Board of Commissioners, Board of Education and Development Authority Approve Agreements

During a Joint Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, various documents and intergovernmental agreements were finalized and approved by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, Board of Education and the Development Authority pertaining to the proposed The Gathering at South Forsyth development.

Carl Hirsch with the development group, Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John and Forsyth County Chamber President/CEO Alex Warner discuss what was approved, why it is important and what lies ahead in the latest FoCo Unplugged podcast episode:

“Tonight’s joint meeting allowed for the County boards to review and jointly approve the agreements with the developer that will shape the future for the development,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John. “The development has the potential to be one of not only metro-Atlanta’s largest economic catalysts, but perhaps the southeast. The finalization of the plans that have been in the works for over three years shows that Forsyth County is ready for such a development and professional sports franchise.”

A presentation made to the boards pertaining to the development can be found here. The meeting saw the following items finalized and approved, among others:

- Definitive agreement documents for the development
- Resolution creating a redevelopment area for The Gathering at South Forsyth Tax Allocation District authorizing the use of the County’s tax increment within the Tax District
- Resolution authorizing the execution of an arena development and operating agreement
- Resolution authorizing the execution of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Intergovernmental Agreement
- Resolution authorizing the execution of a Community Improvement District (CID) Intergovernmental Agreement

The development is slated to feature a mix of commercial, retail, hospitality, residential and entertainment venues on 100 acres located on Union Hill Road in south Forsyth County.

Plans center around a state-of-the-art arena, designed with the intention of attracting an NHL franchise.

“This vote marks a catalytic step forward in bringing this visionary project to life,” said Developer of The Gathering at South Forsyth Vernon Krause. “Our team is more energized than ever as we prepare to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss possible expansion. We own the land in a robust and growing market with a development that will include an NHL-caliber arena ready to be built.”

The Joint Special Called Meeting will soon be available to watch in entirety, along with links to meeting materials, by visiting www.forsythco.com/meetings.

About The Gathering at South Forsyth
The Gathering at South Forsyth is a 100-acre mixed-use development designed to be a world-class entertainment hub and the gateway of South Forsyth County, Georgia. More information is available at The Gathering at South Forsyth website.