BOC approves McFarland Parkway development
News April 16, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A new mixed-use development that includes 59 townhomes and 51,000 square feet of commercial space will soon become a reality. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Liu Investment Partners request to rezone 18.534 acres at 100 McFarland Parkway to Master Planned District at Thursday’s meeting.
Christopher Light, representing Liu Investment Partners said his client had reduced the number of townhomes from 67 to 59 and increased the commercial space from 44,000 to 51,000 which would include a commercial building that exists on the property and will be renovated to code standards.
The development is also expected to include 233 parking spaces and amenities like a playground, and walking trails.
Following public hearings, the Board approved:
- The request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer) and wine for consumption on the premises for Moto Asian Cuisine Inc. located at 655 Atlanta Highway;
- The request for an alcohol license to have a farm winery on the premises for Stoney J’s Farm and Orchard, LLC located at 1506 Stoney Point Road;
- The request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer) and wine for consumption on the premises for Southern Grit + Grace, LLC dba Board and Brush located at 6655 Town Square, Suite 1210;
- The request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer), wine, and distilled spirits by the package on the premises for Robert J. Russell, III, Inc. dba Red Barn Package Store located at 4310 Settendown Village Road;
- The request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer), wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises for La Mara XVI, Inc. dba Laredos Taqueria and Grill located at 5310 Matt Highway, Suite 101;
- The County-Initiated request for agritourism and agricultural sales on 25.4 acres currently zoned Agricultural District (A1);
- Postponed a vote regarding the County-Initiated variance request to: 1.) Reduce the exterior setback from 50 ft. to 15 ft. adjacent to the +/- 6.0 acre outparcel proposed to be subdivided from the property which is proposed to remain zoned A1 and as shown on the submitted concept plan on file with the County (UDC Table 11.2(b)); 2.) Reduce the exterior buffer from 25 ft. to 0 ft. adjacent to the +/- 6.0 acre outparcel proposed to be subdivided from the property which is proposed to remain zoned A1 and as shown on the submitted concept plan on file with the County (UDC Table 11.2(b)) – Parcel 169-135 – 5690 Hendrix Road, Cumming, GA;
- Approved amendments to Chapters 3, 8, 11, 16, 18, and 21 related to light pole height variance within the Unified Development Code of Forsyth County;
- Approved amendments to Chapter 19 related to conservation subdivisions within the Unified Development Code of Forsyth County;
- Approved amendments to Chapters 3, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 21 related to backyard chickens within the Unified Development Code;
- Approved a request to operate a 1,636 sq. ft. short-term rental for 6 overnight guests with 3 parking spaces on 1 acre currently zoned Agricultural District and located at 3930 Aaron Sosebee Road, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a Short Term Rental Ordinance;
Under New Business, the Board:
- Approved a request by Domain Realty, Inc. to rezone from Agricultural District (A1) to Single Family Residential District (RES2) 11.16 acres for 8 residential lots with a density of .72 units per acre with the following variance to: 1.) Eliminate the 5,000 ft. sewer distance requirement to facilitate the use of an on-site septic disposal system (UDC 18-5.18). Property is located at 7010, 7012, 7014, 7016, 7024, and 7026 Dickerson Road, Cumming;
- Postponed GPB Properties, LLC request to operate an open storage yard with 82 parking spaces with an existing 2,479 sq. ft. accessory office on 2.71 acres currently zoned Agricultural District (A1). Property is located at 5060 Dawsonville Highway and 7835 Knight Road, Gainesville;
- Ratified the enactment of an emergency temporary moratorium, imposed on April 6, 2021, to bar all rezoning applications (until May 7, 2021) to the Res6 zoning designation, where the requested density for such rezoning is to a density that is greater than 4 units per acre.
Under announcements and reports, Chairwoman Cindy Mills read a proclamation declaring the month of April 2021 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Forsyth County.
“These are some special people in our community that do a lot to help kids,” Mills said. “We’re thankful they are with us today and for all they do.”
The Board also recognized the Forsyth County Parks Foundation for its efforts to promote healthy and active lives by creating awareness and financial support to Forsyth County. Mills read a resolution recognizing Linda Duncan, a member of the Foundation who will be leaving soon.
