The property under consideration lies west of Tribble Gap Road, south of Sawnee Drive and east of Ga. 20. It is part of a 90-acre City Center project the city is planning off Canton Highway near Forsyth Central High School.
The development will feature miniature golf, an amphitheater, multiple walking trails, a park, a new veterans memorial and retail.
County Attorney Ken Jarrard said earlier this month that while most annexation requests include consent from 100 percent of the landowners, Cumming is employing a “60 percent method” for its request.
This method requires a written and signed application of at least 60 percent of the electors who live within the area and the owners of at least 60 percent of the land, Jarrard said.
“If those two key components can be satisfied, it allows the annexation when you don’t have 100 percent unanimity,” Jarrard said. “That’s why it requires two elements rather than one.”
County Commissioner Molly Cooper represents District 1, which includes the proposed development.
“I’ve driven through there and so much is rental,” Cooper said. “For the most part, the 60 percent rule had to apply in this. It’s not like there was a choice.”
Because these parcels are not in the county water and sewer service area, Jarrard said the annexation would present no impact to infrastructure.
Because the property lies along Ga. 20, the county and city are working with the Georgia Department of Transportation to determine road safety, with a potential traffic study to be conducted.
“By and large everyone is excited about the City Center,” County Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills said. “It’s going to be a positive thing.”
At a Cumming City Council meeting earlier this month, officials proceeded with plans for the development.
“The City Center is on track and should close on the property this month,” Mayor Troy Brumbalow said. “We will be choosing the architectural firm this month. The council is very excited and so is the community. The design process will start soon and take 3-6 months to complete.”
The City Council recently approved a Phase I environmental assessment on the property, which will pinpoint all topographical areas and allow the city to begin laying the groundwork for development.