Funeral home receives approval despite objection of many in the community

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 last week, with Commissioner Molly Cooper absent, to approve Capkey Clifton Partners plan to build an 8,670 sq. ft. funeral home with 63 parking spaces and a future expansion to 20,000 square feet on 7.724 acres along Peachtree Parkway.

The Board did reject a request to build an open storage yard on the property with 110 parking spaces as well as any variances.

The issue drew a very large crowd of red-shirted south Forsyth residents who opposed the project for reasons that varied from a perceived negative impact of home values to a failure to fit within the live, work and play node designation of the community.

Seven of the 10 people who spoke during the first public comment period expressed opposition.

Matt Greene said, “This is a commercial node which is designated as live, work and play. Live work and play should be some place I can walk to the place I live, I can walk to the place I work and I can walk to a place I can enjoy recreation time. This is not a good use of live, work and play.”

In making the motion to approve, Commissioner Alfred John noted that Peachtree Parkway is a four-lane highway within a commercial corridor that includes businesses like fast food restaurants, storage facilities Kroger and Lowes.

“Many, if not most, churches conduct funeral services and many of you live next to them,” Arnold said. “I’m disappointed that a handful of people have spread disinformation about what a memorial chapel does. This has gone before our Planning Commission and a public hearing. The Planning Commission recommended it 5-0 and I have received many calls encouraging this development.”