BALDWIN, Ga. — The Baldwin City Council will take its first formal steps Tuesday toward deciding a revised Cook Construction annexation and rezoning proposal, with council members scheduled to consider first readings of ordinances involving the project.
The Cook proposal will be the centerpiece of the council’s Aug. 4 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Baldwin Municipal Courtroom, 155 Willingham Ave.
The council will first discuss the annexation and rezoning petition during its work session before considering first readings of separate annexation and zoning ordinances under old business.
The proposal is a revised version of a Cook Construction project that stalled earlier this year after Habersham County objected, triggering the state’s annexation dispute resolution process.
Under the new proposal, Cook is seeking to annex approximately 65.92 acres of property currently in unincorporated Habersham County into Baldwin. Another 20.92 acres already inside the city limits would be rezoned as part of the project.
City Attorney Sammy Tomasello told council members July 21 that the revised proposal is primarily commercial and does not include plans for residential development or a data center. Potential uses include retail, restaurants, a grocery store, medical offices and senior living.
The revised application also removes a northern or northeastern portion of the property that was included in the previous proposal and had raised questions about its intended use.
Mayor Doug Faust said at the July 21 meeting that Cook representatives would present the project to the council Aug. 4, giving them an opportunity to explain the proposed development and answer questions.
“We’ll make a presentation at the next council meeting so they can describe what’s coming, what it’s going to look like, what the proposed uses are and answer questions for council at that time,” Faust said.
Tuesday’s meeting is not the scheduled public hearing on the proposal. That hearing is set for Aug. 18, when residents will have an opportunity to address the council before it considers the annexation and rezoning. The city’s previously announced timeline identifies Sept. 1 as a potential date for final action, with Sept. 22 available if additional time is needed.
Public hearing procedures
Before that hearing, the council will discuss procedures governing public hearings during Tuesday’s work session.
Faust said July 21 that Baldwin has historically followed a less formal process for public hearings but wants to establish formal procedures ahead of the Aug. 18 Cook hearing.
Radio system, other business
Council members will also discuss the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department radio system during the work session. The agenda does not provide additional details about the discussion.
An amendment to an intergovernmental agreement is listed under executive session, though the agenda does not identify the agreement or provide details about the proposed amendment.
The council will also discuss an ACH payment policy during the work session. No consent agenda, reports or new business are listed for Tuesday’s meeting.
The city also lists several upcoming events, including Baldwin Clean Up Day on Sept. 26, the Fall Festival on Oct. 24 and the city’s tree lighting on Dec. 4.
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