Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog

A portion of north Forsyth County has officially been named an Opportunity Zone by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The area, which includes various parcels along Highway 369 from Highway 9 to Mashburn Drive, has been designated the 400 North Opportunity Zone in hopes of encouraging redevelopment and revitalization.

Over the last decade, Forsyth County has consistently been ranked among the fastest growing counties in the nation. Rapid population growth has provided opportunity in many areas of the community. However, private investment has primarily focused on more easily developed agricultural properties, rather than attempting to redevelop and revitalize previously developed properties.

"The area within the 400 North Opportunity Zone is not only the primary gateway from SR 400 to Lake Lanier, but also a prime location for nonresidential redevelopment in northern Forsyth County," District 4 Commissioner Patrick B. Bell said. "In spite of this, the area's location has not been enough to draw its fair share of private investment. The majority of the area has sat idle as other sections of Forsyth County have experienced significant increases in building permit applications, business license fees and assessed value."

In the spring of 2009, Forsyth County identified a need to redevelop and revitalize property within the 400 North Opportunity Zone. Discussions focused on a combination of local and state efforts that would hopefully act as a catalyst for redevelopment of the area. Steps included the adoption of an urban redevelopment plan; an effort to identify and modify existing development regulations that were counterproductive to the unique nature of the area; the establishment of tax incentives through the creation of an Opportunity Zone; and a targeted education program aimed at bringing properties into conformity with adopted ordinances.

In December 2009, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners submitted an application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs requesting approval of the 400 North Opportunity Zone. The objectives of the 400 North Opportunity Zone include promoting private investment, the creation of jobs and increasing the tax base.

The Opportunity Zone status will encourage redevelopment and revitalization efforts by offering the state's maximum job tax credit of $3,500 per job. This incentive, which is available for new or existing businesses that create two or more jobs, can be taken against the business's income tax liability and state payroll withholding.

Opportunity Zones provide expanded state job tax credits for a 10-year period. Without an Opportunity Zone, Forsyth County is classified as a Tier 4 county and can offer a $1,250 state job tax credit. Tier 4 tax credits exclude retail and service establishments, require a minimum of 25 new jobs to claim a credit and are limited to 50% of income tax liability. Within the opportunity zone any lawful business is eligible for a $3,500 state job tax credit. Businesses are only required to create two new jobs (cannot be husband and wife) and the credit can apply to 100% income tax liability and payroll withholding. Based on the expanded Opportunity Zone benefits, a business that creates two new jobs and maintains the jobs for five years receives $35,000 in state tax credits. Large employers that create 58 or more jobs and maintain the jobs for five years qualify for over $1,000,000 in state tax credits.

Details on the designation, including a map, will soon be available on the Planning and Development Department page at www.forsythco.com.

Labels: business, forsyth county, georgia, hwy 369, investment, mashburn, opportunity zone, tax credit

The Forsyth County Fire Department reminds citizens to take a moment to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks as daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 14th.

“When you move your clocks ahead one hour, please take a moment to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “This is also a great opportunity to dust the units and perform a simple test of each device.”

The Forsyth County Fire Department recommends testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month and replacing the batteries every six months. The units themselves should be replaced every eight to ten years.

The Fire Department also reminds citizens of the following safety precautions:

* Install a smoke detector on every level of the home
* Ensure smoke detectors are clean and free of dust
* Dial 911 in case of any emergency

The Forsyth County Fire Department is eager to help those who may need smoke detectors in their residence. The department’s Public Safety Education Division provides smoke detectors free of charge for senior citizens and needy residents; they will also install those detectors. To receive details on this program, call Public Safety Educator Bob Westbrook at Fire Department Headquarters at 770.781.2180.

Labels: batteries, carbon monoxide, daylight saving time, detectors, fire department, forsyth county, georgia, smoke

Georgia has received approximately $8.6 million in federal stimulus money which will allow Georgians to take advantage of rebates for purchasing certain Energy Star appliances. This rebate program begins on February 12th and below are a few guidelines on how we understand the program will work. Be sure to visit www.georgiarebate.com for full program details before purchasing your Energy Star appliance.

