Sunday April 28th, 2024 8:08AM

Forsyth County commissioners to hold special meeting for proposed arena agreement

By Caleb Hutchins Assistant News Director

Forsyth County's board of commissioners is set to hold a special meeting later this month to discuss entering an agreement with developers for a large entertainment hub and sports arena in the south end of the county.

A release from the county Thursday said the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 at 5:00 p.m. at the county administration building in Cumming. In the meeting, commissioners will discuss potentially entering a memorandum of understanding with Krause Sports for the development of The Gathering at South Forsyth.

The venue was first publicly presented in April of 2023 and is planned for a more-than 100-acre property at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road, just south of Ga. 400. The project would include commercial and retail space, hotel rooms, residential units, and a 750,000-square-foot arena.

“The approval of the MOU would be another tremendous step in the right direction toward bringing a world-class sports and entertainment hub to Forsyth County that could have a deep economic impact on our community,” Forsyth County Manager David McKee said. “Details are still being defined as discussions continue with the development team, but we feel that we are close to having an updated draft MOU to present to the board that will look slightly different than what was in the Agreement in Principal presented and approved earlier this year.”

The project has been one of two proposed developments in the Metro Atlanta area rumored to be vying to attract a National Hockey League franchise. The other is part of the proposed redevelopment of North Point Mall just a few miles away in Alpharetta.

In Thursday's release, Forsyth County District 5 Commissioner Laura Semanson touted The Gathering's proposed location as an ideal one for the development.

“The proposed site for the development is an incredibly valuable, vacant, shovel-ready and easily accessible piece of property that is ripe for such a large development in one of the nation’s fastest growing and most economically viable communities,” Semanson said. “This development provides an opportunity to elevate our local economy and also position Forsyth County as a prime destination for sports and entertainment enthusiasts and businesses looking to locate in the region.”

Krause Sports and the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce also have announced plans to host a series of town halls in March to allow the public to ask questions and view more information regarding the proposed development.

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