Residents are wary of increased traffic along commercial corridors in north Forsyth County as commercial activity expands, but the growth could benefit the local economy.
County planners will need to balance residents’ concerns while capitalizing on the economic benefits, said Alex Werner, vice president of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce.
A shipping hub planned near Gainesville could further increase traffic along Ga. 53.
Plans call for a gas station and convenience store on 2.7 acres on Ga. 53 at Knight Road, but nearby residents say they are concerned about the business’s impact on nearby roadways. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from agricultural to commercial business district at a Jan. 23 meeting.
According to the county’s comprehensive plan, commercial corridors are major roadways that “contribute heavily” to the county’s tax base through major commercial and industrial business activity.
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