• The rebates will range from $25-$199.
• You must purchase an Energy Star appliance in person. A complete list of qualifying appliances can be found at www.georgiarebate.com.
• Purchases made before February 12th are not eligible.
• You can apply online at www.georgiarebate.com, and will need to mail the application confirmation with the sales receipt within 30 days of your online application.
• Rebates will be distributed in the form of a Visa prepaid debit card.

Labels: appliance, energy efficient, energy star, georgia, rebate

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An additional portion of the Big Creek Greenway in Forsyth County was officially opened Friday, December 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new portion, known as Phase 1, covers approximately 3.9 miles from McFarland Parkway to the Fowler Park site at SR 9. A large portion of Phase 1 of the Big Creek Greenway was funded by state and federal funds. Phase 1 connects to the already opened Phases 2 and 3, which cover approximately 2.94 miles from SR 9 to Bethelview Road.

The Big Creek Greenway is a 12-foot wide concrete and boardwalk path meandering through the deciduous woods along the Big Creek. The trail offers an ideal setting for walking, jogging, biking and inline skating.

A temporary parking area adjacent to McFarland Parkway at Big Creek will be able to accommodate approximately 50 vehicles. The primary parking will be provided with the completion of Fowler Park (scheduled for 2011), which will have a connection to the Big Creek Greenway.

Design of the future Phases 4 and 5 of the trail is currently under way. When all phases are completed, the greenway will be approximately 15 miles in Forsyth County.

To receive additional information about the trail, visit www.forsythco.com.

Labels: big creek, forsyth county, georgia, greenway, phase 1

The City of Cumming and Forsyth County will usher in the holiday season today, Saturday, December 5, 2009, beginning at 3:30 p.m., when the Cumming Christmas Parade & Festival rolls along Market Place Boulevard complete with colorfully decorated floats, high school marching bands, dancing elves, smiling children dressed in their holiday best, festive music, dance troupes, local dignitaries and organizations and, at last, a visit from Santa Claus. “The Market Place thoroughfare will transform into a magical winter wonderland!,” says H. Ford Gravitt.

Presented by the City of Cumming and Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, the parade attracts residents and visitors alike as they line the streets in anticipation of traditional holiday enjoyment with family and friends. “The Cumming Christmas Parade and Festival is an excellent way to highlight our community to the many residents and visitors who come to kick off the holiday season by participating in a day of fun and, hopefully, shopping with our local businesses,” said James McCoy, President and CEO of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. Promoting the great assets we have in Cumming and Forsyth County and showcasing our tireless and welcoming citizens is a natural fit for the Chamber.

The parade will flow along Market Place Boulevard, culminating at Highway 20 at which time parade spectators and participants are invited to continue celebrating at the annual holiday tree lighting event, Northside Hospital Celebration of Lights benefiting the cancer care program at Northside Hospital- Forsyth. Refreshments, entertainment and the tree lighting ceremony will begin at 4:30p.m. At the commencement of the tree lighting ceremony, grab your friends and family and continue celebrating this wonderful day with dinner and shopping at your local vendors along Marketplace Boulevard and around Cumming. Don’t miss out on these events that promise to bring the Christmas spirit out in all of us.

Labels: 2009, christmas, cumming, december 5, georgia, marketplace blvd, northside forsyth, parade, tree lighting

Get into the holiday spirit with activities, entertainment and more! Mark your calendar now for two days of family-friendly holiday fun at the fifth annual Christmas in Central Park. The event takes place Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Forsyth County's Central Park Recreation Center.

Attendees will enjoy a holiday shopping area featuring a variety of unique handcrafted items including pottery, stained glass, candles, jewelry, quilts and more. Photos with Santa, children's activities, live entertainment, hay rides and tasty holiday treats will also be available. Don't miss the special 'lighting of the tree' Saturday at 6:15 p.m.

Admission to Christmas in Central Park is free.

Central Park Recreation Center is located at 2300 Keith Bridge Road (Hwy. 306) in Cumming. To receive additional information, call 678.455.8540.

Labels: 2009, central park, christmas, cumming, forsyth county, georgia, holiday, november, photos, santa, shopping, tree lighting

Enviro Expo USA - Atlanta’s only green consumer expo located in the City’s Zero Waste Zone, Downtown Atlanta - announced Atlanta Audi Dealers as its Title Sponsor. The Expo is being held on Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the World Congress Center.

