The Forsyth County commission has directed the county attorney to determine options for potentially condemning structures in an unfinished north Forsyth subdivision. The commission previously asked owners of the individual lots in Greenleaf subdivision if they would be interested in donating the property to the county, and most were not. The lots are not viable for development due to several deficiencies on the property, and the abandoned sites have become a haven for crime, according to officials, who continue to seek ways to address the problem. County Attorney Ken Jarrard will return to the commission with the options at a future meeting. Also during their work session Tuesday, commissioners: * Gave approval to proceed with expanding the James Creek water reclamation facility’s treatment capacity from 500,000 gallons per day to 1 million. The permit has been approved by the state, but the necessary equipment will have to be installed to increase the plant’s capacity. * Drafted a policy that would allow for a financing option for commercial sewer customers, creating a payment plan for purchasing sewer capacity. The commission directed staff to create a policy for no more than one year, with a legal fee and higher interest rate and down payment. The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Jim Boff opposed. * Proposed changes to the county’s unified development code to clarify an issue regarding the preparation of site plans. The commission considered requiring those seeking a rezoning of 40 or more acres to have the plan prepared by a registered land surveyor or engineer, while smaller sites can have more flexibility in creating the conceptual plan. Two public hearings will be held on the proposal. * Set in motion the process for accepting a property donation on Mullinax Road. The county would assume ownership of the former home of the late Leila Denmark, a nationally renowned doctor who practiced medicine from her residence until 2001, when she was 103. Commissioners hope to preserve the house as a historical landmark. * Granted a letter of support to Lanier Technical College’s Forsyth campus to install an institutional sign on the property, which would allow for automated, changeable copy. The large sign would advertise events on the premise and school offerings. The campus, which is state property, needs approval from the Georgia State Properties Commission. * Accepted the parks and recreation board’s recommendation to allow one hour of public use time on weekdays for a dance room in the Central Park Recreation Center on a three-month trial basis. Visitors could use the designated room for fitness activities with a $5 per day fee in addition to having a membership to the center’s gym or fitness classes. * Authorized the Forsyth County Historical Society to donate a display of documents central to American law and government for the new courthouse. The display will follow a state statute, which requires nine documents to be included in the same size and framing: the Mayflower Compact, the Ten Commandments, Declaration of Independence, Magna Carta, lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national motto, the preamble to the Georgia Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. Note: All votes were 5-0 unless otherwise noted.
The Forsyth County commission has directed the county attorney to determine options for potentially condemning structures in an unfinished north Forsyth subdivision. The commission previously asked owners of the individual lots in Greenleaf subdivision if they would be interested in donating the property to the county, and most were not. The lots are not viable for development due to several deficiencies on the property, and the abandoned sites have become a haven for crime, according to officials, who continue to seek ways to address the problem. County Attorney Ken Jarrard will return to the commission with the options at a future meeting. Also during their work session Tuesday, commissioners: * Gave approval to proceed with expanding the James Creek water reclamation facility’s treatment capacity from 500,000 gallons per day to 1 million. The permit has been approved by the state, but the necessary equipment will have to be installed to increase the plant’s capacity. * Drafted a policy that would allow for a financing option for commercial sewer customers, creating a payment plan for purchasing sewer capacity. The commission directed staff to create a policy for no more than one year, with a legal fee and higher interest rate and down payment. The vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Jim Boff opposed. * Proposed changes to the county’s unified development code to clarify an issue regarding the preparation of site plans. The commission considered requiring those seeking a rezoning of 40 or more acres to have the plan prepared by a registered land surveyor or engineer, while smaller sites can have more flexibility in creating the conceptual plan. Two public hearings will be held on the proposal. * Set in motion the process for accepting a property donation on Mullinax Road. The county would assume ownership of the former home of the late Leila Denmark, a nationally renowned doctor who practiced medicine from her residence until 2001, when she was 103. Commissioners hope to preserve the house as a historical landmark. * Granted a letter of support to Lanier Technical College’s Forsyth campus to install an institutional sign on the property, which would allow for automated, changeable copy. The large sign would advertise events on the premise and school offerings. The campus, which is state property, needs approval from the Georgia State Properties Commission. * Accepted the parks and recreation board’s recommendation to allow one hour of public use time on weekdays for a dance room in the Central Park Recreation Center on a three-month trial basis. Visitors could use the designated room for fitness activities with a $5 per day fee in addition to having a membership to the center’s gym or fitness classes. * Authorized the Forsyth County Historical Society to donate a display of documents central to American law and government for the new courthouse. The display will follow a state statute, which requires nine documents to be included in the same size and framing: the Mayflower Compact, the Ten Commandments, Declaration of Independence, Magna Carta, lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national motto, the preamble to the Georgia Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. Note: All votes were 5-0 unless otherwise noted.