Coweta board objects to Newnan annexation for Greentop Road property, asks staff to seek negotiated resolution

Coweta County staff recommended that the board formally object to a city of Newnan annexation petition (AN02‑225) for roughly 22.64 acres off Greentop Road, and commissioners voted to object and to request that staff seek a negotiated intergovernmental resolution.

What staff reported: The proposed annexation packet from the city of Newnan included a subdivision concept showing three pods totaling 235 homes (an average density about 2.05 units per acre). Coweta staff reviewed the packet and advised the board that under OCGA 36‑36‑1.13(d) a county may object when annexation would cause a substantial change in allowable intensity or a significantly different allowable use, or would significantly increase net infrastructure costs for the county. On that basis staff said the proposal appears to be eligible for objection because it represents a substantial change in intensity and a significantly different land use from the county’s Comprehensive Plan designation and current RC zoning.

Board action and next steps: Commissioners voted to file the county’s objection to the annexation before the Department of Community Affairs and to ask staff to pursue a negotiated intergovernmental agreement (IGA) or other accommodation with the city of Newnan — including attempting a pause in any arbitration process while staff seeks an agreed outcome. Staff noted a related DRI (development of regional impact) submission by the city and that the board has a statutory 45‑day window to act on the annexation application.

Clarifying details (from the record): subject site approximately 22.64 acres; proposed concept (submitted by Newnan) shows about 235 homes across three pods, average density about 2.05 units per acre; staff referenced OCGA 36‑36‑1.13(d) and county review of transportation and other impacts; the county’s review noted earlier related DRI filings (DRI #4427) and that the county’s next meeting would fall after the 45‑day statutory notification period unless action was taken.

Authorities cited: OCGA 36‑36‑1.13(d) (annexation objection standard); Coweta County Comprehensive Plan and zoning code; regional DRI process referenced during staff analysis.

Outcome: The board voted to object to the annexation under the statutory standard and added direction that staff pursue a negotiated IGA or request a stay of arbitration while negotiations continue. The board’s objection and the request for negotiated resolution set the item for further intergovernmental work rather than immediate arbitration.

Speakers (attributed): Charles S. Connerly (applicant representative noted in packet); Michael Amerson or Ben Sewell (staff) presented staff analysis (staff named in the packet); commissioners discussed next steps and asked staff to attempt negotiation with the city of Newnan.

Ending: The county filed its objection with the Department of Community Affairs and asked staff to pursue an intergovernmental solution and to look for a way to resolve impacts to county infrastructure rather than proceed directly to arbitration.