Habersham County is known for its scenic highways and mountain views, but for many residents, it’s the back roads — not the main highways — that matter most.
From school bus routes and first responder access to daily commutes and utility repairs, Habersham’s secondary roads quietly carry much of the county’s day-to-day life. These roads connect neighborhoods, farms, churches, and small businesses that don’t always sit along major corridors like U.S. 441 or Ga. 365.
In recent years, weather events, growth pressures, and increased traffic have highlighted just how critical these routes are. When ice, fallen trees, or flooding make a road impassable, it doesn’t just slow traffic — it can affect school schedules, emergency response times, and access to essential services.
County road crews, utility workers, and public safety officials spend countless hours maintaining these roads, often out of the spotlight. Many residents may not realize that a single blocked road can ripple through an entire area, impacting hundreds of families.
As Habersham County continues to grow, conversations about infrastructure often focus on major highways and large projects. But maintaining and improving secondary roads will remain just as important — especially in a county where geography, weather, and rural character all play a role.
Habersham News will continue highlighting the everyday infrastructure that keeps our community connected — including the roads we sometimes take for granted.
The City of Cornelia will hold its regular City Commission meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with several infrastructure and governance items scheduled for discussion.
The meeting will include updates from city staff, a public forum item related to a possible street extension, and multiple action items tied to long-term city planning projects.
Meeting Agenda Highlights
The meeting will begin with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the agenda and minutes from the January 6, 2026 commission meeting. Commissioners will also hear the City Manager’s monthly report for January.
Public Forum
During the public forum portion of the meeting, residents may address the commission on items not scheduled for a public hearing. One request listed on the agenda is a proposal to extend Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to Main Street.
Old Business
Commissioners will consider an ordinance amending the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System (GMEBS) Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, which affects city employee retirement provisions.
New Business
Several notable items appear under new business, including:
An agreement with Carter & Sloope for planning services related to a railroad pedestrian bridge
Bond paperwork connected to the city’s amphitheater project
A proposed amendment to the City Charter
An executive session to discuss real estate matters
No public hearings are scheduled for this meeting.
The meeting will conclude with adjournment following executive session.
Residents are encouraged to attend or follow along to stay informed about decisions that could shape future development, infrastructure, and governance in Cornelia.
The City of Baldwin will hold a work session followed immediately by a regular City Council meeting on Monday, February 3, at Baldwin City Hall.
The work session will begin at 6 p.m., with the City Council meeting starting immediately afterward. Both meetings are open to the public.
Topics Scheduled for Discussion
According to the agendas released by the city, no public hearings are scheduled for either meeting. However, several items of ongoing community interest are expected to be discussed during both the work session and council meeting.
Old Business items include:
Discussion of the Chitwood Preliminary Plat, a proposed development consisting of 79 homes
Updated meeting schedule related to a Home Rule Charter amendment
Review of the Cook Construction annexation and zoning request, including an updated project schedule
These items have been the subject of recent discussion and public interest, and city officials are expected to continue reviewing details and timelines during the February 3 meetings.
New Business
Under new business, council members will consider a Flock Camera Agreement for the Baldwin Police Department. Flock cameras are license plate reader systems commonly used by law enforcement agencies to assist with investigations and public safety efforts.
Announcements
City officials will also note that Baldwin city offices will be closed on February 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Meeting Information
Both the work session and the council meeting will take place at the Baldwin Court Room (155 Willingham Ave), with the work session beginning at 6 p.m. and the council meeting following immediately afterward.
Residents interested in city planning, development projects, and public safety initiatives are encouraged to attend.
A Habersham County deputy sheriff was involved in a two-vehicle collision on January 22 while responding to a high-priority emergency call, according to information released by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol.
Deputy Christian Brewer was traveling westbound on Pea Ridge Road with emergency lights and siren activated while responding to a report of a person holding a firearm to his head and making threats with others inside a residence.