Atlanta Audi Dealers’ sponsorship of Enviro Expo USA complements the Audi commitment to incorporate the most eco-friendly technologies into its future product plans. The latest and most exciting manifestation of this appeared at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show with the debut of the Audi e-tron concept car. The purely electric Audi e-tron showcases a range of leading-edge electric vehicle technologies to produce 313 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, and a truly startling 3319lb/ft of torque. The lithium-ion batteries in the Audi e-tron also are expected to provide a range of 154 miles between chargings.

Partnering again this year with the Georgia Recycling Coalition (GRC), Enviro Expo USA offers an exciting and educational forum that is a family-friendly event to educate and motivate individuals to be better stewards of the environment. The show offers the latest in eco-friendly products and services, covering everything from organics to alternative energy and transportation. The show is free to attend and is supported by the Title Sponsor - Atlanta Audi Dealers, along with Coca-Cola Recycling, Royal Bank of Canada, Best Buy, IKEA, and Lube of Atlanta.

In addition to the many eco-exhibitors, the Expo features new themed areas which include: a green wedding area, sponsored by the Perfect Wedding Guide; a kids’ zone, offering educational activities and showcasing the winners of a Captain Planet Foundation video contest to be held within the metro Atlanta area school system prior to the Expo. Prizes for the contest are provided by Best Buy. Also included are a fashion show by Bauder College, a chef’s corner highlighting local restaurants and caterers demonstrating cooking techniques and featuring samples of seasonal foods. This year’s show includes a dedicated and expanded MarketPlace, sponsored by Farmer D, for organic growers, artisans, and a sundry of other items for holiday “green” shopping. The Speaker Series, sponsored by SoutheastGreen.com, features educational and engaging panel discussions on: Water & Conservation, Home and Garden, Recycling/Composting, and the Green Town Hall Meeting. Also, Justin Cave, star of Ground Breakers on HGTV, hosts an individual presentation on Nov. 14, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.enviroexpousa.org.

Labels: 2009, atlanta, audi, electric, enviro expo usa, georgia, green, world congress center

Save A Smile Foundation invites you to experience this 22,000 square-foot French estate, envisioned, created and built by custom builder Steve West. It is the largest and most spectacular spec home ever built in Atlanta. An architectural marvel with its European flair and classic, yet livable elegance will showcase Atlanta's top designers. Truly a show house unlike any ever seen in Atlanta. From November 21 through December 20, 2009, this home will be available for parties, special events and personal, leisurely tours. Located off West Paces Ferry Road at 3410 Ridgewood Road, Atlanta 30327.

For more information, or to purchase tour tickets and season passes, or schedule your event for the Atlanta Holiday House and Decorators Show Home, visit www.atlantaholidayhouse.com.

Labels: 2009, atlanta, atlanta holiday house, georgia, save a smile foundation, steve west, west paces ferry

Dahlonega is making headlines this month among well-read retirees in the latest edition of “Where to Retire” magazine.

The November/December issue of the national periodical delves into the sights and specialties of Lumpkin County and, in the process, names Dahlonega a top retirement town.

“Whether hiking on the Appalachian Trail, tubing and fishing in the Chestatee River or attending a First Friday outdoor summer concert, residents of Dahlonega have ample opportunities to enjoy this northern Georgia town's four-season climate,” wrote “Where to Retire” editor Mary Lu Abbott.

On Monday, Chamber President Amy Booker said she was pleased to see Dahlonega earning new accolades.

The Where to Retire article went on to praise other retiree-friendly features of Dahlonega including the golf course at Achasta, condo accommodations at The Summit and easy access to the outdoors.

“With area wineries, continuing-education courses, theater, music, arts and festivals, the community keeps retirees active,” wrote Abbott.

For Dahlonega real estate listings, click here.

Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of the magazine can do so by logging onto www.wheretoretire.com.

Yet this isn't the first brush with Where to Retire-related acclaim Dahlonega has received. In 2007, the Texas-based magazine named Dahlonega one of the top five “undiscovered” retirement havens in the country.

