Whitfield County Commissioners to Vote on Key Rezoning and SPLOST Projects

UPDATE: The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners is set to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2024, to address urgent rezoning requests and critical infrastructure projects that could shape the community’s future. This pivotal meeting will take place in the courthouse meeting room located at 205 N. Selvidge St., Dalton, GA.

Among the key items on the agenda is a controversial 61-acre residential rezoning proposal from SDH Atlanta LLC, aiming to change land use at Reed Road and Rauschenburg Road from General Agriculture (GA) to Low Density Single Family Residential (R-2). This proposal has attracted significant public attention and is scheduled for discussion following a traffic study delay.

Additional rezoning requests include:
– Robert Kendall: 1 acre at 2029 Old Morris Road, changing from GA to Rural Residential (R-5).
– Jose Armando Ortiz: 0.60 acres at 114 Marbut Drive, changing from Heavy Manufacturing (M-2) to Rural Residential (R-5).
– Ronnie Gazaway: 4.59 acres at 529 Gazaway Drive SE, changing from GA to Rural Residential (R-5).
– Shazman Ali: 8.75 acres on Tunnel Hill-Varnell Road, proposing Medium Density Single Family Residential (R-3) zoning alongside existing General Commercial (C-2) zoning.

In addition to the rezoning discussions, the board will consider a significant amendment to the county’s Unified Zoning Ordinance, which includes new definitions for biohazard materials and the introduction of “Greenspace Courtyard Subdivision” options within UPUD zoning districts.

Intersection improvement projects are also on the agenda, with commissioners expected to award design contracts for three critical intersections funded by the 2024 SPLOST program. Notably, preliminary design work for two potential roundabouts will be assigned to Burgess & Niple at costs of $59,429 for Reed Road at Rauschenberg/Timberghost and $80,188 for Highway 201 at Old Lafayette/Houston Valley. Improvements at South Dixie Highway and Brickyard Road will be handled by Kimley-Horn for $196,611.

The Public Works department is pushing for an increase in the residential driveway installation fee, which has remained at $450 for years. They propose raising it to $950 for individual homeowners and $1,500 for minor subdivisions. Also, a new charge of $300 per tandem truckload for asphalt millings is under consideration to offset rising costs.

In a move to combat food insecurity, the board will contemplate accepting a $2,500 Hunger Innovation Grant for the Whitfield County Senior Center’s “Easy Healthy Eats for Seniors” program. Additionally, a $26,550 grant from the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust will be ratified to fund drug testing supplies for the Conasauga Drug Treatment Court, impacting both Whitfield and Murray counties.

Transit services are not left behind; commissioners will assess a proposal for the acquisition of three new buses costing $363,672, with 90% of the cost covered by state and federal funding.

Other agenda items include:
– Public hearings on two alcohol license transfers.
– A presentation of the 2025 annual report by Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Margaret Thigpen.
– Financial updates and routine reports from county officials.

This meeting represents a crucial opportunity for residents to engage with their local government on matters that impact their daily lives. The board will also hold a public comment period, followed by a potential executive session related to real estate.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops—it could influence key aspects of life in Whitfield County.