County staff working to clarify goal for conservation subdivisions
News March 24, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – County commissioners, planning commissioners and developers spent a large portion of Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting in a discussion about potential modifications to the conservation subdivision zoning designation.
Much of the discussion on a conflict between the purpose and intent vs. strict performance standards that are written into the UDC. Developers submit their plans according to the county’s performance standards but the project may not meet the purpose and intent
District 4 Planning Commissioner Nedal Shawkat explained that secondary conservation areas must be five acres or more with a minimum width of 25 feet. Also, 85 percent of the lots must directly abut open space. Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills said, “It seems like we would better off if we gave them a little bit of flexibility rather than be so rigid.”
Shawkat agreed. “Getting away from the rigid standards perhaps in a way we may be uncomfortable with is something we need to do in order to make this a category that will really work .If it is done right, it can be a great thing for the community.”
Commissioner Todd Levent recommended lowering the 85 percent to 40-50 percent. “They would still have to meet the green space minimum but let them create pocket parks.”
After an hour long conversation the Board kicked the ball back into the planning commission’s yard, directing they “work with land planners and the development community to identify the overall goal for a conservation Res 2 and have the county UDC Chapter 19 written to accomplish that goal.”
Once a clear goal is established, it will return to the Board of Commissioners and a public hearing will be set.
Forsyth County breaks ground on new dog park
News June 27, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials, staff and guests gathered Thursday (June 25) to break ground for the county’s new dog park located across from the County Animal Shelter, 4065 County Way in north Forsyth, just off SR 400. Once complete, the park will feature synthetic dog turf, dog water fountains, climbing boulder, wooded areas, dog walk ramp, tunnel, sunshades, shaded benches and two family-style restrooms.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, County Commission Chairman Laura Semanson, District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills and Animal Shelter Director Cindy Iacopella thanked those who made the funding for the new park a reality. The four-acre dog park is funded by donations, the Parks and Recreation Capital Funds and primarily with SPLOST VIII funds, the additional penny sales tax.
“The park is a continuation of Forsyth County’s dedication to provide our residents and their four-legged friends with quality amenities for everyone to enjoy,” said Commissioner Jones Mills. ”I look forward to seeing the special bonds this park will help create between dogs and owners over the years to come as well as new bonds that may be established because of the close proximity to the animal shelter.”
The park is slated for completion in fall 2020.
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