This is not news to those of us who know and love the area, but a great way to let others know what a great place we have in the North Georgia Mountains!

Labels: achasta, condominiums, dahlonega, georgia, homes for sale, mountains, north georgia, north georgia college, retirement, where to retire

Share the gift of a meal with home-bound senior citizens in Forsyth County this holiday season through the Home-Delivered Meal Holiday Gift Certificate Program. Purchase a holiday gift certificate through Forsyth County Senior Services, and meals will be delivered to home-bound senior citizens through the Meals on Wheels program.

You can provide a meal for one day or meals for an entire week, month or year. The cost of one meal is $3.39, one week is $16.95, one month is $74.58 and one year is $894.96. All gifts are tax-deductible.

Checks should be payable to Forsyth County Senior Services, Holiday Gift Certificate Program and should be mailed or delivered to the following address:

Forsyth County Senior Services
595 Dahlonega Highway
Cumming, GA 30040

From Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, all meals will be delivered to senior citizens with a special certificate to wish happy holidays from the meal provider.

Although funding for meal programs has decreased with budget cuts, the need for meals has increased. The goal of Senior Services is to provide 2,500 meals this holiday season. To receive additional information, call 770.781.2178.

Labels: forsyth county, georgia, gift certificate, holiday, meals on wheels, senior services

Labels: 2009, accg, association county commissioners of georgia, georgia, information, property tax, website

Labels: cumming country fair and festival, Fairgrounds, georgia

On your next visit to the North Georgia Mountains, check out Andy's Dawgs, a great new place to eat in Dahlonega. They serve the traditional American hot dog, but Andy's specialty is the Chili Dawg made with Angus Beef and homemade chili. Andy uses a recipe that was handed down from his uncle Jack Holbrook, whoe restaurant was a favorite in Cumming in the '60's and 70's. Also on the menu: Slaw dogs, Angus burgers, Sweet Potato chip and Yoo-hoo's. Andy's Dawgs is located at 77A Memorial Drive, two blocks east of the square in Dahlonega. For more information call 706-482-0111 or visit www.andysdawgs.com. If you are looking for some really good food in a friendly atmosphere, drop by Andy’s Dawgs for a tasty meal!

Labels: andys dawgs, chili dogs, dahlonega, georgia, hot dogs, north georgia mountains, places to eat, visit

Whether heading to the mountains for hiking and biking or going south for canoeing and camping, “Leaf Watch 2009” offers advice on where to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/LeafWatch throughout October and early November, travelers can get updates on fall color, learn safe hiking tips, and make reservations for the many campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks.

Typically, Georgia’s mountain parks peak at the end of October; however, color can be seen as early as September and throughout much of November. Some of the most popular parks for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Unicoi, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Moccasin Creek, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi and Vogel. Since these parks are often crowded on weekends, visitors may want to check out less known parks, which can be just as vibrant. Providence Canyon State Park, also called Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, has hiking trails along the rim and into the sandy canyon. Hardwoods and tumbling creeks can be found on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in near Columbus. Smithgall Woods near Helen boasts not only beautiful fall color but also some of the best trout fishing in the state.

Park officials advise visitors to make overnight reservations for campsites, cottages, yurts or hotel-style lodges as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for mountain cottages to be reserved nearly a year in advance, and many campgrounds fill up on pretty weekends. To make a reservation, call 1-800-864-7275 or log onto www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Labels: 2009, amicalola falls, camping, fall color, fall leaves, georgia, hiking, october, state park, unicoi

Starting today, no state or local sales tax will be collected on selected products labeled WaterSense or Energy Star. This promotion helps homeowners reduce their water and energy consumption by using water-efficient and energy-efficient products.

WaterSense appliances purchased for personal use under $1,500 are eligible. WaterSense toilets and sink faucets can save up to 20 percent on home water use. In addition to not paying sales tax, homeowners can also receive a $100 rebate for replacing a toilet installed before 1993. The rebate is part of the Toilet Rebate Program. Details regarding the Toilet Rebate Program can be found on the Forsyth County Water and Sewer Department page at www.forsythco.com or the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District Web site at www.northgeorgiawater.org/toiletrebate.

