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Dawson County tables rezoning request for 152‑acre tract after residents object
Summary
The board voted 4-0 Dec. 19 to table a request to rezone 152.44 acres at GA‑9 North and Dawson Forest Road for a proposed 280‑lot subdivision until March 20, 2025, following multiple public speakers opposing the plan and the applicant offering to explore a 55+ alternative.
The Dawson County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 19 voted 4‑0 to table a rezoning application to change 152.44 acres at the southeast corner of Ga. 9 North and Dawson Forest Road from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RS2 (Residential Suburban 2). The application would have allowed a proposed 280‑lot residential subdivision; the board set a new public hearing for March 20, 2025.
Planning & Development Director Sharon Farrell told the board that staff supported the request, noting the proposal complies with the county’s future land‑use designation and character area; the Planning Commission had recommended denial. Applicant Jim King said the lot counts and densities conform to the comprehensive plan and emphasized long‑standing county guidance to concentrate growth near Highway 9 and State Route 400. King said his client has discussed a potential 55+ community as an alternative and requested the board table the application to permit further vetting.
Multiple Dawsonville residents spoke against the rezoning during the public hearing, naming traffic, density and neighborhood character as concerns. Speakers recorded in the minutes include Shannon Stanford, Harris Georgia, Linda Mahler, Tiffany Georgia, Sabrina Needy, Victoria Davis, Michelle Jarrett, Kelly Venters, Tom Carry, Nick LeBarnes, Ben King, Christy Castleberry, Tristan Brooksher and Tory Daniel. No speakers were recorded in favor.
Commissioner Emory Dooley initially moved to table and later withdrew and re‑made the motion; the board voted 4‑0 to table (Dooley/Stowers). The applicant requested the March hearing date to explore the 55+ option and gather public input. The Planning Commission’s recommendation for denial and staff stipulations remain part of the file; the board did not adopt or deny the rezoning at the Dec. 19 meeting.
Next steps: the application is scheduled for another public hearing on March 20, 2025; the applicant may pursue an alternate proposal (55+ community) or address staff stipulations in the interim.
