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**Important**Update on Highway 11 Corridor Development**and Efforts for Annexation

There is an ongoing initiative involving developers, including Jones Petroleum, to annex a portion of Highway 11, extending from the Social Circle city limits to the south side of I-20, into Newton County for the purpose of industrial development.

It appears that Jones Petroleum (he is the father of Lt. Governor Burt Jones) is pushing for this annexation despite significant local opposition. The land in question, situated south of I-20 in Newton County, is owned by Jones Petroleum, who previously sought to rezone the property for a truck stop. After a concerted effort by community members, including myself, we successfully prevented this rezoning through the Board of Commissioners (BOC). Additionally, with the support of Newton County BOC, we advocated for and secured a ban on truck stops in Newton County, which is now reflected in our zoning regulations.

The primary driver behind this push is dissatisfaction among developers with Newton County’s zoning regulations. In response, they are seeking annexation into the City of  Social Circle to bypass these regulations and facilitate large-scale industrial developments and a Jones Truck stop, along Highway 11. This change could fundamentally alter the character of Eastern Newton County and potentially lead to increased property taxes for homeowners in the affected area, which is a significant concern for many residents.

Recent developments indicate that the proponents of this annexation have made substantial progress. The Social Circle City Council holds significant sway in this matter, and key landowners, including Aziz Dhanani, are actively supporting the proposal. Their goal appears to be the establishment of a truck stop and additional industrial projects, driven by commercial interests rather than community needs.

Annexation requires agreement and petition from landowners of contiguous properties. Currently, we are just two landowners short of initiating the annexation process for the area from the Social Circle city limits to the south side of I-20.

If you oppose this annexation, it is crucial to voice your concerns. Reach out to friends, family, and local officials in Social Circle—contact the City Council and Mayor via phone, email, and social media. Your feedback is essential in conveying widespread dissatisfaction with this proposal.

I firmly oppose this annexation and am dedicated to preserving the integrity of our county. It is imperative that we unite to resist external pressures and ensure that the interests of local residents are prioritized. Now is the time to actively engage and make your voices heard against this annexation and development proposal.

https://www.socialcirclega.gov/departments/mayor-and-council

Thanks and Let's Save Newton together!

LeAnne