The
Gatherin
‘AT SOUTH FoRSYT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Why is the County considering the creation of The Gathering at South
Forsyth?
Creating a world-class entertainment hub and destination for residents and visitors
at Forsyth County's gateway will deliver amenities that residents want and desire
without the commute or hassle of driving into the city of Atlanta. A development
like The Gat ering will drive long-term economic impact for all and create 2
recreational destination currently unavailable in the County. It will create a village
for all in north Georgia to come and play while supporting and highlighting the
existing neighborhoods and community.
By example, The Gathering at South Forsyth will serve as a local gathering space
for important events such as the ability for 4,000 students from more than six
diferent area schools in the community to hold graduation ceremonies without any
limitations on attendance and without requiring them to leave the County to hold
the ceremories.
What is the vision for The Gathering at South Forsyth?
Te create 2 world-class entertainment hub for North Georgia that attracts top-tier
Concerts and sporting events, and where residents and visitors of South Forsyth
heve a local, comfortable place to come play, celebrate and prosper.
What will be Included in the mixed-use development?
1.5 million square feet of commercial and retail space, a 750,000 square foot
‘arena, @ 100,000 square foot community center, a 7,500 square foot fire station,
450 hotel roams with meeting space and residential space to help support the
project.What entertainment aspects will be included?
‘The arena has a maximum capacity of 18,500 and can host world-class concerts
‘and sporting events, including hockey, basketball, arena football, lacrosse and
more. In adzition, there will be a community center that will house a twin ice
skating rink for focal youth hockey, ice skating and more. There will be several
‘gathering spots for outdoor music performances, farmers’ markets, local events and
movie nights.
What amenities will be included?
The variety of restaurant offerings will deepen the overall amenities in the
‘community and the range of retail options will provide residents of South Forsyth
wth unparalleled shopping opportunities. The mixed-use development will have
park space, several water features, a family-friendly splash pad and cascading
water. In addition, the property will include walking and biking trails that will
connect and help complete a 1.2-mile section of the Big Creek Greenway. Finally,
plans include a fire station and a grocery store on the property.
What kind of restaurants will be included?
A variety of restaurants will be included from kid-friendly to fast casual to fine
dining
What kind of retailers will be included?
Retail will be carefully curated to meet the needs of the community residents,
Visitors for conferences and more.
Will this development be kid/family-friendly?
Yes! The Gazhering will be designed to be a family-friendly, casual and comfortable
vilage atmosphere where everyone can gather and have fun. There will be plenty
of outdoor greenspace and a twin Ice rink with programs such as learn to skate and
public skatirg.
Will the Big Creek Greenway connect to this project? Will the construction
of this development impact access to the Greenway?
Yes! The prcperty will include a 1.2-mile section that helps connect a missing piece
of the Big Creek Greenway.
What kind of ADA accommodation will there be?
‘The Gathering will be fully compliant with ADA requirements.Will there be greenspace or areas for outdoor activities?
Yes! The property will include walking and biking trails that connect and complete a
1.2-mile section of the Big Creek Greenway.
How many residential units will be included and what is the makeup of
those units?
Currently, the development plan includes up to 2,400 single- or double-occupant
units, Including condominiums, when buildout is complete.
Is the State courting a national sporting franchise like hockey?
‘The Gathering's arena is fully equipped to accommodate the needs of sports teams
and its fans. If the NHL ever decides to expand to Georgia in the future, the arena
would be a great host. Our venue is designed with flexibility and versatility in mind,
making it ar ideal destination for a variety of events and activities, including the
NAL.
How will the development impact traffic?
Fortunately, this site was zoned and designed as a regional mall with the ability to
handle high volumes of traffic. There are multiple entrances and exits at the site,
‘Anew interchange at McGinnis Ferry Road is under construction and new express
lanes from Georgia 400 that exit directly onto the site are in process with Georgia
Dor.
How will this project impact existing developments like Halcyon?
‘The Gathering at South Forsyth will be complimentary with Halcyon.
How much parking will be available? Where will parking be located? And
will the decks be empty when the facility is not in use?
All Parking will be shared and accessible for use at all times. Parking will
‘accommodate guests throughout the development. Parking for residents and
Visitors has 2een successfully designed and utilized at many other places.
there be EV charging stations?
Yes, there will be EV charging stations to accommodate residents and visitors.
Won't everyone sit in traffic before and after world-class concerts and
events?
‘There will be multiple ways to drive into, and exit from, parking garages during
arena events. There are multiple entrances and exits from The Gathering, @ newInterchange at McGinnis Ferry Road and new express lanes from Georgla 400 that
exit directly to and from the site.
‘There will be a variety of activities before and after events so Guests can arrive
early and stay late.
How walkable will the new development be and will the local
neighborhoods have sidewalk or bike access?
‘The Gathering will be designed to accommodate residents and visitors who are
walking and biking with sidewalks and walking paths.
When will the public meetings regarding this project be held?
Meetings will be held in May and an announcement of dates will be provided on
April 25.
How will the community play a role in the development?
(See answer above for public meetings)
Will the development include an open container policy?
‘What actions will the development take for sustainability (or to reduce the
carbon footprint)?
there be minority participation for contractors to develop the
property?
Will the project have a direct connection to public transportation?
WORST CASE Q&A
‘Why does there need to be an overlay district if it ws
regional mall?
What is this development going to cost the taxpayers of Forsyth County?Based on its location in South Forsyth, do you envision people from North
Forsyth coming to this development? If they don’t, will they still have to
foot the bill?
How will this development make my life uncomfortable and for how long?
How will you manage noise control during construction?
How will construction of this development impact construction on GA 400
and how will it impact access to the highway in the short- and long-term?
Is MARTA going to eventually come here?
How long did you know about this development before going public?
Is this going to raise my property taxes?
Is this development going to divert public funds away from items like
‘schools and infrastructure?
How much of the residential space is multifamily housing, workforce
housing or affordable housing?
In addition to school graduations, what other events will be held at this
development?
How will this project affect other nearby independent businesses and
institutions like Furkids Animal Rescue, the church, or other small,
dependently owned businesses? Will the cost of rent increase and push
them out?