Commissioners also announced that the second week in April is recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicators week in honor of public safety personnel for their commitment, service and sacrifice
Gilmer looks at developments, subdivisions, and it’s future as rural or metro
News January 19, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer’s Land Ordinance could push our county into a metro city rather than our rural agricultural based feel. A comment from County Attorney David Clark offered his professional opinion on what could happen with releasing density restrictions on land use ordinances.
The topic was ultimately pushed to a later meeting, however, that decision came after a lengthy discussion on the proposed changes. Revisits to the ordinance have come after a Gilmer has experienced record setting numbers and sizes of developments in the county. In July of 2020, there were nine multi-lot developments with plans filed. An overabundance of developments like this could and is changing the face of Gilmer County. For better or worse is a split response among some citizens and developers.
Public Works Director Jim Smith
Even the County Attorney David Clark warned the Board on the possible outcomes of the new ordinance as it appears. Commenting on the high number of developments, Clark said part of the need for a response was due to “the high demand that was being placed on the infrastructure that simply wasn’t there.”
Clark went on to offer the board his thoughts on increasing population density saying, “Density is not a friend to an agricultural community. In my opinion, it’s the enemy.”
With notes referencing the county’s own emblem, he pointed out the major agricultural influence the county has through its poultry, apple orchards, and the mountain rural life. He also offered other counties as evidence including North Cobb and Paulding Counties when he was much younger.
Clark said, “Gilmer is known and is an agricultural community. The density that is allowed, the size of the lots that are allowed at this current time, is going to change that.”
The continuing density growth and concerns have been echoed through citizens comments on recent topics such as the Flint Mountain Holdings’ 305 lot major subdivision on Highway 282.
More recently, September saw a major moratorium on certain subdivisions, greenspace developments, and Class E Roads. These large developments are now continuing to push for a return to work since that moratorium. However, discussions on the Land Use Ordinance are continuing after minor confusion on some of the recommendations from the Planning Boards and the needs of what the Commissioners and the people of the county desire for the ordinance and for developments in the future.
Clark called Gilmer County’s future a “bedroom-subdivision of Atlanta” if the major density increase is allowed to support increasing numbers of people working from home. The allowance of unrestricted developments could lead to this outcome. However, he said it ultimately comes down to what the Commissioners want Gilmer to look like “30 years down the road.”
He reiterated that this is a major part of shaping that future.
Speaking with Public Works Director Jim Smith, the Commissioners heard more concern for loopholes within the ordinance and fixes that Smith wants requiring rezoning from R2 high density in situations that do not meet certain requirements. Smith also spoke about county roads needing support in the face of these developments. Especially since these roads were not built to handle the traffic and wear due to the adverse impact.
Smith went on to add that he believed a solution for roads be that the developer need pay for the improvements that the roads require rather than setting that burden on taxpayers who must have the Road Department go out and improve, fix, and upgrade the roads.
Echoing similar sentiments, Planning and Zoning Director Karen Henson said that zoning should match road requirements and capabilities.
The county is ultimately trying to balance its growth with density, developers, roads, and citizens needs. Yet, no final action has been taken. Instead, the commissioners are looking to address this either next month or in a special called meeting before then.
Three hour executive session leads to doubt for Pickens Superintendent
Featured News, Featured Stories, News January 16, 2021
JASPER, Ga. – Pickens County could be seeing another chapter in its ongoing Superintendent troubles over the years after a three-hour-long meeting was held almost entirely in Executive Session.
On January 16, 2021, the Pickens County Board of Education held a special called meeting posted to host both an Executive Session and General Discussion items on the Agenda.
During the meeting, it was said that the general discussion was originally put in to discuss a different topic. However, some citizens present said they were present to “show support” for Superintendent Dr. Rick Townsend.
Rick Townsend, Superintendent of Pickens County Schools
While the Board of Education spent almost all of the three hours in Executive Session, Dr. Townsend was not present for a large part of the meeting as he was seen exiting the room where the executive session was being held.
The only results of the meeting that were publicly stated as the Board returned from their executive session was the calling of yet another Special Called Meeting for this Monday, January 18, 2021.
However, sources have messaged FYN saying they are expecting the School Board to be dismissing or firing Dr. Townsend on Monday.