According to the Georgia State Patrol’s investigation, the deputy approached the intersection of Pea Ridge Road and Georgia Highway 384 (Duncan Bridge Road) facing a red traffic signal. At the same time, a second vehicle was traveling southbound on GA 384 with a green traffic signal.
Investigators determined that the deputy failed to exercise due regard and yield the right of way to the other vehicle. As Deputy Brewer entered the intersection, the second vehicle struck the passenger side of the patrol vehicle with its left front. After the initial impact, both vehicles rotated clockwise and struck each other again in a sideswipe manner before coming to an uncontrolled final rest in the westbound lane of Pea Ridge Road.
No injuries were reported at the scene. Deputy Brewer was not transported by ambulance but was later taken to the hospital by his supervisor for routine post-accident blood testing, in accordance with department policy.
Per Habersham County Sheriff’s Office protocol, the Georgia State Patrol conducted the investigation and determined the deputy to be at fault in the collision. As a result, Brewer received disciplinary action consisting of a two-day suspension without pay and additional training on emergency vehicle operation and due regard procedures.
Deputy Brewer was hired by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office on May 6, 2024, and serves in the Uniform Patrol Division.
Habersham County Schools will host Georgia Pre-K Application Days in February for families with children who may be eligible for the state’s Pre-K program for the 2026–2027 school year.
The events are designed to help parents complete the application process in person and ensure all required documentation is submitted.
Who Is Eligible?
Children who will be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026 may apply for Georgia Pre-K.
📅 Application Schedule
Day 1
Monday, February 23, 2026 🕓 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 📍 Demorest Elementary School 3116 Demorest Mt. Airy Highway, Demorest
Districts served:
Baldwin Elementary
Clarkesville Elementary
Fairview Elementary
Level Grove Elementary
Day 2
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 🕓 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 📍 Demorest Elementary School 3116 Demorest Mt. Airy Highway, Demorest
Districts served:
Cornelia Elementary
Demorest Elementary
Hazel Grove Elementary
Woodville Elementary
🧾 What Parents Must Bring
To complete the application, parents must attend a Pre-K Application Night and bring:
The child (for required evaluations)
Parent photo ID (Driver’s License or U.S. Passport)
Proof of residency (current utility bill in parent’s name or affidavit of residency)
Certified birth certificate
Child’s Social Security card
Current Georgia Form 3231 Immunization Record
Georgia Form 3300 (Eye, Ear, Dental, Nutrition)
Nurses will be available on site to assist with this form
Documentation if the child receives CAPS, SSI, Medicaid, Food Stamps, or TANF
Important Notes
Meeting eligibility does not guarantee placement in a Habersham County Pre-K classroom.
Placement is determined by a lottery drawing based on the school district in which the child resides.
Only children who reside in Habersham County will be considered.
Online Applications
Parents may also apply online by visiting www.habershamschools.com, navigating to Latest News & Announcements, then selecting Georgia Pre-K Information & Application Form. A QR code linking to the application is also included on the flyer.
A winter storm is forecast to move into Habersham County this weekend, bringing significant snow and dangerous cold along with it. According to the National Weather Service, snow is likely Saturday with total accumulations of 4 to 8 inches possible, and temperatures cold enough for snow to stick to roads and bridges. Sunday looks brighter but cold and windy before conditions begin to moderate early next week.
With weather like this on the way, residents are encouraged to prepare ahead and take extra precautions to stay safe during and after the snow.
❄️ What the Forecast Looks Like
Friday: Increasing clouds with a chance of early snow and lows in the low 20s.
Saturday: Snow is expected, especially by mid-morning and into the afternoon, with snowfall accumulation possible in the 4–8 inch range and breezy, cold conditions. Wind chill values could be well below freezing.
Saturday Night: Remaining cold, with lingering snow chances and wind chill values near or below zero.
Sunday: Sunny, but still cold, with highs in the mid-30s and brisk winds.
Officials in northeast Georgia have already issued winter weather warnings and advisories as part of preparations for the event.
