🌱 Gathering Arena Construction Delayed + New Military Science Center

Hey, friends! It's Thursday in Cumming and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally, including updates on:

• Construction progress for The Gathering arena
• University of North Georgia groundbreaking ceremony
• Forsyth County Commission rescheduled public hearing

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 79 Low: 61.

Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. Developers are awaiting approval from Forsyth County leaders to build The Gathering arena, a $1 billion mixed-use project located off Georgia 400 between Cumming and Alpharetta. The project, larger than The Battery, includes 1.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space, a fire station, a community center, two hotels, residential units, and a 750,000-square-foot indoor arena with a capacity of over 18,000 seats. The plans have been reviewed by a panel of developers for the Atlanta Regional Commission and found to meet standards for growth, parking, and the environment. (WSB-TV)
2. The nearby University of North Georgia (UNG) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming Wynne-Mathews Military Science Center on its Dahlonega campus. The event, which took place on Sep. 23, had representatives from the university, state officials, and the community that came together to celebrate. The new military science center will enhance UNG's commitment to its military and veteran programs. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
3. The Forsyth County Commission has rescheduled the third public hearing on proposed changes to the animal control ordinance after receiving feedback from residents. The recent hearing, held on Sep. 21, covered suggestions from animal welfare expert Lisa Milot, emphasizing the benefits of rigorous sterilization in Forsyth County. The rescheduled hearing will take place on Nov. 2 to allow for additional input from stakeholders on both sides of the issue. (Appen Media)
4. The Cumming Police Department is organizing its first-ever motorcycle skills event, called "Motors for Justice" on Oct. 29. The event's proceeds will be donated to Family Haven Forsyth, a local nonprofit assisting victims of domestic violence. Riders of all skill levels are welcome to participate, with activities including a cone course, slow ride, and POST training hours for police riders. For inquiries or sponsorship information, contact Sergeant Bowman at sbowman@cumminpd.net or (678) 780-0250. (Cumming Police Department via Facebook)
5. In case you missed it, Cumming City Center is still seeking vendors for its Winter Market. The event is free to attend and will take place on Nov. 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cumming City Center. Interested vendors should email cummingcitycentermarket@gmail.com for more information. (Cumming City Center Market via Facebook)

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Today in Cumming:

Thursday, September 28

• Fall Break Rapunzel's Dreamy Day Out At Sweet And Sassy (12:00 PM)
• Food Truck - Draztic Aztec At NoFo Brew Co. (4:00 PM)
• Cruise-Ins At Keith Bridge Dairy Queen (4:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know an outstanding community leader in Cumming? Nominate them here for a chance to be featured on Patch!

From my notebook:

• The Georgia Department of Education has acknowledged five Forsyth County elementary schools as Literacy Leaders for their outstanding reading scores among third-grade students, highlighting their excellence in literacy education. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
• The Cumming Library is hosting a "Puppetpalooza" event today, Sep. 28, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. No registration is required to attend this family program. (Forsyth County Library)
• Meet Scotia, a graduate of the Pups with Purpose program! Scotia is a certified good girl and is ready to meet her fur-ever family. (Forsyth County Georgia Animal Shelter via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• No Cost Boot Camp 4 Divorcing Women Workshop (September 30)
• Johns Creek Symphony presents THE MARK WOOD EXPERIENCE (September 30)
• Live Music Latin Night Atlanta - Latin Band @ Tonys in Johns Creek Sat Sept 30, 2023 (September 30)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Thursday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.