UPDATE: The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners is set to make crucial decisions tonight, March 9, 2025, at 6 p.m., during a meeting at the courthouse located at 205 N. Selvidge St., Dalton, GA. Key issues on the agenda include multiple rezoning requests, significant intersection improvement projects, and vital grant approvals affecting local communities.
The spotlight will be on a controversial 61.24-acre residential rezoning proposal from SDH Atlanta LLC, seeking to convert land at Reed Road and Rauschenburg Road from General Agriculture (GA) to Low Density Single Family Residential (R-2). This proposal previously drew public scrutiny and may be postponed pending further traffic studies.
Other important rezoning requests include:
– Robert Kendall: 1 acre at 2029 Old Morris Road, from GA to Rural Residential (R-5)
– Jose Armando Ortiz: 0.60 acres at 114 Marbut Drive, from Heavy Manufacturing (M-2) to Rural Residential (R-5)
– Ronnie Gazaway: 4.59 acres at 529 Gazaway Drive SE, from GA to Rural Residential (R-5)
– Shazman Ali: 8.75 acres on Tunnel Hill-Varnell Road, adding Medium Density Single Family Residential (R-3) zoning.
In addition to rezoning, the board will consider a proposed amendment to the Unified Zoning Ordinance, aimed at defining hazardous waste, adding data centers to permitted uses, and creating a new residential option termed “Greenspace Courtyard Subdivision.”
Commissioners will also deliberate on awarding design contracts for three critical SPLOST intersection improvement projects. The preliminary design work for two proposed roundabouts will be awarded to Burgess & Niple for a total of $139,617, while Kimley-Horn will receive $196,611 for improvements at South Dixie Highway and Brickyard Road. Engineering officials have committed to accelerated timelines, targeting completion in 2026-2027.
Public Works is pushing for a substantial increase in residential driveway installation fees from $450 to $950, citing that the current rate no longer covers material costs. The department is also seeking approval for a new charge of $300 per tandem truckload for asphalt millings, aimed at offsetting milling and hauling expenses.
On the grant front, commissioners will review acceptance of a $2,500 Hunger Innovation Grant for the Whitfield County Senior Center, designed to support the “Easy Healthy Eats for Seniors” program. Additionally, a $26,550 grant contract from the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust will be ratified to fund drug testing supplies for the Conasauga Drug Treatment Court.
Whitfield County Transit is also seeking approval for a $363,672 purchase of three new buses, with 90% of costs reimbursed through state and federal funding, requiring a county match of approximately $36,367.
Other agenda items include public hearings on alcohol license transfers, a presentation from the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and routine financial updates from county officials. A public comment period will follow, with a potential executive session to discuss real estate matters.
As these critical issues unfold, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed and engaged as the board makes decisions that will impact the future of Whitfield County.
