Community urges board to object to Dallas annexation of 318 acres on Coal Lake Road

The Paulding County Board of Commissioners held a work session on April 8, 2025, where significant discussions centered around a request for objection to an annexation proposal from the city of Dallas. Resident Todd Pownell addressed the board, expressing concerns about the annexation of 318.42 acres along Coal Lake Road, which would facilitate the construction of 670 new homes.

Pownell emphasized that the board has a 45-day window to formally object to the annexation, which he urged them to do by the upcoming Thursday. He highlighted that many residents, including himself, had not received official notice about the annexation, raising questions about representation and communication from the city of Dallas. Pownell pointed out that comments made by city council members suggested a disconnect between the council and the affected residents, as they do not reside within the city limits.

In addition to the annexation concerns, Pownell raised issues regarding the potential impact on local infrastructure, specifically mentioning a state-inspected dam on his property. He questioned who would bear the financial responsibility for upgrading the dam should the new development increase flood risks. Pownell requested the board to consider these implications seriously and to take action to protect the interests of the residents on Coal Lake Road.

The board members were receptive to Pownell's concerns, with a motion made to grant him additional speaking time to further elaborate on his points. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of local governance and community representation in the face of urban development. The board's next steps regarding the annexation objection remain to be seen as they deliberate on the matter in upcoming sessions.