County mayor says 385-acre annexation request near Exit 33 will proceed through Cleveland planning process

The county mayor told the Bradley County Commission that a property owner has requested annexation of about 385 acres near Exit 33, adjacent to the Love's truck stop, into the City of Cleveland and that the request will move through the city's planning and approval process.

"The property is approximately 385 acres near Exit 33 adjacent to the Love's truck stop," the mayor read, adding that the land is currently undeveloped and lies within the city's established growth boundary. The mayor emphasized the county will not decide the annexation: "This is not the City Of Cleveland taking county land on its own. This is a request being made by the property owner." The mayor also said he forwards annexation notices to the county attorney, roads superintendent and county planner for input.

The mayor addressed rumors that the site could become a data center, calling that "speculation" and saying he had "no information indicating that is the case beyond speculation." He noted that, based on his understanding of current city zoning, a general commercial designation would not allow data centers without a future zoning change.

Why it matters: annexations near major highway exits can affect traffic, utilities, and land use planning across municipal and county boundaries. The mayor said he intends to share facts early to avoid misinformation as the city's planning process unfolds. The county did not take formal action at the meeting; the mayor encouraged residents to follow the Cleveland planning process for final decisions.