BALDWIN, Ga. — Cook Construction representatives met with residents Tuesday evening at Baldwin City Hall to answer questions and gather feedback on a proposed commercial development near Duncan Bridge Road and Ga. 365.
The two-hour, drop-in style meeting was designed to provide information ahead of any formal public hearings and followed last week’s decision by the Baldwin City Council to table annexation and zoning requests in order to allow additional public input.
Strong Turnout, Wide Range of Views
Mayor Doug Faust described the turnout as strong for an informal session and said the meeting offered residents an opportunity to learn more about the proposal and ask questions directly. While some Baldwin residents attended, city officials noted that many attendees came from surrounding communities as well.
Traffic emerged as the most frequently raised concern throughout the evening, particularly along the Ga. 365 corridor near Duncan Bridge. City leaders and developers acknowledged those concerns and emphasized that traffic improvements would be subject to Georgia Department of Transportation review and approval.
Councilman Joe Elam said the meeting functioned as a true listening session, with residents expressing a wide range of opinions. Some attendees voiced concerns about traffic, water capacity, and potential tax impacts, while others raised the possibility that additional commercial development could help broaden the tax base and offset existing tax burdens.
Elam said he is remaining neutral at this stage and is focused on hearing from residents before any decisions are made.
Longtime Residents Voice Concerns
Among those attending was Tom Lyrich, a resident who has lived in the area since 1994. Wiler said he chose the area for its small-town feel and quiet lifestyle after moving from a large metropolitan area. He expressed concern that additional development could change the character of the community and increase traffic and safety risks, particularly given the frequency of accidents along Ga. 365.
Several residents echoed similar concerns, emphasizing safety, quality of life, and the need for infrastructure improvements before any large-scale development moves forward.
Supporters Cite Growth and Economic Opportunity
Other attendees spoke in favor of considering the project, including residents who believe controlled commercial growth could help diversify Baldwin’s tax base. Some supporters noted the lack of retail options in the area and pointed to residents traveling outside the county for shopping and services.
Discussion during the meeting also touched on Baldwin’s existing zoning ordinance, which outlines a wide range of allowable uses under highway business zoning. City officials acknowledged that zoning language dates back to 2006 and said questions about zoning clarity and updates were valid points for future consideration.
Developer Addresses Misinformation and Process
Cook Construction co-owner Keith Cook said one of the primary goals of the meeting was to address misinformation surrounding the project. He clarified that Cook Construction does not currently own the property and has not cleared timber on the site. According to Cook, timber clearing now underway is being conducted by the current landowner.
Cook and the company’s attorney, Vince Fitzgerald, repeatedly emphasized that the zoning being requested is highway business and does not include residential development. They stated that no apartments or housing are part of the current proposal and that any future residential plans would require a separate application and public approval process.
During discussions with residents, Cook explained how water and sewer capacity would be handled, noting that developers typically pre-purchase capacity from the city, allowing municipalities to use those funds to upgrade infrastructure and expand future capacity.
Cook also outlined the timeline involved if the project were to move forward. Even with approval, he said, development would not be immediate. The process would include extensive engineering work, city and GDOT reviews, and multiple rounds of approvals, potentially taking several years before any construction begins. Under that timeline, visible development could still be years away.
Traffic and Infrastructure Central to Discussion
Traffic remained the dominant issue throughout the evening. Cook Construction representatives said traffic planning would be governed by GDOT requirements and could include road widening, turn lanes, access roads, and traffic signals as required by state standards.
Cook emphasized that no development could proceed without GDOT approval and that traffic mitigation would be a central part of the engineering process.
What Happens Next
City officials reiterated that Tuesday’s meeting was informational only and did not constitute a public hearing. Any annexation or zoning request would require formal public hearings and multiple readings before the Baldwin City Council.
Mayor Faust said he continues to evaluate the proposal and stressed the importance of balancing opportunity with responsibility. Council members indicated they will continue listening to residents before determining next steps.
Cook Construction representatives encouraged residents to stay engaged and participate in future public meetings, including comprehensive plan updates, which guide long-term land use decisions.
Habersham News will continue to follow the process and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
