By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
More retail space may be coming soon for Dawson
Placeholder Image

Dawson County is one step closer to having approximately 100,000 more square feet of retail space along Georgia 400, plus a grocery store, and a significant number of apartments.

On Oct. 21, Dawson County Planning and Development recommended approval of a mixed-use development near the intersection of Georgia 400 and Dawson Forest Road. If approved by the Dawson County Board of Commissioners, the 56-acre site will include 98,000 square feet of retail, 300 multi-family apartment units and 532 parking spaces.

The projects developer, Dawson Forest Developer LLC, asked that 56.38 acres be rezoned from Commercial Highway Business (C-HB) to Commercial Planned Commercial Development (C-PCD).

The site will be anchored by a national grocery chain, rumored to be Publix. However, a representative from the chain would not confirm plans for Dawson County.

We will only confirm sites once they are signed, Publix Media Relations Manager Brenda Reid said Monday. There is no signed lease or contract on that property.

Reid, however, did explain Publixs process for site locations.

The developer has to go before the commission and get (zoning) approval, she said. Once that takes place, if Publix will be a tenant, there is a lease agreement secured and signed between us and the developer.

Dawsons planning and development board is recommending approval with three stipulations: 1) the commercial component of development shall be completed prior to or in conjunction with the first phase of the residential multi-family project; 2) prior to the completion of phrase three of the multi-family development, the developer shall connect an access road to WorldWide Drive, and 3) the apartment buildings shall be fully sprinkled for fire protection.

Approximately 9.2 acres will be dedicated to the 300 multi-family apartment units, to include a clubhouse, pool, and splash pool. The units can contain no less than 651 square feet.

The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the project, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Dawson County Government Center, 25 Justice Way, Dawsonville, 2nd floor.