BALDWIN, Ga. — Baldwin City Hall was filled beyond capacity Monday night as residents packed every seat in the council chambers, with more than a dozen people standing, to hear discussion surrounding a proposed annexation and rezoning request from Cook Construction.
The proposal, which involves nearly 110 acres near Ga. 365 and Duncan Bridge Road, drew intense public interest and concern, making it one of the most highly attended Baldwin council meetings in recent memory.
Agenda adjustments and early business
Mayor and council began the meeting by tabling the scheduled ethics ordinance for a future date and amending the agenda to move the Cook Construction presentation ahead of public comment.
Council then approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Addition of a code compliance position
- School resource officer budget line item adjustments
- Sale of the fire department mini pumper
Cook Construction outlines proposal
Cook Construction attorney Vince Fitzgerald presented the company’s vision for a commercial development that could include grocery, retail, restaurants, a gas station, medical offices and an assisted living facility.
Fitzgerald emphasized that the project includes no data center, no residential housing, and no affiliation with the Torch. He said the proposal aligns with Baldwin’s comprehensive plan for the State Route 365 corridor and would expand the city’s commercial tax base.
He also acknowledged concerns about traffic and infrastructure, noting that the company has met with Georgia DOT and is working with the city engineer regarding sewer capacity.
The company presented a phased timeline that would stretch development across several years if the project were approved.
Residents urge caution
During public comment, residents repeatedly urged council to proceed carefully and avoid rushing into permanent decisions.
Former Baldwin council member Beverly Holcomb reminded council that annexation shapes the city’s future long-term and should be approached cautiously. “Annexation is a permanent decision,” Holcomb said. “Once it happens, it shapes the town forever.”
Cornelia resident Jonathan Mark raised questions about infrastructure costs and whether commercial development truly reduces tax burdens. “My taxes have never gone down because businesses came in,” Mark said. “Who really pays for the infrastructure?”
Business owner Emily Herrin questioned Cook Construction’s commercial development experience and warned about long-term consequences if project plans change. Herrin questioned Cook Construction’s commercial experience. “I don’t want to be a guinea pig,” she said. “We have the right to say no if something isn’t in Baldwin’s best interest.” She also raised concerns about water supply, sewer capacity, traffic, school capacity and regional growth pressure.
Tension as ordinances approached
As council prepared to consider the annexation and zoning ordinances, several audience members attempted to speak after public comment had closed.
Mayor Doug Faust reminded the audience that the item was not a public hearing.
“This is a motion for a first reading,” Faust said. “We do not yet have enough information, partly because we don’t have full public participation.”
As objections continued, City Attorney Bubba Samuels addressed the crowd.
“I appreciate and understand where you’re coming from,” Samuels said. “But the rules matter here, and we have to follow a process. This is the beginning of a process.”
Samuels encouraged residents to attend the upcoming public participation meeting and said the location may need to change if public interest continues to grow.
City rejects claims of secrecy
Faust later addressed concerns that the city was attempting to rush or conceal the proposal.
“There have been no attempts to keep information from the public,” Faust said. “The developer has the right to apply for annexation. We’re required by law to review that application and make a determination.”
Ordinances tabled
After additional discussion, council chose to table both the annexation and zoning ordinances, delaying any formal action until more public input and information can be gathered.
What happens next
Cook Construction will hold a public participation meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Baldwin City Hall Community Room, 186 U.S. 441.
According to flyers distributed at the meeting, the session will provide information about the proposed development and allow residents to offer feedback ahead of any formal public hearing.
No date has been set for reconsideration of the annexation or zoning ordinances.
A community paying attention
Monday night’s packed meeting demonstrated the level of public concern and engagement surrounding Baldwin’s future growth. While no decisions were made, the evening marked only the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy public process.
Habersham News will continue following the Cook Construction proposal and provide updates as new meetings, hearings and developments occur.
