Friday March 29th, 2024 2:24AM

Community input valued for a South Forsyth design initiative

The Forsyth County Department of Planning and Community Development is hoping to hear from the community about the future of South Forsyth’s Design Initiative. There will be an open house on Monday, February 24 at 8 p.m. at Sharon Springs Library.

According to Vanessa Bernstein-Goldman, deputy director, the meeting is part of an engagement process with two components: a branding system and commercial standards. Both of these initiatives are intended to support the community of South Forsyth.

The first issue, a branding system, is basically a logo and tagline specifically marketing the South Forsyth community. The second issue, developing commercial design standards, is part of a regulatory framework for non-residential use, meaning that standards and ordinances will be put in place for businesses within this community. Non-residential developments will have to comply with such things as landscaping and architecture.

According to Bernstein-Goldman, “This open house is part of a much fuller engagement process.” In fact, the department is in the final stages of the community participation. They hosted a 3-day design workshop last fall and already held one open house in January. This is the second open house.

Material will be provided to show those interested some samples and ideas. They are hoping to get feedback and comment cards will be available. “The feedback will be reviewed and we will continue to modify and clarify in both aspects – the branding and design standards,” says Bernstein-Goldman.

After this open house, the process will move forward to the Board of Commissioners. First a draft will be put before the board for feedback, then it will move to public hearings.

This initiative is part of larger, more comprehensive plan. “The over-arching goal is to enhance community character, as well as invest in the county’s quality of life. So, the need to move forward with design and marketing was a result,” says Bernstein-Goldman. She adds that the plan was designed to think about the community in 20 years from now and how to guide and direct growth. “Again, one of the components out of this process was to enhance community character across the county and the board directed us to start with South Forsyth.” Though they are starting in the south end, the vision is that the same community development will eventually happen in other areas of the county, as well.

Bernstein-Goldman says she really hopes the community will get behind this initative. "We are really hoping the community will embrace wahtever final product is delivered," she says.

For more information, visit the website https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Planning-Community-Development/SouthForsyth_Design_Initiative.

© Copyright 2024 AccessWDUN.com
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.