Dawson County and development authority outline 77.6-acre Burke Creek property transfer for industrial park

Dawson County officials presented a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Development Authority that would transfer two tracts totaling 77.6 acres on Burke Creek Road for development of an industrial park.

Joy Leverett, the county manager, told commissioners the MOU has been under discussion since late last year and that the Development Authority intends to develop an industrial park consistent with its mission to increase jobs and commercial investment. "It involves a total of 2 tracts, a total 77.6 acres located on Burke Creek Road," Leverett said.

Under the agreement, the Development Authority will be responsible for rezoning the property. The property lies within the City of Dawsonville limits. The MOU includes a 10-year timeline requiring substantial progress on development; if the authority does not make substantial progress within that period, the property would revert to the county. As part of the agreement, the county will reserve three acres, to remain county property, that will be pad-ready for future county needs.

Leverett said the project will be a long-term effort that likely depends on grant funding. She noted the MOU was vetted by legal staff and that the Development Authority had already signed and voted on the document; the county presented the MOU for the board’s consideration.

Why it matters: If executed, the transfer would enable the Development Authority to pursue an industrial park that could bring jobs and private investment, while preserving a small parcel for county use and including a reversion clause to protect county interests.

County attorney Angela Davis was present and had no substantive additions during the presentation. Leverett said the actual title and deed transfer would proceed after county approval and that the matter has been discussed with the board in earlier sessions.