The board said in their Friday meeting, “We will have a Called Meeting on Monday at 3 p.m. It will be published over the weekend.” This means they will be meeting on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, although there is yet to be an agenda or meeting placed on the Pickens Calendar on their website as of the writing of this article.
Commissioner to consider COLA and salary increases for staff during Thursday’s meeting
News November 18, 2020FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – County commissioners will consider adoption of the FY 2021 budget with the approval to apply a two percent COLA increase as budgeted and to apply an increase of one percent to the Salary Range Schedule to maintain competitive salary ranges when they meet in a voting session Thursday (Nov. 19) at 5 p.m.
Other items to be considered under New Business include Conditional Use Permits (CUP) and Rezoning Requests for the following:
- Midwest Haybale Blinds, LLC – CP200013 – to operate an open storage yard on 2.791 acres currently zoned Agricultural District (A1). Property is located south of Francis Road, approximately 300 ft. east of the intersection with Clark Drive;
- Patriot Development, LLC – CP200020 – to operate an open storage yard with 37 parking spaces on 1.97 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District (M1) with variancesProperty is located approximately 300 ft. west of Ronald Reagan Boulevard approximately 325 ft. north of the intersection with Oak Industrial Lane;
- Chris Livesay – CP200021 – to operate an open storage yard with a residence for a night watchman in an existing 2,142 sq. ft. structure on 0.802 acres currently zoned Commercial Business District (CBD) with variances. Property is located at 832 Atlanta Highway, Cumming;
- Lizeth Cano – ZA3979 – to rezone from Lake Residential District (LR) to Agricultural District (A1) on 1.796 acres with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for an open storage yard associated with existing buildings totaling 1,125 sq. ft. with variance. Property is located approximately 350 ft. west of Little Mill Road, approximately 435 ft. north of the intersection with Browns Bridge Road;
- An agreement regarding 5225 Shadburn Road, PIN 254-022, acquisition of 0.86 acres from William Waite Family for a future access road;
- An agreement regarding 3910 Evans Road, Fire Station #4, PIN 031-058, GDOT acquisition of ROW for SR20;
- An agreement regarding 1605 Canton Highway PIN 099-055, Greenway Trailhead location, GDOT acquisition for SR20 (Canton Highway) Widening;
- An agreement regarding Canton Highway, PIN 064-036, Greenway Trail access to Canton Highway, GDOT acquisition for SR20 Widening.
The Old Business Agenda includes consideration of the following:
- The request for an Amendment of Zoning Conditions on ZA2915 (Coordinated Properties, Inc.) by Josef and Elizabeth Venable at 2430 Monet Drive, Cumming;
- Request by Fam Group, LLC – CP200011 – to operate a 100 sq. ft. vehicle sales dealership in an existing building with 3 parking spaces on 2.196 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District. Property is located at 915 Branch Drive, Suite 100, Alpharetta;
- Possible direction regarding Sketch Plat approval for RUS-AL (USA), Inc. and Variances to the UDC;
- Possible direction regarding RUS-AL (USA), Inc., CP190014, to operate an open storage yard with 133 parking spaces associated with existing buildings totaling 18,000 sq. ft. with 26 parking spaces on 6.680 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District (M1).
Commissioners will make a series of announcements and reports, including the following;
- Presentation of a Resolution to the Forsyth County Public Library Friends and Advocates who have been awarded the Fabulous Friends Award by the Friends of Georgia Libraries;
- Presentation of a Resolution recognizing those who celebrated the Festival of Diwali on November 14, 2020;
- Recognition of the 2020 Georgia Association of Water Professionals Awards received by the Department of Water and Sewer;
- Recognition of the Department of Engineering’s Roads and Bridges Division for its hard work and commitment to the Forsyth County community during Hurricane Zeta;
- Board recognition of Chris Grimes, Emergency Management Agency Director, for receiving the Charles F. Welch Citizenship Award;
A series of public hearings are scheduled for Thursday’s meeting, including:
- A Sketch Plat approval for Ronald Reagan Corners LLC – Parcel 132-029 – SP200009;
- The County-Initiated request to operate a vehicle sales dealership in an existing building on 2.074 acres currently zoned Commercial Business District (CBD) and variances to the UDC, Section 12-10.9, Section 12-10.15 and Table 17.1 – Parcel 234-024 – CP200031;
- Sketch Plat approval for Rochester & Associates, Inc. – Parcel 319-015 – SP200011;
- Proposed abandonment of public right of way in Southers Plantation Lane, as requested by Southers Plantation HOA, Inc.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Board lowers Bond Millage with final approval of rates
News August 25, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – A unanimous vote on Monday, August 24, 2020, saw the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners follow up on statements from last year where they discussed lowering the Bond Millage Rate in the county.
