🌱 Keystone Village Rezoning + UNG Achieves Multiple High Rankings

Hi all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Follow along to find out the most important things going on these days in town. Today you'll find news about...

• Keystone Village Community proposed rezoning
• UNG achieves multiple high rankings
• New youth Bollywood dance classes

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 80 Low: 59.

From our partner:

Apple announced some big news at Tuesday's "Wonderlust" event! Click here for all the details.

Here are the top five stories today in Cumming:

1. Forsyth County commissioners have initiated the rezoning process for Keystone Village, a proposed living community aimed at providing housing for county residents with developmental disabilities. The rezoning will reclassify about eight acres off Settingdown Road into a master-planned district (MPD). Keystone Village, a nonprofit project envisioned by Beth Burns and Tammy Miller, adoptive mothers of children with special needs, plans to offer 60 units accommodating 90 residents, along with community amenities such as a community center, amphitheater, and a lake with a gazebo. While commissioners expressed support for the project, they raised questions about its fit within the county's zoning categories, with some suggesting a commercial business district might be more suitable. (Appen Media)
2. The nearby University of North Georgia (UNG) has achieved high rankings for quality and value in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings. UNG is tied for 17th place overall among public regional universities in the South. It also ranks first among Georgia universities for Best Colleges for Veterans and Least Debt, and third on the Best Value Colleges list. UNG President Michael P. Shannon emphasized the institution's role in changing students' lives and serving the community and the nation. (University of North Georgia)
3. Forsyth County Parks and Recreation is providing a youth Bollywood Dance Class designed for children aged 5-12. The class will focus on teaching classical Indian dances with a blend of Bollywood fusion. For any program-related inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact parkweb@forsythco.com. To register, click here. (Forsyth County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
4. A suspect named David Jonathan Graham Smith has been indicted on 20 counts related to the possession of child pornography in Forsyth County. Forsyth County prosecutors are actively investigating multiple cases involving child pornography, exploitation, or molestation, as indicated by records from the court and jail. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)
5. The swearing-in ceremony for the Forsyth County Fire Department and Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, which took place on Sep. 11, is now available to watch online. The ceremony includes speeches by Sheriff Ron Freeman, Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John, and Fire Chief Barry Head. Head over to the link to watch the full video. (Forsyth County, GA)

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Today in Cumming:

Tuesday, September 19

• Food Truck - Viva Pita At NoFo Brew Co (4:00 PM)
• Veteran Support Meeting At Summit Crossing Apartments (6:00 PM)
• Live Music Bingo at The Black Diamond Grill (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• REMINDER: The 35th Annual Shore Sweep at Lake Lanier is this Saturday! The event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and those interested can find more information and register here. (City of Cumming, GA - City Hall via Facebook)
• Zumba with Allyson returns today at Lou Sobh Amphitheater Green from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Grab your water bottle and get ready to sweat! (Cumming City Center via Facebook)
• Meet Tofu, Forsyth County Animal Shelter's "Man Candy Monday" pick of the week. You can visit Tofu Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Forsyth County Georgia Animal Shelter via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (September 19)
• Storytime LIVE at Kiddie Academy of Cumming (September 22)
• Toast to Teal - 10th Anniversary Celebration for Partnership for Gynecological Cancer Support (September 24)
• Johns Creek Symphony presents THE MARK WOOD EXPERIENCE (September 30)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.