The review supports the development’s density and now allows Forsyth County to officially take action on the project
Forsyth County, GA – September 26, 2023 – In a resounding validation of progress, the latest Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) report on the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) for The Gathering at South Forsyth shows support for the mixed-use project’s planned density and the roadway improvements already planned and underway by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
A DRI is a large, master-planned development that exceeds a threshold size and land use type determined by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Per state law (OCGA §50-32-14), the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) conducts thorough reviews of all DRIs within its 13-county metro Atlanta jurisdiction. This evaluation assesses the development’s impact on the surrounding transportation infrastructure, offering expert recommendations to mitigate present and future mobility challenges using industry-leading transportation and land-use standards. The collaboration between GRTA and the Regional Commission, along with engagement with partner agencies, adjacent local governments, and the applicant’s consultant team maximizes the sharing of information among participants and ensures an efficient and comprehensive review process.
“We are pleased with the report’s findings, and we believe they underscore the potential transformative and positive impact of The Gathering at South Forsyth on the region,” said Frank Ferrara, senior project executive for the development. “We are eager to continue working with the County to move the project forward,” he added.
According to the report, there were several key areas of praise:
- Employment Growth – The project is aligned with Regional Employment Corridor growth policies which support the addition of housing and retail to employment-focused areas. As stated in the report, the project includes a robust mix of uses including residential, office, retail, entertainment and recreation on a compact site, which is highly supportive of regional placemaking and multi-modal transportation policies.
- Parking/Transportation – The development strongly aligns with regional transportation policies as shared parking is intended to be used to build less parking spaces than the maximum allowable number of spaces.
- Connectivity – The report cites an extensive internal sidewalk network and the provision of a 12-ft. wide segment of the Big Creek Greenway along the Ronald Reagan Boulevard frontage which are supportive of regional alt-mode transportation policies.
- Environmental Stewardship – The project will preserve a significant area of stream buffer greenspace along the northern edge of the site, which is supportive of regional environmental and stormwater policies.
“The development team has carefully reviewed the report findings and is taking all recommendations into consideration as plans are refined. Our goal is and has always been to create an entertainment hub for North Georgia that will be a comfortable gathering place for friends and family,” noted Ferrara.
According to Vernon Krause, owner of The Gathering at South Forsyth and president & CEO of Krause Auto Group, “We are extremely impressed and appreciative for the responsiveness of both the Forsyth County and State of Georgia leaders during the planning phase of this project. We look forward to continued progress.”
To learn more about The Gathering at South Forsyth, visit the website. The Gathering at South Forsyth development team includes Dovin Ficken LLC and Greenberg Traurig LLP, legal counsel; Stafford Sports, owner’s representative; Nelson, land planning; JLL, real estate advisors; SCI Architects, arena architects, Kimley-Horn, civil engineering; and Stone Planning, economic impact research.
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About The Gathering at South Forsyth
The Gathering at South Forsyth is an 80-acre mixed-use development designed to be a world-class entertainment hub and the gateway into South Forsyth County, Georgia. To learn more, go to the website, or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
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Media Contacts:
Sharon Goldmacher
communications 21, on behalf of The Gathering at South Forsyth
sgoldmacher@c21pr.com
404.814.1330
-or-
Jamie Donaldson
communications 21, on behalf of The Gathering at South Forsyth
jdonaldson@c21pr.com
404.814.1330