🧤 Steps to Stay Safe This Weekend
Here are some important community safety tips you can follow ahead of and during the snowfall:
🛠️ Prepare Your Home
Stock essential supplies: Water, non-perishable food, medications, pet supplies, and fuel for heat sources.
Charge devices: Ensure phones, power banks, and backup power sources are ready.
Protect plumbing: Let faucets drip and open cabinets under sinks to prevent pipes from freezing.
🚗 Avoid Travel When Possible
Roads — even major routes — can become slippery and dangerous quickly once snow begins to fall.
If you must drive, slow down and leave extra space between vehicles.
Watch for black ice, especially on bridges and shaded back roads.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle (blankets, water, food, flashlight).
⚡ Watch for Downed Trees & Power Lines
Heavy, wet snow and high winds can increase the risk of:
Fallen trees or large limbs,
Downed power lines.
If you see a downed line, do not touch it — always call 911 or report it to your utility provider immediately.
👵 Check on Neighbors & Vulnerable Residents
Cold weather and winter storms can be especially dangerous for:
Elderly neighbors
Those with medical needs
Residents living alone
A quick check-in can make a big difference.
📲 Stay Informed
Conditions can change rapidly — especially with winter storms.
Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local officials.
Listen for announcements from emergency management, schools, and utilities.
Follow trusted local sources like Habersham News for the latest developments and safety guidance.
❗ Final Reminders
Snow can be beautiful, but it can also create serious hazards in Habersham County’s rolling terrain. Preparing now and taking these steps can help protect your family, your home, and your community through this weekend’s winter weather event.
DEMOREST, GA. – The Piedmont men’s basketball team fell to the Asbury Eagles on Thursday night despite a late rally by a final score of 78-71.
It was a night of anticipation in Cave Arena as Fisher Darden entered just six points away from a career milestone of 1,000 points for his career in the green and gold, and he would achieve it while sparking a rally for the Lions.
Asbury would race out of the gate with the lead as they shot well from behind the arc with Cam Jones leading the charge. The Eagles would build strong in the first half as they made eight total threes. Piedmont would not be able to contend with the pace, and the deficit of a 37-23 lead at half would be too great for the rallying Lions to overcome in the second half.
The offense for Piedmont needed a spark in the second half, and Fisher Darden provided it. Seven minutes into the half, Darden would find himself deep in the corner and sought a rally starter. The senior launched a contested three, and it landed, moving his career total across the 1,000-point threshold at 1,001. His shot ignited the Lions as they sought to fight back into the game and proceeded to go on a 17-4 run, catapulting them back into the contest.
Despite outscoring the Eagles in the second half, the Lions could not overcome Asbury’s first-half lead as they ultimately fell by the final of 78-71.
Fisher Darden was the star of the night for the Lions as he led the team in points with 16. Three other Lions also had double-digit points, including a returning Jackson Houston.
Piedmont falls to 0-5 in CCS play, but with still plenty of schedule left, it looks to turn it around next time out on the road against the Belhaven Blazers on Jan. 31st at 5:00 p.m.
Habersham County Schools will remain closed for students on Friday, January 30, 2026, due to continued hazardous road conditions across the county, Superintendent Patrick Franklin announced.
According to Franklin, 25 to 30 roads remain unsafe for travel because of icy sections, trees hanging over roadways, and low-hanging power lines. School officials determined that conditions are not safe for school buses or student drivers.
“Our transportation department does not feel safe placing school buses and student drivers on our roadways,” Franklin said in the announcement to parents.
Staff Reporting Information
School staff are expected to report to work at 8:30 a.m., or later when it is safe to do so. Teachers and staff will use the day to focus on lesson planning and preparation ahead of another storm system forecasted for Saturday.
Student Materials Pickup
Parents will have an opportunity to pick up instructional materials, including lessons and library books, on Friday. Schools will communicate specific pickup details directly with families.
County and school officials continue to monitor road conditions and work closely with local agencies to address remaining hazards.
