Baldwin City Council will hold a special called meeting tomorrow night at 6pm at the Municipal Court of Baldwin (155 Willingham Avenue in Baldwin) with a full agenda that includes budget matters, infrastructure updates, and the first formal step in considering a major proposed development by Cook Construction at the northwest corner of Duncan Bridge Road and U.S. 365.
Among the most closely watched items will be the first readings of two ordinances tied to Cook Construction:
- Cook Construction Annexation Ordinance #2026-01183A
- Cook Construction Zoning Ordinance #2026-01184Z
City officials stress that tomorrow’s vote, if one occurs, would not approve the project, but would simply begin the legal and public review process.
What Tomorrow’s Vote Means
Mayor Doug Faust, who was sworn in earlier this month, explained that the vote would represent only a first reading.
“This just means we’re starting to talk about it,” Faust said. “It doesn’t mean it’s been annexed, it doesn’t mean it’s been rezoned, and it doesn’t mean anyone is breaking ground.”
Under Georgia law, annexation and zoning proposals must go through multiple readings and include a public hearing before any final approval can occur.
Former Baldwin City Councilwoman Alice Venter echoed that explanation.
“The first reading is just to explore the possibility,” Venter said. “It’s basically the council saying they’re willing to hear what the developer has to propose. The real decision comes with the second reading.”
What Cook Construction Is Proposing
According to both interviews, Cook Construction has discussed plans that could include:
- Big-box and warehouse retail
- Supporting commercial businesses
- Possible assisted living or nursing home facilities
- Recreational elements
The proposal does not include housing or data centers, which were major concerns in a similar proposal previously rejected in Cornelia.
Mayor Faust believes the project could represent an economic opportunity.
“It’s a large economic development project,” Faust said. “It’s not in our downtown — it’s on the main highway. That gives an opportunity for traffic to be managed and for Baldwin to become more of a regional draw.”
Faust noted that commercial development could help balance the city’s tax base and generate additional sales tax revenue.
Key Concerns: Water, Sewer, and Traffic
Venter, however, expressed significant concerns about Baldwin’s current water and sewer capacity.
“We’re pretty much running at capacity,” she said, adding that Baldwin also experiences more than 40 percent water loss. “Any option is going to take millions of dollars to fix.”
She said future development should require clear plans showing how water and wastewater infrastructure would be funded and improved.
Mayor Faust said the city will rely on engineering studies to determine whether Baldwin can support the project.
“I’m not an engineer,” Faust said. “We’ll have our engineering firm review those calculations. This is a multi-year development process, not something that happens overnight.”
Traffic was another concern raised by both officials. Venter noted that the Duncan Bridge and U.S. 365 intersection is already dangerous and could require major improvements if the project brings hundreds or even thousands of daily workers.
Faust acknowledged traffic challenges and said they would be part of the review process.
Timing and Training Concerns
Venter also urged caution due to the number of relatively new elected officials on council. She plans to recommend that council avoid major policy changes until all new officials complete state-mandated training for newly elected leaders.
Mayor Faust acknowledged the learning curve but emphasized that the process will be deliberate and transparent.
Public Input Encouraged
Both Faust and Venter emphasized that public participation is critical.
“There are lots of questions to be asked,” Faust said. “I hope folks come with an open mind and a desire to learn more.”
Venter said she plans to speak during public comments and encourage residents to stay engaged as the process continues.
Comment from Cook Construction
Habersham News reached out to Cook Construction for comment regarding the annexation and zoning proposals, but did not receive a response prior to our publication deadline. This story will be updated if a response is received.
Other Agenda Items
Tomorrow night’s special called meeting will also include:
- Budget additions for a Code Compliance Officer and School Resource Officer
- Sale of a fire department mini pumper
- Water and wastewater report from City Engineer Fletcher Holliday
- Consideration of a solid waste collection agreement
- First readings of an ethics ordinance and a charter amendment
- Authorization to rebid the wastewater treatment facility solids handling building
Bottom Line
Tomorrow’s meeting does not decide the future of the Cook Construction project. Instead, it marks the beginning of a public, multi-step process that will include further council readings, negotiations, studies, and a public hearing.
For Baldwin residents, the meeting represents an opportunity to begin shaping a conversation that could influence the city’s economic, environmental, and infrastructure future for decades to come.
