CORNELIA, GA — The Cornelia City Commission is set for a full agenda Tuesday night, with major votes and updates expected on annexation, zoning, long-range infrastructure planning and budget adjustments as the city continues navigating rapid growth. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 at City Hall.
Annexation and zoning among top items
Commissioners will revisit a zoning and annexation request from Cook Construction & Real Estate, listed under Old Business. The request ties directly into Cornelia’s broader annexation discussions surrounding the Highway 365 corridor — an issue that has generated significant community interest in recent months.
In November, the commission advanced long-term plans to bring portions of the 365 corridor into the city, citing economic development potential, improved service delivery and the desire to guide growth before it reaches the city limits.
City officials have also spent the past several weeks responding to public concerns and online misinformation, emphasizing that any annexation efforts must follow state law and involve multiple public hearings.
While the Cook Construction request is a separate issue, its placement early in the agenda signals continued focus on land-use decisions during a period of accelerating development pressures.
Public hearing on Magnolia Townhomes
A public hearing is scheduled for the preliminary plat approval for Magnolia Townhomes, a proposed residential development. The commission could vote on the project following the hearing.
Significant new business items
The commission is expected to take up several major initiatives under New Business, including:
• Vibrant Communities Grant project update – likely involving downtown revitalization funding.
• Setting commission meeting dates for 2026.
• Appointments to both the Downtown Development Authority and the Library Board.
• Resolution to adopt the Habersham County Local Emergency Operating Plan, part of required regional coordination for emergency management.
• Two engineering recommendations: Ward 1 infrastructure upgrades and a lead-and-copper water line replacement project, both of which tie into the city’s long-term capital planning.
• A budget adjustment to balance the 2025 budget, routinely considered at year’s end.
The meeting will conclude with an executive session to discuss real estate, litigation and personnel matters.
The agenda also includes a report from City Manager Donald Anderson and a presentation to the Cornelia Police Department.
The meeting is open to the public. Public comments are allowed at the start of the meeting during the designated forum, with speakers limited to three minutes.