Habersham News will continue to provide updates as conditions change and further decisions are made regarding school operations.
A newly introduced proposal at the Georgia State Capitol could dramatically reshape how property taxes are collected across the state, including in Habersham and Rabun counties.
Georgia House District 10 Representative Victor Anderson recently spoke with Habersham News about legislation introduced this week that would, over time, eliminate most property taxes on homestead properties—the primary residences of Georgia homeowners.
Anderson emphasized that the proposal is separate from House Bill 581, which dealt with a floating homestead exemption tied to inflation. The new effort includes two pieces of legislation: a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment and a separate enabling bill that would take effect if voters approve the amendment.
What the Proposal Would Do
If approved in its current form, the legislation would phase in changes over several years, ultimately reducing the traditional property tax portion applied to homestead properties to zero by 2032. The exemption would apply to a homeowner’s primary residence and up to five acres of land.
Rather than eliminating all local charges, Anderson explained that counties, cities, or school systems could still impose specific line-item fees for designated services, such as existing bond obligations. In Habersham County, for example, hospital-related debt currently appears as a separate charge on property tax bills and could continue under this framework.
The core property tax calculation—based on assessed value multiplied by the millage rate—would be the portion gradually phased out.
How Local Governments Would Replace Revenue
To offset the loss of homestead property tax revenue, the proposal would allow for expanded use of local sales taxes, pending voter approval. Anderson described the shift as moving from a property-based tax to a consumption-based system, meaning visitors and non-residents who shop locally would help fund services.
He noted that the impact would vary significantly by community, depending on existing tax structures, debt obligations, and retail activity. Anderson said he plans to meet with leaders from Habersham and Rabun counties to better understand how the proposal could affect the region.
Commercial properties, rental properties, and non-homestead parcels would continue to be taxed under current rules, including periodic reassessments.
Impact on Homeowners and Renters
Under the proposal, homeowners would still pay property tax on a homestead during the first year after purchasing a home. After that initial year, the homestead exemption would apply fully once the phase-in is complete.
Renters would not directly benefit from the homestead exemption and could see higher costs through increased sales taxes. Anderson acknowledged that while renters would not receive property tax relief, the broader goal is to reduce the burden on homeowners while spreading costs across consumption.
Where the Legislation Stands Now
The proposal has not yet passed the House and is still in the early stages of the legislative process. The constitutional amendment resolution has been assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee, and the enabling legislation is expected to follow.
Both measures must clear committee hearings, pass the Georgia House and Senate, and—because of the constitutional amendment—ultimately be approved by Georgia voters statewide.
Anderson said the proposal has significant early interest, with more than 100 lawmakers listed as sponsors, but emphasized that support levels will be evaluated during committee discussions.
“This would be a fundamental reimagining of Georgia’s property tax system,” Anderson said, describing the proposal as transformational but still a work in progress.
Habersham News will continue to follow the legislation as it moves through the General Assembly and report on its potential local impact.
For more than eight decades, the Cornelia Coca-Cola Plant stood as a familiar and enduring presence in downtown Cornelia—an emblem of local industry, community pride, and a time when bottling plants were woven into the fabric of small-town life.
The Cornelia plant opened in 1907, just a few years after Coca-Cola itself began expanding beyond Atlanta. For generations, the facility operated as a locally owned, family-run bottling plant, producing and distributing Coca-Cola products throughout Habersham County and surrounding areas. At its peak, the plant housed both manufacturing and bottling operations, providing steady employment and serving as a hub of activity in the community.
Workers at Cornelia Coca-Cola Plant/Photo Habersham History Archives
By the mid-1980s, however, changes in the beverage industry began reshaping how and where Coca-Cola products were made. In February 1986, bottling operations at the Cornelia plant officially ceased. Coca-Cola Enterprises cited economic realities and aging equipment, noting that it had become more cost-effective to centralize production at larger facilities in Atlanta and other regional plants. While manufacturing ended, the Cornelia building continued to serve as a distribution and sales center for several more years.
