The Dawson County Board of Commissioners approved a set of rezonings for a mixed-use 145-unit development proposed in the area of Highway 53 and Dawson Forest Road in southeast Dawson County. 

The rezoning proposals, brought forward by local development advisor Jim King, were approved by the board, with District 1 Commissioner Sharon Fausett opposed to the residential rezoning portion, ZA 21-08.

According to King, the nearly 54 acre proposed development will include a mix of commercial and residential, with a “unique design” meant to give the project a “live work play” feel.

King said that the residential portion of the development will be geared towards adults as “workforce housing” and will not feature any of the amenities seen in multi-family developments, like pools or playgrounds, but will instead feature a pathway connecting the development to surrounding communities. The pathway fits into the county’s new pedestrian trail plan, he said. 

“I did talk to my client and they are willing to do a shelter and picnic tables on a community gathering area as an amenity,” he said. 

The proposed development is surrounded on three sides by other apartment communities and the Dawson County Walmart on the fourth, King said. 

The development will have access points on Hwy. 53 and Dawson Forest Road, and is now zoned for 4 units per acre. Surrounding apartment communities are zoned for about 6 units per acre, according to King. 

The commercial portions of this development will be tied to the residential, King assured the board.