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Dawson County Long Range Planning Committee Meeting County Admin. Building, 25 Justice Way, Dawsonville GA30534 Wednesday, February 25th 2026 @ 15:00hrs Approved Minutes (3/25/26) Attendance Committee Members: Emily Bagwell, Tiffany Georgia, Jane Graves, Steve, Pawlik, Michael Turner. Absent: Victoria Goodyear, Corey Gutherie, Shannan Stanford County Officials/Staff: Richard Batten Planning Manager Guests: Olivia Coughlin Chestatee HOA President, Shawn Ireland Chestatee HOA Vice-President Approval of Minutes January 28th meeting minutes were approved Emily, 2. Tiffany, Unanimous) Old Business Richard B. reported that the Planning Commission voted to send forward to the BOC the updates to alcohol, driveways, home occupations, zoning, ordinances/regulations with additional inclusions for Solar Farm and Data Centers as Special Use items and that Data Centers could be included in IR or CIR zones only. County planning staff are studying guidelines for Data Centers based on examples from other counties allowing. A question was asked – Was the county aware of any interest to build data centers here? Currently the planning department had not been approached. However, Michael confirmed that there has been “tremendous interest” by Data Center builders to construct these in Dawson County. He has been approached by builders looking at 3 proposed locations of 40 to 100 acres. The following comments were made that data centers - Would need a large (primary) electricity supply as well as a sufficient water source as coolant. - In the current rush to build near some residential areas many are utilizing (noisy) gas powered generators until high voltage transmission lines are available. - Do not employ large numbers of people after the constructions phase. – Business/industry needs and personal use of AI are not yet commensurate with the rapid rate of investment in and construction of data centers, potentially resulting in large warehouse structures remaining empty or in need of repurposing. - Data centers are server farms, distance from users is immaterial (they could be in Atlanta or Switzerland for Dawson users). Clarification and discussions of the goals and structure for updating Chapter 109 (Tree/Landscape/Buffers) * utilizing the 2024 Arborist’s report** including - An expanded definitions section, updating enforcement. penalties/credits and clarification of standards and requirements. New Business Dawson Forest 10,000 acres – The State already owns significant acreage to the east and northeast of this City of Atlanta Tract, these could potentially increase public land holdings, unless alternative development ensues. Potential State trail grant was mentioned (for 2027)? An idea to use utility powerline (and sewer) easements as trails floated. Plans for parkland and boat use on EWSA new Russell Creak reservoir, when opened, to be added as an agenda item for next LRPC meeting (March) Brief discussion of the zoning and variance requests coming before the next Planning Commission meeting 3/17. Meeting adjourned at approx. 4.30pm Emily, 2. Steve, Unanimous) Notes * obtainable from the Planning and Zoning JBG 2/27/26