The Cornelia Coca-Cola Plant/Photo Habersham History Archives
The final chapter came in 1991, when the Cornelia Coca-Cola Plant closed its doors entirely after 84 years of operation. At the time of closure, employees were reassigned to Coca-Cola facilities in Gainesville and Athens, while others chose to retire or leave the company. The consolidation reflected a broader restructuring taking place across the Coca-Cola system as territories were merged and operations streamlined.
Longtime employees remembered the plant not just as a workplace, but as a cornerstone of the community. Thomas Bates of Cornelia, who managed the downtown facility from 1964 until his retirement in 1987, expressed sadness at seeing the warehouse close, a sentiment shared by many who had personal or family ties to the plant. For decades, delivery trucks rolling out of Cornelia carried more than beverages—they carried a sense of local identity.
Today, the old Cornelia Coca-Cola Plant remains a quiet reminder of a different era in Habersham County’s history—one when small-town bottling plants played a vital role in both the local economy and daily life. Though production has long since moved elsewhere, the legacy of the plant endures in the memories of those who worked there and the community it served for nearly a century.
Power has been fully restored across Habersham County following Winter Storm Fern, bringing an end to what Habersham EMC described as one of the most challenging restoration efforts in the cooperative’s history.
At the height of the storm, more than 23,000 members were without power, an unprecedented number for the service area. Restoration efforts stretched nearly 80 hours, as crews worked around the clock in extreme conditions to repair widespread damage caused by ice, wind, and falling trees.
According to Habersham EMC, crews replaced 113 broken power poles, each repair taking an average of six hours. In addition, workers installed 54,135 feet of wire—a distance the cooperative compared to stacking two Mount Everests end to end—and cleared nearly 4,000 fallen trees from power lines.
The work was carried out amid single-digit temperatures, strong winds, icy roadways, and constant safety hazards. Crews often worked through the night, facing hidden damage and new obstacles as conditions evolved.
Behind the scenes, Habersham EMC’s operations extended beyond the field. Office staff handled a steady stream of calls and messages, coordinated housing and meals for visiting linemen, and provided frequent public updates. Some employees remained on-site for extended periods, grabbing only brief rest breaks as restoration efforts continued.
In total, 654 workers, including Habersham EMC employees, contractors, and personnel from partner electric cooperatives across the region, took part in the response. Extra crews and supplies had been staged ahead of the storm, but the scope of the damage made the effort demanding from start to finish.
Habersham EMC acknowledged the frustration and hardship outages caused for residents but expressed pride in the collective effort and gratitude for the community’s patience and support throughout the process.
With the final outage resolved, crews were finally able to return home to their families—marking the end of a storm response that will be remembered as a defining moment for the cooperative and the community it serves.
As restoration efforts continue following last week’s winter storm, utility crews across Habersham County are nearing the end of a long and exhausting process to bring power back to every home and business still without service.
Habersham EMC reported Thursday that crews made significant progress throughout the day, restoring power to hundreds of members as weather conditions improved. By evening, the number of remaining outages had dropped to the double digits, with the goal of completing full restoration by the end of the night.
The cooperative described the effort as an arduous process, with crews working extended hours in cold, hazardous conditions. Despite the fatigue, restoration teams have continued pushing forward, supported by improved weather, coordinated planning, and encouragement from the community.
Crews from Habersham EMC, along with contractors and partner cooperatives, have been working around the clock since the storm began. Their work has included clearing debris, repairing downed lines, replacing damaged poles, and restoring service in hard-to-reach areas — often under dangerous conditions.
As the final outages are addressed, Habersham EMC offered a special acknowledgment to the crews still in the field, emphasizing that work has not stopped and will not stop until every remaining member is restored safely.
Habersham News joins the community in thanking all utility workers for their dedication, professionalism, and perseverance throughout this storm response. Their efforts have played a critical role in helping Habersham County recover and move forward.
