ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A massive mixed-use development in Forsyth County, which will include an arena meant to attract an NHL team, is one step closer to reality.
County commissioners on Wednesday approved the final agreements for the $3 billion plan to build The Gathering at South Forsyth – which is $1 billion more than last year’s projections.
Developer Vernon Krause called Wednesday’s vote “a catalytic step forward in bringing this visionary project to life.”
Krause is hopeful The Gathering will mean the return of pro hockey to metro Atlanta. He said his team is preparing to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to talk about a possible expansion team that would play at the development’s planned “NHL-caliber arena.”
RELATED: Forsyth County voters approve tax allocation to pay for new arena
Along with the arena, the 100-acre development will feature a mix of commercial, retail, hospitality, residential and entertainment venues.
Commissioners said The Gathering is expected to generate significant economic impact and provide long-term community benefits through job creation and infrastructure improvements, “including the creation of a new entertainment hub in north Georgia which will encourage tourism.”
With the commission’s approval of intergovernmental agreements and related documents Wednesday, the project can now move onto its next phase.
RELATED: Proposed entertainment hub, arena in Forsyth County hits roadblock after developer disagreement
Commissioners said they and Krause approved the following agreements, among others, during a meeting Wednesday:
- 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
“This is a monumental period for Forsyth County and passionate hockey fans in the area. The dream of an NHL team in the region is one step closer to being realized,” Forsyth County Commission Chairman Alfred John said in a statement. “The Gathering will not only be a world-class destination for sports and entertainment, but it also positions our county as a national leader in smart, forward-thinking development. We are proud to support this project and all that it will bring to our community.”
Forsyth County Manager David McKee said the project “represents years of planning, collaboration and vision.”
“The County is excited to take this next step, and we look forward to continuing our work with the development team to ensure The Gathering becomes a model for regional growth and innovation,” McKee said.
Commissioners said the project team will continue to work closely with local, state and league stakeholders to bring NHL hockey back to Georgia.
“We’re closer than we’ve ever been to bringing NHL hockey back to our region, and we believe we are closer to realizing that dream,” Krause said. “Thank you to everyone who has believed in our vision – hockey belongs in Georgia.”
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Forsyth County commissioners give the greenlight for mixed-use development
Forsyth County developers present plans for pro hockey arena to public
Forsyth County development intends to bring NHL back to metro Atlanta
Planned Forsyth County development could feature 750,000-square-foot arena
Alpharetta wants to bring NHL franchise back to metro Atlanta
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