Eligible Energy Star products include air conditioners, ceiling fans, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, doors, fluorescent light bulbs, programmable thermostats, refrigerators and windows (including skylights).

Visit www.epa.gov/watersense receive a complete list of WaterSense products.

Visit www.conservewatergeorgia.net to receive additional information about the sales tax holiday.

Labels: 2009, energy, energy star, georgia, october, sales tax holiday, toilet rebate, watersense

Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department will hold a public information meeting Tuesday, October 13th regarding the design of two planned recreation centers in the south part of the county.

"The county has plans for two future recreation centers in south Forsyth County - one on the Fowler property and one on the Buice property," Director of Parks and Recreation Jerry Kinsey said. "The purpose of this upcoming meeting is to share with residents the preliminary proposed plans for these centers and to get feedback from citizens."

Preliminary plans call for both centers to be multi-purpose facilities and to include two gym floors, meeting rooms, classrooms, exercise area and indoor track.

The public information meeting will be held October 13 at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room of the County Administration Building, located at 110 E. Main Street in Cumming.

Labels: 2009, buice, forsyth county, fowler, georgia, october, parks and recreation, public meeting, recreation center, south forsyth

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is offering free admission on Saturday, September 26 as part of National Public Lands Day. The statewide celebration at all 63 state parks and historic sites is a way to thank park visitors and volunteers for their support of outdoor recreation and historic preservation.

Sponsored in part by The Coca-Cola Company and Verizon Wireless, the celebration includes dozens of family-friendly events and service projects. Learn to canoe and shoot skeet at Unicoi State Park’s Outdoor Adventure Day. Listen for owls on a night hike at Hamburg State Park. Try fishing in the Okefenokee Swamp at Stephen C. Foster State Park. Or watch molten iron become works of art at Red Top Mountain State Park’s harvest celebration. A full calendar of events is posted at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.

On Free Day in the Parks, the regular $5 parking fee will be waived, historic sites will open their doors for free, and even anglers will not need a fishing license. September 26 is also National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at many events and locations.

Modern campsites, fully equipped cottages and hotel-style lodge rooms provide overnight accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay for the weekend. The lodges recently introduced lower promotional rates, and campsites are around $23 per night.

Numerous volunteer projects are being coordinated by the non-profit Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites with 47 chapters across the state. Corporations are also involved, with REI kicking off the celebration at Panola Mountain State Park near Stockbridge and Home Depot employees volunteering at Reed Bingham State Park in Adel. Organized groups or corporations that would like to participate can call the parks’ volunteer coordinator at 404-656-6533 or the Friends group at 1-888-948-2092.

To learn more about Free Day in the Parks, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org. Reservations for accommodations and picnic shelters can be made by calling 1-800-864-PARK (7275). To keep up with the latest events and happenings at Georgia's state parks and historic sites, sign up for a free e-newsletter at www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org.

Labels: georgia, georgia department of natural resources, historic site, national hunting and fishing day, national public lands, state park

Since 1999, the Georgia General Assembly and Governor have provided a credit on homesteaded property tax bills called the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). This credit resulted in an annual reduction of $150 to $175 to your property tax bill.

Due to financial strains on the state budget, the Georgia General Assembly and the Governor did not fund this credit for the 2009 property tax bills. Therefore, the bills currently being received by property owners do not have this credit applied as in past years. The HTRG credit is not expected to be funded again unless state revenues increase significantly.

Labels: 2009, georgia, homeowners tax relief grant, homestead exemption, property tax

Forsyth County Schools' student performance on the 2008-2009 ACT ranked number one in Georgia and exceed national scores for all content areas. Additionally, South Forsyth High School was recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as being a school with one of the ten highest composite scores in the State.

The ACT is a curriculum-based college entrance exam that is universally accepted by four-year colleges and universities. Unlike the SAT, which is an aptitude test, the ACT measures what a student has learned as a result of high school coursework in English, reading, math, and science.

Additionally, FCS had a 17.5% increase in the number of students participating in the ACT, almost twice the number taking the test since 2005.

Click here for FCS district scores and FC school-by-school comparisons (press release) and additional information.

Labels: ACT, department of education, forsyth county, georgia, school, scores, south forsyth