Residents are reminded to continue exercising caution around downed lines and damaged infrastructure and to report any lingering issues directly to their power provider.
Habersham County Schools will be closed for students on Thursday, January 29, 2026, due to continued hazardous road conditions following last week’s winter weather.
According to Superintendent Patrick Franklin, while roadways across the county have seen significant melting compared to earlier in the week, icy patches remain widespread on secondary roads.
School officials said many roads are now passable for personal vehicles; however, low-hanging power lines and tree limbs near roadways continue to pose a significant safety risk for school buses.
Twelve-month employees are expected to report to work when it is safe to do so.
County and state crews are continuing efforts to treat icy areas and improve road conditions throughout Habersham County.
School officials thanked families and staff for their patience and support as cleanup efforts continue and emphasized that student safety remains the top priority.
Habersham News will provide updates as additional announcements are made.
LAKEMONT — The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office reports that a man has been arrested following an incident in which power crews were threatened and shot at while attempting to restore electrical service.
According to Sheriff Mark Gerrells, deputies responded to a call Tuesday regarding a man threatening and firing shots at utility workers in the area of Bluebird Lane and Old Highway 441 in Lakemont. The power crews were in the area working to restore service when the incident occurred.
Following a search of the area, deputies located Bobby Allen Mashburn, a 56-year-old Lakemont resident, who was taken into custody without further incident.
After an investigation, Mashburn was charged with one count of reckless conduct, two counts of terroristic threats, and two counts of aggravated assault. Authorities also seized a firearm in connection with the incident.
Sheriff Gerrells emphasized that threats or acts of violence against utility workers or individuals performing essential services will not be tolerated in Rabun County. Officials noted that utility crews are working under difficult conditions to restore services and ensure public safety, and any actions placing them in danger are taken seriously.
The incident remains under investigation. As with all criminal cases, Mashburn is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sheriff Gerrells also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of responding agencies and thanked power crews for their continued efforts to serve the community.
North Georgia Technical College announced that all three NGTC campuses and Adult Education centers will be closed on Wednesday, January 28, due to ongoing challenges caused by recent weather conditions.
College officials said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution as weather-related impacts continue across the region, including hazardous road conditions and lingering effects from the winter storm.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to monitor official NGTC communication channels for updates regarding campus operations and future schedule changes.
Habersham News will continue to share closure updates as information becomes available.
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.
Baldwin City Councilman Joe Elam (red shirt) listens to his consituents/Photo Habersham News
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.
Tom Lyrich moved to Habersham 32 years ago for a quiet, low-key, family-oriented place/Photo Habersham News
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.
Two local citizens listen to Keith Cook. Both shared their opposition to the project moving forward/Photo Habersham News
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.
Baldwin Mayor Doug Faust (black jacket and glasses) listens to his constituents/Photo Habersham News
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.
Habersham County Schools will remain closed for students and staff on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, due to ongoing hazardous road conditions across the county.
Superintendent Patrick Franklin said school officials have identified numerous icy side roads, fallen trees, and low-hanging power lines, creating unsafe travel conditions for student drivers and school buses.
District leaders will reevaluate road conditions on Wednesday to determine whether schools can safely reopen on Thursday.
Habersham County Schools officials continue to work closely with county departments and power providers as crews address storm-related damage and restore services throughout the area.
Franklin expressed appreciation for the efforts of first responders and utility crews who have been working through difficult conditions following the winter storm.
Families are encouraged to continue limiting travel when possible and to monitor official school communication channels for updates regarding Thursday’s schedule.
Habersham News will share additional information as it becomes available.
Partnership Habersham will hold its January Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, January 28, featuring a Marketing and Branding Panel designed to provide practical resources for local businesses.
The meeting will take place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Mt. Airy Town Hall, located at 1231 Dicks Hill Parkway in Mt. Airy.
The program, titled “Resources to Grow Your Business,” will focus on marketing and branding strategies aimed at helping businesses strengthen their presence and connect more effectively with customers. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear insights from panel participants and learn about tools and resources available to support business growth in Habersham County and the surrounding area.
