application, the owner, Rodney Wyndham, writes that he plans to build a 5,000 square foot building on the corner of Martintown and Old Plantation Roads. It would be open for eight to nine months throughout the year.

Wyndham, who lives in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, told us by phone he doesn't understand why people would be against it. He says Halloween Express will bring 20 to 25 part time jobs and will sell costumes and fireworks. He owns three other stores in Columbia.

The public hearing will at North Augusta's Municipal Center, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.