Rezoning clears way for $40 million plan

February 7, 2026

Published in The News Observer on Jan. 28, 2026

By Mollie Morrow

A rezoning request for property along Blue Ridge Drive was approved by the Blue Ridge City Council January 20, clearing the way for what Erick Youngberg described as a $40 million dollar project that will create 300 jobs.

Council members agreed unanimously to rezone 8.65 acres at 10017 Blue Ridge Drive from R-2 (Medium Density Residential) to C-2 (Community Commercial District). The land is described as across Blue Ridge Drive from Walmart, and is identified as parcels BR01 109, BR01 109B1 and 0045 09401.

Youngberg, executive director of the Fannin County Development Authority, spoke to the council prior to their vote. He reminded council members how Fannin County lost 300 jobs when the Levi Strauss plant closed in 2005. He said the development planned for the rezoned property will be a $40 million project that will create 300 jobs. 

The rezoning request had previously been approved by the city’s Planning Commission January 6 and received approval that included several conditions listed on the staff analysis, which had been prepared by former Co-Interim City Administrator Mandi Cody.

City council members requested the same conditions be applied with additional requirements. 

When the motion to approve rezoning was made, Councilwoman Jacqueline Kiker added that the secondary road from Ada Street be used to access the specific development only, and if it is to ever be used to access anything else, it must come back before the council for approval.

Councilman Bubba Gibbs pointed out that the adjoining, and portions of the subject, properties are outside of city limits and would have to be approved by the county.

“All we’re saying is that before something goes on surrounding pieces of property that’s going to connect to that, that the council would have the ability to weigh in on it,” Gibbs added. 

Councilwoman Christy Kay asked for a buffer to be put in place before a nearby residence as well as a sidewalk along the access street that aligns with the city’s standards.

A traffic study was requested by Councilman Bill Bivins, and Kiker also asked that necessary permits be obtained at the developer’s expense. Both of those requests were also included in the staff analysis.

Gibbs added the staff recommendation of limited uses for the property, which include general agribusinesses, assembly halls, churches, hospitals, schools, general retail, personal services, offices, restaurants and shopping centers.

Gibbs said the addition of a two-lane road from Ada Street to the development will “relieve some traffic” from the downtown area and specifically Mountain Street.

Will Cobb of Wilco Development explained it as a “true road” with curb, gutter and guardrail down the side.

There were no voiced opposition and no word as to what the development will include.