Breakfast will be sponsored by Traditions Bank.
Despite recent weather-related disruptions across the region, Partnership Habersham officials confirmed the meeting will proceed as scheduled and encouraged members and guests to attend.
Partnership Habersham serves as the county’s economic development organization, working to support existing businesses, recruit new investment, and enhance the overall quality of life in the community.
BALDWIN, Ga. — A public participation meeting moderated by Cook Construction is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, to provide residents with information and an opportunity to learn more about a proposed commercial development near Duncan Bridge Road and Ga. 365.
“The Duncan Project” concept plan map/Photo Cook & Co. Website
The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Baldwin City Hall Community Room, located at 186 U.S. 441. Organizers have confirmed the session will move forward as planned despite ongoing cleanup efforts following last week’s winter storm.
The meeting is intended to share preliminary details about the project and gather public input. No votes will be taken, and the session does not constitute an official public hearing under Baldwin’s zoning or annexation process. Any future annexation or rezoning requests would require separate public hearings and formal action by the Baldwin City Council.
Proposed annexation map for “The Duncan Project”/Photo Cook & Co. Website
The meeting follows action by the Baldwin City Council last week to table Cook Construction’s annexation and zoning requests in order to allow additional time for public review and community discussion.
Cook Construction and Real Estate is a Northeast Georgia–based construction and development group with past and current projects in Habersham County. The company states its focus is on developing properties that enhance quality of life while balancing community priorities with practical development goals.
The proposed “Duncan Bridge Project” is described as a mixed-use commercial development that could include grocery, retail, restaurants, medical offices, and assisted living facilities for seniors. According to project materials, recent market data indicates that Habersham County residents currently travel more than 15 miles to access many retail and service options, contributing to an estimated $500 million in consumer spending outside the county each year. The proposal also cites a growing senior population, noting more than 9,000 Habersham County residents are over age 55, while there are fewer than 400 publicly known assisted living beds in the area.
Developers indicate that all proposed uses would meet the City of Baldwin’s existing development standards.
The project involves six total parcels. One portion of the property is already within the Baldwin city limits, while additional acreage would require annexation. The proposed annexation area includes approximately 88.4 acres, with the total project encompassing roughly 109.38 acres.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Cook Construction representatives are expected to outline the concept plan and respond to questions from attendees. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposal and provide feedback ahead of any future public hearings.
Residents interested in learning more about the proposal ahead of the meeting can view additional details and concept information on Cook Construction’s website at https://thecookandcompany.com/duncanproject/
Habersham County Schools will be closed for students and staff on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, due to ongoing hazardous conditions across the county.
Superintendent Patrick Franklin said school officials have been coordinating throughout the day with local government leaders, power providers, and emergency management personnel as the storm continues to impact the area.
According to Franklin, many roads remain impassable because of downed trees and power lines. In addition, extreme cold temperatures overnight are expected to refreeze roads, bus stops, and parking lots, creating unsafe conditions for school buses and student drivers.
“Tonight, extreme cold temperatures will refreeze many roads, bus stops, and parking lots making it unsafe for our buses and student drivers,” Franklin said.
District officials also urged residents to limit travel as much as possible, allowing power crews and county road crews to continue restoration and cleanup efforts safely.
In addition to K-12 school closures, North Georgia Technical College announced that all three NGTC campuses and Adult Education centers will be closed Tuesday, January 27, due to continuing challenges caused by the inclement weather.
A Facebook post from Piedmont University/Photo Piedmont University Facebook
Meanwhile, Piedmont University announced that it plans to resume classes and campus operations on Wednesday, January 28. University officials emphasized that safety remains the top priority and encouraged flexibility for those affected by storm conditions.
“Students, faculty, and staff who cannot safely return to campus should contact their supervisor or professor(s),” the university said.
Habersham News will continue to share updates as conditions evolve and additional announcements are made.