While they did not approve lowering the rate in 2019, many citizens have continued discussing and pushing for the reduction this year. A few have very vocally called for the reduction of the “extra half mill” that was put on the Bond Millage rate raising it from 1 to 1.5 mills. Additionally, the viral outbreak and subsequent shutdowns of counties and states cast a dark shadow on local economies and doubt for the financial future of Gilmer.
The Commissioners halted capital spending and major projects as they watched and waited to see just what kind of impact it would have, even delaying their pool project that has been underway for over a year now. The pool was closed at the beginning of May in 2019.
However, the last two months have shown quite the difference. Despite the cancellation of major events in the county and increasing numbers from the virus, recent reports show an increase in collections from tourism and SPLOST.
Whether this played a role in their decision, the commissioners did not say, but they did approve a drop in the bond millage rate by .25 mills, taking it from 1.5 to 1.25 mills.
The School-Board-approved millage rate of 13.963 was approved to be implemented by the Board of Commissioners. This is the Rollback Rate calculated for Gilmer County Schools as they have advertised over the past month since the July meeting. The Board of Education approved this rate last week during their regular August meeting.
They also moved forward with approval of the county’s M&O (Maintenance and Operations) Millage Rate of 6.783 mills. This is also a Rollback Rate calculated for the Board of Commissioners and advertised for the past month since their July Meeting.
County seeks to help farms to support recovery
News June 23, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer’s Board of Commissioners made two approvals this week for farms to, as Chairman Charlie Paris said, “try to recover as quickly as possible.”
While Paris said they are looking at several areas of the county’s economy, two of the approvals in June focused solely on farms and agriculture including the first steps of a change and easing of the ordinance for Farm Wineries and a Resolution supporting the “Right to Farm Act” in legislation.
With local farm wineries, Paris said the only way the county can really help with this is through lessening regulations. To that end, the Commissioners voted to approve moving forward with advertising to change the ordinance to allow local wineries in the unincorporated parts of the county “to serve local Georgia craft beer in their tasting rooms. They would not be allowed to sell the beer packaged and there will be no Sunday sales.”
Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson said, “I know that the winery owners have requested this for some time and we were waiting to bring it up and to see when the right time was. I do think it is a great time to put that gesture in… I also love the fact that we are restricting it to Georgia Craft beers, so it is not any of the name brand national or international brands.”
Gary Engel speaks to Commissioners in June of 2020 about easing the ordinance restrictions for local Farm Wineries and allowing craft beer sales of Georgia Craft Beers.
Gary Engel spoke to the Commissioners in the work session noting that a few wineries were represented in the audience. He said that other counties in the state are already selling beers. He also noted that it would not equate to a great surge in sales, but rather it allows a service to different tastes. Engel said that sometimes a couple will come up to listen to music, one doesn’t like wine but would enjoy a cold beer. He did say that the small increase in sales could aid in the wineries business as well.
He also said they are wanting to increase and pursue the business as Gilmer is increasing in popularity with these as well. Engel said, “From a perspective of the state, with the number of wineries that are going into Gilmer County, this county will soon be the most populated county, south of Virginia, with wineries.”
Additionally, the other approval for farms came in support of a legislative Act in Georgia, the “Right to Farm” Act. Paris said that lawsuits come often against farms as people move in nearby and then sue over the smells or noise. Paris explained that through discussions with farmers, he found that these are not often won, but are often filed and can be expensive to fight against in courts.
In support of local farmers and through discussions with them, Paris said that they asked for support for this Act in protection of some of what he called “nuisance lawsuits.”
The Act increases requirements to file lawsuits against farms according to Paris, in attempt to protect them from some of these filings.
The approval came for Resolution to support the Act at the state level in efforts to help it pass.