Forsyth HOAs Team To Oppose High-Density Developments

A group of Forsyth County home owner associations and homeowners have teamed up to oppose proposed high-density developments, two of which the Board of Commissioners is set to consider at its next business meeting, set for Thursday, Sept. 19, at 5 p.m.

Members of the group, Forsyth County HOAs & Homeowners, say they're "concerned about the record and unbridled growth within (the) community," according to its website. "This accelerated growth will damage the environment, jeopardize the quality of our children's education, and ruin the look and feel of the beautiful Forsyth County we all love."

They group has started an online petition opposing high-density developments and is asking those with like mind to sign and share it.

"(High-density developments) will also put a tremendous strain on the infrastructure that cannot keep up with the rate of growth the commissioners are approving," the website continues. "There is NOTHING wrong with thoughtful and well-planned growth. Just because a developer asks for higher density, doesn't mean they are entitled to it. Commissioners can say no, and that is what we expect." 

Ballantry Homes of Atlanta is asking the county to rezone about 35 acres on the west side of Nichols Road—about 600 feet southwest of the intersection with Summerwind Way—from Agricultural to Residential 4, a classification intended to provide for single family, primarily detached 
dwellings situated on smaller lots and with buildings located closely together.

Despite Planning and Zoning staff's "non-supportive" stance, the Planning Commission recommended the Board of Commissioners approve the rezoning—with a variance that would allow homes to be 12 feet apart instead of the required 20 feet and several conditions, including lot and home size requirements. 

If approved by commissioners, the proposal, classified as "new business," would call for 98 new homes.

Forsyth County HOAs & Homeowners also oppose Southern Real Estate Holding's application to rezone more than 9 acres on the south side of Kelly Mill Road—about 400 feet east of the intersection with Drew Court—from Commercial to Residential 4 to accommodate 26 lots. 

Planning and Zoning staffers didn't supporting the project, but the Planning Commission recommended it be approved with a variance—15 feet between structures rather than the required 20—and with several conditions, including no more than 23 homes be constructed on the approximate 9 acres. 

Commissioners also are expected vote on a rezoning application by Lennar-Georgia, which is asking to build 61 homes on 27 acres in the southeastern corner of Daves Creek Drive and Old Atlanta Road. The Planning Commission also recommends its approval with a variance—12 feet between structures with no less than 15 feet between the walls of homes—and conditions.

The board of commissioners meets at the Forsyth County Administration Building in Suite 220 of 110 E. Main St. in Cumming.

Forsyth County HOA & Homeowners also opposes other proposed high-density developments, some of which are set to be considered next month.


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